Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Everyone
I got the call this morning that Loki was doing so well that he could come home a day early
I made the 2.5 hour road trip to go pick him up. The techs went over the instructions, and both tech and doctor told me that Loki was absolutely the nicest German Shepherd they ever met
(they even told me this prior to me giving them the dozen doughnuts I brought for them
During the go home instructions they told me that he ate great, used the bathroom and took his meds. His infusion cath did fall out so they put a fentanyl patch on (Is this normal for post op pain control?, I only thought it was for pre surgery. I know it does cause difficulty in going to the bathroom. He did go at around 5 p.m., but when I took him out at around 8 he didn't want to go, so I will try again in a bit.
The doctor had orders to stop the Gabapentin he is on, but I asked if I could keep on giving for at least a month, or out of the woods (pain). Do you guys think I should stop, or keep giving? I know his last surgery it helped a lot, I even heard for phantom pain it can help. He was fine with continuing it, but didn't think it would help that much, but I disagree some, only because I know it helped in past.
He is a bit loopy tonight, but resting.
I wanted to thank everyone who has made such kind comments and given encouragement, this is so tough to see and work with, but I will be fine.
Thanks again.
Some pictures from today
Ride home
Happy to be outside with the other dogs, will help keep spirits up and normalcy
Icing
Ironically this is the only picture I have of Loki and I, and it was taken at his last surgery (drop off), back in 2014
I am glad to hear Loki is doing so well. We gave Rimadyl , Sassy had a fentanyl patch when she came home as part of her pain meds. Wore it for 4 days then off. When you remove it make sure to wear rubber gloves, do not touch it as it will absorb through your skin as well. fold the gloves with the patch inside out then throw it away.
Gabapentin is a good med for phantam pain. It won't hurt him to be on it but I am no vet.
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
I can't give any advice on the pain meds for a dog since my only experience is pain meds for a cat amputation. However I do want to warn you that the dosage of Gabapentin must be tapered off because stopping it abruptly can cause seizures.
Loki looks happy to be home. He's a handsome fella.
Kerren and Trikitty Mona
Couldn't get my reply....err....to reply! So using the old screenshot stand by...
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Wow! Being told he's the nicest Shepherd ever is a pretty big compliment! And I can see why, look at that happy boy's smile!
Really glad to hear he's home and feeling alright. Probably seeing some pink elephants too thanks to the Fentanyl but that's OK. Yes, fentanyl patches post-op are very common and recommended now. As for the gabapentin, it should not be abruptly stopped but weaned off when you do decide to stop it. And although I'm not a vet I agree that leaving him on it for at least a couple of weeks would be helpful. The latest pain management protocols also endorse the idea. Check out our pain management tips articles for more info:
http://tripawds.....ment-tips/
Really glad things are going well! Let us know how he does tomorrow.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So glad to hear Loki made it through surgery with flying colors and that he is on the road to recovery. It looks like you are all over keeping him quiet with two other dogs to romp around with.
It must be hard now but once his fur grows back and you get used to it I bet you will hardly even notice Loki is a tripawd. You can't keep a dog with that kind of ball drive down! All my current GSDs came to me as tripawds and I catch myself thinking sometimes ... "Wow, this dog would have been amazing with 4 legs" ... and it makes me sad and angry that they ended up on three. But then I remind myself that they are STILL amazing, and so inspiring, each in their own way.
Have you seen the Tripawds Required Reading List? You can find answers to all kinds of questions there. Also check out the Resources tab at the top of any page and select "Websites, etc" for lots of additional info on a multitude of topics. And, of course, you can post any question here in the forums and someone will be sure to chime in with an answer. Even though I expect you have a direct line to a vet for questions there is nothing like having a whole community of people that have actually gone through the same thing at your back!
We are looking forward to updates on Loki and your pack!
xoxo,
Martha, Codie Rae, and the Oaktown Pack
Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!
Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!
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