Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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First, thanks for taking the time to read this and thanks if anyone has any advice or support! Maya was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (right shoulder) 2 weeks ago today. She had her amputation on Friday and starts chemo next Monday. She seems to be recovering very well on three legs, she is eating and drinking normally and her incision looks great. She is motivated and trying to do normal things like beg from the kids at dinner and run to the door & bark when someone comes. She has been on torbutrol and deramax for pain but I am just wondering how do you know if you are really controlling thier discomfort well? Her first day home, 24 hours after surgery, she was excited to be home but she rested well. Since that day she just seems so uncomfortable: she cant lie down for more than a few minutes, she keeps moving from bed to bed pacing around and is panting all the time. My vet checked her incision yesterday and he said that as long as she is eating well and showing other normal behaviors that he is not worried. I just feel terrible watching her pant and pace all day-(and night too) the only way I can get her to lie down and relax is if I lie with her and stay there which I try to do as much as I can (and should be doing now probably instead of writing this!!!) but I have 3 small kids so unfortunately I can't just lie with her all day (but I have been sleeping on the floor with her at night). Does anyone have any ideas- is this normal and will just get better with time? Is there anything else I can do for my poor sweet girl?
-Kathy and Maya
Hello,
My dog Tazzie had her front leg amputated 2 weeks ago. She is doing much better than I expected for such a big dog! It has been a challenge to try to restrict her activity while she heals. She has been on many pain meds but I have her weaned down to just Tramadol and a small dose of Gabapentin daily.
Is your dog on Torbutrol or Tramadol? Torb is a good drug for short-term pain relief but only lasts about 45 minutes in the oral form. Tramadol lasts 6-8 hours so is a much better drug. I would ask your vet if the dose can be increased because the symptoms you are describing sound like discomfort to me. Also, don't let her do too much too soon. They have to use different muscles in a different way after amputation and she could easily strain a tendon or ligament.
Good luck!
Pam and Tazzie
It sounds as if you're following the same path that many of us have been down before - I slept downstairs on the floor for several weeks following our lads amputation. (Thankfully I've a very understanding husband and he kindly brought the mattress downstairs for me!!! - Less than 1 year married and our neighbours were wondering!).
The medication was minimal - a bit of tramadol (For Max, not the husband)when he seemed very low - I found that he he did not like to be too dosed up - he seemed much better in himself on fewer tablets. I think the panting and discomfort is partly due to the meds. although I'm certainly no expert on this... I think if your dog was in a lot of pain she would be crying and off her food...
We noticed the panting and a runny nose too. The vet told us that the anesthetic takes a long time to work its way out of the system and this causes panting for a length of time (often for weeks - not days).
Hope this helps a little - you'll be out the other side before you know it 
Best wishes,
Maxwell
Great advice given already. Each dog reacts to meds in it's own way. Believe me you will know when you've got it right for Maya. It sounds like she is a real go getter. Careful that she doesn't overdo it early on.
Keep us posted on Maya's progress.
Hugs
Connie & Radar
Mayadog said:
I am just wondering how do you know if you are really controlling thier discomfort well?
Everything maya is doing indicates your are indeed controlling her pain. She is active, mobile, and alert. All dogs handle pain differently, but mostly we hear about lethargy and whining. My guess is she's doing pretty good. Perhaps too good.
If the pain killers are working so well that she's running around, risking injury to the surgery wound, consider this: Dogs tend to handle pain better than the side effects of medication.
I haven't heard of Torbutrol but it sounds heavy duty. Deramax and other NSAIDs are best if only given short term. Some can cause gastrointestinal damage, so ween her off them as soon as possible.
So to answer your question ... How do you know? If Maya is eating, drinking, active, and alert; you're doing something right.
Thanks for joining the discussion!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all for your advice and support
Maya is doing much better the second half of today
The vet reccommended increading her meds based on what I described but after thinking about what you said about how she might be reacting to the meds I decided to hold off-and thankfully she seems much calmer and more comfortable tonight- so I just neede to give her some time I guess. Thank you so much- I am so happy to have found such a great resource and great group of people! Maya starts chemo Monday so I'm sure I will be back for more advice soon! Thanks again
-Kathy & Maya
You really have come to the right spot for advice. The people on this site are so wonderful. I hope Maya finds her comfort spot, so you don't have to worry about her pacing. Like everyone has said: try to limit her activities so she doesn't overdo it too soon.
Our paws are crossed.
Love, Blazer, Kimber & Vicki
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