Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi All,
I open this new topic for what's to come now that the decision is taken.
Arktik surgery is tomorrow. This will be a stressful next couple of days. I know the team of vet is well prepared I have been in touch with them, but this is still so much to take in.
They mentioned they will leave a fentanyl patch for few days, I have read about it elsewhere but I was always under the impression it was only for 24hr (like when they are at the clinic). Not necessarily for few days. Is it something you have heard before?
Patricia & Arktik
Sending all sorts of pawsitive energy to your handsome Arktik. And is so handsome! Love his avatar photo and can't wait to see more!
Yes, some Bets do, indeed, use a Fentynal patch. I think it depends on the strength of the patch that determines the length of time. As a generalization, As a guess, and relying on my memory, I know I've seen patches on for probably an "average" of three days. Sometimes longer, sometimes less. Cert have a conversa6 with your Vet if younjave any quesrions.
A couple of tios that may, or may not apply, okay? The patch is great for pai6, but it can also make them quite whacky and vocal. Sometimes, not always. Sometimes it's a little harder to get their sea legs and balance as they might be a bit woozy. Not always though.
Also, when you go to pick Arktik up, don't even bother looking at his incision or drawing attention to it. It just wants to see your smiling face telling him he's a good boy and he's going home!!
Most dogs come home with Gabapentin, Tramadol, Rimadyl and an antibiotic. The hospital meds from the surgery usually wear off around three days. That's when the meds, the dose, the fre sometimes need tweaking.
Keep lots of yummy food in hand in case his appetite is of a bit. Drinking and pee are important. Pooping amd eating may be not be great for a few days.
Nonslip scatter rugs for traction ifnyounjave hardwood floors. Of course, no jumping, no stairs, etc. Just short leashed potty breaks and then back in for rest for about two weeks.
Stay strong and confident and upbeat. Remember that recovery doesn't last forever!!
STAY CONNECTED! We are right bynyour side as he gets through rec and celebrate with you as he gets his sparkle back!!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Hi Patricia,
It is my understanding that a Fentanyl patch has 3 days of effective medication that slowly gets released into the body. If they apply it the day of surgery and he spends the night at the clinic, it will be good for 2 days at home.
I know this is a lot to take in right now, but you've got this. Arktik can handle this so much better than you imagine, just wait! And you've done a great job of preparing yourself by being here and asking great questions. Whatever else you can think of, just holler and let us know.
We will be waiting for an update tomorrow! Lots of love and pawsitivity coming your way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you so much for all the advice. Not really looking forward for tomorrow but I keep reminding myself that it is best in the end for Arktik. I already bought non-slip patch for the stairs (they were not super slippery but I don't want to take any chance) and yummy food as he is one fussy eater to start.
I will keep you posted with updates, (and probably questions!)
I keep my fingers crossed that everything goes well.
Love the avatar!
Brownie wore a fetinol patch for 2 weeks before surgery and he had it changed every three days. He was also given one after surgery and I think it really helped him because he didn't show any signs of pain.
Sending good thoughts for tomorrow.
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
I got good news from Arktik surgery this morning. Even though it is a difficult day, I am glad that we are now over that milestone. The vets are very happy with the surgery and think he will do an amazing tripawds. I look forward to be done with the next few difficult days and that we can focus on the recovery and eventually rehab.
SURGERY IS DONE!! YAAAAAY!! I know you feel so relieved! Now try and get some sleep tonight! Arktik is happily seeing pink elephants!!😎
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Woooohooo! That's such terrific news. Congratulations on getting past this big day. You and Arktik are on the way to a great recovery!
I'm so glad you are going to do rehab. Don't forget, the Tripawds Foundation may pay for your first rehab visit 🙂
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
YAY! We are so happy that the surgery went well and we can't wait to see how the Amazing Artktik will conquer recovery!
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
Thank you all! He is crying when he is lying down, not sure if it's pain (he is on a fair amount of drugs), not being able to get a confortable position or just the effect of the drug messing up with him. That being said he has always been very vocal when unhappy about something (huskies!).
Other than this I am really impressed how well he is doing. He already ate small portions twice, he is able to go pee (on the leash but he doesn't like when I try to help him too much), and if he was in charge, I believe he would try to go for a walk. I am keeping him quiet and for now the drugs are still pretty strong so that helps. I am under the impression that fairly quickly he will definitely want to do more (and the struggle will be to keep him quiet!)
Thank you for all the support.
Arktik is home and eating already - yay! Let's hope he is chasing butterflies in his dreams! I'm sure you are thrilled to have your boy back under your care, Patricia. Good luck and reach out if there is anything you need!
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
Mu Happy Hannah was quite whiny and restless at first roo. Actually the first couple of days. I doubt I slept hardly at all, nor did,she. It's probably due to the hospital meds, amd that's okay. It's better to be a bit whacky than in pain!
Pottying amd eating....great signs!!!
Sloooow and easy. Every dog recovers at their own pace. Yes, keeping him quiet is what he needs right now. You're doing a great job!!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS...Stacy, cute little image!😎
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!
Thank you both!
Just in the pm yesterday he was still improving really well. He stopped whining, and he is only doing it when he wants to get up if he is on the wrong side (which has always been is favorite side to lie down unfortunately).
He is walking fairly well, is able to get up on his own (although I always try to help him if he is not on the good side). He is eating decently, really like to go outside to pee but he has not poop yet. He would just like to be more active 😉 . His husky brain does not like the resting all the time so much.
I am just happy overall that he is doing so well and cross my fingers that he continues.
I will try to send a video later.
Everything sounds "normal" this early in recovery....maybe even a vit a ead of the curve! His pain appeara to be managed amd that is so important!,.
No worries about the pooping. That may take several days due to the meds.
Yeah, a Husky seems to be furever a puppy... at least in their head.😉 He'll be ab.e to release some of that high energy soon!
You're doing a good job!! Arktik is a lucky pupper to have you as his hooman❤
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
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