Thanks for the advise. I've decided to give him some tramadol as he is clearly in so much pain. I'd rather he'd be more comfortable than like this as clearly the metacam alone isn't working. He spent the night at the vets, he had his surgery yesterday at around 2 but apparently he wasn't waking up well from the anaesthetic so they kept him over night. I know they took him to the toilet this morning but with 3 nurses assisting him. He just seems very restless at the moment despite the fact he needs rest! He keeps crying and shuffling around in his bed trying to get comfortable and when i tried to move him into a better position he cried out in pain which has now terrified me! He has a lot of loose skin around his stitches so I don't think thats helping as however he lays its hurting him. Feeling a bit helpless at the moment! But trying to stay strong. 

Hi Emma5,
So sorry you have to be here, but you did find the best place in the world for fantastic advice and support. You and I have a lot in common; first is our having Labs, second is, my daughter's name is Emma.
Your Hercules looks like a very handsome guy.....and I do agree with all the great advice from everyone. ....his pain control definitely needs to be addressed. He has just had surgery so it will take some time for him to feel better. Some pups do well right away, and others take a bit more time for sure.
Keep us updated on sweet Hercules, and keeping you and him in my thoughts. ....
Bonnie and Angel Polly

Hi Emma,

So sorry that you and Hercules are here. This site was a Godsend to me.  I agree with all of the previous posts.  Have you tried using a harness, towel or cut open a renewable grocery bag with handles.  Wrap any of these items over his belly to help him stand. As others have said- pain control is paramount. After that assure that Hercules is hydrated...offer water, gatorade, ice cubes often.  I know it is difficult but try to remain calm for Hercules.  He will pick up on your energy. It is very soon after surgery, please TRY not to worry! We are here with you!

Laurie

Hey everyone,

 Thanks for all your support me and my family have found today quite hard! Luckily Hercules has now settled down, we bought him a new bed which has led to him settling and sleeping which i'm so happy about. However he has decided the only position he is comfortable in is the side which his stitches are on which I know isn't ideal, but I don't want to move him as he looks so much happier. The tramadol also seems to be working as well as he has stopped crying. He also scared the life out of me earlier as he hopped out of bed to try and find me but i am very pleased that he has started using his other legs again. Thinking maybe its because some of the stronger drugs had worn off. Bonnie, he had a fibrosarcoma which was one that only affected his tendons on his leg. It wasn't one that would spread but it would of cut off the blood supply to his foot and was obviously incredibly painful for him. Hence why we decided to amputate as in all other aspects he was happy and healthy and putting him down didn't seem fair on him if there was a chance he could recover. Hearing about Polly and everyone else's beloved dogs makes me feel so much better. I live in England and I've realised most people on here are from America but it was a blessing to find something like this which answered so many of our worries and to talk to people who know exactly how we are feeling! 

Emma and Herc

Hi Emma and Herc

I am so pleased you found this site, and you will receive great support and advice from everyone. I also live in England based in Cambridge and our darling Hector had to get his leg amputated last Thursday, and you will be able to follow our journey under "post op recovery" . Hector initially did great, discharged 24 hours post op, came home very bouncy and happy, so happy that he we let him do too much walking, and also wanting to lie on his wound. Second day home he started screaming, which was horrific to hear and he would also tremble a lot in his sleep, and was restless. He was on Tramadol and Gabapentin for the pain, but although these helped did not stop the crying and trembling. We phoned the vet and Hector was re-admitted and kept in for 48 hours. He came home yesterday on increased pain control which is Gapentin twice a day. Tramadol and Rimadyl. The vet said that Hector was suffering from idioparthic nerve pain which I understand is phantom limb pain. He is now home and the change to the medication is working and Hector is more settled and peaceful. I only ever take a day at a time, as Hector's journey is a roller coaster of emotions. I am pleased Herc likes his new bed. Hector loves shredding new beds, and we got him a beautiful new one when he had the first sarcoma removed in March, and within 3 weeks he had completely shredded it, and all the studding he has pushed to one side and buried his bones in, which he loves. He is at the moment asleep in his mound of stuffing, and sometimes it is hard to see him in there!

Keep,us updated on Herc, and good luck.

Mary and Hector