Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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If anyone is so inclined, would you please take a look at this article:
https://ivapm.o.....mputation/
and see what you think about some drawbacks to amputation?
The author of the article is our friend and Tripawds supporter Dr. Mike Petty. He is a pain management expert and past president of the IVAPM. You will see that much of the content of the article came from a blog post and interviews he did with us:
https://tripawd.....care-tips/
https://tripawd.....n-in-pets/
https://tripawd.....ts-part-1/
In the article you reference, the downsides are not related to being an amputee, but Dr. Petty is referring to the general lack of information and support that pet parents often receive before and after amputation.
That is why we exist. To fill in the gap to offer emotional support, to make sure pet parents know what good questions to ask of their surgeon, to learn how to advocate for their pet so that they do get proper medical support, and to make sure they are aware of the importance of proper pain management .
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
jerry said
.....Dr. Petty is referring to the general lack of information and support that pet parents often receive before and after amputation.That is why we exist. To fill in the gap to offer emotional support, to make sure pet parents know what good questions to ask of their surgeon, to learn how to advocate for their pet so that they do get proper medical support, and to make sure they are aware of the importance of proper pain management .
BAM!!!! Such a precise, succinct definition of the Trpawds site. I like the phrase "to fill in the gap". As you've often said (in one way or another), the Surgeons don't go home with us and don't see the way recovery looks like 24/7.
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!
Thanks for the input.
The thing that caught my eye was hyperalgesia. Of course, it can't be perfectly smooth sailing through the process, so, now I have something else to be concerned about.
Your concerns are totally valid, and you are asking good questions. We do see some dogs come back with hyperalgesia after surgery but if the pain management is done well before surgery, pain usually isn't a problem afterward. If you are working with a specialty practice for the surgery, I can safely say that in all likelihood the pain will be well managed.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Okay. Thanks.
I think it prudent that I give the whole story, in case anyone sees anything critical.
Periodically, Clover would stand with her right hind leg trembling, and I thought it was because she just wasn't putting all her weight on it - just her unique way of standing. Along the way, she would sometimes yipe when petted, so she was put on Rimadyl, thinking it was arthritis. Eventually, last year, she started limping, so I took her in. The vet examined her, and said he found a growth between her foot and toe pads, and said we'll watch to see if it grows. As she was running out of Rim, I was concerned that she'd have both the arthritis and foot pain to deal with, so I asked the vet if we could speed up the diagnostic process. He said to bring her in, and they'd do surgery, if necessary. Then he later said it was a stone, not a growth, so they removed it, but, they had also taken a full-body x-ray, and that's how they found the shadow, which they figured was cancer.
She is currently on Rim, Gabapentin, and Tramadol, yet still limps or hops, and yipes occasionally when touched.
Really, the best thing to do is to get new diagnostics done. Enough time has passed that things could be quite different. It's impossible to diagnose what is painful just by looking at her.
What you are describing are pain signals that dogs give when they hurt. If she still limps, hops and yipes, she is in pain. Get to the cause of the pain and she can go on to live a good life.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well, we've been to the vet, and are now going to proceed with diagnostics, then go from there. Thanks, everyone, for your input. Wish us luck!
I know ot doesn't feel like you are making progress, but you are. Good job of covering all your basis!
Sending all sorts of pawsitive energy and boatloads of good luck!!
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!
Glad to hear it! Let us know how things go. We're keeping our paws crossed for good news.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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