Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Will do!
sitting with him now - he just had another panic attack (what I’m calling it) where he yelps out in pain then tries to run away.
I aplogize if I may have missed it. but did you respond to when I asked about if you had researched phantom pain , stitch etc. Won't rehash some of previous thoughts if you've already addressed them and eliminated those possibilities.
I know this is stressful but it'll get figured out!
,
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!
Hmm, that really does sound like phantom pain signs. Sorry I forget, what is the dose and frequency of the Gabapentin he's taking?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I’ve read a bit about the phantom pains. It’s just so random - sometimes he’s so peaceful and relaxed and then he has an “episode”. He actually just seems exhausted today. To get in / out of the condo there are about 5-7 steps. I’m wondering if we should do the longer steeper hill in the garage v the steps to get out because maybe the sling really hurts him???
he’s on two pills of gabapentin (I think 300 mg) every eight hours.
we just went and sat outside walking just outside and across the street for about 90 mins so hoping he is more relaxed now. It’s just so strange because as soon as we got home he tried to go to the front door again (he peed and pooped so it’s not potty break request). Does he hate his home now?!
So to clarify my "duh" moment,, she's on 600 mg once in the am and then another 600 mg eight hours later??
Since you've read up on phantom pain , you know that it is RANDOM and can definitely strike put of the blue. A dog can be resting, or just taking a hop, whatever, and it can strike.
And again, I think I've having some "duh dumb moments". You do have non slip rugs down over any hardwood or slippery floors, right?
How much....hmmm....hovering over Kip are you doing? Just throwing stuff out there.......do you think he finds being outside his "quiet" time to just sniff and to just "be"?
Anyway, talk to your Vet about the possibility of phantom pain and adjusting the Gabapentin accordingly.
Ypu could try the other route going slowly, and see how he does. Of course going slowly up a hill may be hard for a tripawd who needs momentum for balance.
And AGAIN, without being too annoying I hope, six days STILL requires just SHORT potty breaks
I know we sound like broken records, but is still early in recovery and it does take a lot of energy and effort at first for a tripawd to hop on three. It is exhausting at first.
So glad pooping and peeing are normal, as well as drinking and eating. Good indiccators!!
Kip is lucky to have you as his hoomans!!
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!
Thank you!!! Yes - 600 mgs of gabapentin three times a day. We uped his tramadol on Saturday. I think he definitely had a better night last night but today he’s like a pup-zombie. Ugh he isn’t eating great tonight. Maybe I overdid it this AM with him. I’m trying not to hover - maybe I’m too much. He started wanting to go sit in front of the office where my fiancé works this AM - usually he follows me around. I’m speaking with the vet again tomorrow AM. Our entire condo is all carpeted w runners and rugs for him. I can’t help but be a dog-smother..... also in-sighted a bit of chat with my fiancé - he doesn’t believe in soulmates so I told him I believe Kip is my soulmate ♥️♥️
That's a pretty fair amount of Gabapentin so it doesn't sound like he's underdosed. The random yelping is the most common sign of phantom so if he continues that's an indicator he could be affected by it. Definitely something to keep your vet updated on.
I'll be the other broken record: six days out is earrrrrly. Try to picture how you would be feeling six days after losing a leg. It takes so much work, and Kip is trying really hard to be strong by not showing his weakness. But rest is helpful so the more he gets it, the better. Right now, as hard as it is, he should only be going outside on leashed potty walks, at least until stitches come out.
Kip is definitely your soul-mate, your heart dog that you understand best!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Absolutely. I think he was having an issue with the tramadol. About an hour after his dose he started drooling and panting harder - I think there may be phantom pains but I think he’s more affected by the tramadol. We’re taking him back to tramadol every 12 hours v 8. Going to see how he is in the AM and wait for his surgeon. Keeping gabapentin and metacam the same... after a thought 3 hours, he is passed out comfortably - I played music and patted him to sleep after his bad drug trip :/
Kip finally settled down at 12am. I am ready to loose it with him. I’m trying to be patient but its so hard. We slept for about 6 hours-ish. Kip probably got 7-8. After he settled down, he fell asleep soundly and his breathing slowed down and he seemed restful - I’m glad I didnt give him anymore tramadol.
This AM, he woke up, ate a bit and we went outside. I tried very hard not to let him overdo it. We walked outside (down the hallway), across the street and then maybe down 2-3 houses and turned around - taking a few breaks along the way. As soon as we get outside the building he refuses to walk. I have to slowly drag him towards the stairs. This is after being outside for about an hour with him.
I finally get him inside and he refuses to settle or go into the living room, instead he turns around and sprints back to the door. He was standing there for a bit and he finally laid down in front of the door. He ate a bit when he woke up but now again isn’t interested in his breakfast. He NEVER lays in front of the door.
I’m running on fumes and this is so incredibly hard. Any ideas? After about 10-15 minutes he settled down and is just laying in front of the door. Maybe I need to lock him in the bedroom and work from there today!?
Hi,
Catching up on the thread... seems like you're having a bit of a tough time, and I'm sorry for that!
As others have suggested, it could be the medication that's got him acting weird? Lady was weird after surgery. She laid in places around the house she never used to lay. We ended up getting her THREE different beds and placed them in different places just... because? I doubt she would have cared laying on the floor, but it made us feel better, LOL. She also whined A LOT in those first few weeks. I slept downstairs with her and she would wake me up every few hours whining, so I can relate totally to the burnt out feeling you are experiencing. He might not know it, but you're doing what's best for him in not overdoing his activity right now!!!
It's totally normal to hover, but try not to read into any of it too much. He is only 6 days out, on a lot of meds, and probably just trying to find his new 'normal'. If your vet doesn't seem too worried, I would find peace in that!
I remember watching Lady like a hawk and every single thing she did I would question it. My boyfriend gave me great advice that before the surgery, I wasn't watching her EVERY move, and so I didn't really notice any of the weird animal quirks that I was noticing after the surgery. His advice helped me, so I hope it can help you, too 
Thank you for the words of encouragement! I think it was the tramadol- He’s been on it since the beginning of Sept and then we upped the dose on Sat and things got progressively worse until last night. He still had a little anxiety earlier but he’s settled and is sleeping peacefully in front of the door. I pulled our doorbell off and put signs on the front door to not knock due to a dog in recovery. I’m sleeping with him and trying not to hover. Vet wasn’t worried and said we should get him off tramadol and let the Gabapentin and Metacam do their job because he shouldn’t need tramadol any more (but I still have some in case he seems uncomfortable). I just worry he doesnt feel well. I’m trying to leave him alone - just wish he’d go into the bedroom where I think he’d be more comfortable. I’m starting to worry he hates the condo and wants to leave me 🙁
I’m running on fumes and this is so incredibly hard. Any ideas? After about 10-15 minutes he settled down and is just laying in front of the door. Maybe I need to lock him in the bedroom and work from there today!?
I'm so sorry! I know this recovery phase is difficult for us, it really hurts to see our pets hurting, but keep trying to tell yourself this is only temporary. Envision the outcome: a happier, stronger Kip! And you WILL get there. Getting him off the Tramadol should help. It makes MANY dogs cray cray and anxious. Are you seeing a difference yet?
For now, here's my suggestions for getting through this phase:
- I'm not a vet, but I've witnessed a lot of recoveries here. And what we have noticed is that the more a pet parent feels anxious and worried themselves, the harder the recovery is on the Tripawd. Kip is looking to you to project positive, calm and hopeful energy. If he's not getting it, that can delay recovery. So try as hard as you can to picture him looking healthy and strong, and getting back to doing what he loves. When you feel anxious, change the channel in your brain! It really works with practice.
- I'm not there with you, but based on what you are describing, it also appears that he is getting way too much activity right now. That refusal to walk is not stubbornness but likely just pure exhaustion when he gets home. Even if you don't think it's far, it probably is (walking as far as 2 or 3 houses, seven days out of surgery, is a lot of work for a new Tripawd). Limit his trips outside to potty breaks in your yard and just basking in the sun without that extra walking. It will pay off.
Keep in touch with your vet. I'm betting the elimination of the Tramadol will help. Is he still having the yelping episodes?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you! Yelping is better - now its just a look and he seems to settle down a little quicker. WIll keep envisioning a calm strong Kip. he is definitely less anxious than last night but still unsettled. Last night I massaged him with dim lights, soft music and he basically passed out so I’m trying to work on my energy. Just hard trying to manage on no sleep and work 12-14 hours a day (corporate lawyer in finance so live deals make it impossible for me to take a few days off). Unfortunately I dont have a yard so the walk down the hallway / stairs to grass is farther than I’d like (across the street). Maybe well just go right across the street and I wont let him walk down any further. I’m trying to get him to keep using the sod at night so we only go out twice a day for the walks. Will keep staying positive. Going to take him out as soon as I finish my next call for an hour or two to let him enjoy the sunshine!
ladyliberty2008 said
If your vet doesn't seem too worried, I would find peace in that!I remember watching Lady like a hawk and every single thing she did I would question it. My boyfriend gave me great advice that before the surgery, I wasn't watching her EVERY move, and so I didn't really notice any of the weird animal quirks that I was noticing after the surgery. His advice helped me, so I hope it can help you, too
Good input Erin. Lady is still touching lives here. Thank you💖
If Kip doesn't want to go into the bedroom, then let him be wherever HE wants to be. He's a recovering at his own pace and in a way that works for him. If he wants to lay at the front door, let him. I know it's ja4d, but just let him decide where he wants to be when.
And no, silly hooman, he does have hate you! Absurd thought!! He just n Ed's some quiet time to recover.
Just make sure those outside excursions include LOTS of FIVE MINITE MINIMUM rest stops where he can lay down, relax and mist be a dog sniffing the air.! Many people have fenced yards so it's easier to take their dog out for a much shorter time outside for potty.
Also, before bringing him inside, make SURE he can rest for at least FIVE minutes before tackling the stairs and the hallway.
And the broken record again, and we know this is hard, but your energy mist be a calm, confident and stress free energy. Kip needs that type of reassuring energy to help him heal.
Sounds like he's resting well. What did your Vet say about phantom limb pain as opposed to "panic attacks"?
Hang in there! You've got this!!!
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!
Hahaha....if it didn't take me so .long to typo, I could have seen Jerry's post first and just said ditto!.😎
A d yes, exhaustion is your enemy right now!!! That is adding to your stress level more than you even realize. Hoping for so e good rest for you to tonight. Maybe try sleeping I uour own bed and let Kip sleep wherever he wants.
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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