Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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This is my first *blog *. So excuse me if I do this wrong. My bernese Buford was diagnosed with osteosarcoma 6 months ago. However after the initial limping and tramadol he never limped again. Within 2 weeks he was off tramadol and on a variety of natural supplements. He was running and jumping up til Thursday, may 29th, 2017. The right rear leg was removed, and he was sent home the next day. He was only sent home with Galliprant and an antibiotic. As of today, 4/02, he has not urinated or deficated since 3/31. He's finally eating as of today. But he is physically resisting trying to walk. He just goes limp. I'm so scared, because he's a couch potato anyways.
Hi Burford and family, welcome. I hope you don't mind but I started your very own topic so that we can follow your story and help you through recovery. I have some thoughts for you:
may 29th, 2017. The right rear leg was removed
You must mean March 29th right? If so then Burford is very new at this recovery thing and his symptoms are very common. Most dogs don't defecate for a few days, so that doesn't worry me because we hear that all the time. However not urinating is definitely an issue so you want to help him with that until you get to a vet. There are many ways to help a dog urinate. For instance:
https://www.you.....AaLdeJCIkw
Is he drinking water? Let your vet know he's not urinating and in the meantime do everything you can to get him to drink water. Spike his bowl with gatorade, or low sodium broth, or even the water out of a can of tuna fish. If he's eating his food normally, add more water to it. Dont worry about the defecating, but do get him to urinate. A dog shouldn't hold it in for more than 12 hours. Is he not urinating because he can't walk, or just that he doesn't want to get up and lay around?
If you believe he truly cannot walk, is he exhibiting any signs of pain? Like panting, pacing or whining? He may or may not have enough pain medication. Many dogs are lethargic as you are describing but most dogs come home with more meds than he did (a pain patch called Fentanyl, for instance, along with a non-steroidal and Tramadol are what usually zonk dogs out for a few days). Galliprant is a new drug on the market and I'm not 100% sure if it is now taking the place of stronger post op-pain meds, but I kind of doubt it. I will ask my vet contacts about that.
Call your vet on Monday morning and let them know what's happening OK? Buford is recovering, so go easy on him and if he wants to sleep, that's totally fine, it's medicinal. But just keep your vet in the loop. And us too, we'll be waiting for an update.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
He was drinking like a fish til I guess he got the anesthesia out of his system. No, he cannot walk, but with 2 people we take him out twice a day. He just sits there then lays down. I'm going to the vet tomorrow and get him some pain meds. His back leg just shakes when he tries to put weight on it. He's 110 lbs, but I think it hurts him so bad he's not trying
Yes, definitely let the vet know in that case. Be sure to try expressing his bladder before then OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Buford we are in the Tripawds Chat room, hop on over OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Buford,
I saw your comment on a blog post and I am glad you also posted here and that Jerry responded with some tips on how to express the bladder. This can be a really tough time (the first few days). It is indeed worriesome that he can't pee but I am sure a trip or call to the vet can help!!
Keep us posted!
Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart (and little Jasper Lily)
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Online
So the only meds Buford is taking is Galliprant and an antibiotic? Galliprant is an anti-inflammatory.
I'm guessing much of what you are seeing in Buford is pain. He is only 5 days out from a major surgery and he should be on something for pain. Most here are on Tramadol and gabapentin for pain for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. Please talk to your vet about how Buford is acting and see about getting him some meds. Once you get his pain managed I bet you will see improvement in his wanting to try walking.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hi, I'm glad you found your way here from FB and I hope this helped somewhat! Good luck today at the vet's!!
Tina & Manni
Guardian of Manni the Wonderdog. -Or was it the other way around?
Osteo and amputation in Dec 2015. Second, inoperable, primary osteosarcoma found in June 2017.
The end of our adventures came Dec 10, 2017. 2 years to the day.
So glad you were able to post in the forums and get some much needed direction and advice for Buford!
Hope you were able to express his bladder yesterday and today you can get some pain meds & etc.!
Stay connected here.
You can get assistance/directions with your blog later. Comments on your blog, will need to be approved by you.
Paws crossed for a better day today for Buford!
HUGS !
Holly & Purrkins
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