Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Tomorrow will be day 12 and we are starting to feel like Harvey is moving backwards in his recovery. The first 2-3 days post-op Harvey was super chipper, still had personality, and seemed happy, he was doing so well we had to force him to slow things up a bit. At that time he was on 200mg of Tramadol and 75mg of Rhimadyl. Around day 4-5 he started loosing the skip in his hop, he stopped eating and drinking, and became extremely lethargic. In order to get him to go outside we had to lift him up and force him to go, he also had a hard time controlling his bowls and had horrible diarrhea. We stopped his Rhimadyl and reduced his Tramadol to 100mg/day all per vet recommendation. We saw little to no change so we went back to the vet @ day 8, at this point Harvey was only standing up 2x/day and would sleep all day. The vet prescribed Metronidazole (intestine anti-biotic) 500mg for his diarrhea and 200mg of Simplicef (Harv also got his no chew collar off and got into his stitches so they were a bit inflamed). The Metronidazole helped right away, so once he was solid again we started the other anti-biotic, and per vet recommendation went down to 50mg Tramadol/day. With this new med plan days 9-11 were a bit better, but overall we feel like we have lost our dog. He no longer has his great personality and doesn't even get excited when we bring out a tennis ball- which he was OBSESSED with pre-op. Now, we know that he had major surgery and is on a lot of meds, so we try to tell ourselves that this is part of the recovery process.
However, one thing that weighs on our mind is that we got the biopsy results back were told that his tumor was aggressive osteosarcoma. Harvey is not even 3, and the vet pretty much made it seem like he only had a couple more months to live as they assumed it had already spread due to the aggressive level of osteosarcoma. Prior to the amputation they did chest x-rays and ultrasound, all of which were clear, however the vet stated that they assume it could have spread at a microscopic level. We are staying positive and holding out hope that amputation got everything. We can't help but think that the reason Harvey is having such a hard time is because the cancer has already spread, especially considering he was so great the first couple days post-op.
1.) Are we being irrational about the possibility of the cancer spreading so quickly/affecting him this dramatically already?
2.) Is it 'normal' to see regression in the recovery?
3.) Is it possibly and/or likely that Harv is just 'strung out' on meds which is affecting his personality?
Any other advice or personal experiences will be greatly appreciated! We are so happy that there is a support network because no one else we know has gone through this with their pup.
Thank you all in advance.
Harvey. ~2.5 year-old shepherd mix. Diagnosed 10.21.09. Amputation 10.28.09.
Try not to worry. I'll tell you what we've seen here.
We're not vets, but it does sound similar to what we've seen happen in many cases here. Lot of dogs regress for a while. Consider the fact that they're hopped up on meds right after surgery, and think they're invincible. Then the meds wear thin, and reality sets in. The surgery incision is sore, they're learning a whole new way of using their body, and they're tired. If he wants to sleep all day, his body is telling him he needs that time to heal.
Dogs are like people; some adapt faster than others, some need more time to heal. Not every dog is swimming three weeks after surgery, so don't expect too much, too soon.
You're not being irrational, but I will say that it's the vet's standard disclaimer that with osteosarcoma, chances are the cancer has spread, you just can't see the "mets" yet. They said that exact same thing to me before my amputation, gave me a four month prognisis, yet I survived almost two years afterward!
In a few cases, we've seen the cancer spread quickly after surgery, but usually there are other indications that is has, such as a nasty cough, and extreme complications with mobility. Have you had addtional x-rays taken? That is the only way to tell if it has. But until then, try not to focus on all the "what ifs." Stay focused on the moment; by staying calm and centered, you can help him feel at ease. By doing so, you'll give him the courage he needs to know that everything is OK and you're rooting him on.
I know it's not easy, but you took the brave step to do the amputation, now it's up to you to be brave and help him through the recuperation. The first two weeks are rough, but things will start to get better, you'll see. And of course, if you do have any other concerns, don't hesitate to call your vet, that's what they're there for.
Good luck. Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
It would be rare for the cancer to spread this quickly post-op. Most likely it is a combo of the pain meds plus getting used to using muscles in new ways. Hang in there and give it a few days to see how things go when the pain meds can be reduced.
Pam
Not only would I never disagree with Pam and her excellent experience, from your original posting, I have to totaly agree with her extremely sound advice. Cherry was doing extremely well, trying to be too active, and eating well for the first two days. However, once the chemicals took effect, she her general condition took a nose-dive. Her reaction to the Tramadol was so bad that we had to take her off after just a few days. As we removed the chemicals, her condition improved and her personality returned. Unfortunately, the recovery process is more like a roller coaster than a smooth gradual incline upward. Hang in there, keep close watch, and keep in contact with your vet. Be sure to keep a positive attitude around Harvey. They are so tuned to our emotions and if you are down it will only make it harder. Also, consider keeping a journal. I kept a journal and posted it on-line. It allowed me to go back days/weeks/months and make a good comparison. This really helped to make honest assessments of Cherry's progress during the ups and downs of recovery. Our oncologist actually used these journal postings to keep up to speed on Cherry's condition.
I know that while logic would tell us that the cancer could not have spread this quickly after a clear lung x-ray but you have been hit so hard by the initial diagnosis it is hard to make this one logical.
Paws Crossed and Sending Pawsitive Thoughts,
Bob & Cherry
My dog was only 5 (well, still is 5) when he was diagnosed with high-grade osteosarcoma back in May. Given everything I had read online, I was thinking we'd be lucky to get a couple more months with him. Well, we just celebrated his FIVE MONTH ampuversary which has me totally stoked considering I didn't think we'd make it this far. Not only that, but he's more active now than he was pre-surgery (I think because he feels so much better). With regards to it seeming that Harvey "slipped backwards", it seems to be the norm that dogs generally slow down about 3-4 days after surgery. I'm not sure if their muscles are getting tired or if their medication is getting to them, but it seems perfectly normal for your dog to be doing this. Jack was running in circles and jumping on the counter the day after surgery, and 3 days later, he was back at the vet screaming from phantom pain and had to be on bed rest. Once you get a cancer diagnosis, it's easy to attribute every little thing that happens to cancer, like, I would think "oh my gosh, Jacks breathing funny! the cancer is back!!". But sometimes...dogs just breathe funny! Anyhoo, Harvey is not alone in the slowing down thing, and many of our fur babies have aggressive cancers and are still kickin with little, minor, or no issues. Harvey will heal in his own time, and not a second sooner. Keep us updated!!!
<3 Laura and Jackers
It might take Harvey longer than some to recover. My pug Maggie lost her rear left leg over 3 years ago. This web site wasn't here then, but I read other info and talked to other people and it seemed their dogs were back to their old selves in a matter of weeks. Maggie took a long time to adapt. Remember how invasive a surgery this is, and how powerful the meds are. I thought something was wrong with Mag too because after most of the pain was gone she was mad and maybe down. She gave up easily when she fell down, I had to coax her out of bed every day, she was unhappy for what seemed like a long time. But she came around and her full personality returned- with some new twists she came up with to compensate for the missing leg. See my blog, Life with a tri-pug if you want to read Maggie's story.
I don't think the worry ever goes away either- its debatable if it is irrational or not. I'm not sure why Mag has made it so long (she has mast cell cancer)but I have doubts when ever she won't eat, or seems tired, or won't walk too far. Give Harvey as much time as he needs to recover, keep a good attitude around him, and keep tempting him with his favorite toys. He will come around when he is ready.
Bob's recomendation of a journal is a great idea. I kept a notebook during Maggie's chemo treatments so I could better judge her condition.
Karen
and Tri-pug Maggie
krun15 said:
Bob's recomendation of a journal is a great idea.
Exactly why we created this new and improved Tripawds Blogs community! You can sign up anytime.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The recovery period is so unpreditable. It is not uncommom for a dog to run out of the hospital and have some wonderful days only to crash a few days later. Amputation is a major surgery and the pain meds are strong. Give Harvey some time to recover before you worry too much. (I know easier said than done.)
Debra & Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Cemil was also given the standard numbers--short life expectancy; the younger the dog, the more aggressive the cancer. Well, he was diagnosed when he was 3 and it's been a little over 9 months. So far, he seems fine. As Jerry says, statistics are only numbers. Every case is different. I don't think you can assume that because Harvey is young, his life will deteriorate quickly.
The others have addressed the recovery issues--I just wanted to let you know that there are young dogs with osteosarcoma our here, enjoying life past the time they were given.
Keep us posted on Harvey's progress.
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Regarding the lack of interest in the ball. Yoda was that way about toys still probably a ways beyond day 12, and – the most horrifying to me – didn't want rawhides! But whatever was holding him back, he figured out by a week or less after. He worked out how to hold down his rawhide with one paw as he chewed it and his exictment for rawhides was back to stay!
And despite his "ehhhh" reaction to toys and rawhides for a good two weeks or so, just a month after Yoda's amputation, he was playing chase with other dogs at the dog park! So, just another way of echoing what everyone else is saying, that Harvey's status still sounds like it's in the normal limits for a full, rabbit-chasing recovery. Recovery seems to take forever though, doesn't it?
By the way though, it is good for your health though to bug your vet for reassurance/piece of mind though, as much as you're able, in my opinion.
Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide
I don't think you should worry too much. Several things could be going on making him feel bad. My dog never really came back after surgery but he had more on his plate than Harvey. Mac also had really bad diarrhea and had to go on Metronidazole--gastric upset and diarrhea alone can make them feel pretty crappy (pun sorta intended). Harvey's still recovering and for now you just have to try and control the symptoms and let time do the rest. He might just be feeling depressed. Some dogs, once they realize that their leg is gone and they can't immediately do all of the things they want to do, start to get sad about it. If that's the case it might get better as they get used to being a tripawd. As for the osteo diagnosis, most of us on here that got that diagnosis was told it was super aggressive--I think they say that to everyone. I wouldn't expect it to have spread this quickly making him feel bad though. Have you had blood tests done to make sure he's healthy otherwise? My dog's cancer had triggered colitis and kidney problems that made him feel bad like that and secreted toxins into his bloodstream but it was a diff type than yours....still I'd make sure the tumor didn't cause any extra health problems.
Hang in there.
Hey Harvey,
My Jack did the very same thing about 6 days into recovery. The vet placed a drain in him to relieve the pressure building around the incision sight. I also noticed he was losing weight due to lack of eating so I switched him to puppy food (keep in mind he is 6 yrs old) That has really helped. I also added in wet food with his dry food and that definitely sparked interest back . I think Jack took a while to get used to the weight transfer. He would get tired very very easily. Hang in there!!!
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