Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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This was before we started him back on the 8 hour. Thankfully he has been doing much better since we put him back on the 8 hour regimen. I'll definitely send to our vet and will keep you all updated. Thanks again!!!
YAY! Glad the videos are viewable now. I'm in line with what Holly is thinking, he's falling over trying to find out what's happening.
The way humans describe phantom pain is like little electric shocks. Some are sharper and longer in duration than others. I think that for animals, not knowing what is going on can often result in them trying to get away from something that is bothering them but they don't know what. Cats for some reason will walk backwards and dogs tend to run away and jump up.
The video should be helpful for your vet! Take more if you have changed the Gabapentin dosing instructions and its still happening.
Happy to hear this is a past (12-hour dosing) glad the gaba is working!
The way humans describe phantom pain is like little electric shocks. Some are sharper and longer in duration than others. I think that for animals, not knowing what is going on can often result in them trying to get away from something that is bothering them but they don't know what. Cats for some reason will walk backwards and dogs tend to run away and jump up.
Excellent description and spot on from my observations.
I will add just for others that might land here. The backward walk happens in rear leg amputees cats. I have never seen it happen in a front legger. I say again that it has to do with cutting that sciatic nerve, but why only with cats?!
The good mews is the gaba helps that we know!
Hugs!
Holly & Purrkins💝💝💝
Hello all!
Just wanted to follow-up post surgeon visit. He thinks that Whedon is just reacting to his new normal of tripawd life - freaking out a little about the loss of his leg. We talked about the phantom pain and the sciatica but he poo poo'd it - which I'm not surprised about after reading your posts. Regardless of the cause, he said he's fine with us keeping Whedon on the gaba, which we'll do. We may go back to the 12 hours at some point, but for now we'll keep him at 8.
I wanted to say thank you again to everyone that has posted. It has helped more than you can know. I'll be sure to keep you updated on his journey, especially as we try to figure out how to move forward (chemo or not). We have a few weeks before the consultation with the oncologist, so I'm sure I'll be lurking/reading up until then.
Thanks again!
Katie & Whedon
Hi Katie,
Thank you for the update on Whedon. I'm so glad you talked to your vet, yay for being a great advocate! I'll admit, I'm sad that he poo-poo'd the idea of phantom pain . This isn't your fault of course, and it's not uncommon.
Phantom pain is documented in humans and it is just as valid for animals (see this post). If the pain signals continue with Whedon, please get another opinion from a pain specialist. You can also try a rehab therapist and Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit . The Gabapentin should help but if it does not, this may be a case where multiple strategies are needed (pain control first, then another modality like acupuncture generally).
It's not the first time a vet has been a non-believer in phantom pain for animal amputees. With that in mind, here's a video from vet pain management guru, Dr. Robin Downing:
also
Im not surprised, but yes, im disappointed to hear the poo poing I was HOPING; things have changed. Many vets KNOW and treat phantom limb must be a surgeon thing, not following their patients after stitch/staple removal!! GRRR
PURRFECT RENE WHOOO HOO, show your surgeon Dr. Downings' video; seriously, they could learn a few things.
You have the meds & good on consent from him 🙄!
I would personally leave him at 8 hours for a couple of weeks before trying to go back to 12 and see. You know what to watch for; you will know quickly whenever you decide to try and can go back up if needed.
You are doing an excellent observing and advocating for Whedon. Pat yourself on the back, ok?
Thanks for the update, and yes, we know we have all been on the other side!
Scratches to Whedon, please.
(((Hugs)))
💝💝💝
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