Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Ok, I just went and read the Gabapentin article and everything makes sense. I wonder if I still need to taper off since I have only given 3 doses? I think I don't want to use it if I don't have to. He just doesn't seem to function well on it. Too strong. Any thoughts?
Hi there, breathe please. I would call your vet and don't make any adjustments to the gabapentin without their ok.
Huck was on gaba for about 3 weeks which is pretty average. I didn't even start weaning him off until after staples were removed.
It sounds like what you are seeing is pain. Honestly, groggy is better than painful any day. He truly needs tons of sleep, and after a few days on the gabapentin they do adjust and you see less grogginess.
In my honest opinion, going back and forth will not help him. He needs a steady dose given at as even intervals right now as you can make it.
Hang in there, i know this is a lot to handle but there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Jackie and Huck ❤️
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Darn I'm sorry your vet is bad at getting back to you. Don't wait, keep calling until you get an answer. Remember that's why you pay them. Unfortunately it's during recovery from major surgery that we learn the real value of our relationship with our veterinarian.
For now, please understand that we are not vets and cannot provide any kinds of advice for timing or dosages OK? I'm sorry, I wish we could but we don't know your cat nor can we see what you mean by he is not right. This is important for your vet to know about so if they are not calling you back, take him down to the clinic asap so they can observe him OK?
Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
And I do agree that you are describing pain symptoms (tail between legs, not eating). He may need some kind of different pain management than what he's been getting, so be persistent with your vet OK? Good luck!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Another thing (not trying to bombard you) you are right. Digit can have many good years ahead being 12y chihuahua, but older pets often take longer to recover because they are not spring chickens but they DO recover!
No, not a vet. I was a vet tech, and i know how scary it can be seeing them all dopey. But dopey and comfortable is so much better than in pain. This was a major surgery and you're fresh out of it. It will get better ❤️
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
paws120 said
But dopey and comfortable is so much better than in pain.
Agree!
Hope you were able to get in touch with his vet.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello!
Just checking in to say I also have a chihuahua (8 years old, 5lbs) who had her rear, left leg amputated just over two weeks ago. I totally relate to your feelings of concern. My little Marie is doing well at this point, but she is still very much recovering and I have to remind myself to be patient during this difficult process. Although she is eating well, she still hasn't drank water on her own and I have to mix it in with her food. She has been on Gabapentin for over two weeks now, and she has adjusted well to it over time! I give it to her every 10 to 12 hours at this point, but we were initially doing every 8 hours.
Obviously I don't know Digit, but Marie can be a sensitive and anxious chihuahua who doesn't always like change. Despite the amputation being a major surgery, I think she is just taking some time to get used to everything to. Digit is still early in his recovery. I know how challenging it is, but hang in there and keep us posted on how he is doing!
tinyandstrong said
Hello!Just checking in to say I also have a chihuahua (8 years old, 5lbs) who had her rear, left leg amputated just over two weeks ago.
Thank you sooooo much for taking time to chime in! This is super helpful! I'm glad to see that you and Marie are holding strong.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am so sorry I have been gone and thank you all for your support and help with Digit. While I was going through Digits amputation my other 14yrs old Minpin Roscoe who is diabetic collapsed on me and I had him in emergency for several days and then in and out for a couple weeks and we did lose the battle. He was blind, diabetic and had COPD of all things and everything just came crashing down inside him and we couldn't get him regulated and his little body gave out. I am still healing from that trauma but Digit is rocking his tripawd self. He got an secondary infection in the surgery site but we got that handled and now he is doing amazing. He does have a knee issue on the only leg left in the back but he is only 6lbs so we can work around it. I have to put him up and down on the furniture now but that is ok. He hasn't mastered stairs yet but walking on a leash and going in and out the doggie door on his own is all good. I hope the little Chi Marie is on the mend and doing well. For a 12yr old little guy I think Digit is doing really well. Thank you all for your support and sorry I left but Roscoe leaving us was not expected in the middle of all of this.
I made a post earlier but it landed somewhere in cyber/cellular space while we were on our way home from visiting family. I am so very sorry for your loss of Roscoe. I know you did everything that you could for him, he does too. I have no doubt he was greeted by all of our Angels over the bridge, and now he is whole again and pain free.
I am so happy to hear that little Digit is rocking his life on three! It sounds like he is really doing well, especially if his good leg is giving him some trouble. Doggie door!! YAY! Stairs can be a big hurdle, but with Digit being so tiny at least you are able to scoop him up and help him wherever you need to.
You have my deepest condolences for your loss. Sending you and your family a big hug and hopes for peace and healing during such a difficult time that must seem never ending at this point. Please give Digit some belly rubs too!! My thoughts are with you.
Jackie and Huckleberry
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
So very, very sorry to hear about your loss. It sounds like Roscoe had a life full of love. What a bitter-sweet time for you and Digit.
Holding you and your pack close.
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
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