Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Welcome Lucy and mum!
So sorry Lucy has had to go through this. It's a very stressful time for all and we totally understand!
My Comet took Rimadyl for almost 2 years straight every day 75 mgs and she was 38-ish pounds with no problems. But that doesn't mean that it's the preferred drug by all. That is just what my vet liked the best. However, given a choice now, I would go with Metacam (meloxicam). We have a nurse practitioner member (Isabelle's mom) and she can explain why it's a better choice if you aren't familiar with it since I don't know what is available in the UK.
I think ice really helps also just like Bo's mom said.
Also, you may want to try freezing water mixed with can dog food (making a soup) frozen in a small container for a treat to help cool Lucy off. It may help - it won't hurt! Something cold and yummy is a nice way to recover from surgery. (again, a great tip from Isabelle's mom)
Sending lots of healing wishes to Lucy!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
I wouldn't think that rimadyl alone would be sufficient pain relief after a major surgery like amputation, rimadyl is primarily an antii-inflammatory. Maggie came home with a fentanyl patch and tramadol.
As far as rimadyl goes- you do have to monitor through blood work. My quad-pug tani has been on it for 7 months or so and has had no problems with it.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Rimadyl is indeed a drug that can upset the GI system. I couldn't take it, or Previcox either, but I was able to take Metacam (Meloxicam). There are lots of dogs who take Rimadyl without a problem. As long as your vet is monitoring her liver and taking regular bloodwork she should be OK. Signs to watch for include runny, black stools with mucus (lovely thought eh?). Hah, you're a nurse, you can take it!
Sounds like she could be helped with some Tramadol. The panting and whining could be a definite sign.
But keep in mind that Tramadol can make lots of dogs see pink elephants and go a little whacko. Dogs are just so different in how they react to medication, the only way to know how your dog will react is to try it.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for your replies. We're in the UK on a different time zone which is why I can't get back to you straight away! Lucy's doing good today, carried her upstairs and she's lying with me on the landing like she's used too. I'm going to phone the vet when they're open to talk about medication. Also about the fen. patch as it's been stapled on so he may want to remove it himself instead of waiting for it to fall off. We put a clean dressing on yesterday and the scar is all tidy and clean and lovely. Very impressive. But she's absolutely fine. Slept fine in the night, Walking ok – only assistance is having the lead around her neck just to help keep her head up. We've ordered the harness your site suggests so hopefully that should arrive soon (though she's doing great without one!)
I'll keep you updated when I speak to our Vet and hopefully be able to pick up some medication this afternoon. He may even suggest another fen. patch, who knows really.
Here's a few pictures of Lucy Lou before the surgery 
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Love the pictures. Lucy is beautiful.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Just to let you know Lucy seems to have settled pain-wise. No longer panting or whining unless she doesn't get enough attention! Have got Tramadol from the vet but not needed it which is good
Thanks very much for all your advice. We'll keep you updated!x
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| From Lucy and Sasha |
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