Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi,
My dog Dexter has just been diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, he has had a front amputation a week ago. He has an infection in a part of his stitches and we are awaiting a swab to maybe change antibiotics Please could someone who has been through this help me answer a few concerns if possible?
My questions are:
Is it usual for them to sit up and pant on and off and be quite lethargic at home just sitting on their bed but then become brighter at vets its now a week after surgery...... He is on Metacam and Noroclav the panting worries me:( He is eating/drinking etc fine.
Is it usual to get an infection in one part of the stitches?
Also can I give Artemisinin with the antibiotics and Metacam?
Many thanks:)
Hi there, I'm so sorry to hear about the diagnosis.
Infection at the surgery site happens to a few Tripawds now and then. It's not fun to deal with but it usually isn't serious if it's caught and treated right away, which it sounds like you are doing, so yay!
As for the panting, that can be a sign of too much pain medication or too little. It's hard to tell and the pain management game can be, well, a pain! But talk to your vet to figure out how much you can increase it to see if that helps alleviate the symptoms. Or you can cut back. But either way you'll find a right balance. And yes, many dogs will pant like that so try not to worry.
If he's eating, drinking and eliminating tht is GREAT! Try not to let him do too much right now, it's still early (the panting could also be a sign that he's overdoing things, so take it easy on the activity level, he really shouldn't be having much more than a potty outing as far as actvity goes).
I hope this helps. Thanks so much for joining, your future posts won't require moderation. I also see you're in the chat. Today is kinda quiet but you'll usually find folks in there at night. I'm there for a few minutes right now so stop by if you see this.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
dexter said
Also can I give Artemisinin with the antibiotics and Metacam?
Here is a post about Artemisinin that may answer that.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sounds like Dexter is in the "normal of the "new normal" range!
For two weeks, if not more, I thought I had made a horrible decision! Happy Hannah was panting, restless, whimpering just no spark. I was glued to this site and they kept promising it would get better! And yes, when I took her to my regular vet for reassuring, she perked up noticeably! Then, the same routine started at home! A few days later I had someone stop by that she liked and...yeah, you guessed it...perked up again!
As Jerry dais though, this is a time for rest and balancing pain meds and making sure Dexter is not in pain as best as possible.
I'm sure the infection is playing havoc but I'm REALLY glad you're getting that addressed! Great diligence on your part!
And Hapy Hannah just celebrated her ten month ampuversary and is moving forward (knocking on wood over here) and we are having THE most glorious loving, hapy, fun time ever!! Everyday is a gift...a treasured, sacred gift!
Please keep us posted and, when you can, please post pictures of that amazing Dexter!
Oh yeah, eat lots of chocolate, it helps!!
(((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))
sally and Happy Hannah
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Welcome Dexter and family-
Sorry to hear about the diagnosis. It is just never expected.
Shooter had a small infected area of his stitches that my vet had to keep cleaning and restapling, but it never developed into anything major and he was already on the antibiotics from his surgery so that seemed to keep it in check. If there is any swelling you might ask your vet if it would be OK to put some heat on it as that seems to help with any swelling. Just be careful of he has metal staples as they get hot very quickly!
Sending pawsitive thoughts your way. Please keep us updated.
Luanne & Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Oh, I did want to ask...does he take any Tramadol or Gabapentom? I'm ot familiar with Noroclav...is that for pain?
Take care!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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