Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello there. I wanted to see if anyone has any suggestions for my Chloe. She is a 9 year old rotties who had a front right leg amputation 7 days ago for osteosarcoma. She is doing really well recovering from surgery. However, she doesn't want to move around much. She will get up to go out only with tons of coaxing and treats. She's eating and drinking well and is still on all her post op pain meds. We've been keeping her quiet this week but would like to know when and how to get her back to normal activities.
Eating, drinking, mobile...all grear soigns rhis early in recovery! We know it's hard to be patient, but seven days post op is still just avout potty breaks and rest. Nine is somewhat "mature" for a larger dog. Older,larger dogs take a bit longer sometimes to get their sparkle back. Again though, this is still early. Some say they see the sparkle come baxk arpund week two when stitches are out.
Now, that said., what's your energy like? Are you upbeat, confident, overly exuberant when praising her for every little "victory"? Does Chloe have a special friend she likes that can come see her? Sometimes having a visitor come to see her (with cheeseburger in hand) with a high energy attitude can help.
Refresh my memory. What pain meds is she in, frequency, dose amount. What is her weight?
Hang in there! She really does seem to be about where she needs to be at seven days.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Chloe sounds like shes doing great with recovery! Dont let the lack for movement get you down. Roane was similarly stubborn about going out. She started moving around more willingly after a couple of weeks. Some days she would have a burst of motivation, followed by a day of being out cold. We really saw a big difference after we were able to cut her pain meds back. (About 2 weeks post op)
7 days out, quiet and healing are good. Try not to worry she will bounce back when shes ready.
Hugs to you both,
Hugs ❤ Bev, nurse Moe cat, Autumn's Angel Roane & Angel dog Gypsy 🐾
My sweet soulmate Roane was diagnosed with osteo in June of 2019. Had a rear leg amp on July 2nd & crossed the rainbow bridge to be with her sister Gypsy on the first day of Autumn Sept 23 2019.
I agree that 1) she's doing pretty good considering, and 2) this is super early in recovery. It's hard not to be patient but try to focus on the big picture, when she is back to her old self and ready to take on the world.
Getting back to normal activities is different for every dog. You really want to take things slowly though, there's no rush. Don't ask her to do too much right now other than go potty. Most dogs need 2-3 weeks before their old sparkle comes back, but some may take longer.
A good way to find out what Chloe's particular needs are, is to consult with a canine rehabilitation therapist. These folks can assess her for strengths and weaknesses, and show you how to help her gain strength. The best part is, the Tripawds Foundation may pay for your first rehab visit ! We highly encourage everyone to have at least one evaluation, it's so educational.
Remind me, what is the reason for her amputation?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for your response!! Chloe is about 78 lbs. She has osteosarcoma. She's on carprofen 75 mg twice a day, tramadol 150 mg three times a day, and gabapentin 300 mg twice a day. We are being positive and heaping on the praise. It's still good to hear that it's normal for her to be sleeping and resting a lot. 
Aounds loke rhe Vet gave you a solid pain management schedule/dose, so that's good!!
IF...IF...you feel like the pain is being well managed (and it certainly sounds like it is), you can ask the Vet about starting to reduce the dose and frequency. Every dog is so different when it comes ,to jow long they need pain meds, how they are affected as individuals, etc. While it sounds like she's doing well at the nine day mark (or eight?), IF you feel like she's a bit too drugged, you can try a reduction and=or skipping, for example, the mid day dose of Tramadol, Just saying that as an example. Obviously not a Vet and you would not want to do any without your Vet's guidance.
Keep us updated. Chloe has an excellent Nurse!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Hmm. I'm also thinking that a conversation with your vet about the drugs would be a good idea. Gabapentin makes a lot of dogs sleepy, so work with your vet to start the withdrawal process (it's not something to stop suddenly) and you may see her sparkle start to come back. Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for your advice! I did talk to the vet and decided to wean Chloe off her meds gradually since she was on them for about a month before she even had her amputation. We are doing well. Bandages are all off, drains have been out, and she is getting around better every day. My only concern is that she whines briefly when upon laying down. Not at any other time. Is she just getting used to using new muscles? She lays down slowly and gingerly. But she gets up quickly and even tried to run once up. I can't figure it out.
Glad to hear she's finding her way around! Sounds like great progress!
The vocalization sounds like a sign that she's got a sore muscle somewhere as she gets used to getting around on three, especially if she's never made those noises before. You can help her out by having a therapist examine her for sore spots, and they can show you how to massage her to minimize the discomfort. We also have lots of massage tips for Tripawds that you may want to check out too.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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