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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Barkley - 24 hours post op
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Texas
Member Since:
28 July 2020
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29 July 2020 - 1:34 pm
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First, I wanted to say thank you to this community.  Last night was so hard, and scrolling through the posts here was so reassuring.  

Barkley is a 6 or 7 year old rescue.  He is part Chihuahua, mini pinscher and shitzu.  In hindsight, we recognized a lump during the winter and assumed it was a pulled muscle or something.  It sort of resolved.  In March it seemed larger and still not bothering him or causing issues.   We consulted with a vet via phone and video because of the virus.  We decided to watch and wait.  (We have a schnauzer with loads of fatty tumors and were used to responding to those.). Well, it grew a little and we were debating what point to go in.  After consulting again in July, it flared.  It more than doubled in size and we scheduled a mass removal.  The day after, it shrunk back down.  Not a fatty tumor.

When we took him in for the removal, they did cytology and called us to pick him up.  Mast Cell.  The tumor was very close to his knee.  He's not a large dog, so they didn't feel comfortable attempting to remove the tumor and be able to leave enough leg or skin.  

We scheduled him for the amputation and he had it yesterday.  They closed up around 3 and we picked him up at 5:30.  We hadn't thought through the fact that our vet didn't have after hours care.  We came home with Trazadone and Gabapentin and asked lots of questions- except what time to start.  A vet friend was kind enough to tell us to go for it and it definitely helped. 

Last night was rough.  He ate a half can of prescription dog food (he's a pancreatitis survivor as well) and drank consistently.  He has peed 4 times on piddle pads, but while laying on them.  He has stood and "walked" a few steps multiple times but he seems to panic when it's time to pee, so we aren't stressing it.  He cried and shivered and was so needy.  My husband was regretting the surgery choice (not that there was one.) 

This morning, at med time, he was silent and relaxed.  No whining, shaking... Nothing.  In fact, I woke him because I worried we had lost him while I dozed beside his kennel.  After talking to two vets, it sounds like residuals from the surgery might have made him whiny last night.  

We ordered a surgical suit so he can continue being cone free(we've been watching him constantly- I'm a mom of three and light sleeper) and he's so much more comfortable without it.  We are going to get a new dog bed today, as he seems uncomfortable with such a thin bed and not being able to roll over.  

I just realized I've been giving one tablet of gabapentin instead of two, which is awful for him but makes me super impressed with his resilience.  I'll bump to the right dose at his next dosing.  

He lights up when he hears the family and rests best surrounded by the talking and activity.  

We have two other dogs - a mini schnauzer and another rescue who is part shepherd and a million other things.  They are being super calm and respectful.  He's very happy to see them too.  We also have three kids (10, 8 and almost 4.)

Anyways, thanks for being here! 

~ Melanie 

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
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29 July 2020 - 2:10 pm
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Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.

Yeah,  bringing a pup home the day of surgery can be rough- they are loopy on meds and anestisia and often quite vocal as you saw. There are some here who have to do it because the vet doesn't offer overnight care but it can get you thinking very early on that surgery was a bad idea!

But, that thought usually comes up some time during recovery anyway.  There can be lots of ups and downs for a couple weeks- so stay strong and positive and know you are doing the best thing for Barkley.

My first Tripawd was a little Pug named Maggie who lost her left back leg to a MCT- hers was also in and around her knee.  You can read her story and about her amp and chemo if you are interested, the links are in my signature below.

Back to Barkley, the pain meds may be a bit thin unless you meant Tramadol not trazadone. Many come home with tramadol, gabapentin and and NSAID.  Tramadol has fallen out of favor a little but does seem to have some affect when paired with other meds.  Trazadone doesn't do anything for pain.  Keep an eye on Barkley and if you see any pain signs let your vet know.  He may be uncomfortable but he shouldn't be in any real pain.

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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29 July 2020 - 2:36 pm
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Awww I'm sorry that you guys have been through the hardest part of any recovery. That's tough! It's too bad your vet didn't warn you about same-day homecomings. I wouldn't wish it on anyone but it's definitely better than an animal being left alone overnight after something like this.

IF you do mean Trazadone, that could be why he's so zonked out. As Karen said, it's a sedative, not a painkiller. If you meant Tramadol, which I hope, then he could be zonky from the pain medication combo with Gaba, which makes many dogs sleepy. However the fact that he's eating, drinking and eliminating is all good news.

Keep a close eye on him and if you notice anything changing, or he becomes more anxious, it could need an adjustment to his pain management routine. Sometimes it takes tweaking until you get it just right. As a mom, you already know how to watch for subtle changes in behavior when the patient isn't feeling well so Barkley is in good hands!

Keep us posted on how he's doing and in the meantime, feel free to browse Jerry's Required Reading List or the Tripawds e-books library for more info. In a few days you may be wondering why you were so worried about him but for now, breathe, and know that you can all get through this. Barkley will be recovered before you know it. Hang in there!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Texas
Member Since:
28 July 2020
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29 July 2020 - 3:00 pm
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He's supposed to be getting 1/2 tab of 100mg trazadone and 2 capsules of 100 mg gabapentin every 12 hours.  He was on prednizone and Benadryl for a week prior to surgery so they didn't want to put him on an anti-inflammatory just yet.  

After seeing how his night went, I'm absolutely confident that him being with us was better than being alone.  He's pretty chill today.  I'm looking forward to his next med dosing and me getting the amounts correct.  🙂 

I will try and read the stories.  I'm taking care of Barkley and my husband and son who struggle with depression and my daughter who has major anxiety as well.  I'm realizing I'm surviving well because I'm not giving any energy to anything extra right at this moment. 😉 

I greatly appreciate the encouragement!  

~ Melanie 

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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29 July 2020 - 6:14 pm
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Oh gosh you have your hands full. No need to reply, just know that we are sending you lots of pawsitivity and are always here when you need us.

And yep, it's always best to have an animal come home after surgery if there is no 24-hour care available. You survived it. Good job!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
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29 July 2020 - 10:10 pm
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After seeing how his night went, I’m absolutely confident that him being with us was better than being alone.

Absolutely!  I would never leave my dogs at a vet that didn't have 24 hour staffing.  As hard as it can be bringing a pup home the day of surgery you definitely did the right thing in my book.

After being on pred it makes sense to wait on the NSAID- there is some wash out period between those drugs.

Is he no longer on benadryl?  My Pugs were kept on benadryl after tumor removal and Maggie after her amp. 

Yeah, you do have your hands full! We are a family with some mental health challenges so I know how much effort and emotion it takes to try and keep everyone on track.  Read the stories if you want to and can devote time to them and if not then don't worry about it. Just know the Tripawds Nation is behind you and rooting for you and Barkley and your whole family! 

We will be here when you need us.

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Florida
Member Since:
30 July 2020
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30 July 2020 - 8:28 am
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Sorry to hear your going through this. We are about to bark on the same path. Polly has a mass cell tumor on her elbow. Large and ulcerated. Because of size/location, they do not feel surgery is the best option, as she would also need radiation and they do not believe her wound will be able to heal. There are no margins. She is seeing UF oncology and they believe amputation of that leg is her best bet. She will be 11 in the fall and we adopted her 5 years ago. She has no other issues. She is a very active dog and we recently moved onto 20 acres where she loves to run. This has got to be one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make and will probably second guess myself for a while. I want her to be able to enjoy her life and be able to go back to running and jumping. Everything I have read says that will be possible with 3 legs, but the human in me feels guilt. My research has shown there is a possibility that chemo/radiation could work, but not great odds and she could end up having the surgery anyway. It is also honestly cost prohibitive for us. I also don't really want to put her through two surgeries by opting for partial removal and then having to go back in again. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Cara

Texas
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28 July 2020
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30 July 2020 - 9:59 am
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We made it through night two!  We are cycling meds at around 11 hr 15 minutes instead of 12 hours.  He woke me about an hour before morning meds, wide eyed and trying to leave his kennel. 

When we let him get up and help him out, he stands a few minutes and then flops his rear leg down and gazes longingly.  He is still peeing laying on a piddle pad and then being wiped down with a damp rag (not on incision) before being moved to new piddle pads.  

He hasn't whined since yesterday morning, he hadn't eaten since the first night (Tuesday and it's now Thursday morning) but he ate dry kibble this morning.  He's back to his picky self in that regard.  

He's definitely more alert and wanting belly rubs and snuggles.  He even barked to show solidarity with the others yesterday.  🙂 ♥️

~ Melanie 

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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30 July 2020 - 10:27 am
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caramg said
Sorry to hear your going through this. We are about to bark on the same path. Polly has a mass cell tumor on her elbow.

Cara, we are sorry you and Polly are facing the same situation. I have a lot of suggestions but...for the best help from the community and to give Polly the one-on-one attention she deserves, please start a new topic in Presentation and Diagnosis OK? Thanks, and we'll see you there!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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30 July 2020 - 10:34 am
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Jist catching  up on uoir adorable Barkley!  Can't  wait to see more,pics of thos cute boy.  Here's  a link to help.  adding  images. 

Can only ditto Karen and Jerry's excellent  input.  And kudos to you for staying the course  and doing whatever mit takes to help Barkley thru recovery.

Yeah, sometimes  the pain meds have to be tweaked a little.   Run everything  by uour Bet it does sound like the Gaba void be given sooner than twelve  hours.  Depending  in the amount, Gaba can have a window of  eight to twelve  hours.  Only with Vet guidance though!

The sedation is probably  why Barkley is peeing on his pad and why he may be a bit wobbly.  Unless Barkl is  extra anxious or stressed, you can talk to the best about  eliminating that or just giving  him a dose atnigh.

Dri and peeing  are good. Being off food and pooping may be off for a few days.  Feed him any yummy  foods he'll eat..warmed chicken,  grilled chesse.whatever it takes for now.

You are doing such a good job, esp with al the other "circumstances " you javeonujr plate. Be sure and take care of YOU, okay?  We're  here to support  you in anyway we can!

You are in the roughest part of recovery. It's important to remember that this is MAJOR SURGERY all while ad to three!  Hoomans would still be in the hospital on a morphine  drip!!   As you move through recovery  and start to see the sparkle come back, you'll know you did this FOR Barkley and not TO him!  For me, it took about three weeks for me to finally  say that...and it was a great feeling!!

Keep is posted.

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

PS. And if you jave hardwood floors,  you'll need  non slip scatter rugs for traction .    And having  a bed that's  more tonthe firm side helps dogs stand and be more stable when trying  to get up

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!

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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30 July 2020 - 10:34 am
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barkley2020 said
We made it through night two!  We are cycling meds at around 11 hr 15 minutes instead of 12 hours.  He woke me about an hour before morning meds, wide eyed and trying to leave his kennel. 

I'm SO hoppy for you and Barkley! Congratulations on making it through and figuring out how to stay ahead of the pain, that is half the battle.

3-paws up for a great day ahead. Little by little, he's getting there!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Texas
Member Since:
28 July 2020
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30 July 2020 - 4:27 pm
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Barkley had surgery Tuesday afternoon and it's now about 48 hours since pickup.  He's developed a bruise on his abdomen, likely no concern but we are waiting to hear back from the vet.  I sent them photos.  His incision looks great.  He's been much more alert and active and trying to be up and about.  Not much rest happening in general, for either of us.  The vet is having me throw Benadryl back in the mix, hoping it might also sedate him a bit.  If it doesn't, we will up his tramadol.  

I told our vet about this group.  I told her that for future tripod parents, she might want to inform them that this group is here.  The community support is so wonderful.  She was very happy to hear it and said she would definitely share that with her staff.  I also expressed that we were overwhelmed by the lack of time mentioned on meds info.  She apologized and said that was being addressed with staff so that it is included in discharge instructions in the future.🙂

One day at a time.  My husband says he will decide if this was a good choice after grading gets back.  For me, I feel like we gave him his best shot by doing this.  So I have no regrets.  I will never look at a lump the same way again, but what's done is done.  

You all rock! 

~ Melanie 

Livermore, CA




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30 July 2020 - 7:23 pm
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For me, I feel like we gave him his best shot by doing this. So I have no regrets.

Good for you! It took me weeks and weeks to get to this point after Maggie's surgery.  Because her prognosis was bad after surgery I was sure I had done the wrong thing... but Maggie lived almost 4 years more and did not pass from mast cell cancer.  I finally realized by choosing amputation I had given her a chance, if I had not done it she certainly would have been gone a couple months after diagnosis.

It's nice to hear that your vet is taking input and making sure corrections are made in their practices. 

Definitely one day at a time- that's how dogs approach life anyway!

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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14
30 July 2020 - 9:57 pm
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You absolutely  have given Barkley the best chance  for extended  quality  time REFARDLESS of the grading.  Every dog is an individual and mot a "statistic".  Karen's "stubborn Pug Maggie" is a perfect example.  

Some bruising  usually shows up a day or so after surgery  and can be quite "colorfil".  Good idea to send a pic to your Vet though.

Did the Vet suggest giving  the Gabapentin  doses more frequently  than twelve hours?  I'd he appears to be  kind of restless, that could be a sign of pain.

We actually have brochures that are sent out to Clinics. 😎 When you can catch uour breath. send Jerry the address for your Vet and she'll get a handful out to them.  Thanks for  making  her aware of this community!  I, like everyone jere, could not have gotten through  this "joirney"  without the help of TRIPAWDS❤

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!

Member Since:
15 July 2020
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30 July 2020 - 10:09 pm
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Melanie and Barkey - holy holy, you are going through some major stuff and you're still standing. I'm so glad 48 hours is better than 24. I'm sorry the vet didn't give good medication instructions. We sadly had those issues too. Not much to add just I'm glad you're here <3

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