Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Bella
Just wanted to say that the first few weeks are tough, but it's amazing how fast they improve. It sounds like it's worth it to get a 2nd opinion. I would guess that Bellas level of anxiety was through the roof at the vets, especially if they recomended that she go home early. The sedatives are most likely precautionary, but maybe not as necessary once she calms down at home.
Lots of the blogs have great accounts of what to expect over the next few weeks and for years to come. Kess was on a similar amount of medication when she first got home and was pretty much just in a haze the first few days. She needed help to walk, I generally just stayed closed and supported her side while she walked. She fell down when she went potty for the first couple of days, but quickly learned how to place her paws to keep her balance. Two weeks later she was back to her old self and even running.
The Ace is good for keeping them calm, but we have found that different dogs react differently to it and have different tolerances. The infamous Codie Rae gets 1/2 of a 25 mg tab and it just takes the edge off of her. If we give the same amount to Smokey, he can hardly stand up. You might talk to the vet to see if adjusting the dosage is in order.
Ralph
After Sadie's surgery, she was on tramadol and rimadyl only. However, we did have to give her Ace in order to be groomed (both before and after her amp.) The one thing I noticed about it is that it made Sadie very "wobbly", and that's with 4 legs! So, I would imagine that it might have something to do with Bella falling down after a few steps (imagine being drunk and walking in high heels) Anyway, once she's drug-free, I'm sure her mobility and attitude will improve. I think the drugs are kind of a necessary evil. You want to stop them as soon as possible, but you want to make sure they rest enough and are not in too much pain. Good luck, we're all here for you.
Lisa
Sadie is my 9yr old Rott/Shepherd mix. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right scapula 1/28/10. Our brave girl had her amputation 2/13/10 and her last chemotherapy on 6/6/10. Unfortunately, a tumor appeared in her back right leg and on 10/7/2010 Sadie's earthly journey came to an end. On 10/24/2010 we adopted Ranger, a handsome Rott/Lab mix tripawd (got hit by a car) I think Sadie sent him to us.
http://ranger.t.....pawds.com/
I am with most of the crew and admin here. Sammy wanted to do more but the Tramadol kept him loopy enough that he just got up for potty breaks. I read that you said the vet wanted to treat the bladder infection at a later date. Is that because the two different antibiotics might interfere with each other?
I really do think it might be wise for you to just make a phone call and get a second opinion. By week two Sammy was moving and grooving and was about 60% back on track. That would be near impossible to do while being on tranquilizers!
Good luck and let us know how Bella is handling things 
Elizabeth
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
We're glad Bella is at home! Holly was on Tramadol and Deramaxx and an antibiotic (I think Clavamoxx) after her surgery. They took her off the antibiotic after 7 days since she had developed an upset stomach and they thought taking her off of that might help, and they could see she didn't have an infection. I'd agree with the rest of the non-vets here - it never hurts to get a second opinion. Rene - that's good to know that Univ of Colorado has a free help line! I'll tuck that away for the future in case I ever need it.
All dogs will heal at their own pace, and Bella will let you know what her pace is. Give her plenty of love, and be strong for her and she will amaze you. When Holly had her amputation I rented a bunch of movies and pulled out my knitting needles and sat on the floor with her beside me on her pillow and knit mittens for the family. I loved pulling those mittens out when it got cold a few weeks ago - another reminder of how far she's come! It seemed to help Holly that I was right with her, and calm (knitting does that for me) with nothing else I was worried about except her for a couple of days. She pretty much just rested and slept. Will Bella stay beside you if you have time to sit with her? - if she's not used to being confined that could add to her stress.
We're keeping all fingers and paws crossed for a smooth recovery for Bella. Those first few weeks are the toughest - especially for us humans.
Sending hugs,
Holly, Zuzu and Susan
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
Bella, how are you today? We hope you're feeling good and on the mend. Let us know oK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi,
We are here... and we all are doing much better. We took Bella off the acepromzaine the minute we got home.... She was not used to be in a cage and away from us and they decide to tranquilzer her.. but she is the most calm dog and we just felt it was messing her up. And by the next morning Bella did a complete turn around. Sitting up, awake.. walked around with a just a little help etc... We are now walking on are own.. eating and drinking normally. I hope and pray each day gets a little better... The only problem is that at times she pants very hard for no reason.. and I am not sure if she is in pain or what the problem is. Otherwise then that all is moving on the right track. Just waiting to get the go ahead hopefully next week to start Chemo treatments..
Working on getting her weight down to help her out..
Thanks for checking in on you... and for all the great advice i have read about here:)
Cooper panted an extra lot after he came home - I think the pain medicine had something to do with it, and it may be a little pain related too. His panting went way down after he was off all meds.
Coopsdad
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
P.S - I am sure she will do better and better each day, but dont be surprised if she has a day or two that she seems to slow down, I think as Cooper developed new muscles, he also got sore - like when you work out too hard your muscles hurt? And he slowed down a bit but then he perked right back up as those muscles adjusted. It is great to hear that Bella is doing well!
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
Oh! That's wonderful news!
I know other's know better than I but the panting is normal. Between the tramadol and the massive amount of inflammation she has right now - it's normal (inflammation will make you very hot). You may want to try a fan on her or something frozen to lick on (like frozen chicken broth, salmon broth, tuna broth, ect...)
If she is eating and drinking normal, the I say try not to worry.
Hopping and Hoping for a speedy recovery!
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.
Hope you're feeling better today Bella. I'm always 100% behind 2nd opinions on meds/dosage etc- even if its only chatting to another vet at the same practice, it all helps & they all vary slightly (some hugely!). We are sending you positive vibes from accross the pond.
Get well soon Bella!
Spirit Ragleys Mum
Way to go Bella. I'm so happy that you are feeling better. I think the panting is probably normal for the most part. They are having to exert a lot more energy and then you have all the medications. Fortis panted a lot in the beginning as well. It does help to trim some pounds. Fortis didn't need to lose weight per se but the vet said it couldn't hurt to trim a few pounds. I think it made a big difference. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way.
Fortis'Dad
You have already gotten fantastic advice so I will only agree that things should get better. I was amazed that one day Ruthie suddenly did a complete turn around and was her old self again. The vet thought they would have to come out to the car to help bring her in for her staple removal...but she trotted into the hospital amazing them all. So stay strong.
Angel Ruthie's Mom & puppy Tess
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