Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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It’s been a little over three weeks since my pup’s front leg amputation. Im finally starting to see her perk up a bit. The biggest changes I’ve since since the amputation are , firstly her appetite. She barely eats. But I’ve also noticed that her bowel movements have drastically changed. Before the amputation she was a regular pooper at least twice a day. Now, she goes maybe every three days. I’ve seen many posts saying this is normal but it can’t be healthy right? Any thoughts or experience on this? She also used to love pumpkin and now she won’t eat it. So that won’t work. She is about to have her second chemo treatment on Jan 2 and I know that’s going to further affect her appetite and bowel movements for a few days too.
Glad to read that you're starting to see her up a little bit. Hopefully that will continue and you will see Zoey become herself more and more.
Is she still on any meds? As you know, with a dog , especially a 15-year-old dog, meds can mess with the appetite. How about her water intake, how is that?
Be sure and mention her loss of appetite to the onco. You should be able to get an appetite stimulant or, if she seems nauseous, some cerenia. You can ask the onco about lowering the dose of chemo, or even skipping it for a week, just to see if you can get her appetite.back.
You might try a refrigerated dog food called Fresh Pet.
Go to food when dogs won't eat anything else. Of course, try warm rotisserie chicken, maybe some cheesy bacon and eggs, some stinky liverwurst,... whatever it takes for now. Getting more food in her tummy may help her have more frequent bowels too.
Not eating much could make her have less frequent bowels. Maybe try some steam squash with a touch of butter. Does she appear to strain when she has the bowel movements? Do the stools look normal? Talk with your vet, but you may need to give her a little dose of Miralax to help move things along.
It's good to hear from you and to know that you are seeing some of her personality come back. I know it seems like forever since she had surgery, but really it's still early in recovery and especially for a senior dog.
Hang in there and let us know if any of these suggestions help. Others will chime in too offer there advice.
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!
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