Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Rhys & Breeze,
We have always considered Pam as one of our stalwarts and would consider her advice carefully. Cherry only stayed one night after surgery. When they call with the morning after update, I could hear her "talking" in the background (probably telling them to let her go home) and she was eating and moving well. She pulled the techs across the waiting room to get to us when we picked her up that afternoon, but by the next morning we were seeing a far different little girl. It is normal for them to be out of sorts during the very first days and not unusual for them to loose much of their appetite. With the holiday approaching quickly, you may want to act on Pam's suggestion quickly, but most of all hang-in-there. There will be ups and downs but the trend should be up. Enter what you are seeing now in a detailed journal to refer back to in a week as well as taking photos. Thank goodness for digital photography and the instant gradification.
As long as the pain-killers are in Breeze, you will probably see what you view as "unusual" behavior. The pain-killers are necessary and again consider Pam's suggestion to help with the pain associated with the severed nerves.
Paws Crossed and Sending Pawsitive Thoughts,
Bob & Cherry
Emily didn't do that but the first thing that came to mind is phantom pain . Breeze may be confused as to what is going on but she isn't crying because she misses her leg. Dogs live for the here and now. She just had major surgery and is on strong pain meds. I'd try to get gabepentin but other than that just give her some time. Remember to be positve in front of Breeze even if you have to go into the other room to cry. She is a pack animal and is looking to you for guidance. Good luck and prayers.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Another update.
Breeze came home Christmas eve, and made the best Christmas present ever. She seems to have stopped crying unless I pop out, then she hops around whining and crying. She seems off her food a bit so I have been tempting her with some left over turkey which she seems to love so I suppose as long as she eats something that's good huh?
So surprised to see the extend of the bruising after the operation, she is purple around the surgical site. As to be expected she is very quiet which is good as I'm scared of her falling, surprisingly though she seems quite good on three legs. The vet prescribed loads of cuddles which is what I'm doing. Sometime I seem to have second thoughts about all this but understand that most of this is due to the pain meds and going through such an big procedure.
Anyhow she seems to be doing well, lets hope she starts recovering soon.
Wishing you all a happy new year.
Breeze & Rhys
Yes, here's to a hoppy new year indeed! Sounds like Breeze is on the slow road to recovery. Best wishes for that speeding up. Thanks for the update.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
She will do lots of resting in the next couple of weeks. When she rests, you rest. You will find yourself up watching her sleep in the middle of the night. Do not fret, we all did this. We actually slept on the floor with Trouble for about a month.
So glad she's home. It makes a world of difference when we can watch them ourselves.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
parksey said:
as long as she eats something that's good huh?
Breeze & Rhys,
We are so very glad that Rhys is home (where she belongs), and while it may not be apparent to someone who has not seen the number that all those who have responded here have see, I would have to say the Rhys is doing well. Pretty much on schedule - if there is such a thing as a normal schedule when it come to this recover. Having had extreme problems with loss of appetite, I too adopted this motto but too much turkey can lead to pancreatitis. Cherry liked to drink vanilla flavored soy milk - the soy provided protine but did not sour like cow's milk. To help that even further, we moved to a generic Ensure - a full nutritional drink the many on chemotheapy use for nutrition (like my nephew.) As long as Rhys is eating willingly, you are way ahead of the battle.
The next few days may see some downs as well as ups, but do not dispair. I mention this not to be a scrooge, but rather to help prepare you in case it does come. Often, after returning home, our new TriPawds just want to rest until the painkillers are not needed and gone from the system.
Paws Crossed and Pawsitive Thoughts for continued good updates.
Bob & Cherry
Even a "good" recovery is a recovery. An amputation is major surgery so there are always issues related to it. It sounds like Breeze is doing well. It is a challenge but it gets better. Two weeks seems to be the magic number. It will get better and Breeze will be running and playing and you will know you did the right thing!
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Breeze & Rhys
I know things are pretty traumatic right now but things do get better. My Supai is 3 weeks post surgery and she is doing great. My wife and eye have realized the amputation was the best decision we made. Supai wants to go for walks and play fetch. She is living life instead of coping with pain. Each day Breeze will get stronger and before you know it he will be back to his happy little self.
Shaun & Supai
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