Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Hoping for advice for those that have been here. Our 9 yr Golden had her front leg amputated 5 days ago. Much to my surprise she was doing GREAT up until yesterday. She walked, pooped, peed, eat, drink and was improving daily. We were so inspired by her resilience!
Yesterday she lost her energy and didn't eat breakfast, declined more through the day. I thought maybe she needed rest because she was doing so well. She didn't eat dinner or drink. This morning she peed in her bed and throw up a white form. She did start Coughing day 3 post op after she eat or drink anything.
I have a call into vet. Any advice from this those that have been through this stage? Worried she was doing surprisingly so well till yesterday.
Hi Jeannine,
First, good move by calling your vet, that was smart! While you wait, I will tell you that we see this happen quite often with new Tripawds so try not to panic OK? Usually what happens is a new Tripawd comes home in such good spirits that they end up doing too much activity, too soon after surgery. Then they end up being very tired after a few days, and in pain.
What was her activity level like before she had this slow down? A new Tripawd should not be doing anything more than going outside on leash to go potty, at least until stitches come out. They will want to do more but it's important to not allow more physical activity. We encourage interactive brain games to keep their minds busy (and this can be just as tiring as physical activity!).
The coughing may be unrelated and due to something totally separate, maybe allergies or that any antibiotic she is on is making her nauseated. Tell us, what kind of pain medication is she taking, what is the dose and how often? Usually once pain medication is adjusted, the new Tripawd ends up feeling better.
Right now the important thing is to make sure she rests, and stays hydrated. She may not feel like eating but try to get water into her. You can give her no sodium chicken broth, Gatorade or even the water from a can of tuna to tempt her into drinking.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for advice, Tripawds has been a lifesaver through this. She's on:
carprofen 75mg every 12hrs
gabapentin 300mg every 8-12 hrs
and an cefpodoxime antibiotic 1 a day.
I agree she was so happy that maybe she over did it, but after a day of rest she was worse this morning. Vet asked me to bring her in, to check on her airway since her breathing is off and test for infection. Hopefully just a bump in the road, it was going so smoothly till now. Thanks for advice.
Can only ditto everything Jerry said. Yes, we do see sort of a crash sometime several days out from amputation, for all the reasons Jerry said. So glad you're having the vet check her as it's probably something very simple like an irritation from the antibiotic, or even an irritation in her esophagus.
This is why we call recovery a roller coaster ride full of ups and downs. She'll be okay. Update us when you get back.
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!
Hi Jeannine,
It has been only a month since my Big Boy had his front leg amputated. By chance, do you remember the surgeon telling you of a wonderful cocktail that is injected into the area after the amputation? By day 4 - 10, they will be the hardest and it is all about pain management now. Koda Bear was the exact same way and to be fair, we would be the same too. I did a lot of hand feeding and mixing kibble with some organic canned dog food and kitty food. He would only eat a little at a time so I saved offering the food often just in case he wanted more.
Patience is the hardest for us parents, I was terrible because I was so anxious. I realized I needed to stop and just listen to what he was telling me. Together we navigated through uncharted territories and him taking the lead. Your precious moments of the past will soon come back. Progress is slow and very small but with each one is exhilarating to day the least.
If your State allows, CBD works wonders when it comes to anxiety in your dog. I gave my Rotti a little less than prescribed for him and it was just enough to knock the edge off and let him rest.
I also had to make him get up and go potty but his clues to me were some whining and crying which also meant he was either hungry or thirsty. I always started with the potty, then water then food.
Listen top what your dog is telling you and help where you can when they need help. Things are tough now but I promise they do get better just be patient.
I hope this helps. You made the right decision in helping your dog the way you did. Reconnecting as a team brings so many wonderful new adventures together as a family.
High Paws to ya!
Koda Bear and Catherine
Great input Sally and Katherine, thank you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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