Hi all, sorry so much time elapsed b/w posts.

Before I forget, Susan asked where we live, We're in NJ about 15 mins east of Philly. Also re: his scapula; the whole leg was removed…I found this site when I was researching doggie-prosthetics . Some of the vets have tripawds too…just like the folks on this forum the vets said take it off & be done with it.

Gabapentin seemed to help a couple nights, but I became convinced the panting was related more to the itching from the healing-process & the hair growing back (staples are out). The biggest benefit seemed to be the sedative properties of the various meds, so we asked for a safe sedative that cold help Butchie sleep thru the night.

The gave us Acepromazine. At night he gets his antibiotics (Cephalexin), a Deramaxx & a 25 mg Ace (was told that dosage is actually a little low). He'll jostle around a few times but it's much better. Sometimes I still give him ice-cubes…he'll eat 3 or 4 the crash-out.

Butchie & his brother & sister (pitbulls) are still all on the same diet. I stop by the supermarket each night & grab one of those rotisserie-cooked chicken breasts, then cook-up ground burger or turkey, & drain/rinse. Lately I started adding some canned (chicken) dog-food just to add a little flavor. The diet is almost pure protein. I got Butchie's weight to 93 lbs last visit. The other two have lost weight as-well. I'm not throwin-away as much dog-food (they were over it) & they don't want snacks during the day.

All 3 have always slept most of the day, save for a few trips out mornings & lunchtime. When he goes out at night after dinner he gets truckin'! Seems to be building-up stamina & almost does the whole acre lap w/out rest.

I have told my vets about this page & how important it is for anyone helping their pets through this situation. There's nothing better than an online community to lean on. Vets know a lot, but we know our pets, & I've explained the forum is great for bridging the gap. I have felt much more prepared discussing treatment options as a result of this website, and I know the vets with busy rounds to make appreciate informed owners!

Ok..I'm off today but the dogs don't care…they're up. It's cold out there this week…in the mid to hi 30s. We have wild turkeys & deer across the street & the dogs are going nuts. Good thing we have a fence