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Connor's story for those who asked yesterday- and need advise please! 2 days post-op
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tigerbear
1
24 April 2010 - 7:07 pm
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Connor's story- He decided to jump out of a truck while we were driving when he was 1. He did not break anything & was amazingly healthy, except for hyperextending his shoulder. This was 3 years ago. After 5 vets said to amputate the leg, which he was holding to his chest, I found a 6th vet who did chiropractic treatment & meds. 6 mo after the accident- he started walking again! We were so happy we'd decided to keep him whole. But, with all the nerve damage he suffered, he's been trying to chew his foot off ever since. He's been through countless E collars, muzzles, meds, a total of 7 vets, amputation of a toe he chewed to the bone, and you can guess how much money. Now we have a baby coming and we couldnt afford to keep trying to stop this cycle. And his new xrays show that his remaining toes & wrist are all full of arthritis. So we went through with the surgery. It was on Thursday. It was estimated to take an hour & a half, but took 3 hours. The vet said it was a very difficult surgery as his shoulder muscles were so damaged and hard from all this time, it was hard to get to all the vessels. The tech made it sound like there were a few times they could've lost him. That night was AWFUL, so scary! He cried all night. But Friday by noontime, you'd think nothing had happened. He thinks he's perfectly fine. Including trying to chase other dogs, cats, squirrels, etc. Its hard to keep him calm. I'm doing my best as my fiance is gone already as we are moving in a month to another state. One minute yesterday he's hobbling along looking weak & tired, the next he's off after a squirrel. A visual for your enjoyment- I'm 7 months preggo chasing my newly 3-legged dog as he chases a squirrel. Thankfully, it wasnt too far to a tree & the chase came to a stop. Aside from the funny visual of that, I know keeping him quiet is so important. I noticed a few hours ago, he's getting a little pooch on his tummy from under the pressure bandage. It feels like maybe fluid. There is no evidence of leakage from the bandage, he's not whimpering, and he looks perfectly fine. I'm wondering, is this a normal thing? My vet is closed til Monday now, and his appt isnt til late Mon afternoon. Did anyone else get swelling from around the bandage?

Madison, WI
Member Since:
5 December 2009
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24 April 2010 - 8:04 pm
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Sounds like a seroma (right other tripawd veterans?).  Neither of my boys had much of one, but they are common after an amputation and there should be many more people who can speak from experience.  I think Yoda's (my first tripawd's) orthopedic surgeon had recommended a warm compress for those, but better not take my word for it, since that was almost a year ago.  Try entering "seroma " into the search.  As long as I've got the right name and spelling, I know there have been plenty of posts about those. 

Of course we always find things to worry about when the vet is closed, right?  Argh!  But like I said, sounds like a familiar post-amputation phenomena that shouldn't do Connor any harm.

I don't have any real good tips on keeping them calm, besides the obvious of keeping the trips outside short and only for the sake of going potty.  Hopefully he'll tucker out.  It's not too unusual for them to be more peppy than you want them to be for a few days and then to see them somewhat crash energy-wise.  Which, as long as there aren't any other concerning signs, is good!  If he wants to sleep all day, it's a good thing, even if it is a big surprise when it finally happens.  If he's drinking and eating and such, don't worry about that.  Of course, now that I've said this, he'll probably stay peppy throughout the two weeks and you'll be like, "What was GerrysMom talking about?!"  It can really vary from dog to dog. 

Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.

He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.

Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com

tigerbear
3
24 April 2010 - 8:22 pm
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Thank you gerrysmom! I will look that up

Madison, WI
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5 December 2009
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24 April 2010 - 8:32 pm
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Wow - there may actually be too many to sort through if you do a search.  I was just looking myself.  This was is pretty to the point: http://tripawds.....38;ret=all

I hope it helps!

Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.

He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.

Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com

Member Since:
10 March 2010
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24 April 2010 - 8:44 pm
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Does sound like a seroma ....Magic did NOT have one in the first two weeks, then developed one and his vet prefers NOT to puncture them but to allow it to gradually reabsorb.  It is now open to the air and reabsorbing quite nicely....I tell him he has a man boob.  Boy you folks reallly did go the extra mile!!  AND YOU BE CAREFUL...NO CHASING HIM .... You have someone else on board to consiider lol!!!!  Does he behave on a leash??  Maybe you could restrict his movements that way...My guy is 11 so I don't have the youthful energy to contend with, although I think he has romped more since losing his leg than before!!

 

Keep us posted

tigerbear
6
24 April 2010 - 8:53 pm
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No, krispikritter he doesnt listen too well. He & his sister (71 lb chow/black lab) both listen to their dad completely, but do not behave very well for me. Their dad's been in DE since December & they've been acting out since he left. Connor is not great on the leash, but since he can still outrun me apparently, I've been using it. Today, when I told him to 'stay' because we spotted a cat, he decided to stand right up on his hind legs and try to pull me like that. What a crazy dog. I'm worried his great attitude and energy are too good to be true so soon. I've been reading prior posts (thanks gerrysmom!) and am seeing it can be common to have some good/some bad days? I was hoping we were just lucky & he was just a miracle pup, but I guess I should be cautiously optimistic. What about this phantom pain ? How do you know if it's real or not? Do you just cuddle til they settle down?

Member Since:
10 March 2010
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24 April 2010 - 9:16 pm
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Thank the good Lord Magic did not have the phantom pain but I know there are kids on here who did...someone will certainly chime in...You just be very very careful, he sounds like an active boy (and you probably can't say "you just wait til your daddy gets home")

Member Since:
27 February 2010
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24 April 2010 - 9:39 pm
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Hi Connor's mom; 

I believe it's very common to get the "pouch" after surgery such as an amputation - because there is space inside the body where there used to be tissue. Fluid gathers there - gravity, of course pulls the fluid so it hangs like a "boob". The body will reabsorb the fluid eventually - but it is a good idea to check with your vet, particularly if it is oozing. A warm compress is also a good idea - as Gerry's mom mentioned. 

Sounds like Connor is a very active fellow. Our canine friends don't understand the need to "rest and recuperate". We have to impose that on them for their own good - and often at the expense of our own patience ! If your dog is having phantom pain - I would suggest that you ask your vet for pain meds, or stronger pain meds, for at least a few days. It might make him a bit stoned - but would help to get through the first few days. The first two weeks really are the hardest - as you will read in many, many posts. Dogs recover amazingly quickly.

Hang in there ! And take care of yourself - congratulations on the baby ! 

Tana and Sophie

 

 

Sophie (1998 – 2010)

"Going Dog" def: living every day in the moment

"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."

–Unknown

Madison, WI
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5 December 2009
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24 April 2010 - 10:20 pm
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I'm no expert, but I have, unfortunately, had experience with phantom pain (probably).  Generally when Pam (or someone's own vet) agrees that a dog is probably experiencing phantom pain , it's because someone is describing their dog as crying out suddenly and heartbreakingly.  It's usually pretty terrifying for the humans, and can't be too great for the pup either.  Here's what I saw with my tripawds:

Yoda would high-pitch cry/squeal for maybe 20 seconds (maybe less, but still much too long).  Gerry would generally just do one abrupt cry and look scared for a bit after, like he didn't know what bit him.  For Yoda though, his episodes peaked after maybe three days, then very quickly became less frequent and were gone altogether probably after five days total.  Gerry's though lasted over a much longer period, maybe most of his two-week recovery, though they never came as frequently nor did the episodes seem to last as long as Yoda's.  I was fostering Gerry at the time though and couldn't convince the shelter people and their vet (at least not at the same time) that Gerry hand phantom pain and that it might be treatable (with gabapentin).  Argh!  Pam has recommended gabapentin for phantom limb pain and I know other pawrents have used it with success.  Phantom limb pain won't necessarily be gone in just a few days like it was for Yoda.  I've read that some dogs can have it for much longer.  So if you're concerned Connor is experiencing phantom limb pain, I'd start nagging your vet asap that you want to try gabapentin to see if it helps Connor, since some vets need convincing.  Trying to ride these episodes out is just way more stress than you all need during the recovery period.

If you're not sure if it's phantom limb pain or not, I'd search for posts on it and/or post in the Ask A Vet! forum. 

Oh, and of course you might have a really great vet who already knows phantom limb pain can happen in dogs and can be treated, in which case asking him/her could help you determine if Connor is experiencing it would probably be the best.

Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.

He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.

Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com

Wesley Chapel, FL
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13 September 2009
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25 April 2010 - 6:23 pm
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Hi Connor's Mom,

So is Connor just  had his surgery this past Thursday and is on pain meds and they haven't slowed him down one bit? That is one tough doggie, for sure!! oh-my I just got an image of a pregnant woman being dragged around by a 3-legged dog! laughing OK, it sounds pretty funny... but you should definitely be careful with your tummy and all...

It definitely sounds like he's developed a seroma ... as several other folks here already mentioned. I wouldn't worry about it too much and then just call your vet on Monday.

My Jake had a pressure bandage after his surgery... and luckily never developed any extra 'man boobs' around his bandage... The way he was wrapped, he had alot of extra padding in the bandage right over the incision, which acted like a wick and soaked up all the draining fluids. He had his bandages changed 3 days post op, and there was alot of fluid that had come out in the bandage...After about a week, the bandages were removed permanently, and he only had a little bit of oozing for a few days after... Every dog is a bit different, and different vets will wrap the incision site differently... some don't even wrap it at all. Just make sure there is no funky smell coming out of that area... which would mean something may be infected.

Keep us posted on Connor's progress... and let us know what his vet tells you about his new man boobie! cool

Angel Jake's Mom

 

Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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25 April 2010 - 10:08 pm
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Oooh, Connor, so glad you made it through that surgery. You're amazing!

Sorry my pawrents have been such slackers responding to your questions, they've been away this weekend. But as you can see, our Tripawd families here have great advice. Thanks so much everypawdy for sharing your expertise!!!

Here are two posts that might help you:

Phantom Limb Pain in Tripawd Dogs

Dog Leg Amputation Seromas: What You Need to Know

Good luck, and of course let us know how else we can help OK?

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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1 January 2010
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26 April 2010 - 6:44 am
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Holly didn't develop seromas, so we can't help out there.  She did have some episodes like Gerry's mom described - where she would jump up and try to run like someone had just spooked her (or, as Gerry's mom described - like she had been bit).  That lasted about 3 days... but it was primarily over New Year's weekend so by the time the vet was open again she was pretty much past that.  From all the posts I read about it, gabapentin seems to be the drug to request with phantom limb pain.

Connor sure sounds active!  I know it's probably not going to be something HE wants to try, but have you thought of trying a Gentle Leader to control him while out on leash?  I think admin has a video of Jerry wearing one... maybe you could search for Gentle Leader?  We used to use one with Holly and it amazed me how quickly she stopped pulling on the leash.  And the visual image of a squirrel being chased by a tripawd who's chased by a pregnant woman is hilarious - and shows you have a great sense of humor!smile

C'mon Connor - cut your mom a break and take a nap!! winker  He sounds like he's doing great so far - but be prepared in case he goes through a few downs.  He'll be through recovery before you know it!!

Hugs, 
Holly and Holly's mom 

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

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14 April 2010
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26 April 2010 - 6:48 am
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Our vet made the comment to try and keep Gus from being to active, as fluid buildup could be an issue, and if to much fluid gathered, drains might have to be put in. When Gus was feeling good, very active was normal, and being three weeks out this wednsday, he is probably 95% back to that. Those first 2 weeks he pretty much was laid back on his own. We are still dealing with some phantom pain I think. Mild cries that last only a couple seconds, with a little stronger one once in a while, maybe stirs once or twice through the night but we are actually having pretty good nights lately. I tried to see if he could do without meds, don't think he was ready for it yet, so we have him on gabapentin and I think it is helping quite a bit. Those first 2 weeks are pretty much a roller coaster, so just hang on for the ride. When Gus did, or does have phantom pain spells, I  would pet him and try to calm him, seemed to help, but the spells usually don't last very long, but the first few times will send chills down your spine, especially at 3:30 in the morning!!! Welcome to the family, this is a great group you have come into, you will find alot of help and comfort here.

My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010

On The Road


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26 April 2010 - 10:45 am
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tigerbear said:

...it can be common to have some good/some bad days?

Recovery is indeed a roller coaster. Phantom pain is real, though it can often be confused with many of the side effects common to most pain meds for dogs. This free report in the Tripawds Downloads blog includes Tips for Managing Phantom Limb Pain in Dogs.

You might also find our recent three part video interview with California Animal Rehab helpful when it comes to phantom pain , medications, and exercises during and after amputation recovery.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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