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Constipation and intermittent pain?
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Madison, WI
Member Since:
14 June 2009
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14 June 2009 - 5:23 pm
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Hi all.  My dog Yoda was diagnosed with osteosarcoma about a week and a half ago and his front right leg was amputated 9 days ago.  He's been getting around great from the start - lucky us.   He's a probable Doberman mix (perhaps Doberman/Lab), about 6 years old.  I got him 3 years ago from the Humane Society.  The meds gave him a lot of anxiety for the first two days after he came home (4 days after the surgery) and he was vocalizing alot (Wow, that was only two days??  Sure didn't feel like it). 

I have two remaining concerns, though, and I'll probably post to the "ask a vet" forum too.  From the beginning his bowel movements have been really far apart - 24 to 36 hours and more towards the 36.  I'm used to him pooping twice a day, occasionally even three.  I understand that after anesthesia and while on Fenytal, constipation isn't unusual.  I was told once the Fenytal patch was off, the constipation should clear up. It's been four days without the patch and I haven't seen a change.  I called in again and they said to try giving him chicken and rice (I've been adding water too).  I started him on that last night, and, so far, no change.

On top of this, probably making me more anxious about how long this constipation is lasting, is that he's been having brief episodes where he cries out/whines in pain - I'm pretty sure.  This started 5 days after his surgery, the morning before he got the Fenytal patch off.  The first two or three times (that I know of) were early in the morning (like between 3am and 6am) while he was in bed.  I think every time has been while he's been in his bed.  They've gradually become more frequent.  Today it's happened three times.  He appears to be trying to shift his position in bed, then he seems to get stuck in a partial or full sit position and then he'll whine and shift for a bit like he wants to lie down but can't.  Finally he will, usually with a groan and/or whine and then he'll just stay down.  He's just on Rimadyl right now.  Maybe the pain is from the constipation?

By the way, maybe I have three concerns really, is it still normal for him to be lethargic?  It's 9 days after the surgery.  Comparatively, he didn't rest that much the first few days he was home, because he was so anxious.  Mabye he's making up for lost time?

I will try again to get new advice from the vet school where he's being treated, but the  last couple times I called, getting answers was like pulling teeth.  And, maybe I am over-reacting, because his appetite is good, he goes outside to do or attempt his business and gets around fine, urination seems normal, and his pain (if that's what it is) seems brief.  He lays on his incision most of the time, by the way, so it's hard to imagine that it's a painful area.

Okay, does this sound familiar to anyone?  Meanwhile I'm going to keep searching the site for more helpful info.  Thanks to everyone for their contributions, especially Jerry and his pawrents, of course!

Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide

Mesa, AZ
Member Since:
27 April 2009
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14 June 2009 - 6:15 pm
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Hi Yodasmom & Yoda,  my dog Chuy didn't have amputation surgery when I joined (he was already a tripawd) but he did have FHO surgery which constipated him.  He didn't poop for 5 days after the surgery!  After that it was intermittent for the first couple of weeks.  Now he's pretty regular albeit once a day instead of twice, but that's better than none!  As for the the lethargy, Yoda may have been active from the Fenatyl patch, it does that to some dogs.  It may be that Yoda is just making up for lost time and resting now.  Let Yoda rest when he wants to and be active when he wants to.  Just don't let him overdo the activity.  He may want to rest for another week or so, every dog is different.  Chuy didn't become active for 3 weeks. 

As for the whining, it could be phantom pain now.  That should subside as time goes by.  If he's laying on the side where the amputation was it may be that the ground is cool and relieves some of the minor pain he is having.  It feels good to him.  Give him time and space, he'll come around.

Keep us posted on Yoda's progress.

Eleanor (ex-vet tech) & Chuy

Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!

Chuy's Short Stories

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
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14 June 2009 - 7:33 pm
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If you seach through past posts, you will find more than a few that talk about 'poop apprehension'.  It really doesn't involve the dog, it pretty much is a human reaction.Winker  Not at all uncommon after surgery.  During the healing period, some of them do sleep a lot.  Trouble did, and still tires easily after 7 months, but she otherwise is healthy and happy.

Wishing Yoda a speedy recovery.

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.

Madison, WI
Member Since:
14 June 2009
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14 June 2009 - 10:27 pm
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Thanks Eleanor & Chuy, Shanna & Trouble!  It's so much harder to rein in my hypochondriac tendencies (on Yoda's behalf) these days.  Yoda was limping for over two months before his regular vet found the tumor in his foreleg.  She thought it was just tendonitis or a calcification in his shoulder.  Coincidentally, I had seen Jerry's story on PBS not too long before, so bone cancer was always in the back of my mind.  Thanks so much for your reassurances!  Yoda especially, I'm sure, is grateful that you came to my rescue so soon.Laughing

I'm sure I'll be around the site lots to learn, so I'll probably be back with an update later on too and pictures!

Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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15 June 2009 - 9:52 am
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Hi YodasMom! Thanks for joining the discussion. This article about post amputation phantom limb pain in dogs may be helpful for dealing with the sudden outbursts.

Yoda may be lethargic until he is completely off the pain meds and regaining his strength. The constipation could also just be him not wanting to go until he absolutely has to since he may not quite have the hang of it. He'll get it though, all in good time.

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

6
25 June 2011 - 3:21 pm
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My dog Bentley had his right hind led amputated this last Tuesday.... He's having a hard time getting around and has not pooped yet??? He is a very fit 90 lb. Golden retriever. He is on tramadole and not sure if I should do something about the constipation?

Member Since:
13 June 2011
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26 June 2011 - 12:54 pm
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Bentley-My dog Bo did not go #2 until the 4th day after surgery. Our vet said that his was pretty normal, especially since he wasn't eating much before or after surgery. How is Bentley eating?

Member Since:
19 June 2011
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26 June 2011 - 1:06 pm
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bentley said:

My dog Bentley had his right hind led amputated this last Tuesday.... He's having a hard time getting around and has not pooped yet??? He is a very fit 90 lb. Golden retriever. He is on tramadole and not sure if I should do something about the constipation?

 

My golden, Hope, had her front paw amputated on June 17.  It did take her a couple of days to poop, though she eat a lot of fruit, shich she loves.  My problem was she didn't pee for two or more days!  The doctor said that tramadol has a lot to do with their bodily functions, along with the worry and confusion of their new condition.  If I were you, I would give your dog some plain canned pumpkin (NOT canned pumpkin pie mix), which for some reason, helps dogs that are both constipated and having diahrrea.  That's what I have always used and it always helps.  I would give Bently a couple of tablesploon with his food, to start with.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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26 June 2011 - 4:00 pm
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bentley said:

My dog Bentley had his right hind led amputated this last Tuesday.... He's having a hard time getting around and has not pooped yet??? He is a very fit 90 lb. Golden retriever. He is on tramadole and not sure if I should do something about the constipation?

 

Bentley, that's gotta hurt! Poor guy. Hope you've been by now.

What do you mean by he's having a hard time getting around?

Yes, pain meds to slow down the intestinal system and it happens to a LOT of Tripawds. There are lots of things you can do to move things along, here are a few ideas.

http://tripawds.....e-bathroom

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

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