Thanks all!  Yes, I’ve been assisting him but it’s like he may miss his footing or has a leg cramp that causes a balance issue and then he’s upset and panics trying to catch himself?  It’s really hard to explain and the vet was unsure about it all this morning too.  She’s really happy with his incision so at least that’s going well.  She gave me a rehab suggestion which is near the oncologist we’re seeing next Thursday so I’ll see if we can get in there.  He’s on Gabapentin and Rimadyl and she sent us home with tramadol in the event I feel he’s in pain but these episodes seem to be connected to getting up after sleeping for some time and really feel like panic and not pain.  He slept well last night - was able to keep him in his bed from 9pm until 730am!  So I’m doing better about restricting him to his bed.

He’s eating and drinking great; in fact he’s almost ravenous!  Vet said the Gabapentin could be giving him a little but of the munchies.  I’m holding back on the treats to ensure he doesn’t gain weight but it’s hard.  He’s doing his business pretty regularly now and figured that out fast but you can tell he is not happy about squatting instead of lifting his leg!  Dominant little guy would mark on everything on our walks but now we have a new normal.   Oh, and we’re in northern virginia and have been dealing with subzero weather, snow and ice all week so it’s been pretty tough on both of us!  Lovely timing but we have a warm up coming this week.

Thanks for all the suggestions and guidance!

-Kim & Griffin

Jerry - thanks for 

mrgandme said
We have a weather warm up but now a mud pit for a yard!    We had a pretty good day today as we hit one week post-amp.  I added tramadol to his regimen on Sunday and I think that helped.  He still had another "episode" this morning but they seem to be happening less often now.  More of his personality returned today.  He's the smartest dog I've ever known so he's doing pretty well figuring things out.  He continues to be frustrated he is stuck in one room and can't run in the backyard and explore - working dog wants to patrol his property!  Biopsy should be back tomorrow or next day; oncologist appointment Thursday. Big week again.  Rehab folks won't see him until sutures are out; oncologist may do that for us Thursday.  If not, we'll see vet Monday for that. 

I am tired.

Thanks for all the support and advice! 

-Kim

  

jerry said
Kim I'm so glad you were able to get in to see the vet. On a Sunday even, nice! And I"m thrilled you got a referral to rehab for him. Don't forget to take advantage of our reimbursement program.

When it comes to how he shows pain, there is a condition known as "hyperalgesia." I'm wondering if this might be the issue. You can read about it here but in short:

The first and most difficult to manage is the development of something called hyperalgesia—an increased sensitivity to pain—that is the result of enduring, untreated pain conditions.

Let’s take a look at the hyperalgesia first. The spinal cord can respond to a constant barrage of pain signals by actually increasing its sensitivity to incoming pain signals and by recruiting non-pain-sensing nerve fibers, such as those used for touch, and turning them into pain fibers as well. These changes can become permanent if not treated, and maybe even if they are treated.

Of course the rehab therapist can pinpoint the issue, and we will be curious to find out what they diagnose. I hope you can get in quickly! 

Stay warm over there, that weather looks soooo brutal.

  

jerry - thanks for the post!  we are now leaning towards myofascial pain syndrome.  Adding amantadine to his pain management drugs.  Sigh.  and, looking for holistic vet and neighbor has recommended one that did acupuncture for her lab.  The episodes are random but i was clearly wrong about pain vs panic and now feel awful!