Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello
Homer is an 8 yr old yellow lab six days out from his front leg amputation for an ulnar sarcoma. He is doing fairly well and his incision is healing nicely and we are facing two issues. Maybe others here have experienced it:
1. Lethargy. I think it may be from excessive tramadol and we are going to taper back on that a while, as he doesn't seem to be in pain from the incision. A bit more wobbly later in the day, not great at going out to pee (in house which he hates) and his pooping schedule and habits are all way off.
2. Twice, including this afternoon, when he puts weight on the other front paw, he yelps. once, it was when he hopped from the grass to the driveway after a pee. Today, it was after lying around a while and then getting up. I know it will take time for his remaining arm to be stronger, but the yelping is of concern. I called the vet and they were not overly concerned that there was something bad happening, but I am curious if this has happened to any freshly post-op tripawds?
Thanks for any help. I am still not over hearing that awful scream 
Hi Homer and Family, welcome. We're so sorry you joined our club but we'll try to help make it as easy as possible for you.
The lethargy is to be expected. Being a front leg amputee is hard work and many dogs, especially larger ones, need extra recovery time and rest. It's good for him, but you're smart to stay on top of his behavior. You can try cutting back the Tram under your vet's supervision to see if that helps. Most dogs are off it at about 10 days post-op.
As for the yelping, it sounds like he could have pulled a muscle. Getting around as a new Tripawd takes time and practice and this happens to many new amputees. Try giving him gentle massage to see if that helps, here are some tips for learning how to massage your Tripawd. If it continues, definitely let your vet know and consider seeing a rehab vet to help his recovery go smoother. Hop over to Jerry's Required Reading List for some tips on finding a rehab vet.
Another thought: what is his weight like? If he's your typical yellow Lab I'm going to guess he really likes food? If he's overweight by even a pound (which is the equivalent of five on a human), that makes a big impact on his mobility. Keeping Tripawds slimmer than normal is most beneficial.
I hope this helps. Stay tuned for input from others. Your future posts won't need approval.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you, Jerry
I went ahead and massaged his remaining front scapula and the surrounding muscles and legs. Immediately, he began to wag his tail and lick me! He became more relaxed and happy. I will tell you that he is an unusual and wonderful lab - he doesn't lick nor does he like too much petting. So quirky I know but he is the best dog i have ever had!
He really seemed to like the rubbing, and became more relaxed so I suspect you are absolutely right! I did give him some good pressure to make sure he wasn't wincing and that is clear.
We will keep on it, and I am glad to hear that muscle pulls are common. That is why I posted here - the vet said add we could add more tramadol but I know that it is not related to his yelping, and I think we will all be happier for him to wean off (assuming he is comfortable of course).
He is getting his stitches out on Monday, and we hope to have the final pathology back for treatment planning. They aren't sure which type of sarcoma it is.
Back to the massage and thanks for the help - will update and get a pic too!
Hey! And Welcome to you and Homer!
My boy Domino went through a phase about 1-2 weeks after surgery where he would randomly yelp/scream. His ended up being soreness in his neck from moving differently and wasn't related to his incision. Like Rene said, it can be very common after a big surgery like that. My vet recommended adding Gabapentin to his medicine regimen if it worsened or didn't improve in a few days, but luckily we never had to add it. Sending well wishes Homer's way!!
Cassie and Domino
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)
Could he be experiencing phantom pain . We went through something like this with our present Tripawd. He also has hip Dysplasia so that is what vet said it was. After a few weeks on Metacam, and Gabapentin, he is fine. I am still thinking he had phantom pain or a strained muscle. I am with you on the yelp.The yelping was awful and heartbreaking. I know the hip problem is there, but I am not convinced that is what was causing his pain. As mentioned above, Gabapentin is great for that. I have also noticed that Daryl moves his muscles around his missing leg. TY never did that. So maybe, some dogs feel there more than others if that makes sense. Hoping he feels better soon. Once the first 2 weeks are over, you should start to see big improvements. Lori, Ty & gang
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Thank you!
Homer is on gabapentin, and we are scheduled to half the dose starting tomorrow. I will also pay some attention to his neck when I massage him. He won't mind!
Another thing he has been doing, and maybe someone has familiarity with this - he is licking his front paw like crazy. I wonder if it's sore although it looks and feels fine.
Ring a bell?
Hi Homer! You sound like a very special and well @oved boy!
You've already gotten great advice on the first" issue. As far as the paw licking, my Happy Hannah, a rear leg amp., constnatly licked her front paws and forearms for several weeks. I don't know if it was because her hair was growing back from where they had drawn blood, or whatever. Never did figure out the cause.
Can't wait to see some pictures of Homer..hint, hint!!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Thank you! I am getting errors trying to upload pictures, no privileges? When I can, I will post pics of my wonder dog!
Nixon strained his neck and remaining shoulder about a week after amputation. He screamed every time he stood up. I used home made gel ice packs on his neck and shoulder. Use quart size zip close baggies and put in 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and 2 cups of water. I would strongly suggest adding a bit of food coloring to it and write alcohol on the bag. Squeeze out excess air and freeze for 12 hours.
Always put a light towel down between the pack and your dog. Never put ice onfor more then 10 minutes or you will make things worse. A lot worse.
You can also do 10 minutes of heat first and then 10 minutes of ice if the injury is more than 3 days old. Again, no more than 10 minutes of each therapy or you will make things worse. Now, if your vet gives you different instructions, follow that but 10 minutes tends to be a golden rule. Twice a day should be great. For severe inflammation, you can do this every two or three hours but normally no more than 4 times a day.
homer630 said
Thank you! I am getting errors trying to upload pictures, no privileges? When I can, I will post pics of my wonder dog!
You have privileges but you need to have your photos hosted somewhere. Here are instructions for adding images to your posts. Let me know if that makes sense. Can't wait!
Glad the massage helped. The paw licking is often a sign of pain or irritation. Have you looked at his foot closely? Inbetween the toes? Sometimes pressure sores develop on front leg amps who are new to hopping around.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Can't seem to get that photo up. will try again!
Maybe direct link to start. Here is Homer the wonder dog.
Aww what a cutie!
Shutterfly won't let you embed photos anywhere other than Facebook, only allows you to post the link. To embed the images so we can see them here in your post you'll need to upload them to somewhere like Google drive, Photobucket, Flickr or your own Tripawds blog. Here are instructions for adding images . Let me know if you need help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Generally if you right click on an image and select "Copy Image URL" you can paste it into the little photograph icon that appears above the box where you write your post.
Don't give up, you can do it!
I'm in the chat room for a few minutes if you want help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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