Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Kelsey came home day 4 post anp. which was this past Monday.
Yesterday I posted "how much is too much activity". Kelsey's mood was good, ...almost too good, and she seemed to be more active than I anticipated. Maybe she was just happy to be home. She rested well, but also went out a few times.
Today we had a hard day. She seems wobbly and panting on and off quite a bit.
She is taking Tramadol every 6 to 8 hours, and her antibiotics one a day.
From your experience is normal? Thank you,
Holly
Hi Holly,
It is not unusual for a pup to crash a few days after surgery or getting home. The good drugs from surgery are out of their system and the dermal patch has worn off (if she had one). Also, a few days of hopping really wears out a new Tripawd. She is probably tired and a bit sore from using new muscles. Our instructions from the surgeon was Maggie was only to walk for potty breaks and food, otherwise she should be resting.
Unfortunately, pain, and the side effects of pain meds look a lot alike. Many pups have trouble with tramadol- has she been on it before? Maggie got really agitated on tram, my other pugs have taken it without issue.
Be sure to keep your vet informed about how Kelsey is doing, sometimes an adjustment in pain med dose will calm things down.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hi Holly and Kelsey!
Just catching up on both of your posts.
This is still very, very early in recovery and ups and downs are pretty normal. Right now she needs rest and to just go out to potty.
How much does she weigh? It may be that she needs to increase her pain meds. A lot of dogs not only take Tramadol, but they also take Gabapentin, as well as an anti inflammatory like Rimadyl.
The first couple of days they still have hospital pain meds in their system, so they sometimes are more uncomfortble at this point.
And the Catch 22...panting can definitely be a sign of pain and it can also be a side effect of pain meds. It does sound like it could be pain and it could be painful to try and walk if she has over done it. We are not vets...do call your vet for his opinion.
Has Kelsey pooped yet? We celebrate anything around here!! She's eating, drinking okay?
Give your vet a call in the morning. Make sure he has no fever, etc. Check on increasing pain .eds and adding Gabapentin to the mix.
Perhaps some Greyhound pawrents will chime in. I know they can have issues breed specific.
You and Kelsey will get through this! The first two weeks are no picnic, that's for sure!
Stay connected! We are right here by your side! Please keep us updated snd TRY and get some rest!!
Sending healing energy and extra hugs to Kelsey!
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 for your kind thoughts and responses.
Today we started Deramaxx with the Tramadol. She had a significant amount of brusing and oozing while in the hospital, so we had to wait a bit to add the Deramaxx.
This morning has been pretty good. Ate, drank pooped and peed. Now resting, but she did give me a bit of a scare, as she was panting and shaking a bit, kind of like she was cold. I took her temp, and it was normal, 101.7, so that was good. Over the last two hours she has been resting comfortably, and napping.
My next quest, is how to make sure she is not licking the incision, and site. She has the "pro collar" and a cone. The pro collar is not good enough though as she can still reach.
Anyone have any other suggestions? I hate putting the cone on her, as she looks miserable with it, and struggles to get comfortable.
I'm glad she's doing so well. If the panting and shaking happens again, I would talk to your vet about adjusting the pain meds. Meanwhile you can also try some gentle massage to calm her, that often helps.
The cone of shame is tricky. How I wish there was a better way. Unfortunately options are limited. Our Wyatt got this cone from his vet, but it's hard to find. We haven't been able to track down anyone but vets who have it. He wears it with a cone of shame at night. And he says "please don't laugh at me, I was zonked out on drugs!"
Another idea: others have talked about an item called "The Surgi-Snuggly." We haven't tried it but it's an interesting option.
Here are other ideas:
Recovery Cone Alternative for Cats and Dogs
Cone of Shame Alternatives
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Generally, and I'm no vet, shaking, "shivering", panting, are signs of pain.
Is the co e a "soft" donut co e? Sometimes others nave had better l uck with thlse. .my Happy Hannah never needed one so we were lucky. ASo, perhaps wearing a tee shirt will help.
Glad to hear she's eating, drinking peeing and pooping! YAAAAAAAAAY FOR POOPING!!!! Al@ good signs!
Hang in tnere, she'll get her sparkle back soon! Recovery seems like it takes forever! Another weekish and you'll see firsthand!
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!
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