Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Thanks everyone for being patient with my many questions. I want to learn so much about Barley before I bring him home [adopting]. http://butterflykick.blogspot.com/2012/06/barley.html I've mentioned that I'm a nurse, and of course, I've had several human patients undergo amputations and report the phantom limb pain. I know this is a true phenomenon, because I had my front tooth broken [by a dog no less!] and although the endodontist removed the root, nerves, and implanted a prosthetic, and he tells me it's impossible for my tooth to hurt, IT DOES.
So I wonder, have any of you ever sensed that your dogs missing limb seems to cause pain? Do they have nerve pain around the suture site years after it has healed? If this can happen in humans, it seems reasonable for dogs. How do you help your dog?
Thanks!
Yes they have phantom pains. I dont know about pain at suture site years later.My bitty just had her 5 week ampuversary last Friday. I had to put an ice pack on the site to help with the pain.
Sammy had phantom pain and it was truly scary when he would suddenly cry out. Sometimes he screamed in anticipation of movement — perhaps remaining muscles or nerves receiving brain messages they didn't know what to do with.
Luckily, it only lasted a few weeks.n How long has Barley been a tripawd?
Beth, Spirit Smilin' Sammy and MB Wiggly Wrigley
Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.
We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.
Some dogs to have phantom pain , but it is usually not a permanent thing. Our vet told us it is just while the muscles and nerves are healing and forming new connections, etc. If his amp was Jan., I doubt that you will experience this.
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Search these forums or the blogs and you will find much discussion about phantom limb pain in dogs. Here are a couple of our most informative posts:
Video: Phantom Limb Pain and Other Common Post-Amputation Complications
Download: Tips for Managing Phantom Limb Pain in Dogs
Forum Topic: tips for managing phantom limb pain in dogs
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
While we didnt have many problems with phantom pain Kayla had and still seems to have a phantom itch -she scratches at what would have been her front leg. You cant help but giggle when she does it even now it just looks ridiculous she just sits there with her back leg scratching thin air 🙂
dont worry about asking questions - we all did it!! good on you for wanting to know as much as you can
Sarah
That's kinda cute! I hope her little itches go away. I just read that the Gabapentin medicine [AKA Neurontin] seems to help with the twitchy feelings. I don't know how much it is as a Veterinary grade medicine, or how it works in NZ, but I take it for similar stinging/itching [mine caused by some nerve damage from a seizure] and it has helped a good amount at a pretty low cost.
I know dogs metabolize drugs differently, but the articles seem to confirm that it has a similar effect for canines.
kungfunurse said
I don't know how much it is as a Veterinary grade medicine...
In the video we linked to above, Dr. Pam discusses the use of Gabapentin to control phantom limb pain in dogs.
Just beware that liquid Gabapentin and the human prescription can contain Xylitol which is toxic to dogs.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We have lots of info here about Gabapentin, just search the Forums for more info about how it helps with phantom limb pain.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
admin said
kungfunurse said
I don't know how much it is as a Veterinary grade medicine...In the video we linked to above, Dr. Pam discusses the use of Gabapentin to control phantom limb pain in dogs.
Just beware that liquid Gabapentin and the human prescription can contain Xylitol which is toxic to dogs.
Good info! Thanks!
jerry said
We have lots of info here about Gabapentin, just search the Forums for more info about how it helps with phantom limb pain.
Will do! Thx
Hi all, I am new to this site.
Our doggie had his op about 4 weeks ago and in the last week he has been howling in so much pain. I have taken him to the vet twice and they cannot seem to find anything wrong with him. Last night he was howling so loud I tried to calm him down and he bit me, he is obviously in so much pain.
I have no idea if he has phantom limb pain or not... I finally got a video of him today but not sure how to upload it on here. Perhaps if anyone thinks they could identify phantom limb pain I could email it to you?
I am so worried about him, it upsets me so much to see him in so much pain. After the vet examined him for a second time and again could not find a problem with him they gave me some pain killers to give him for a few days to see if they help.
Yesterday he had 8 episodes.... luckily today only one so far.
Please send me your email address if you would like to watch the video and think you could figure it out.
Thank you.
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