Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi
My Tibetan terrier had his front leg amputated 16 days ago and since his original dislocation and bone chips ( 10 weeks ago) and more so since his op he has been very subdued.
He now can lie on his bed and not even bark at the doorbell and yesterday slept til 4pm. He looks vaguely at me and trembles when I take him on a small walk as the vet had recommended. This trembling continues for a while after we get back.
He was on tremodol but the vet suggested to take him off that at two weeks as he was so subdued and I couldn’t really even get him to drink.
once I lift him onto his paws he can manage a 5 minute walk and is eating and weeing fine but just seems to have lost all zest for life. I can understand that but is this normal and how long does if last. He is 10 years old.
Thanks
Hi and welcome! I wanted to get your post approved so others can chime in. On my phone now, back with feedback in an hour or so.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I hope you don't mind that I moved your post here, but it's just that your situation is so common that I'm betting we can help guide you and your pup onto the healing path.
First, what is your dog's name?
It's my best guess that he has untreated pain. What kind of pain medications did he receive when he came home from the hospital?
Also, how long are those short walks? Most of us here had to learn right away that what we considered "short" after amputation surgery, needed to be much shorter during recovery. Even when a Tripawd is completely healed and back in shape, shorter, more frequent walks of less than 20 minutes at a time are best.
Based on what you are describing, your dog's behavior sounds like common pain indicators in dogs. The lack of enthusiasm, trembling, especially.
The best thing you can do for him to help him get his zing back, is to have him evaluated by a canine rehabilitation therapist /physio practitioner. They can help figure out what is causing his pain, and show you exercises that can help him start feeling better. The best part is that the Tripawds Foundation may even pay for your first rehab visit . Follow the link to check it out.
In the meantime please visit our Tripawds e-books library and the Tripawds Gear blog for more tips about helping your dog in his new life on three legs.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi
Thank you so much for your reply. My dog is called Duffy and when he was sent home from hospital he was on 13ml of Loxicom and 100 mg of Gabapentin - twice a day (not sure why I mentioned tremedol in the earlier post - that was from a previous event. I must have got in a muddle but rest assured he has not had this this time round.) He stopped having these on day 14. He has had his front leg removed.We are now on day 17.
My vet advised that he should have 3 x 5 min walk this week, 3 x 10 min next week etc building up to 20 mins walk. Although we don't get very far I probably have been going for longer than that. I suppose I was worried that he would lose leg muscle in his good front leg but maybe I have pushed it too much.
Also should I support him in getting down steps - he can manage a small kerb but off the sofa and stairs have been a no. I have been lifting him as he is not keen to try - it must be quite scary for him. Do they manage coming downstairs again?
It is just so sad as his tail curls up when he is happy and most of the time it is down now (we are getting a few small wags.)
On his walk he is also sniffing far more than usual - an idea why?rnHow long should it be before they are completely back to there oldselves?
Thanks for the advice
Lizzie
lizziebizzie said
How long should it be before they are completely back to there old selves?
The amount of time it takes to adapt to the New Normal is different for every dog and depends on fitness level prior to amputation, the amount (and type) of exercise, proper rehab, weight management, and frequent conditioning, among other things. TIP Walks do not build strength, only endurance.
If you feel Duffy is having a difficult time bouncing back, moderate his activity and check out the starter exercises or download Loving Life On Three Legs for many more helpful tips and consider consulting with a CCRT or CCRP for a rehab evaluation and specific exercises to help him strengthen remaining limbs and stay strong. The Maggie Moo Fund for Tripawd Rehab can even pay for your first visit!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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