Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone,
Loa is 8 weeks out from her amputation and doing so well. She's started whining in the middle of the night though--she sleeps in our bed, and I can't figure out what is bothering her. My husband thinks that maybe she gets sore from lying in the same spot for too long (she doesn't seem to be too fond of getting up and turning over once she goes to bed). I never hear her whine like this during the day, and I hate to think that she is uncomfortable. She whines loudly enough to wake me up, I pet her for a bit, we both go back to sleep, and then it starts up again.
Thanks for any input!
Mel
Hmmm, that's a tough one. Does this happen every night? Is it concurrent with a certain type of activity (or level of activity she has) throughout the day? How do you react when she wakes you up? And what makes her stop whining?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Is she on any pain medicine? I remember Lily almost screaming-really loud whimpering (it was awful) sometimes once or twice a day for almost 4 weeks after amp. It would come at random times, and we would all come running. As soon as we took her off one of the pain medicines she was on it stopped. I wish I could remember which medicine it was, but I know it was a pain medicine. Could one of her meds be causing it?
Hoping it stops soon,
Joan
Our beautiful Lily was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front leg on 12/14/11 at age 8 and had amp on 12/16/11. She completed 5 rounds of carbo. She was so brave and kicked cancer's butt daily! She lived life fully for 4 years, 3 months, and 15 days after her amp. My angel is a warrior princess. I miss her so much.
This happened with Magnum a bit as well. Sometimes I thought it was due to pain (and maybe even due to chemo??) but then there were other times I think it was attention seeking and tended to coincide with her not getting enough exercise/stimulation. BUT it was really hard to tell. Sorry, I'm not being very helpful! It's a tough one.
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
Thanks, everyone!
She hasn't been on pain meds since week 3, I think. She gets about the same level of activity every day, though some days we do a bit more or a bit less...maybe it is attention-seeking, but that would be very atypical from her pre-amputation self. If I scratch her behind the ears for a bit it stops. Last night she finally stopped for the night when she snuggled up against my legs--I almost wonder if she needs a pillow or a rolled up blanket or something to lie against for support.
We are trying hard to stay positive about her quality of life--we are not doing chemo but she really does seem so content and happy 99% of the time. It's hard to believe the cancer is causing her more pain already, but I suppose it's possible.
I'll keep trying to find a pattern and will update here. Really appreciate all your input--and any more thoughts would of course be welcome!
More whining last night, so we called the vet this morning. He's sort of at a loss, too, but suggests phantom limb pain as a cause of the whining. So Loa will be on Gabapentin again for the next two weeks--hope it helps! Thanks again for all the input.
You know that sounds sensible I think. I mean I remember that nighttimes tended to be worst for me, it was like all of the day's activity would catch up and I would often be really, really tired. Maybe her nerves just can't settle down so the phantom pain is worse at night?
I hope it helps. Let us know how it goes. Remember to ask your vet about potential side effects to watch out for, just in case.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks much, Jerry. I hope it helps, too! At the moment relieved we are not back on Tramadol 
I just wanted to follow up and say that the Gabapentin has helped a great deal--no more whining at night. Not sure how much longer she'll be on it. Loa is doing pawsome and we are excited to celebrate her two-month ampuversary next week!
Loa sounds like she is doing better. That's good news. Our dog Rizzo started having night Screams about six months ago and she is over two years out from her amputation. Scared the living you know what out of us. I took her in and we can't pin point exactly what it is either....jeez I wish they could talk. We have been experimenting with different pain meds for about two months now and she is doing a lot better so I guess we have to attribute it to pain which breaks my heart. I only want to give her enough for relief so she won't be loopy.
I'm so glad that you have found what is working well for Loa. Keep up the great recovery!
All our Best,
Suzie and Rizzo
PS She is a beautiful girl....give her a love and hug from us!!!
Jack Russell born in 2001. Mast cell cancer found Dec 2009 and right rear amputation. Five rounds of chemo done before all treatment stopped. Living life to the fullest!! Read my story at http://rizzo.tripawds.com
Thanks Suzie. Sweet Rizzo...I'm glad she's feeling better. It's scary sometimes, this journey! Hug given to Loa and give Rizzo one right back from us!
I'm so glad you were able to confirm the source of the whining (ie definitely pain) and that you found a solution. Good sleeps for everyone!
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
Oh YAY! That's great to hear it's working for Loa, and you're probably getting a better night's sleep now too right? Pawesome!
Hoppy ampuversary Loa, you are on your way!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Glad to hear the gabapentin is helping. Hope the whining is gone for good and everyone is sleeping well again!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
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