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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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English setter diagnosed with osteosarcoma - don't poop and I'm worried
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Member Since:
19 July 2019
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21 July 2019 - 4:33 am
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Hello guys. I'm living the worst days of my life. My dog Bella (she was a stray and I have her for 3 years now) diagnosed with osteosarcoma and got the amputation before 4 days. She eats, she pee and the tail is happy sometimes but 💩 don't come yet and I'm worried a lot.... Also I am really stressed because of the medices I give to her ( 1) Synoulox 2) Metacam 3) Baytril for one microorganism the found in the blood and 4) Tramal for the pain because one night the wound has one thing likec convulsions and she gets up) . I'm worried about everything and I see this journey like a never ending... Guys tell me about your storys and your experiences about that . Is something I can do to.make her poop? Now we are on the 4 day after surgery.

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21 July 2019 - 8:01 am
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Hello Bella and Eva (?), welcome. I'm so glad you found us, because I think we can help you feel better about the situation. 

It does sound like Bella is having a totally normal recovery. She only had surgery four days ago? And she's eating? And moving around? That's a GREAT sign! At four days out she sounds like she is doing pretty good.

Now, about the medications. What about it stresses you out? Is it having to give them many times a day? If so, how about putting a schedule on your wall with check boxes, so that you remember to give the medications?

I think you are in the UK? I had to look up Synoulox, it's an antibiotic, along with Baytril. So it sounds like she is on two antibiotics, Metacam to reduce inflammation and Tramadol for pain. Is that correct?

If so, based on what you said "one night the wound has one thing likec convulsions and she gets up" she may be having phantom pain where her leg once was. This is not unusual but there are better medications for it, such as gabapentin and another called "amantadine" that may help reduce pain in other ways (this drug is also called "Symmetrel" in the UK). Please ask your vet for additional pain medication as it may help her feel better. 

The recovery phase does get better. Four days is not a long time, and you must remember that the more positive and upbeat you are, the more Bella will reflect your emotions back to you. Dogs pick up on our feelings, and your good attitude is what will make her recovery easier.

Others will chime in soon but in the meantime please check out Jerry's Required Reading List for lots of tips about recovery OK?

Hang in there!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

new hampshire
Member Since:
26 June 2019
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21 July 2019 - 11:05 am
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Hi there bella and bella's human. Your in the right place for recovery questions and hopefully we can give you a little peace.

It sounds like bella is doing well for 4 days in recovery. Drinking, eating and peeing are all good signs. Poop may take a while. Our girl Roane took 5 days before she went. dont let it worry you to much its totally normal. The medication from the surgery tends to do that. A call to your vet to see what they might recomend might put your mind at ease. You could also ask them about the medicine. Is it that its to much? Not enough?

Roane also had/has the muscle twitching i think you might be talking about. Does it just make her restless or does it seem to be paining her? (Yelping, licking, chewing?)

The first few weeks can be stressful. Just remember breath, it will get better. Roane and i are 3 weeks out from surgery and its amazing! Bella will be back to her old self soon. Right now alot of her reaction will be based on how you react. If your stressed she will be too and will want to fix it for you. If you have other questions or concerns post them here. Sometimes just talking about it makes things easier. We will gladly do what we can to help.

Give that girl a big hug for us ❤

         Hugs ❤ Bev, nurse Moe cat, Autumn's Angel Roane & Angel dog Gypsy 🐾

My sweet soulmate Roane was diagnosed with osteo in June of 2019. Had a rear leg amp on July 2nd & crossed the rainbow bridge to be with her sister Gypsy on the first day of Autumn Sept 23 2019.

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21 July 2019 - 12:50 pm
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Thanks for the responding guys. The phantom pain is all I think and the vet says all I have to do is to give her the antibiotics , the Metacam and Tramal.. First the vet only gave me the Metacam but when we spend an awful night with our pain muscles I contact to him and then he gave me Tramal... Also we are from Greece so the gabapentin doesn't exist here I think. I told my vet about Symmetrel and he told me that this medicine comes to an another level and now is very soon to give to her .. I don't know in very confused and I don't want my dog to be in pain.

P.S When the phantom pain starts she don't make a sound, she don't cry.. but she use the tail to protect that area.. Also today has a hypothermia at 37,6

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24 July 2019 - 8:38 pm
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Thanks for letting us know you are in Greece. I'm so glad you told your vet she was in pain with just the Metacam.

Basically, what she got after amputation was Ibuprophen, the same thing we humans take for headaches and muscle soreness. Can you imagine if that was all you got from your doctor after having your own leg amputated? One drug? Just basically aspirin? Ouch! Metacam is a good drug to reduce inflammation but it is not the only drug that animals need after such major surgery. You are an excellent advocate for her.

It sounds like your veterinarian is not too keen on modern pain management . But there is a way you can talk to him about it though, and get Bella the medication she needs.

First, yes, you have Gabapentin in Greece, but it's called "Neurontin." It works on calming the nerves that have been cut. Ask for it.

Second, you can show your veterinarian a copy of the most recent Veterinary Pain Management Guidelines by the American Animal Hospital Association. These are the most current medical pain control guidelines for animals being used by vets around the world. I think your vet may respond well to this if you let him know that you would like to address Bella's pain by following the protocols in the Guidelines. 

As for Symmetrel, it is included in the Guidelines listed above. Many dogs in western countries receive it after a major surgery like amputation, and my own dog takes it nightly for pain control of his arthritis.

Keep speaking up for Bella! You can do it. I know veterinary medicine is different from country to country but pain is the same everywhere. If not addressed, it leads to a poor quality of life for the animals. Speak up for Bella, and you speak up for all animals.

I hope this helps. Please let us know how she is doing OK? We are thinking of you and hope Bella gets the pain medication she needs to feel better. sp_hearticon2

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
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9 August 2019 - 10:55 am
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Hello back guys! Sorry that I haven't answer in so long but I was feeling very frustrated. Bella  has take off the stitches before 9 days ago and everything is seems to be back to normal. She is barking, eating a lot and in our walks she always go in front of me! 

But today i noticed something in her amputated leg. Something is going wrong about one stitche. Here is one picture. Did you ever seen anything like that?? Ever happened to any owner? 

PS: i already send an email to the vet but he hasn't answer me yet...[Image Can Not Be Found]

On The Road


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9 August 2019 - 11:42 am
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evabelladog96 said
[Image Can Not Be Found]

Here are detailed instructions for adding photos to forum posts . If you don't already share photos online somewhere, you can start a free Tripawds blog any time and upload them there. Need further help? Post in the Tech Support forum and we'll be happy to help!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
19 July 2019
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9 August 2019 - 12:34 pm
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Ok,i think i figured it out. 

Here https://ibb.co/FhKR9YL

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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9 August 2019 - 1:36 pm
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Hmm. I'm not a vet but that could be some kind of suture (stitches) reaction. Has your vet gotten back to you? You may also want to ask our Fairy Vet Mother Dr. Pam for her thoughts about it.

I'm SO glad to hear Bella has made a great recovery! WHEW! Thanks for letting us know.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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19 July 2019
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9 August 2019 - 3:31 pm
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Thank you guys for your respond! No,the vet doesn't respond me yet...  But you guys are  truly amazing sp_hearticon2 you know im only 22 years old and i got bella from the streets before 3 years with  leishmaniasis and now this happened and there are a lot of things that i don't know. So im very grateful for this site ! Now that im learning how to post a photo ,im sending you a picture of my girl, a true survivor 

https://drive.g.....drivesdk 

On The Road


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9 August 2019 - 4:17 pm
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You are so welcome! Whatever we can do to help. Don't forget to post in Ask a Vet and see if Dr. Pam has any feedback for you.

Even though you are young, you are so wise and have such a generous heart for animals. Bella is so lucky to have you! As for her, she is a survivor and a fighter! I had to look up leishmaniasis in dogs and was shocked to see that is a very serious disease, most dogs die from it. Wow! She has the heart of a warrior.

What a beauty. She looks so, so good!

GreekBella.jpgImage Enlarger

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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9 August 2019 - 9:00 pm
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A little late to the "welcome party'!    But really glad I caught up in time to celebrate  how well sweet Bella is doing!  

You had very helpful  jnput from Jerry and I'm  glad that was so helpful to you.

Bella clearly  knows what love is and what happiness  is because you took jer into your heart and home❤  Obviously  you two have a special bond.

Bella is a BEAUTIFUL  girl!  And yes, the heart of a Warrior!  

Keep us posted.  We would love to see more pics of your lovely gal.

Hugs 

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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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