Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi!
I originally posted some questions about amputation for my dog Charlie. Well he had surgery yesterday and I brought him home this afternoon. I know he's in some pain but he does have pain meds and an antibiotic to take. My questions: I live on the second floor. Should I carry him up and down or try to use the sling I bought? I worry that he might be in too much pain to have it around that area. Also, should I try to have him practice walking in my apartment whenever he feels up to getting up?
Thank you
Hey there! Glad he made it out of surgery with flying colors.
What are the medications he is on? Just wondering. pain management can vary and you always want to be sure he's getting the best relief.
If you have the ability to carry Charlie, that would be ideal, at least for a few days. If you must use the sling, go very slow.
Right now he should only be getting up to go potty on leash. Rest is medicinal. I wouldn't encourage him to do anything more than get up to do that, drink water and hopefully eat, although many dogs are reluctant to chow down when they are on pain meds.
How are your floors? Do you have traction so he can walk without slipping?
Take things slooooow and easy right now, let him rest us as much as he wants at least until stitches come out. If you notice anything that worries you, let your vet know OK? And keep us posted, we are here to help!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Can only ditto everything Jerry said.
As Jerry said, rest is medicinal. Drinking and peeing are important Appetite may be off a little and it may take a few days for 💩. Sometimes they feel a little bit better the first couple of days after surgery because of strong hospital meds. Then there may be a bit of a crash as those meds wear off, That when tweaking pain meds might be necessary.
Stay connected and let us know how things are going, okay? Try and get some rest. Getting to this point is exh physic and mentally
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!
Thank you. I'm exhausted too, so we both may sleep! Although I'm sleeping in my clothes with his leash on. I don't want him to jump off the bed.
His meds are Trazodone 50mg every 12 hours, gabapentin capsules 100mg every 12 hours, rimadyl 75 mg every 12 hours and simplicef 100mg, every 24 hours. He didn't eat a whole lot and didn't poop tonight. He did pee. The sling was not easy to use. I carried him up/down the stairs, and since he wears a harness, it wasn't so bad holding him up with the harness. When should be poop? I also worry about him pooping - he used to put his front legs between his back legs and kind of walk and poop...
Yeah be careful that he doesn't jump! Many people put their mattress on the floor as a precaution.
So his meds sound appropriate for a 14 year old, 15 lb dog. But the Gabapentin every 12 hours may not be enough. If he is restless and anxious, let your vet know and see if bumping it up to every 8 hours is appropriate. Don't do it unless you ask though. Did he get a 3-day injectable painkiller called "Nocita"? It would be on your invoice.
Many dogs don't poop for a few days, I wouldn't worry about that. And he will figure out his new way of pooping and scooting, you'll be surprised!
You can help move things along in his GI system with some pumpkin pulp, olive oil, or sprinkle bran on his food if he's eating. That's great that he peed!
Sounds like you found a way to help him on the stairs, that's fantastic! Great job!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
thank you for your advice! He got a fentanyl patch that will be removed Saturday.
Oh good! You may see it start to wear off by tonight or tomorrow morning at the latest. They generally last 3 days.
How's it going today?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ueah, with the patch as well as Gaba, he sounds very well medicated for now. Keep in mind the Trazedone is a sedative and does not do anything for pain. My fuess is s he's pretty whacked from the patch, etc. Once that comes off you should see more of his spark start to return.
And again, no worries about the poop. All the meds, plus not eating much ki d of slow. 💩 down for several days. He'll figure things out and adjust to a new way of pooping when the time comes.
For now, try to get him to eat any yummy food....warmed chicken, cheeseburger, bacon and eggs.
You're doing a great job! Recovery doesn't last furever....it just seems like it right now!
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!
Last night he moved to sleep closer to me 
, and I slept with his leash attached! So, I do feel much better. Today he's a bit more active. But is it normal for the area that was removed to be very red? Just want to be sure everything I see is normal!
Glad you two got some rest last night. It can be hard to come by on the first several nights home.
It's always best to send a poc to your Vet of discoloration is a concern. However, that said, some redness and bruising are to be expected after surgery. Of course, any sign of Iinfection like oozing, or foul smell, bleeding, , pus, etc you want to get checked right away.
Here's a link to help of uou want to post a picture here. adding images
Con to keep his activity to only potty breaks and that's pretty much it for now.
Good job!!!
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!
Ditto on Sally's recommendation about watching for signs of infection. Yes, redness is normal, and bruising may become worse before it gets better. Oozing, warmth on the area, those are things to let your vet know about asap.
Do you have any photos? Let me know if you'd like help.
Glad you got some sleep, hope tonight is just as restful!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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