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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My poor baby. I know he's in pain despite all his pain meds but he keeps telling and trying to get up. I have been laying on the floor cuddling with him and it helps him a bit... Or it helps me... I don't know which. He keeps looking at me with those big brown eyes and I keep saying over and over that I'm so sorry. I really hope that the pain meds would have kicked all the pain.. At least for tonight. I am guessing that it's the nerves that are causing the sudden flashes of pain. I have nerve pain in my feet and that's exactly how it feels to me. I bet that if Bubba could talk he would be showing all the same colorful language that I do. I really hope tomorrow is better. I have seen where people marvel over how good their babies seem to be on their first night and it's making me dread how he's gonna feel on day 3. Anyways.. It's probably going to be a long night.
Oh I'm so sorry.... I just wanted to weigh-in... it IS hard. My baby, Shelby, did great her first night and then it was all downhill. The meds that help the pain make them a bit nutty.... Shelby paced for hours ... she whined. She was restless. I felt awful. I couldn't soothe her.
After three days of this, we did get her some anti-anxiety meds since tramadol was causing her to be psychotic. But it DOES get better.
Unless it is real pain. I would call and check in w/your vet if you are truly concerned but know that you are not alone. Shelby went through this for a couple days, then we got her some 'doggy' valium and she was better. It helped her sleep which helped her heal and she got her sparkle back.
She has crossed the bridge but she did recover from her amp and did great! Sending you a big hug!!!
Oh and I would advise you to be strong for Bubba! He can read your emotions so strength and being a strong pack leader will go a really long way!!!
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Thank you very much for your encouragement and for reminding me to be a strong pack leader. I didn't think about that but I know you are right.I'm going to see how the weekend goes and if I don't like what I'm seeing I will definitely call the vet. One really weird thing he is doing is standing up and putting his head into my hands and almost falls asleep standing up. It's just so weird. Then he starts leaning.. And leaning until his good leg is at s really weird angle. That worries me because that good leg is like gold to me
There is a couple of us in Chat right now if you want to drop by
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
My Happy Hannah was NOT ine of those who "did well" right after her surgery. She was sble to walk fairly well...but crying, whining, restless,yelping....for ninteen hours straight before she got any sleel at all!!!
My first post here was something like..."Six days after rear leg amputation and I fear I have made a HORRIBLE decision!" The outpouring of support and I formation from people who had first hand experience was invaluable!! I stayed connected to their lifeline and never let go!!
And "everyone" talked about beingnoff pain meds once the stitches were out at two weeks. Kay, that seems to be the norm so I'll taper her off at two weeks. No sirreeee, I ended up putting her back on a lower dose for a third week! EVERY recovery is different! Some bounce back very wuickly...some, like my Happy Hannah, take a little while longer. Larger dogs generally take a little longer.
BUBBALOVE still jas some hospital meds in him and can feel a little woozy. Maybe standing like he does and putting his head on your laps helps him not feel dizzy. And sometimes, and I know this sounds odd, but it takes them a little while to figure out HOW to lay down with three legs. Often dogs circle before laying down and many always circle in one direction. Depending on which way Bubba is used to laying down, this could be throwing him off a bit. Plus, if he usually lays on his amputation side, that may be too sore and he just can't figure out how to adjust to the other side.
Hope some of this helps! For whatever it's worth, it sounds like everything is in the "normal" range for day two!
YOU are doing great! Watching recovery after major surgery....nope...not easy at all!!!
Try and get some rest....this whole journey is very intense and can be so emotionally draining. Just "be"...just go with the flow..know this is temporary and Bubba will get better!! Grab the chocolate and devour as needed!
Sending love to you and Bubba
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Thanks so much for sharing your insight with me. It makes sense that putting his head on me would help himself get steady. I have a brain injury and with that I have terrible balance especially in the shower, washing my hair, eyes closed. I call it "grounding myself" by putting my elbow against the shower wall to keep my balance. Can't be all that different for him. And I have noticed that he does have a hard time laying down.
I was really happy tonight to see Bubba drink about a gallon of water.. Pee a gallon and a half, and eat a whole can of dog food. He did really well going down 2 small steps into the yard and back up again. I was such a proud mommy. Bubba is sleeping again so I think it's time for me to snooze a little. I think it's been a pretty good day 1 overall. It's only been about 12 hours since surgery... Amazing when I think of it that way
So pleased to hear your home in natural surroundings Bubbalove! This definitely assists them to recover - being with their family for love & TLC. 12 hours after surgery & drinking, peeing & managing steps already - this IS AMAZING!! Makes us feel better seeing these key improvements after surgery doesn't it - just keep hold of those positive feelings to see you strong!
They'll be ups & downs, we're at the end of week one & Sandy is snoozing more & is more reluctant to get up to wonder, plus has gone off her food, which worried me initially but it's all the healing process & the meds - we increased her meds as she had some yelps very occasionally & wanted to keep them at bay. Defo discuss Bubbloves pains with the vet so you can ensure he is comfortable to begin his recovery in happier spirits. It'll reassure you too.
Lots of TLC & positive energy to encourage at a pace Bubbalove is ready, will aid his recovery 
You are in the early stages which are most difficult as you will feel emotions that make us humans second guess our decisions BUT it DOES get better & a little easier to deal with our emotions. Then different worries enter our minds & knock us a little but again, these hurdles are minimal & you will come through them & begin to re-enjoy the time you share together!
Sandy has shown me just how resilient they can be...she's taught me so much already & again 12 years down the line, she's teaching me new things with this!
Sending lots of positive wishes to you both...keep posting! It definitely helped us!
I'm glad that he was able to come home so fast. The only bad part if keeping his fur brother and sisters at bay. Besides Bubba, we have one other dog (a small one) and 5 cats-one of them his best friend and playmate who just doesn't understand why his buddy is just laying around.. Unfortunately, where he likes to lay is close to the main walkway in our very small house. I was watching him watch everyone while he was laying there being on guard of anyone getting to rambunctious close to him.
I can tell that he is already feeling better. He was talking to me and chewing on my hand 
then he went to his bowl and ate quite a bit of kibble, drank a little more water and went outside to potty. It really does my heart good to catch these small glimpses of my sweet boy feeling better.
I would sure hate to see Bubba not eat, like Sandy is doing but thanks for that warning so I don't freak out about it if it happens. You and Sandy have already traveled a rough road. I really hope it smoothes out for you.
Hugs and Puppy Dog Kisses,
Tracy and Bubba
Tracy and Bubba, glad that things are better this morning. YOu are doing pretty good yourself, you're catching your breath and focusing on the positives, that's pawesome!
See how he does today. Sometimes pain medication can be challenging..too much and too little both cause the same kind of symptoms Bubba is showing. If he is still crying out and restless, let your vet know. It may also be that the type of meds he's on isn't working for him and if that's the case your vet can give him something else.
I hope you have a relaxing weekend. Remember, Bubba will follow your lead so keep up the pawsitivitiy!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So glad to hear Bubba is doing well!! Being home does wonders!!
Yeah, you may have some ups and downs...some "crashes" as we call them...that's normal. I think it was ariund day three I saw a little sparkle come back with my Happy Hannah and I was soooooo relieved!!! Until it lasted about a minute and then back to the "crash lart"!!! But when she was done with recovery and that painful leg was gone...her slarkle came back bigger and brighter than ever!!! One thing that remained constant inevery single day of her glorious life, right up to the day she transitioned to the other side of this life....she NEVER missed a meal!!!!!!!
Thanks for the uldate...now get some rest!!!!!!!!
Love and hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
I'm so glad to read this this morning! The young ones do seem to bounce back faster- eating, drinking, peeing- all excellent signs. Plus getting around on his own.
I have a feeling your biggest problem is going to be keeping him quiet while he heals.
It was nice talking with you in chat last night too, keep up the good work!
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
In the grand scheme of things Bubba is doing really well!! Eating, drinking, and going potty are all positive signs that he's on the mend. For my Leland he had no appetite and I couldn't get him to eat hardly anything (and I was grilling him chicken, steak, and BBQ pork chops...trying anything to get food in him) and I had to take a medicine syringe and squirt water in his mouth. I know Bubba is out of sorts right now but he is doing good.
And if you're concerned with whether Bubba is in discomfort from pain don't worry about bugging your vet. We called Leland's surgeon multiple times (he even gave us his cell #) asking questions. They truly don't mind. What sort of pain medication did they send home with Bubba? The typical ones are Tramadol and Gabapentin. My Leland didn't do well on Tramadol so he was only on the Gabapentin. There's several medications that can be used to control pain so if something doesn't seem to be helping Bubba talk to your vet about trying something else.
I'll be keeping you and Bubba in my thoughts and do try to get some rest when you can.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
After I brought my kitty Mona home from the surgery, my male cat Eli was very curious. I thought I should keep him out of the "recovery room" but he darted in and smelled the air with his mouth open. After that no matter where she slept he stood guard a few feet away from her. He was always kind and respectful of her space and seemed to look to me for cues. Whenever he would leave the room and come back they would sniff noses. I suspect Bubba's kitty buddy will do the same. I think animals sense what's going on and know what to do. Hopefully Bubba can get some kitty loving soon! Everything seems to be going well so far. Good for you.
Kerren and Mona
Mona and Karen....ALWAYS good to hear from you!! Hugs to Mona!
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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