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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Forelimb Amputation 4 Weeks Ago - Possible Phantom Limb Pain?
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Member Since:
28 September 2019
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24 December 2020 - 6:06 pm
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Hi there, my Chi mix just had one of her forelimbs amputated the day before Thanksgiving.  She seems to be recovering well but every once in a while (not every day) she will yelp and then run across room and hide.  I’m thinking it’s phantom limb pain but does it happen weeks after surgery?  Any experience/recommendations you can share would be appreciated.

Member Since:
1 October 2020
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24 December 2020 - 10:48 pm
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My Dane, Lucy, had similar episodes. It would happen randomly or so we thought. Then we noticed it was when she was laying down to relax or if she turns her head a certain way. Bingo! It was neck pain and we took her to an animal chiropractor and she was a completely new dog after. She still had a few times that she would kinda jump or yelp, but then they went away completely after her second treatment. We now keep her on a monthly treatment schedule. Try to see if there is a pattern to her yelps? I know Tripawds always recommends to get evaluated by a rehab specialist, they can even help financially with the first visit.

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28 September 2019
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24 December 2020 - 11:45 pm
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Hi Lucy’s mom, that’s very helpful.  I think it may be happening when she’s laying down.  I asked my vet if I she needed rehab after surgery and he said no but it sounds like I should take her anyway.  

On The Road


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25 December 2020 - 1:40 pm
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Yes, what you are describing could definitely be phantom leg pain . Was she on any kind of Gabapentin or other pain management after surgery when she came home? 

Many vets are still unfamiliar with the important role that rehabilitation therapy plays in a recovering Tripawd. Even seemingly strong dogs can use an evaluation by a therapist. It's more for us, really, so that experts can teach us what our pets are capable of (and shouldn't be doing) after surgery and on into their three-legged life. We feel it's so important that the Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit so check out the link and take advantage of the program. 

A therapist can help get to the bottom of Lucy's pain. They may prescribe Gabapentin along with other modalities like acupuncture and gentle massage to help her feel better. Please start calling around to find a therapist and let us know if you'd like help finding one. 

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

Member Since:
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25 December 2020 - 7:52 pm
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Thank you Jerry, what an amazing program!  I think I found a certified therapist less than 5 miles from me.  Looking forward to meeting with them and seeing what can be done to help Bella.  I forgot to mention that she was on two pain meds (carprofen 2 weeks and buprenorphine 1 week).  She finished the buprenorphine but then began to have an adverse reaction to the carprofen so my vet advised not to continue it.  I kept a close eye on her for any symptoms of pain and she seemed fine until these random events.

Livermore, CA




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26 December 2020 - 11:36 am
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Hi and welcome.

My current Tripawd is a little Pug mix named Elly who lost a back leg to a car accident. Part of her mix is about 20% Chi!  Anyway, I adopted Elly about 2.5 months post surgery so she was healed up but not very strong. Every now and then she would wake up from sleeping by jumping up and looking at her amp side like something was stabbing her.  It was so long after her surgery that I didn't think it was phantom pain - it actually still happens (5.5 years post amp) but it's infrequent now.

I finally realized that these episodes happen after she has been extra active in a day.  Elly is my second Tripawd and I am usually careful about monitoring her activity level but sometimes she just does too much.  I should add that Elly has fear and anxiety issues and won't rest on long drives so I have learned to factor those issues into her daily activity levels.

Keep an eye on Bella's activity level, you are only 4 weeks or so out from surgery so very early in recovery. It will be helpful for the rehab person to know too.  See if there is a particular activity or activity level that seems to trigger the episodes.  I think it's great you are taking Bella to a rehab place!  I've always wanted to take Elly but with her fear issues I have waited until she was older and a bit more confident.  Now that all vet visits are remote only I'm waiting until I can go in with her. 

Let us know how your visit goes!

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

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26 December 2020 - 10:00 pm
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Hi Karen, thank you for the advice regarding her activity level.  I’ve been watching her body language to try an evaluate when she’s getting tired and then carry her but perhaps I need to time it instead.  She’s also recently started preferring to sleep in her kennel in the upstairs bedroom or her dog bed downstairs.  I’m wondering if she’s becoming sensitive to the TV and would prefer to be as far away from it as possible.  I know it sounds minor but its a new behavior the last few days and I wondered if its something someone else might have experienced with their tripawd.

Virginia







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22 February 2013
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26 December 2020 - 10:21 pm
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Her avatar picture is soooo cute!

So where was she sleeping before her amputation?

She may just enjoy her "quiet time" to herself as she fully recovers.  When animals  heal kn the wild, they prefer isolating until they are all better.

Did you speak to your Vet about maybe add Gabapentin for a ahort time to see if that helps with her pain episodes?

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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26 December 2020 - 10:48 pm
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Hi Benny!  Bella used to stay in the living room with me until bed time and then would go upstairs to her kennel.  I’m thinking the sound may be aggravating her pain levels.  I have an appointment with my vet tomorrow (I’m so glad they’re open on Sunday’s).  I’m sorry for the loss of your Happy Hannah, my Bella enjoys rabbit poop and searches for it all the time in hopes she’ll get lucky.  🙂

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