Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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The vet said carboprofen is good since it wouldn't affect her neurologically and make her "act funny" - so I can always do that with her supper. Other than that, she asked me to take her off the pain meds and give her some time. She's drinking so I don't think she's dehydrated. Lying on the amp side also seems like a good sign, but I wouldn't really know?
Her attitude is just quieter than normal. I'm being a cheerleader more than I would EVER be a cheerleader LOL. Maybe she thinks I'm being weird! I did consider having my mom and dad over because she loves them so much. Something quiet where they could spoil her a bit. She's normally very relaxed, but this is different. I don't have to force her to get up for anything, but what bothers me is she won't really greet us or "play" and be goofy. I know I know.....just give her time. But I'm in mama bear mode and just quite frankly scared that this won't be temporary. My head says temporary, my heart says permanent. Such a big battle!
She's panting intermittently, but usually mostly after we go out (understandably, it's a lot of work on 3 legs!). She takes ice cubes from me happily. She wants to lick at the incision so unfortunately we've had to cone her at night and when we leave. The panting is not as bad as it was on the meds. Did anyone experience this panting style at all? I can try the carboprofen tonight and see if it makes a difference. Otherwise, I'm at a loss. Just have to wait it out.
Hi Sara!
Everybody takes their own time to heal. It sounds all in all like she's holding steady. I think over the next short period you will start to see her personality shine through. Sleep is so important to healing.. there are many that wish their dogs would stay quiet enough on their own to heal!
I cannot help you in the panting department with Huck, but Mitchell has a tendency to pant when he is uncomfortable. There really is no rhyme or pattern to it. He does it when he is stressed too.
Hang in there
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
Thanks Jackie. The only thing I have not tried myself is taking her temperature (something I've never done personally before). I don't know if anyone took her temp on Monday when they took her sutures out (they took her in the back). I may try it tomorrow morning - so long, digital thermometer - and then call the onco and ask them if they took it and report her temp.
Does carprofen help with fever or is it anti-inflammatory only? Otherwise, how would you take a fever down? She has been drinking and doesn't seem completely lethargic....just resting a lot. She really only pants when she wakes up from a nap or after we go outside. Nothing constant and she's not acting nearly as agitated as she was on the pain meds.
I'll report my findings tomorrow....wish me luck!!
As far as I know, the carprofen is just anti-inflammatory.
Panting after exertion on three wouldn't be out of the norm at all. Panting when she wakes up...maybe related to discomfort, stiff muscles, etc. Try gentle massage up and down her shoulder, her back, etc to relax her muscles.
I'm gonna screw the name up, but there's another pain med...Amandine...Amantine....something like that. Maybe she could take that if the panting is a sign of pain. Obviously the panting wasn't completely related to the pain meds, as she's still panting some.
I remeber it took Happy Hannah several weeks to get up and greet me at the door with a wagging tail and a roo-roooo!
Something that might help is to keep a journal of every "little" improvement. That way you can remind yourself that progress IS being made! And remember, every LITTLE improvement is a HUGE improvement during recovery.
We're cheering right along beside your cheering!
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!
I love the idea of massages. I'm definitely considering taking her to some rehab therapy to help as much as possible. We live in South Florida so there are plenty of places around where we live to take her to (that are also a lot closer than our onco's office).
So I attempted to take her temp this morning - I bet THAT was a sight! I did it twice just to make sure I did it correctly, and both times she was around 100, so no fever to speak of, which is a relief! Panting is very slight and limited, so I'm going to assume she's just resting and getting better each day.
She got up to beg for my breakfast this morning so there are certainly glimpses of her old self.
Thought I'd try to share a video from the other night of her walking.
Yay for no fever! I'm so glad 💕 Did not get video 😕
Sounds like she's slowly coming around, that's just awesome. I know it's hard to be patient, kind of like watching a kettle as you try to boil water.
I knew you could get her temp, and I'm glad you did bc i think it will help you to feel better.
Sending you all big hugs 🐾💕🐾
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
She looks sooop good!! REALLY!!!
I was grinning ear to ear when you said she got up to beg for breakfast!!! HUGE sign thst her sparkle is coming back!!!
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!
Oh YES!!!! She looks pawsome!!! Thank you for sharing that, made my day
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
Wow she's getting along great! I'm happy to see she's doing well.
Now that you know how to take a dog's temperature, be sure not to mix up her thermometer with yours 😉
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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… oh that would be sooo wrong... on so many different levels...
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
Omd how sweet!!!💕💖💕
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
On Dancer, on Prancer......a Christmas gift indeed!!! This just lit up my world tonight!! Thank uoj fot sharing the joy! She looks so happy! Love the tail wag!
Have a great Christmas!!
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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