That must  have just been so awful for you!!!  So sorry you had to endure that!  As hard as this was on uou, it is NOT anything  that would require even the remotest  thought  about the Rainbow Bridge, okay?? 

As the ER Vet said, it is about getting  the pain managed. 

Okay, take some deep breaths and know that she is zonked out now and NOT in pain! 

Check out this link to phantom pain .  Phantom limb pain is something  that occurs sometimes  after limb amputation. The cut nerves are still firing  off signals to a leg that is no longer there and it causes  intense pain.  It shows up instantly  and loud yelps and screams. The dog will often try to "run away from the pain.  It "usually" lasts maybe a couple  of minutes.  It sounds like this intense  pain went on the whole ride to the ER? 

It IS treatable.  Gabapentin  is the medication  that is commonly  used to treat this.  Since she is already in it, she may need to have it increased.

Does she have staples or stitches?  Either way, it could even be a stitch  irnstaple pulling or poking the wound.

Another possibility that we've seen and, again, treatable.  Not explaining  this in medical terms, but some a nerve can be left "dangling".  It didn't  get closed off.  Needless to say as it's "dangling around" exposed it can cause excruciating  pain.  This doesn't  happen too often but, again, it is treatable.  and it requires a bit  of surgery  to get that nerve  identified  and closed off.

Hang in there and stay connected.   This is one reason we call recovery  a roller coaster.  It's full of ups and downs the first week or so.

Sending pawsitive energy and lots of extra hugs.  Update as you can.  And remember,  Holly and  you have  some good Guardian Angels watching over you❤❤❤

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((([(HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

It is soooooo  very hard  not to second  guess yourself, especially with these extra challenges!   We just know it's too early to be giving  up.  Solutions are jn the works, okay??  As Stacy said, it will get easier.  She just needs to proper evaluation and treatment  accordingly. 

.  AolI joined this communion day six saying something like, "Help! Its day six and I feel I have ,made a horrible decision !".  Thuis community  through me a lifeline of knowledge, and support. I EVENTUALLY  went from "What have I done TO my dog?"  to. "Thank goodness I did this FOR my dog!"

This is waaay too early to make an assess about her mobility  right now, okay?  We have lots of suggestions  along those lines, but right now put that concern aside.  I know it's ja4d, but that will work itself out.  A Certified  Rehabilitation  Specialist  is what whe needs to get her back on track, but first the pain, and cause of pain, needs to get managed.

Where do you live?  We can find a Rehab Vet for you AND the Tripawds Foundation   will pay for the first visit.

As much as you love this Vet and as wond as she is to keep Holly overnight  again, I would strongly  suggest a second opinion.  Do you have an Orthopedic Surgeon in your area?  

Concern number one is about the infection.  How did she determine that?  And Holky is already on amoxicillin,  right?  Is she going to change the antibiotic?   How does the incision  look?

Prior to surgery, were there any signs of  arthritis?  Any signs of back or disc issues??   Unless their is some hidden, underlying issue that was not detected  about her legs or back,  this is to early to say she's "too weak" to handle three legs.  She's a senior.  She's in pain.  It's still very early after MAJOR surgery.  Of course she's wobbly.  Again, try not to worry about mobility at this point.

Another concern which we repeat so often here is pain management .  Not a Vet of course, but this sure doesn't  sound like "confusion"!!

Did you have a chance to mention the phantom  pain or nerves still being exposed from the surgery??

In all her pre-OP bloodwork, xrays, etc, no hint of any issues there, right.  Double  check with your Vet.

Doubt that she's pooped, right?  But has she been peeing?

Oh, and ask about Rimadyl.  It's an anti inflammatory  and it helps with arthritis of she has that.

I did mean to ask so many questions, but just trying to let you know things just need to be given and bit more time AND things need to be investigated  further about the cause and the pain and proper treatment.

Can only imagine  how hard and scary this is.  It's easy to say "hang on", but we know she will get past this, okay??  She needs the proper  evaluation and finding  the cause ofnthe pain and treating  it accordingly.    

We have a volunteer TRIPAWDS HELPLINE  staffed by those of is who have been through all aspects of this journey.   If someone  doesn answer right away, just leave a voicemail  and we'll call you back.  Jist me tion "Holly" and we'll know the backstory.  We love that little dog and we are all pulling for her!!

1 888 TRIPAWD 

Love and hugs❤

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!