Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all,
Well, we're 2.5 days into Bradley's recovery at home. Some things are going better than I thought (he's actually sleeping on his incision side, and the swelling is going down very quickly, woohoo!) and some things are worse.
one of the things we're having a real problem with is getting him to go anywhere. He'll happily stand up, but he will not go forward, even for treats! He's a big boy, nearly 90lbs even after the surgery so I can't pick him up and just take him outside.
We're 6 days post-op now, and he was more than happy to move around at the hospital. Does anyone have any tips or tricks? Thanks so much!
I was fortunate with Gus, didn't realy have anything major to deal with, but I will try to offer a couple things. What meds is Bradley on, does he seem in pain, I would assume not if he is laying on the incision, Gus didn't do that for weeks. But maybe he is doped up from the meds. Do you have the floors so he can't slip. How is his appetite, will he go to his bowl to eat. This is where you wish they could talk. Is he drinking ok, watch for dehydration. How about pee and poop, any action there and if so does he ask to go out for that. This is the hard part, trying to figure these guys out at this stage. They do make a harness to help you with moving these guys, several here have had good luck with that, might help you move him. Your sure there isn't any sign of infection, although if swelling is down that would seem unlikely. I think the meds they have them on for and after surgery seem to hide pain better, and thats just my own observation, it sure seems like alot of dogs come " bouncing " out when we pick them up, and a couple days later have crashed. maybe in his case this is how he will act while he heals since they are all different. Hopefully maybe someone else can offer some advice.
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
I agree with Dan, maybe the meds are affecting him. We had no issues with Skyler right after surgery. We made a sling to go around her belly, so we could help support her when going outside. In no time at all, she didn't even need that.
Take your lead from Bradley. Try to make life as "normal" as possible. As long as he is eating & drinking somewhat normal and there is no infection, he'll come around.
Please keep us posted. Sending lots of pawsitive thoughts & golden hugs your way.
Cathy/Jane/Spirits Skyler & Chloe
I don't have any experience with them not moving around, but I do agree that it could be the meds have him a little looped and possibly feeling too uncoordinated to really walk. Maddie did quite a bit of just standing and staring like she wasn't sure what to do on the first couple of days, after backing off the pain meds some she seemed fine.
Can you tell if he is in any pain. I'm guessing no as well since he's laying on that side. Maddie really wanted to lay in hers (as it is her favorite side) but couldn't until about day #10.
I think he maybe slightly over medicated for him to feel ok about walking. What is he on?
Maddie Mae and Momma Kelly
Hi Erin,
Dakota had his amputation about 6 weeks ago. He just turned 9, so he isn't a spry pup. He is also big--86 pounds before surgery and down to about 75 now on his diet. He did the 3-day post-op tank. I was very worried. He seemed so discouraged, so depressed, like he'd given up. But he rebounded. Slowly. But that's his normal. He didn't pee till he'd been home from the hospital for almost 36 hours. I was losing my mind, but it was his idea, his plan.
Right after surgery, I used a padded sling. I would loop it under him and start escorting him to the door. He really couldn't refuse with my insistence. Even at 90 pounds, if you think Bradley needs to try to go pee, a sling will allow you to exert your influence. Once outside, I removed the sling and Dakota would go if he had to. Then I used it again to get him up the step into the house. I used the sling for about 4 days.
Dakota really did not want to move much, either. That's why I would insist on it with the sling. We did get a RuffWear harness and use it, but not so soon, not till stitches were out. If you think Bradley needs to be getting up and going potty, then you can influence him strongly with a sling or something similar. If he's eating, drinking, pottying and you just wonder if that's all he should be doing, then yes. He needs to rest and heal. Anything more than those things right now would be too much.
Shari and Dakota
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
Where does Bradley need to go? Aside from getting him outside to go potty, there's no need for him to be roaming around. If he's having a hard time to get up to do his business, you can use a soft towel slung under the belly if additional support is required. A reusable canvas shopping bag slit down the sides also makes a handy temporary sling with handles.
What medication is Bradley on? He is likely just zonked out, and may be getting too much. Another thing to consider is how much you help him. Many dogs will be very reluctant to move and become dependent upon assistance, if they are always being helped.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Recovery is the most unpredictable time of all. We commonly refer to it as 'Recovery Hell'. Each and every one of them is different and they heal and move at their own pace. As long as everything else seems normal - he's eating at least some, drinking enough to stay hydrated, is alert and is happy to see you or others, he will get there.
Do make sure the areas where he needs to move have traction . Sliding on a slick floor is a big fear for them.
Don't hesitate to call the vet and ask questions. If you are worried about something, let them know. They will either have you come in for a checkup or will reassure you that all is well. Either way, it is worth the peace of mind.
Come on, Bradley. I know you can be a great tripawd!
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Thanks for all of the responses everyone!
Bradley is on trammadol (that ubiquitous doggy painkiller), we have gone down to every 8 hours. I pushed it to 12 from last night to this morning and that did not go well, so we're going to stick with every 8 hours for now.
He's not really wanting to go to his bowls to eat or drink, but I think that's because I haven't had a chance to get good runners for him. I've been using shelf liners around the house, but they really aren't wide enough. Hopefully, my husband will have a chance to get to Lowe's tonight and pick up the ones that I found online. He's gone out to go to the bathroom some, and figured out the whole turning aorund on the couch thing. I guess I'm just wondering when he's going to start charging around like his old self, and no one can predict that.
Dakota Dawg, thanks for the idea with the sling. Fortunately or unfortuantely, he's feeling good enough to throw all of his weight against it, plaster himself to the floor, and look at me like "you think you're going to get me to go anywhere against my will? You have lost your mind!" I've been treating Bradley with kid gloves because I'm afraid I might knock him over, or somehow bother his incision. Maybe I don't need to be quite so careful. Tomorrow will be one week post op, so hopefully things will start to pick up...
Thanks again all!
admin said:
Where does Bradley need to go? Aside from getting him outside to go potty, there's no need for him to be roaming around.
Jerry, yes getting him outside to go to the bathroom is the challenge. He hasn't defecated since the morning of the surgery, and he's only peeing every 12-14 hours, so getting him to relieve himself is becoming a major concern. If he hasn't gone by tomorrow morning he has to go get disimpacted, which I would like to avoid if possible...
Poor guy... many dogs don't go for days, but as Jerry's surgeon told us, when they need to go, they'll go! Hopefully Bradley will soon. Thanks for the update.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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