Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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There are so many different ways you can tweak the doses and frequency. It really does just depend on how each individual dog reacts to the meds. Every dog metabolizes them differently. Always under Vet guidance though!
How much does Jules weigh? How did he do last night in this morning? How did the 600 mg Gaba every twelve hrs seem to work?  It may be hard to assess this early because he still is under the hospital meds, still shaking off the anesthesia and has the mind altering pain patch on top of everything else!
The main thing you want to avoid is to not let the pain get a head start. It's harder to b it managed on a consistent basis,ring it back under control once it gets going. I think the patch will help keep it managed consistently.Â
Obviously we are not vets and not giving that advice. There is some leeway with the Gabapentin. Sometimes a lower amount is given three times a day,sometimes a dose is given every 8 hours rather than 12 hours. And sometimes every twelve hrs works just fine. Again, it just depends on the needs of the individual dog to determine a lesser dose oid given more frequently or not. It's hard to say when they have a patch on too.
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 didn’t realize he was supposed to have the 600mg last night so he only has 300mg. He slept about an hour and was very vocal the rest of the night, I didn’t sleep at all. So far today he has peed outside, ate and drank. He still isn’t ready to walk which I don’t want to push it. He’s pretty vocal today as well but hopefully that goes away in a couple of days. He weighs 60lbsÂ
I believe most of the dogs are given 300 mg Gabapentin 2 times a day (Sally might have had a typo) and some have it 3 times a day. Perhaps you can phone the vet to discuss any needed adjustments.Â
Kerren
I called and she said 2x300mg capsules every 12 hours. So 1200mg in total per day.Â
I misunderstood what you wrote - it's good you got it clarified. I know the directions from vets aren't always clear when we are so stressed after the amputation.
I hope the increase to the 600 mg works for him. I just read a post that Zeus was on 900 mg/day and had to have it reduced to 300 mg once a day and he's doing better: https://tripawd.....s/#p235149
Each dog reacts differently. The most important thing is that he's not in pain and you both can get some sleep!
Kerren
I've gotten medication instructions mixed up too, things get so confusing when you're dealing with multiple meds. As for the dosage, that sounds like a nice dose of Gabapentin for him. Each vet has the preferred dosing schedule they are comfortable with. If he's still unhappy getting Gaba 2x a day, ask the vet about spacing it to 3x a day (our Wyatt Ray takes 400mg 3x daily for ongoing pain management ).Â
I hope things are better today. Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Things are going slow but going! He’s stood up by himself once so far, doesn’t want to go far but we don’t want to push it either. It has only been 24 hours and need to keep reminding ourselves that he had major surgery and what an adjustment it will beÂ
Yeah! That's pretty cool! You're doing everything right and it sounds like he's healing right on target. Stay strong, don't push things and know that a full recovery isn't as far away as it feels right now. Hang in there!
P.S. I'm in the Tripawds Chat right now if you want to talk.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Anyone else experience their dogs come in from an outside pee break and just lay on their bed shaking and crying? I’m thinking it’s a mix of the meds/using the leg muscles differently now?Â
That's great news that he got up and went out to pee!! PROGRESS!! Celebrate it!
I think you assessment of the shaking and whining is probably right. I know I keep referencing the effects of the patch,  but it is a strong med that often causes vocalizing and unsteadiness.
And yes, his muscles are being used differently and that takes some adjustment. The pee break needs to be just for thst....short hops to go pee and then back in. Give him lots of massages ip and up and down his spine, all around his neck and shoulders to help release the tension.
Hoping you all get some sleep tonight. Update when you can.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Â
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!
Another ruff night of no sleeping, shaking and whining. This morning I got him to hop on the mattress with us on the floor (not a jump, just a small step up) and then he slept. When I woke up he was sitting by his dish on the bed. Took him out for a pee (carried out) and then he stood on his own with the sling but no support from us, we then got a big pee and 💩!!! A couple hops for a treat and we carried him back in. Have some meds and he just woke back up since sleeping at 0830, so a good 3.5hr sleep!Â
Hooray for pee, poop and rest!!! You’re doing great! I love that you’re on a mattress together on the floor. Hoping each day continues to get better.Â
This sounds like a pretty awesome victory to me! Congrats!Â
Is he still shaking and whining? If so, I would definitely give the weekend vet a call to ask about fine-tuning his meds. Amputation recovery isn't every totally pain-free, but the symptoms you are describing sounds like some more medication adjustments could help with his discomfort. Â
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Today was much better, he walked out (with the help of a sling) from the living room outside to do his business (3 big 💩 today!) we put a blanket out in the yard because it was so nice and he relaxed. He’s definitely starting to get his confidence back. Hopefully tonight’s sleep is a bit better! The shakes seem to be more after he is up and about for a little bit, he’s a lab and always had the shaky back legs when doing activity.Â
YAAAAY FOR THREE 💩💩💩!!!
So thrilled that you are starting to see some improvement.  Every little "victory" is a HUGE victory!
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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