Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello to all,
Fiona, the Irish Wolfhound had her front left leg removed on December 27 (osteosarcoma) and so is 10 days post amp. The first few days home made my heart sing because she was up and moving and wanted to be with us and outside and with her German Shepherd sister -- eating full meals and drinking up a storm. Now she does not want to get up, we have to "encourage" her in the strongest terms to walk and go outside, she will not eat a full meal (Solid Gold Millennium, pumpkin, broccoli/mushrooms, chicken broth), will not get up and eat out of her raised bowls (will take a few bites if I put the bowl right in front of her, but not eat the whole meal), will not drink water out of raised bowl, and seems somewhat lethargic. We took her back in to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Clinic, where she had her surgery, for an ortho exam, and they find nothing wrong with her back or legs, although we think her rear legs seem "disorganized," if that makes sense -- they seem to be a bit weak and sometimes even crossing as she hops in her new gait.
We have stopped Tramadol, Gabapentin, Fentanyl, two days ago and she is only on Metacam once daily.
Anyone with a giant breed (or anyone at all!) have any advice?
Best,
Kristin
The recovery period can be an up & down. Dogs sometimes go through a depression where they don't want to do what they normally want. She is going to have an adjustment period on the new walking process. Sassy had a few days where she wasn't interested in anything but then slowly came around. 10 days is still pretty new to her.
I am not familiar with Metacam as Sassy never had it. She had Fentanyl patches, rimadyl & Tramadol. We used the rimadyl for several weeks after she came off the Fentanyl patches and Tramadol as needed. She could possibly still be in some pain? If the ortho drs couldn't find anything wrong with her legs its possible she is still learning to re-walk with only 3 legs.
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Kristin, I'm sorry that she's having a slow start to life on three legs. I know that many giant breed dogs do take a bit longer to get going (say two weeks longer than the average sized dog) and the symptoms you are describing are exactly what they experience. It's great you had her checked out, but don't hesitate to call the clinic if you still feel her recovery isn't going right.
Something that may help; normalize your routine with her as much as possible. While it's human nature to want to do everything for the patient, sometimes a little tough love goes a long way. If you are hand feeding her, or constantly worried that she's depressed, she will pick up your energy. Be strong (it's hard!) and allow her to do things she's always done. This goes a long way toward a good recovery.
I will put a call-out in Facebook to get as much feedback for you as possible. Good luck this week, and keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
It seems to me that Chico was on Tramadol for longer than just 10 days post surgery. He's continued on Metacam ever since surgery because our oncologist says it has "anitgenesis" properties to halt cell growth and it'll make any cancer left in his system stop growing or at least help it stop growing.
It sounds to me like she's in pain. I think I'd ask to have her go back on the Tramadol at least until she seems more comfortable.
I hope she gets over this hump quickly and heals fully.
Hi Kristin! I am new here myself. My big girl Alpine just had a rear amp due to osteosarcoma. One thing I have learned is that being a strong, positive pack leader helps a lot! I know all of this is scary and stressful. I have made a point of being cheerful, encouraging and happy around my girl. She really picks up on my emotions. If you need some down time or just some time to cry, go into a different room, let it all out, wipe your eyes and come back with a smile on your face. This has helped a lot with my babies. I noticed when I was depressed or down, so were they. Then I had a visitor that perked me up and she perked right up with me. I hope Fiona perks back up. It's confusing to them to say the least and if they can see that we are ok, it helps.
Our Finnegan is a mix of Giants - (9 year old St. Bernard / Mastiff / with a dash of Rottie) who is 2 months post-amp (Osteosarcoma - Front right). You'll find that these forums are amazing, and can get you through some tough times.
Our Finn went through the same thing about 12 days post amputation. Back legs were shaking, seemed really depressed. Our main fear was that when he was 2 he had TPLO surgery on his back left leg so we were concerned about the other knee blowing out. We just tried to stay strong and encourage him, and kept saying to ourselves "channel your inner pack leader". He managed to snap out of it pretty quickly when we realized that I think WE were the biggest problem. It's been 2 months and he's still learning how to balance and redistribute the weight. He stumbles every so often, but he picks himself right back up. The knees are great, and he's doing well with his chemo.
Our guy is very sensitive, and like Jerry said, can pick up on our moods. It's important to treat him as normal as you can. I know it's hard.
Our biggest problem now is that he LOVES to sleep on his amputation side and is still building up the muscles to help himself get up when he's ready to move. So, he gets stuck, then shuts down, and will whine until one of us helps him up with his ruffwear harness . It's been happening for a few weeks, and now I think he knows that we'll always rescue him, so he's getting lazy and won't do it himself. That's where we have to be strong again, and encourage him to do it himself.
It's a tough road, but it does get better.
Hang in there! Although we had a back leg amputated, we quickly discovered that, like everyone else is saying, WE were the ones holding him back. Somewhere on this site is a story about a St. Bernard who refused to get up and the husband and another person had to carry her in a sling to go out and relieve herself. I wish I could remember whose post that was, because it was very funny and cleverly-written. I am curious to see how it turned out. It can be comforting to read about others' experiences. This is a wonderful site with many good suggestions and feedback.
Hi Kristin,
My St. Bernard, Duncan, had his front-right leg amputated. He was tall and thin....much like an Irish Wolfhound. I believe that he was on Tramadol longer than 10 days too. Did the vet suggest re-introducing the painkillers? I had to go back and have a second patch applied after the first few days. I also got him one of the Ruffwear harnesses and that helped a lot.
I don't remember him going through the depression period but I have 2 other Saints, so that may be why I didn't notice if he did go throught that.
Hang in there...you are going through the hardest time.
Kathy Burns
HI Kristin, Meg is a Bull-Mastiff cross Ridgeback, also with front leg amputation. Her first two-to-three weeks post-op were so scary, she couldn't seem to work out which leg went where, she was constantly getting her back legs crossed up and had so many tumbles from "forgetting" about her new tripawd state that she also took to her bed. She also took to going and hiding in our garden under the ferns and sitting against fences and places that she had never been.
Our Vet put it down to a kind of PTSD and suggested we stop the Tramal and just let her be - if she was sitting somewhere it was because she felt "safe" there and to let her feel safe wherever she wanted (within reason!) and to try and tempt her with tasty treats but not to feel too discouraged if she didn't eat as her body had been through a massive shock and was still adjusting to working out what had gone on! Of course my husband and I panicking that things weren't as we had hoped was also probably making her anxious too.
Sure enough after about four weeks she all of a sudden worked out how to get those back legs working in order, her front leg slowly started to come across to the middle of her body when she went to the bathroom and her appetite slowly returned. Our "best" day was the day she decided she wanted to chase the ball around the yard.
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that while we all have "similar" stories, each of our fur-kids is going to respond in a different way and we just have to be there and support them in whatever way that we can - hang in there, come back to the forum, talk to your fur-kid friends and family and use any support that you can to get through this!
Love from me, wet sloppy kisses 
and wags to Fiona from Meg,
megsmum xx <3
Wow! You all are so wonderful! Thanks for the encouragement and I really appreciate all your ideas. Fiona is having her first chemo today, and I'll see her at home again this afternoon. I will remember to keep the chin up and the smile on. I'll also talk to her surgeon about keeping up with the Tramadol a bit longer to see if that helps. What are your thoughts on the food and water? Should we insist that she gets up and goes to her bowls, or keep delivering them to her where she is laying down? Don't want her to become dehydrated....but I know she is capable. Just leaving food in the raised bowls in hopes that she will eventually eat it is problematic as Heidi, the German Shepherd, can jump any gate to get at it! Once again, bless you all for your kindness and positive thoughts.
Sorry I'm late to this post- I've been having computer problems.
Did you stop all the drugs cold or taper? She may have a bit of withdrawl or depression from stopping the pain meds. I know human vs dog physiology is different, but I know from personal experience that stopping strong pain meds without tapering can cause a little depression.
If there are no physical issues I would take a bit of a tough love approach. My little pug Maggie spent a lot of time at my parents house, and they started carrying her in and out to do her business. That turned into her refusing to go outside on her own. I fixed this by taking her out to potty, then leaving her there. We had a couple standoffs that lasted up to 30 min (I did peak to make sure she was OK). Once she got the idea that she wasn't getting a ride she went in and out by herself without a problem (I also had to lecture grandma and grandpa!).
You could try adding a bit of low sodium broth or tuna water to get her to drink. I solved a non-drinking problem with one of my pugs by adding lots of water to his food. I would let her see you put her food out, then if she doesn't want it put it away. Try a couple times. Maybe give a special treat if she comes to her food dish.
Maggie took forever to get used to being a tri-pug, she didn't play with me for 6 weeks. But she was a really obstinate pug who did not handle change well. She got used to things eventually and got back to herself on her own schedule.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Our dog Tucker had a right rear amputation & had some similar problems around the same timeframe. We ended up giving him a few more doses of tramadol (he was still on gabapentin & rimadyl at the time) & he felt better. There are good & bad days, embrace the good days. On a completely unrelated note, we are also in the Minneapolis area & have a nice folding ramp that we would be willing to give away if it is something you could use. It is an ATV ramp (like the ones that you would use to drive your ATV onto the back of a truck/trailer), covered w/ plywood & carpet. It is HEAVY, but would be good for going in & out of the house.
There are so many wonderful people here! Such warming suggestions and true, heartfelt support. Love it! The only thing I can add is we recently had some of Jackson's favorite people over. Jackson is 11d post-amp (right rear leg) and had been lounging around and maybe a little depressed, too. He's only 60lbs, compared to your pup. Well, when Chuck and Jen came through that door, he about flew out of his skin! Mind you, he only had enough energy for like 20min, but those hugs, kisses, and words of praise really gave him a lift! The next day, however, we think his energy stores were totally drained. Can you get someone special to come over and give your pup a good rub down or cuddle?
Lots of ups and downs in this process. As for the food/water issue, well, they won't die if they don't eat/drink for a day. Bringing it to them may set up bad behavior, so I say pour yourself a drink and wait for Fiona to serve herself. But, with chemo starting her picky-ness may return? It sure sounds like she's got some tasty meals that she really shouldn't pass up! Lucky girl. Good luck over there. I'm sure she'll come around. Hang tight!
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
Welcome and sorry you had to find us here. We had to really tempt Abby's taste buds, but that was mostly while she was still on the meds. (Which, as others have said, seems like she was on for longer than 10 days. Maybe more like 12.)
I would also suggest putting a little chicken broth in the water and see if that helps.
Abby seemed very depressed for a few days and the only thing that would perk her up was a visit from someone - some of our friends and family came by and she loved that.
Hang in there. I can take a while - usually at least 2 weeks, sometimes longer for the bigger dogs - before you start to see the ol' personality coming back!
Jackie, angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
I don't want to worry you but will ask if you have contacted your vet?
Bud seemed to be relieved and out of pain at first but then when we got home he became lethargic. He wouldn't even stand to go get a drink of water.I called the surgeon who recommended a immediate visit to the on call vet.
Bud was sick with a bronchial infection that he acquired while being hospitalized. He needed additional antibiotics.
If you are concerned, a "Is this normal" call to your vet could put your mind at ease.
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