Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Max has had a rough day today. We removed the Fentanyl patch last night and today he has been very withdrawn. He is still on rimadyl and tramadol and has had a bit of diarrhea. He is eating and drinking water and has wanted to go out, but you all know the look they get on their faces when they dont feel good. He is just laying around and I can tell there is something wrong. Wish he could talk. I dont know if its pain, sick to his stomach, or just the blues from the surgery. Id love to hear from anyone that has an idea. Maybe its just being off of the heavy duty drugs. I hat the not knowing. For now we are giving him warm towels and lots of love.
Paula and Spirit Max
If Max is just coming off the Fentanyl, his behavior is most likely withdrawal symptoms. Don't mistake drug side effects for pain and give him more drugs. I only got tramadol after my surgery, and never behaved odd likemany of the stories we hear about dogs on Fentanyl and other heavy pain killers.
It is still early and he needs his rest. He also needs you to remain strong, because as a pack animal he is going to follow your lead.
If Max is getting around OK – when he does get up – and he's eating and drinking ... all is good. Keep those spirits up, and keep that love flowing!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks so much for the quick response. He just ate some ice and he is curled up with a warm towel. Im so thankful for this site and the peace of mind it gives. We all rest easier because of it.
Paula and Spirit Max
When did Max have his surgery?
Remember, the first 2 weeks are hell. Take it one day at a time & don't panic. Take it an hour at a time if you need to.
This whole forum is here for you to lean on, they are like a rock.
Janie & Calamity
Janie & Calamity http://www.trix.....gspot.com/
Max had surgery last Thursday. Since last night he is just sleeping and moping. Still eating but will only eat ice for water. Did anyone notice a change in their breathing? He seems to be breathing different..short shallow breaths when sleeping instead of his usual quiet. and panting when he is awake. He did regurgitate in surgery so Im worriede that maybe he is having a lung issue because of that. I feel like Im picking every little thing apart, but he just is so lethargic. All could be the recovery process I know. Im not being very patient.
Paula and Spirit Max
Couple things...Janie is right - the first 2 weeks are very difficult. Zeus panted the entire time until he came off the pain meds and got his stitches out. But within those 2 weeks, I took him in 3 times to the Vet to "just check" on him and he was healing fine. It helped me tremendously - more than it did him.
This surgery is a big deal...it really is and even though dogs are more stoic than us humans and bounce back quicker, they still need to rest and recover. My suggestion, if you can, get him in for a comfort check before the Christmas holiday - it there is something going on that is not normal post-op, you've caught it early...if everything is OK, you'll have peace of mind and therefore be able to stay pawsitive for him which is what he needs most from you right now.
Please keep us posted - we'll send lots of prayers.
Love,
Heather and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
As Jerry and Heather mentioned, most likely it is the meds that is causing Max's breathing to be shallow when he's sleeping and then panting when he's awake. Jake did a lot of panting too and the shallow breathing didn't seem to be that obvious to me but he certainly wasn't acting like himself! I couldn't stand to see the way he was reacting to the meds... although they are obviously serving a valuable purpose as well of course. As everyone has suggested... just try to stay pawsitive with Max. It hasn't even been a week yet. As long as he's consuming some kind of water and of course he's eating, he'll be fine. You'll see... after that two week mark, he'll be hopping around like a beautiful tripawd and impressing you like crazy every day! Hang in there! We are sending you lots of pawsitive and healing thoughts for you and Max! 
Luv Spirit Jake, Smooch, Baby Gus & Mom (Sherri)
Thanks everyone for the support. I feel better just knowing that other tripaws have presented the same symptoms Im seeing in Max. We just went outside and he left all of the food he had eaten in the last 36 hours on the snow....thats a good sign and seems to be resting a little better now. I have raised 3 boys (2 with asthma) and have to say that Im more of a wreck with Max than I ever was with them! This surgery is a BIG deal and I just need to remember how long it takes to recover from such a trauma. It just breaks my heart and Ive not left him alone since Sat, so Im probably going a little stir crazy. You guys are a big help! I did call the vet as well and they pretty much said the same thing.....if he stops eating and drinking then I should worry, but until then, just stay positive and keep the love coming! Thanks again Janie, Zeus, Jake gang and Jerry!
Paula and Spirit Max
Look! You're one day closer to the 2 week mark!
Hang in there & have a wonderful day with Max!
Janie & Calamity
Janie & Calamity http://www.trix.....gspot.com/
So glad to hear that everything is looking good. How funny that pawrents get so excited over a poo-poo, huh?!
Glad you called the vet, sounds like you feel a lot more reassured?
Don't forget, you can always add some chicken or beef broth, or even a little Gatorade to his water to get him to drink more.
More love coming your way! We are thinking of you and here if you need anything.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hang in there!
Tika just hit her 2 week anniversary and I can say the last 3-4 days were a lot better than that first week.
Tika had some side effects after the Fentanyl patch came off also, those subsided after a couple of days. She was also on Dermaxx and Tramadol and since she kept getting sick we backed her off the Tramadol. After that her appetite perked right up and the nausea stopped.
Now that her sutures are out and we are working on her rehab. (she does ALOT better on ice than mom does amazingly) Getting her out and moving has helped her attitude a lot.
I have to tell myself this everyday--try not to project your thoughts and worries on your baby. Tika is very in tune with my emotions and I think she feels like she's done something wrong, and that make our babies very unhappy if they think we are upset with them.
Hang in there, it's hard not to worry, but if you do, they will also!
Take care,
Kim and Tika
Kim and Spirit Tika http://www.tika.....ogspot.com
Thanks Kim and Tika!!
Max has done nothing but sleep and go outside to potty today. He is really withdrawn and doesnt want to interact at all. He is eating his food with broth (sodium free) and will eat ice and a little water. Did Tika have this type of effect from the Fentanyl withdrawl? Im thinking that since he is sleeping and comfortable that he is healing and that I shouldnt worry. Needless to say, Im hoping that he will pull through this and be a little more active when he is ready. Im still being very positive and happy and telling him what a handsome boy he is and giving him a treat evry now and then.
Paula and Spirit Max
We think your instincts are perfect. He is taking the time he needs to heal. It hasn't been that long. Many people mistak withdrawal from the fentanyl patch as depression but most dogs get over it in no time. I would clarify with your vet about the medication dosages, but other than that, he sounds like he's a good boy who knows his limits. Hang in there!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm just catching up on the thread, and was so glad there were so many folks there to answer you so quickly. Week 1 is not fun. They have to adjust to the pain medication or lack thereof. On top of that, they have to adjust to doing everything differently.
I spent many sleepless hours the first week, and slept almost none the night after her first chemo. You must step back and look at each small improvement. Did he walk further today than yesterday? Was he awake longer today than yesterday? Did he need less assistance than yesterday?
Celebrate each small victory as it comes and as you celebrate take note of all you have to be thankful for. If you are celebrating, Max is improving!!
Keep yourself positive and be thankful for each day you have with him. Make him feel special every day, but don't let him think for one moment you are worrying about him. If you let him know you believe he can move past the next hurdle, he will also believe.
Merry Christmas to you and Max
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.
How's Max doing today?
To answer your question, yes, Tika was very withdrawn and quiet, it was very stressful for us because she's usually such a 'talker'. I tried to draw her out of her funk but finally realized that I was probably just trying too hard.
Every day got a little better, we'd get her to play a little with her toys, we'd get her to walk through the house a bit and practice on those three legs.
When we finally were done with all the meds, WOW, very rapid changes.
I was terrified when we had to go into chemo that we'd be back at square one, but after about 48 hours of sleepiness, Tika decided that she was not going to let any stinking chemo bring her down and started roaming the house, including going upstairs to check things out which about gave mom a heart attack.
So, 17 days after amputation and 4 days after her first chemo, she's pretty rock solid. We went for a short walk yesterday and that pooped her out, but we just need to take it slow so she can build up some strength.
I hope Max is doing much better, and the appetite and such is returning. I have every faith that you both with get through this fine!!
Take care!
Kim
Kim and Spirit Tika http://www.tika.....ogspot.com
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