Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I'm hoping some of you have had this experience too and can shine some light on the situation we're experiencing. Our Opaldog is 1 week post surgery and overall is doing great! She does have some odd behaviors that I'm hoping are just side effects from the tramadol she is on. She pants constantly unless asleep. We try to offer her water but doesn't seem to want it. She also trembles a little, but I think that only occurs when it's about time for another dose of her meds. She does jump up from time to time and do about 50 circles or she'll pace and it takes a lot of coaxing her to come back over to you and almost making her lay down. I haven't done a whole lot of research on tramadol but given it's a pretty heavy pain med I can only imagine it might make one feel a bit restless and thirsty. She is out of her gabapentin, so I wonder if she's having some phantom limb?
Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I just want to make sure she isn't over/under medicated so she can continue to recover like a rockstar!
It sounds like Opaldog is in pain. Perhaps you could phone your vet to discuss the meds. As I understand it Gabapentin helps phantom limb pain, maybe she still needs to be on it.
I don't think my cat's pain meds were well managed, rather than every 8 hours she was taking them every 12 hours and was getting pretty crazy around the time to take her meds. After that experience I think I'd prefer her to be over medicated to ensure there is no pain.
I hope you find the answer.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Is she only on Tramadol? Murphy was on Tramadol, Rimadyl and Gabapentin for 2 weeks then we weaned off all 3. So if she's only on the one she's probably in pain. I would call and ask for a refill on the Gabapentin, one week's worth was not enough. You can use an ice pack to the incision a couple times a day, too, to help, and massage around the incision to help re-absorb some of the extra fluid if there is some.
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
I would agree that panting is an indication of pain ... my girl had tramadol after her surgery and it did cause her to pant (a lot ) but that was also related to the anxiety. We had a rough recovery after the honeymoon period (aka the fancy hospital drugs) wore off and it was a challenge. I would definitely call your vet. The tramadol also has odd reactions in some pets so maybe there is some slight anxiety going on there too? We had a drug for that also! Doggy like valium.
Good luck!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Yep..ditto Kerren,Donna and Alison...probably pain related. Of course, check with your vet.
My Happy Hannah was also on Tramadol, Gabapentin, Rimadyl for two weeks. Actually, her pain meds were extended I to three weeks as she still showed signs she was hurting from the surgery.
Phantom limb generally presents by the dog jumping up suddenly and tries to "move away" from the pain. Yelping a d whining accompany it. It doesn't last long and then the dog settles back down. Try gentle massage around the incision site a d just being with her and reassurance.
Again, check with your vet, but maybe adding Gabapentin back, as well as shortening the time span between meds may help. If she starts showing pain signs before her next dose, the doses need to be closer together. It's harder to get the pain under control once it gets a head start.
Overall Miss Opal is doing really well so early in recovery! Good job!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
opaldog said
She pants constantly unless asleep. We try to offer her water but doesn't seem to want it. She also trembles a little, but I think that only occurs when it's about time for another dose of her meds. She does jump up from time to time...
The panting, pacing, and dysphoria are all common side effects of tramadol in most dogs. Sudden outbursts and darting about can indicate phantom pain . See these Tripawds News blog posts for tips for identifying pain in pets, pain management , and managing phantom limb pain in dogs. Or, search all blogs here !
Is Your Dog or Cat in Pain? Here’s How to Know the Signs.
Easy Massage Tips for Phantom Leg Pain in Tripawd Dogs and Cats
Best Pain Relief Tips for Tripawd Dogs and Cats
Phantom Limb Pain in Tripawd Dogs
Please note that nopawdy here is a vet or vet tech unless they have a Vet Expert badge under their name. Please consult your vet with any serious concerns!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks everyone, I did end up calling her vet and they refilled her gabapentin. They want her to be on all three medications (tramadol, gabapentin and metacam) for at least another week, if not longer. If after another week on full pain meds she is still struggling they want to see her back at the clinic. Here's hoping another week does the trick!
I'll give her a second dose of the gabepentin when I need to give the tramadol next so hopefully it can get built back up in her system and she can start feeling better soon.
Thanks again everyone! It's nice to have a sounding board for all of the questions I have!
Amira had the same issues (constant panting and not drinking) while she was on the Tramadol but continued to pant (although not as crazy-like on the Tramadol when her tongue was hanging out dripping saliva) and reject fluids even after the vet switched her to Gaba in addition to the Rimadyl that she'd been taking. If you haven't already done so, read my forum posts "Amira's post surgery pain management ". Yesterday was 4 weeks post amputation and she has only in the past 3 nights, stopped having the nighttime episodes of heavy breathing/panting which also coincided with her no longer taking any meds other than denamarin for liver support for the chemo. Hopefully your girl will do better on the Gaba and have a smooth recovery!
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