Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi!
So our perfect little pup, Ruca was diagnosed with ostresercoma about 3 weeks ago and we amputated his front left leg just two days ago. He is recovering just fine, eating, sleeping, walking and climbing stairs on his own. My only concern is that he cannot control his bladder. This has never been an issue for him even as a puppy he never went to the bathroom in the house. He will just sit in pool of his own urine or urinate in his sleep. He also has yet to make a bowel movement. We take him outside 2-3 times a day for a walk around our yard which is a good size and he does just fine but never goes to the bathroom.
I've been meticulous about cleaning up after him while he's sitting in a pool of his own urine because I'm terrified of him getting an infection but it seems to be happening all too frequently.
Has anyone else experienced this? If so what did you do to help your dog and is it just because of the medication?
Thanks!
Hi and welcome! Sorry for the delay getting your post approved, your others will appear automatically.
I am on my phone now but will be back later tonight with input. So sorry! Stay tuned for feedback from the community, hang in there!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I’m a newbie here but i wouldn’t be too concerned yet. It’s early. My guy didn’t poop for several days. That he is urinating is good. You’ll be amazed at the difference a day can make. It’s amazing that he’s getting around that well after 2 days! That’s really quick. And that he is eating already is great. Mine didn’t eat for 3 days after surgery. Be patient, call your vet if you’re really concerned. The community here is a wealth of information.
Ruca and family, how are things now?
First, keep in mind that two days is not a long time at all. Try to imagine the shape you would be in if you had a leg amputated. It's hard for us to see our pups feeling so down and out of it, but it's only temporary. In no time at all you will be amazed at how he goes on to enjoy life! For now, we'll try to help you through the scarier parts of recovery.
So...I'm wondering if the pain medication is making Ruca so tired that he cannot control his bowels? What medication is he taking? And how often? Have you mentioned this to your vet? Do give them a call.
When we see dogs have incontinence it's often because the pain meds are just making them so dopey. I would let your vet know what's going on, his medication may need to be adjusted.
And @chipandcharm is correct, many dogs take days to poop. You can help things along with some bran flakes or steamed pumpkin pulp mixed into his food. As long as he is eating and urinating, you're doing pretty good!
Let us know how he's doing, we'll be waiting for a pupdate.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yeah, wouldn't be too concerned about the pee accidents. He's just now starting to get the strong hospital meds out of his system and is still fairly whacked out.
You can try the absorbent pads under him...the human ones. They help absorb the urine and keep it away from the skin to some degree.
He's probably not quite aware that he's peeing or that he even needs to! Of course, if you have any concerns you can check with your Vet . But yes, we do see this happen sometimes during the first several days of recovery.
And yes, as noted, pooping may take several days. No worries.
What pain meds is he on now? The dose and frequency? How much does Rucca weigh??
Would try and keep the walks in the yard to a BARE MINIMUM for now. It's soooo easy to overdo the muscles as they are trying to adjust to their new gait. Also, you might try one of those really long leashes for the "pee walk." Many dogs just don't want to do their business with their hoomans right next to them.
Hang in there! Recovery doesn't last furever!!
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 would put a puppy pad under him for now. Sometimes it's pain-related, maybe he doesn't want to move. Like Sally, I'd also like to know what medications he's on & how you're spacing them out. It's better not to give them all at the same time - you want to give them so that he gets something every few hours for adequate coverage.
Not pooping yet is no big deal, most often the pain medications are constipating. You can give him some canned pumpkin (not the kind with spices in it, just pure pumpkin) if it lasts too much longer - a spoonful or two a day helps.
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
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