At about 3 days post-amputation, Jack developed phantom pain .  We discovered this when he sad up in the middle of the night and started screaming.  The doctor prescribed Gabapentin, and it worked like a charm.  He's been an angel ever since (ok, that's a lie...he's a fiestly little son of a gun). I hope Mercy feels better soon!

<3 Laura and Jack

Luckily for Jake, he never did have any of the problems with the pain meds that many of the others here have had. But all my vet friends told me that if he did start experiencing any of these problems, gabapentin was the drug they were going to add to the mix.

I know that it's the weekend and you can't do much about it right now, but ask your vets about gabapentin first thing Monday morning. From what my friends tell me, not all vets have experience using it... so if Mercy's vets don't, all they have to do is call around to their other colleagues and I'm sure someone out there has used it.

Good luck and give that adorable little doggie of yours a hug from me and Jake!

Jake's Mom

shiloanne said:

Shilo reacted to every pain killer they gave and it didn't stop until after she stopped taking them.

I know that Jerry seconded shiloanne's comment, and I wanted to add a third to that sentiment.  I am sure that about now you are thinking "Easy for you to say!"  The truth of the matter is that many of us have been exactly where you are now and have experienced the exact same feelings.  No one here would minimize what you are seeing or what you are feeling, but rather are totally empathetic.  During the first days, Cherry would experience uncontrolled "shivering" of her legs bordering on convulsions and experienced extremely restless nights.  Her reaction was so bad to the Tramadol that I removed it from the regiment and these conditions significantly reduced.  However, they did not stop until all the chemicals were gone from her system.

I know that right now you may be questioning the decision to amputate, but the pain that Mercy was experiencing before the amputation would only have gotten worse with time while the recovery from the amputation will result in an improvement in Mercy's condition.  Be sure to stay positive around Mercy.  They quickly will pick-up on any down feelings.  During Cherry's worst times, I would go outside away from Cherry, totally loose it, and then return to my little girls with a smile.  While the worry will always be there, I attempted to minimize how much of that Cherry saw.

Paws Crossed and Sending Pawsitive Thoughts,

Bob & Cherry

I am so glad that Pam posted.  She has expertise o her side!  Like so many others that posted I thought it sounded like Mercy either had phatom pain or a reaction to Tramadol.  While on tramadol Emily would stare into space and cry.  When we took her off it she was fine.

Please remember that if you had not choosen amputation Mercy would not have just stayed how she was before her surgery.  She would have continued to be in severe pain until you had to release her.  Amputation is painful initially but is her only chance at life.  

Emily is probably at her end of life, not from cancer but from hip dysplasia, but I can tell you even if we only have her six months (her upcoming ampuversay) five of those have bern pain free.  Without amputation she would not have had any pain free time.  No regrets.

Debra & Emily