Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all,
My dog, Bonnie, who I rescued about 3.5 weeks ago is scheduled for a rear leg amputation this Thursday at a clinic that is not AAHA-accredited . The rescue organization has arranged the procedure and will pay for it. I've read the recommendations regarding pain control, but can't say I understand them all, so I emailed the vet who will be performing the operation to ask what they will be doing specifically. I'm posting her reply verbatim and would appreciate all feedback. Is her plan a good one? This clinic does not provide any overnight care or monitoring... Thank you!
Staci & Bonnie
Vet's Plan for Amputation:
Hi Staci, good to hear from you.
Ok about the clinic:
First, remember we are not vets.
It was really nice of that vet to send you such a thoughtful response. Low cost vet clinics work under some pretty stressful conditions. I'm really impressed by their response, it shows they really care about their patents.
Is she coming home the same day? If not, please make sure she does. It's not a good idea to leave her alone in the clinic overnight. She is better off with you if that's the case.
If it is the case and you are her nurse that first day/night only coming home with those two pain meds will make the first few nights pretty rough. It's bare bones pain control that they are able to give, especially for the first night home. Many dogs do just come home with an NSAID and Gabapentin, but that's after their Fentanyl or other narcotic wears off. And the success of the Gabapentin really depends on the dosage. We do find that many dogs are underdosed for the first few days, and it takes a lot of back and forth to find the right dosage for that particular dog. Do you have a family vet you can turn to if you need additional pain control for her that the amputation surgeon isn't willing or able to provide?
I hope I'm not being nosy, but I'm curious why the rescue didn't use the AAHA clinic that you mentioned earlier? If it's a matter of cost, please let them know that Tripawds Foundation Rescue Fund Program can chip in $500 toward surgery if they raise matching funds.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you so much for responding, Jerry. I don't know how you can respond to every post on this site... but boy I appreciate it.
I'm getting extremely anxious about the surgery and recovery. I'm not a nurse or healthcare worker and have no idea what to look for after the procedure, but was surprised that she would not be monitored in any way over night. I'm not sure why the rescue organization chose this clinic other than they are based in Maryland (as is the clinic and myself) and send animals there regularly for dental, spay/neuter, amputation, and enucleation surgeries, so they trust the clinic.
I will email Bonnie's vet who is also knew to us (she has been seen by him once) the information sent to us by the amputation vet and see if he would be willing to supplement pain control medication (that we would pay for).
More soon (hopefully),
Staci
Another question, Jerry, what would a vet add to the NSAID and gabapentin for pain control? Codeine or other opioid? I read the interview on this site with Dr. Downing who said "The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and gabapentin are usually the only two tools that I need for most of my patients." Just curious what I should be looking for... Thank you again!
Staci
Hi Staci,
I'm happy to help and glad that we can be there for you and Bonnie. Sounds like you have a good plan. Definitely see if you can get your family vet in on the loop. It's good to have a team!
You are taking good notes, I'm glad you saw Dr. Downing's videos. Yes, she typically only uses the NSAID and Gabapentin post-op, but pre-op and intra-op she used far more aggressive pain management tools (than the clinic will be using for Bonnie) that minimize recovery pain. So if you were to ask the vet for a 3rd medication, something like Tapentadol (a newer form of Tramadol), Amantadine, or Amitryptaline.
See:
The Best (and Worst) Pet Amputation Pain Drugs for Dogs and Cats
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yes, Jerry gives every post a thoughtful and heartfelt reply, always loaded with invaluable information and insight.♥️
And you are a very special Soul to give your sweet Bonnoe such a loving and caring furever home♥️
Try not to stress too much avout meds, recovery, etc. I know, I know! Easier said than done!! We are here every step of the way to help you navigate through recovery. And yes, meds may need tweaking as the strong hospital meds wear off. Usually it's a matter of doing the dosing c,user together, or maybe increasing the amout. Actually even sometimes decreasing the amount if they are too drugged out. You may, or may not, need anything other than the Gabapentin and Rimadyl (or something similar). Every dog is different. Every recovery is different. Sounds like you have your basis covered if you you do need access to other meds.
STAY CONNECTED! YOU ARE NOT ALONE! We are hear to cheer you and Bonnie through recovery and onto a life full of joy and happiness!
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!
How old is this dog? How big? I do not think that the anesthetic plan is bad and they are using a block but it will wear off the same day. I wonder if they could give you a written prescription for gabapentin and Rimadyl or meloxicam that you can fill and pay for yourself? They may or may not want to prescribe codeine since that is a Schedule II controlled drug.
Pam
Thanks for your vet expertise Pam! We always learn from your feedback, much appreciated.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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