Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi.
My little rat terrier, dexter, was hit by a car a week ago. They amputated his rear right leg last Tuesday and he also has a cracked pelvis. We brought him home 3 days ago and some things have been encouraging (brief moments of standing up, lots of sleeping). I'm concerned about his appetite and intake of water. The meds say loss of appetite is a possible side effect, so maybe I've answered my own question there. He's taken in almost no water though.
When I woke up this morning, he had peed in his bed area and a little on himself. I guess that's no big deal, but there was also some blood splotches around.
Overall, I'm just a bit shaken up and not sure what's normal and what's a concern. Any advice from folks would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Hi Turtledan,
I am so sorry for your little Dexter. I just finished a reply to you on another post and then found this. I did not know what happened with Dexter.
As far as his appetite, I think it could be due to the meds. Dylan is eating but not drinking too much. So I worry about that. He also is sleeping alot. Food is the only thing that motivates him to get up and go outside.
It probably would be best to call his vet about the blood splotches.
I hope all will be well for Dexter.
Dylansmom
Hi there, welcome. I'm sorry Dexter got in an accident but glad to hear he's going to be OK.
Yes, pain medication can cause a decrease in appetite, it happens to most dogs. When it comes to decreased thirst, you may want to add some low sodium chicken broth, water from a can of tuna or even a splash of gatorade to get him to drink something. If it continues call your vet.
When it comes to the blood splotches, how bad was it? If the blood is more watery than bloody, it's probably just post-surgery discharge but it's good to let your vet know about it.
This video from our Tripawds vet expert Dr. Wiltzius can help put your mind at ease about post-amputation side effects :
http://tripawds.....s-in-dogs/
and this one too:
http://tripawds.....very-tips/
Good luck this week, let us know how we can help OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sorry to hear about Dexter. Hit by a car, post-op amputation plus pelvic fractures... that is major trauma and I would be more surprised if he was eating normally! Sometimes adding in some baby food to their diet will perk up there appetite (it's stinky!). Boiled chicken is also a good option for a tasty treat.
It is not that unusual to have some blood in the urine after being hit by a car due to trauma to the bladder (clearly he got hit in the back end). Usually this is self-limiting and resolves within a few days to a week or 2. You definitely want to watch his urine to make sure the amount of blood is getting better rather than worse. Also, if he stopped eating and started vomiting, I would definitely have him rechecked by your vet.
Dexter has been in your vet's care for a number of days and they know what's been going on with him, I would definitely give them a call and let them know what's going on, so hopefully they can put your mind at ease.
Dexter's small size certainly works in his favor, but the pelvic fracture will need to heal before he's really able to get up and run around. I think rest, pain management , hydration, nutrition, and TLC are the most important things right now! A few months from now he'll probably be running around like nothing ever happened.
Hoping for a speedy recovery for Dexter!
Right hind limb amputated 7/3/12 for OSA, started on alternating cycles of Carboplatin and Doxorubicin and oral Palladia. Single lung met 9/1. Met in the neck muscle removed 9/30. Large mass in sublumbar lymph node 10/2. Rescue chemo with ifosfamide 10/6. Mets to the rib and axillary lymph node 10/21. Started Leukeran and Pred 10/25. Wookie left this Earth for a far better place on 12/4/12. I miss you, Boo, you were my heart.
Pawesome feedback Wookie, thanks! We're learning a lot from you!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all so much for your helpful feedback. The trauma and extreme visual of the amputation makes it hard to keep in mind that there's also the cracked pelvis which has to be causing him pain and contributing to his walking difficulties.
He ate some purina beef medley today and I added Gatorade to his water. Still not drinking so I'll try the chicken broth later. Overall, today has been better than yesterday. He's sleeping peacefully and the blood splotching has stopped. Also his urine is less dark.
Deep breaths for me though. This has all been scary, traumatic and exhausting.
-dan
Hey Dan that's great to hear.
Yeah as if amputation wasn't scary enough, to have to deal with an accident too is doubly hard. We'll be here to help, just keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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