Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Any suggestions on how to pick PEZ up? I've tried two ways and both ways she cried out in pain.
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Oh this is super wonderful news! I'm so happy for you guys!
Do you have a Ruffwear harness? I think it's too soon to use it but others will know. I'm not sure how to handle the picking her up.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
csmpez said:
Any suggestions on how to pick PEZ up?
Why do you need to pick her up? Be sure to let her get up on her own or she may become dependent upon your help. If she is clearly struggling, you can use a soft towel slung under the belly for additional support. A reusable canvas shopping bag slit down the sides also makes a handy temporary sling. Once stitches have been removed, consider a the Ruff Wear harness comet mentioned for helping Pez in/out of vehicles or up/down stairs.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Right now, PEZ gets up and walk on her own to the door. I pick her up to clear the brick steps on the front porch, but she cries out. She also is crying out when walking on her own in the yard and subsequenly lies down in the grass. We just called VOSM (3:00am) since the surgeon and recovery staff never mentioned anything about this painful crying out episodes. The person who we spoke with thinks that the pain meds may not be enough since she's off the injectable pain meds and is currently only on the Tramdol and the 50mg fentinyl patch. The surgeon comes in at 8am, so we'll talk to him at that time. I wasn't expecting this crying out...WOW!!!
As for the amputation, I'm assuming it's common to remove the whole leg... spacula and all, correct? Also the incision is stapled shut with about 100 tiny (looks like stainless steel) staples. The bandage isn't really staying on very well, but they said it may start to come off on its own.
This is going to be an interesting two week recovery.
I had the http://gear.tri.....r-harness/
Although I bought it at the hospital (XXL for Charlie at 100 pounds) I saw a medium on clearance at Target for $7.50. I paid $57 at the hospital.
"I don't know where I am."
I'm not going to talk about the crying out as we didn't have any of that. But the bandage is largely a preference of the vet. Trouble had internal stitches (looked like a plastic surgeon worked on her) and NO bandage. I put a toddlers tee shirt on her to keep the area clean because she insisted on laying outside on the surgery site.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
We went out and picked up Gabapentin from the Rx and PEZ did very well in the SUV. I also put a small t-shirt on PEZ as well since she lays in the grass when we're outside. We have been using a big towel to pick her up for stairs and that seems to be working.
Pez - Did you vet remove the fentanyl patch? Gabapentin and morphine shouldn't be used at the same time.
Precautions
- Gabapentin should be used with caution in animals with decreased liver or renal function.
- Gabapentin should not be discontinued abruptly because withdrawal may precipitate seizures or rebound pain. The dosage should be decreased over the course of two to three weeks.
- In laboratory animals, gabapentin was associated with fetal loss and teratogenic effects. It also is present in milk. It should be used during pregnancy or lactation only when the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
- The commercially available human liquid-product contains xylitol, which can be hepatotoxic in dogs.
Drug Interactions
- Simultaneous administration of oral antacids may decrease the bioavailability of gabapentin. They should be given at least two hours apart.
- Co-administration of hydrocodone or morphine may increase gabapentin efficacy or levels and the likelihood of side effects.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Yes, the fentanyl patch was removed the day before we started with Gabapentin. Thanks for the warning. 
PEZ now takes proxicam (once a day), trimodal (1.5 / 3 times a day) gabapentin (once a day) and antibiotics, in addition to her K9 Immunity and other supplements. She still doesn't like to be picked up when we go for rides in the SUV.
Update...
PEZ seems a bit distant and I think the Gabapentin is making her a bit lethargic and/or loopy/depressed. We have an appointment for Friday to get her staples out (I think it's too soon) and the surgeon plans on examining her. She has some swelling around the surgical site, but we give her cold compresses for 15-20 minutes a day. She still doesn't walk around that much, but she does have a good appetite and drinks plenty of water.
Good news on the good appetite and drinking! It actually sounds all normal. Is Pez still on tramadol, also? And I did read that the gabapentin can cause drowsiness but I don't know if that was for humans.
Does the surgical site look red or angry (oozing puss or anything)? If it does, then you should have the vet check it to make sure it's not infected and I wouldn't wait until Friday. I think swelling is normal. But I don't know for sure. Just remember, call your vet for any concerns - you paid for it! And the vet wants to know if something is wrong.
Keep up the good work, you guys! It's a tough road but it gets better!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Pez, yep, we've heard that Gabapentin can do that. As far as the swelling, if it is more watery than bloody, it's probaby OK. Here's a link about post-surgery fluid buildup, called "seromas" that describes the condition:
Dog Leg Amputation Seromas: What You Need to Know
Many Tripawds experience this. I did. But it's usually no big deal. See, the fluid from a missing limb has to go somewhere, right? Sometimes it settles in the area of least resistance. Usually it gets reabsorbed into the body. But if you are at all concerned, call your vet before Friday. Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for the links and information. The surgical site is normal skin color with no fluid discharge and PEZ is still on the trimodal (1.5 tablets @ 3 times a day).
It's just strange that PEZ is now sleeping behind the sofa in our family room, isn't interacting with us and is really spaced out. We would sit and/or lie down next to her on the floor talking/petting her and instead of paying attention, she stares off into space with glassy eyes in a depressed/fog state. I think before we put her on the Gabapentin, she was a bit more alert and interactive after surgery. She still cries out some when helping her clear the front porch steps (she's great going up them, just needs help going down) to go out to the bathroom. I try not to pick her up at the surgical site, more so around the abdomen and throat/head area (instead of the chest area). Again, thanks for all the information.
Scott, Charlotte & PEZ
That kind of behavior sounds typical. When a dog is sick in the wild, s/he will go off to be alone. As long as she is eating and eliminating, she should be OK. The pain drugs will make them act strange.
Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My wife and I decided to take PEZ off Gabapentin and keep her only on the tramadol for the pain. Talking about a night and day difference when I got home from work. She was alert, wagging her tail, out in the middle of the family room and would keep looking at the garage door (indication she wants to go for a ride in the SUV). I picked her up not thinking by the chest and abdominal areas and she DIDN'T cry out this time. I was so relieved. Shewww!!! While going for the ride, PEZ was all smiles, wagging her tail and back to her normal personality. 
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