Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Community,
First off, I’m thankful that this group exists. The past week has been just dreadful and now that the limb is off (and our surgeon is on vacation), it feels like we have been left in the void to figure things out on our own.
Our boy Gamma is nine days post-front leg amputation. His incision still looks great, is eating/drinking (a lot!)/eliminating normally, and spends most of his time resting (on the same side, which can’t be comfortable). He is low energy, and appears to be very stiff and uncomfortable.
Most of all, I am hoping for some reassurance that this is part of the normal recovery rollercoaster and that it’s not cause to be alarmed. What have others’ experiences been as far as seeing improvements from the stiffness and the dog returning to a more “normal” body posture?
Hi. Brownie was 10 days before his 12th birthday at time of amputation. He was hopping on his own in day three, but he did have a hard time for about two weeks. Most of the time he slept. He did do much better after his stiches came out. How old is Gamma? I do know it takes senior dogs a little more time. I think at first Brownie was feeling in secure. But the three week Mark was his break through. I do keep him on Rimadyl. He seems to move around better when he is on it.
Is Gamma still on pain meds? Brownie who is also front leg amputation was taking pain meds for four weeks including the time we tappered off.
Sending good thoughts for a speedy recovery for Gamma!
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Two things come to mind. What has her activity been like? As you already know, and have probably been doing....slow and easy. Rest and short leashed potty breaks and back for more rest! Even if not overdoing it, the slightest movement of misstep can tweak a muscle this early kn eecovery while adjusting to three..
So massage up snd down Gamma's spine, up and down his back, his shoulder and neck area. Any sign of tension anywhere? Regardless, give him massages all over these areas several times a day, especially before getting up, after coming in from potty.
Secondly, is he still on both paun meds? I think he was on Gabapentin and RImadyl (carprofen). My Hapoh Hannah was on pain meds in some form for avout three weeks.
The fact that everything else is going well is great news! Good sign!! As Nancy (Brownie) said, many dogs perk up around the time stirches are out about two weeks.
Hang in there! Recovery doesn't last furever, just seems like it!
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!
brownie1201 said
Hi. Brownie was 10 days before his 12th birthday at time of amputation. He was hopping on his own in day three, but he did have a hard time for about two weeks. Most of the time he slept. He did do much better after his stiches came out. How old is Gamma? I do know it takes senior dogs a little more time. I think at first Brownie was feeling in secure. But the three week Mark was his break through. I do keep him on Rimadyl. He seems to move around better when he is on it.Is Gamma still on pain meds? Brownie who is also front leg amputation was taking pain meds for four weeks including the time we tappered off.
Sending good thoughts for a speedy recovery for Gamma!
Hi Brownie, Gamma is 8 years old, so neither old nor young. He was hopping around on his own the day we brought him home, and he still gets around, but he just seems so tired. I’m sure there is a lot of internal healing going on that is taking a bunch of his energy.
He is still on Gabapentin and Carprofen even though we were supposed to stop the Carprofen this week after 7 days, which seemed too soon. We see the vet on Tuesday for a check in and hopefully stitch removal, so hopefully that will be a turning point!
Thank you for the confidence boosting words!
benny55 said
Two things come to mind. What has her activity been like? As you already know, and have probably been doing....slow and easy. Rest and short leashed potty breaks and back for more rest! Even if not overdoing it, the slightest movement of misstep can tweak a muscle this early kn eecovery while adjusting to three..So massage up snd down Gamma's spine, up and down his back, his shoulder and neck area. Any sign of tension anywhere? Regardless, give him massages all over these areas several times a day, especially before getting up, after coming in from potty.
Secondly, is he still on both paun meds? I think he was on Gabapentin and RImadyl (carprofen). My Hapoh Hannah was on pain meds in some form for avout three weeks.
The fact that everything else is going well is great news! Good sign!! As Nancy (Brownie) said, many dogs perk up around the time stirches are out about two weeks.
Hang in there! Recovery doesn't last furever, just seems like it!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Hi Virginia,
Thank you for the good words. Gamma is still on the same pain meds, but maybe we should stagger them to give them alternate times to work together. He gets stitches out on Tuesday so hopefully that helps him feel more like himself. I’m sure he’s just irritated with everything. He can’t get comfortable, he has to hold his body in a new position, and he can’t play.
I have been doing some massage when he’s been laying next to me, and he seems to like it. So, that’s a good sign because I’m guessing if it caused him additional pain, he would not like it.
Fingers/paws crossed that he turns the corner this week!
I x2 everything that's been suggested here. Many dogs do come home with a lot of zing, only to slow down afterward as their body gets used to the new mobility challenges. Massaging can help, and limiting his activity. And yes ask your vet about staggering the pain meds, that can help keep a constant flow of medication so that he's not uncomfortable and experiencing "wind up" pain that gets out of control.
The fact that he is laying on the incision side is actually a good thing! It means he's not having so much pain or swelling there that will prevent him from putting pressure on it. So yay! 
Also don't forget to take advantage of the Tripawds Foundation Veterinary Rehabilitation Reimbursement Fund. It really pays to see a therapist who can assess Gamma's pain levels and current mobility capabilities, as well as teach you exercises and stretches to keep his body limber and injury free. The best part is the Foundation may pay for your first rehab visit ! So make an appointment now and let us know if you'd like help finding a practice.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I always thought brownie got out of breath easily at first. But then I thought if I was hopping around leg instead of two I would be out of breath too.
Also, brownie was a little over weight at time of amputation. But once he lost some weight he gets around much better!
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
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