Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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It's Stewie's first day home and he hasn't been able to rest more than 2-3 hours, if that. It is now 3am for us and he hasn't been able to settle down. I've tried to take him out for his business, but he just wants to lay down outside. It is REALLY warm here in BC and I'm sure that's got a lot to do with it, but he is also slightly whimpering and he has been quiet all day. I gave him 1 1/2 T3's 1/2 an hour ago, but it's not kicking in. Poor boy! is this normal?
Remember...“live in the moment!“ 
Oh you poor thing! I see you didn't get any sleep either, I'm so sorry. While this (the whimpering) is a common occurrence, it's usually because the pain medication needs some adjusting. Sometimes they aren't getting enough, or too much, for their physiology. When a dog's pain medication is adequately balanced for their needs, everyone sleeps. So fear not, you can definitely fix this by calling your vet and letting them know what's going on.
You mention T3's, I'm assuming that's Tramadol? What else is he on as far as pain medications?
As far as his quiet behavior goes, that isn't unusual either, he's had major surgery and is exhausted. Sometimes quiet behavior can be a sign that there isn't enough pain medication too, but at this point in his recovery it's a toss up. If only they could talk to us in our language. Until then we have to learn their pain signals.
Don't worry, this is all part of the learning curve. Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hey Stewie,
Mommy and Daddy were up all night with me, too. I'm taking gabapentin 300mg q12, carprofen 100mg q12, and had two doses of sub-q buprenorphine at home. I think the buprenorphine maybe made me a little nuts, but I'm still really uncomfortable this morning. Right now I've got my ice pack on and am waiting to hear back from the vet! We can do this, friend!
~~Loki
🐾 Loki, Dog of Mischief 🐶
I loved life as a tripawd for over three years following right forelimb amputation due to an aggressive and recurrent hemangiopericytoma. I reclaimed my place among the gods and valkyries in Valhalla on November 11th, 2020. My parents miss me tremendously, but I know they'll keep me in their hearts forever... and don't worry, I've approved my mom's use of my Tripawds account.
Has Stewie had the tramadol before? It can make some dogs restless. My tripawd, Meg, was fine on it, but my quadpawd, Elsie, reacted really badly, up all night whimpering, couldn't settle at all. When was his surgery, and what other medication is he on?
Do hope you are all able to get a little rest today. You too, Loki! Zzzzzzs all round!
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Tramadol made my tripawd Aspen uncomfortable, too. Took us a while to figure it out, too, but he was ancy, couldn't relax, his breathing seemed erratic.... I'd call the vet and talk about some different meds.
Also: if it's hot, try putting a fan on the floor to blow right on Stewie and see if that helps! Aspen is a big fan his fans.
Good luck and keep us posted!
-Lauren & Aspen
Online
For whatever it's worth, I don't think my Happy Hannah slept more than a few hours the FIRST THREE NIGHTS!! Needless to say, nor did I! She was restless and whiny and just could not get comfy. In part it was still due to hospital meds, the pain of MAJOR SURGERY and perhaps the Tram also. She was on Tramadol and Gabapentin and after a few days she settle in more and she and I got a few hours rest.
Stewie may want to be outside because the grass may feel cool...maybe? Cool spots seem to be where they gravitate.
We KNOW this is EXHAUSTING! Emotionally, physically exhausting!! IT DOES GET BETTER!!! PROMISE!! It's major surgery and it takes awhile to figure out mobility issues.
STAY CONNECTED! We are here for you, okay?
Higs!
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!
T3's are usually Tylenol #3 (with codeine)...
Stewie probably needs more than just that for pain control. Murphy came home with Tramadol (narcotic), Rimadyl (NSAID, like Motrin), and Gabapentin (helps with nerve pain). Some come home with a Fentanyl patch. But those are generally the pain medications of choice. You want to alternate so that you are giving something every couple of hours for adequate coverage.
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Thankss Donna!
Yeah, Tylenol, even with coedine, is certainly not strong enough to deal with an amputation of a limb!! Sounds like ahe DEFINITELY NEEDS MORE PAIN MEDS!!!
Let us k ow if you can get some Tramadol and Gabapentin and Rimadyl.
Update when you can
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!
I hope you're feeling a bit better tonight, Stewie! I made big strides today with my adjusted doses of meds. The opiates didn't sit well with me, but gabapentin has been super helpful. I think you'd like it!
🐾 Loki, Dog of Mischief 🐶
I loved life as a tripawd for over three years following right forelimb amputation due to an aggressive and recurrent hemangiopericytoma. I reclaimed my place among the gods and valkyries in Valhalla on November 11th, 2020. My parents miss me tremendously, but I know they'll keep me in their hearts forever... and don't worry, I've approved my mom's use of my Tripawds account.
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