Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Hi all,
Love this site. So glad there’s a community of people who have/are going through the same things.
My girl at 13 had rear leg amputation in July due to squamous cell carcinoma - nail bed cancer to start with.
Recovered amazingly well. Post op, though, after suture removal, I suspected she had an ulcer. Long story short, she had stomach stasis, fluid build up and yes an ulcer. Admitted to OVC for 6 days. The ulcer, they believed, was caused by Metacam. She had been on it the previous August for cruciate surgery on that same leg and intermittently during the progression and digit removal for the nail bed cancer, then again for amputation. Never had any issues ever her whole life up to that point.
Oh maybe not long story short!
She just recently became lethargic, off food and blood work showed regenerative anemia due to possible blood loss due to gastric ulcer. AGAIN?? Her hemoglobin levels are half of what they were when admitted in the summer.
She tanked last night and I took her back in to my vet. So now we continue with omeprazole, mertazapine, sulcrate and possibly cerenia if she vomits.
She’s much happier and hungry this am and actually got herself up.
I’m so frustrated for her. She came though the surgery with flying colours. Then they healed the ulcer and now this.
Anyone else with similiar experience? This emotional roller coaster for her and I is awful. I just want her well. And if not, I don’t want to wait until she’s in distress to make a final decision. Breaks my heart.
Aww your poor girl! I'm so sorry she's been through so much. What's her name? At 13 she is one tough cookie and I'm going to bet she will bounce back from this in no time at all.
Our Jerry experienced a GI ulcer from Previcox right before his surgery, so I can understand your frustration.
So did your girl go back on Metacam after the first ulcer was found? What is your vet's plan now?
Many dogs who are NSAID-intolerant can take Galiprant, a NSAID-alternative, without issues, and often with better results. Did your vet recommend it?
Thanks for joining us. Your future posts won't require approval so post away.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks, Jerry. rnHer name is Briar and she totally is one tough cookie! So damn brave, too. rnWe didn’t go back to Metacam after the ulcer was diagnosed in July. Luckily the Vet collage dispensed gabapentin and tramadol. I haven’t heard of Galiprant. I’ll have to look into it, thanks. rnThe wonderful thing was she was on a rehab program and went once a week for water treadmill and laser for her back. We didn’t need any painkillers once that ulcer was healed. rnNow she’s on the omeprazole, mertazapine for appetite stimulant and sulcrate to coat her stomach and hopefully heal the ulcer. It just kills me as she was doing so amazingly well. I don’t understand why it would’ve returned but worse this time. A bleed somewhere terrifies me. She’s much brighter tonight but I so very much don’t want her to suffer. I know we can’t predict the future but it’s a worry.
Of course you are worried, that's to be expected. But try to reframe it: Briar is doing really, really well for a senior dog. After all she has been through and then this, and she is still on a good recovery path. AWESOME!
My guess is that her first ulcer wasn't completely healed and her gut wasn't in the best of shape either. But now it will be! I'm no vet, but that's just a guess.
YAY for taking her to rehab therapy! She's a lucky girl to have you for a parent.
What vet school are you working with?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks so much for the kind words. I’m the lucky one. She’s just perfect in every way.
She had the on oncology consult, amputation and spent time in emerg and internal medicine for the initial ulcer at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph.
They got to know her quite well! We’ve since been back with our own amazing vet. He performed the cruciate surgery and digit amputations last year.
I just want to make sure I’ve given her every chance possible.
Oh that is a GREAT college! We've had quite a few members get treated there.
You're doing great things for her. Stay strong! She's getting there.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Once the ulcer is healed you may be able to try Galliprant since it is easier on the stomach. It is okay to try gabapentin alone but if she is more comfortable on an NSAID but still vomits you could add misoprostol which protects the GI tract and kidneys from the side effects of drugs like Metacam but still allows pain relief. My first pitbull Kona got an ulcer from Deramaxx but 2 weeks after it was healed the internist had me change to a different NSAID (I used Zubrin at the time which they no longer make) and added misoprostol. She lived many more years and never had another GI bleed.
My current dog Julian takes meloxicam (generic Metacam) daily for arthritis and he has to take misoprostol twice daily or he would vomit. Without the meloxicam he can't walk so the misoprostol is worth the extra price. Here in the USA I can get a 2 month supply using GoodRX for $34.
Pam
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