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- Mabey's surgery was last Wednesday and she initially was doing really well. The last couple of days she has almost seemed depressed. She still has a great appetite and is going out and doing her "business" without any issues but the she comes in the house and just sleeps. I did contact my vet and they suggested starting to scale back on her Tramadol. She had it prior to the surgery without any issues. I am hoping this is a normal reaction as she is healing.
We did get the biopsy results back and it is Osteoscarcoma so we are working with our vet on what's next for her. Right now I just want my happy girl back for as long as possible.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks
Shelly and Mabey
One week is still very early in the recovery, so just try to be patient. One thing that we all say on this site that is a bit misleading is how great dogs do with the amputation surgery. They do handle it well and recover very quickly - compared to us humans (think about it - we would still be in the hospital!) but don't lose track of the fact that this is still a major surgery. Mabey is learning to use all new muscles and trying to learn how to do things differently. Compare it to a hard workout - you know how you are always more sore two or three days after than you are the day of the workout? So, not only is she dealing with the pain of the surgery itself, but also the soreness that comes from using muscles that she didn't use before. Give it a little more time and you should see a big turnaround - especially after the stitches come out around the two week mark. Our vet gave us strict instructions that Zeus was to do NOTHING more than eat, drink and walk far enough to eliminate the first two weeks. He basically was a couch potato for two weeks and then the vet gave us permission to very slowly allow more activity. Sounds to me like Mabey is doing just fine for only one week into recovery. Good luck!!
Lisa
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Hi Shelly,
So sorry for the definitive diagnosis, but I know you were probably prepared to get this bad news.....somehow, even preparing yourself still doesn't take the shock out the actual awful words when they are spoken out loud to you, I know I surely felt that way.
Glad Mabey is doing well, and this little bump usually happens to many pups and kitties after amp.....sometimes Tramadol makes them a bit loopy, tired, or seemingly depressed, just kind of normal for some. As long as she is still eating and going potty fine, then she will most definitely get past this once she is off the Tramadol. And yeah, she is still healing from major surgery and that can also play a significant role in her not being back to herself yet. As well as my Polly did immediately after surgery, she also had a few down days of being extra tired or depressed, but mostly just very tired. Just let her rest as much as possible, and she will be better before you know it.
Keep us updated on your girl, and let us know what you decide on for her going forward.....most of us have been through the chemo thing too, as well as many holistic options. Lots of experience here to help you.
{{{hugs}}}
Bonnie & Angel Polly
My Shelby seemed a little blue and withdrawn a couple weeks after her amp too and it was the meds. She even took to camping out in the bathroom as her 'den'. What I can say is we did reduce her tramadol and get her some anti-anxiety meds (a doggy valium)... and it helped. But most likely, Shelby was putting herself in a den to heal as they would do in the wild and just taking some 'alone' time.
The sparkle should come back! It's still early in the healing process..
much love,
alison with the spirit of shelby fur-ever in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
As nervewracking as it is, it sounds like this is a pretty normal recovery. Many dogs have a "crash" after first coming home. I think it's because their body is feeling the effects of getting around in a new way and it's exhausting. Also remember that this is big surgery and sleep heals, it's medicinal, so if Mabey is getting her rest that's great, it means her body will be stronger than ever. I'm glad you talked to your vet about it, scaling back the tramadol should definitely put some more sparkle in her eye and her step.
Sorry about the osteosarcoma diagnosis. As much as we prepare for it, it's still a kick in the butt. The thing is, Mabey doesn't know what that report said, she's just gonna go on livin' life and having fun, so follow her lead and you can't go wrong.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi there, i really sympathise with you, my girl was the same, it can be quite upsetting.
She just slept and moped about, she wouldnt even come to me, she used to turn away when i went to her, it was if she blamed me.
After 2 weeks i decided that enough was enoiugh and couldnt bear seeing her loike this any more, so we decided to take her to the park and just sit on the bench and get her some fresh air in an environment she loved.
Well we didnt sit on the bench at all, she was a different dog, she went off across the field and said helo to a few dogs, i think she realised that it wasnt the end of her world and she could still have a little run around and play with her buddies.
She sat down after about 5 minutes to rest then she was off again, we took her every other day for a couple of weeks and she got stronger and fitter and she spent less time resting. It was amazing how it changed her whole outlook on things, she was a happy girl again and back to her old self, theres no stopping her now, shes better than ever.
Try and stay positive its a big op and a massive change for them, once they realise they can managae perfectly without the leg im sure she will be back to her old self in no time...
Keep up the good work, you little girl looks adorable x
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