Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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First, I would like to report that Fortis' first week post surgery has really been quite amazing. He has been such a trooper. I'm keeping my fingers crossed but it has really been a breeze thus far. I can't express how proud I am of my boy.
I have a few questions. Fortis' stitches are not due to be removed until 19 days post op. Does this seem a normal amount of time?
Fortis is taking 300mg of Tramadol and 300mg of Rimadyl daily for pain. How long did your pups stay on pain meds post op and what types?
Thanks for all the support
Brett
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I'm glad to hear Fortis is doing so well! Yay!
Harley didn't get his staples out for 20 days. He was supposed to get them out on day 14, but I was called out of town, plus it was Thanksgiving week, so it ended up being day 20. The Orthopedic Surgeon had no concerns with them being in that long; although, it was difficult for them to find all the staples, due to all the hair that had grown in by day 20.
A week after amputation, Harley (who is 85lbs) was probably only taking 50mg total of Tramadol a day … but it should be noted that more Tramadol caused panting, pacing, & staring off into space. Off of Tramadol a little after 2 weeks, I think.
Harley cannot take Rimadyl, due to a previous horrible reaction on it (violent, bloody diarrhea after 3 days on it) … but did take 227mg of Previcox for 4 or 5 days post amputation.
About a month after amputation, he was started on 100mg of Gabapentin for Phantom Limb Pain, which he takes at bedtime.
-Gwen & Harley
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
Jake had his staples out exactly 14 days post-op… He was on 150mg of tramadol 2x's a day for about a week… then went down to 100mg 2x's a day for a while (maybe for another week or two). He never had any bad reactions to any of his meds plus he also got some pepcid AC, so he was lucky that way. He was also on Previcox the first week… then switched to meloxicam which was easier on his tummy.
Happy 1st week post op Fortis!!!
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
14 days was the absolute minimum the surgeon would allow until Jack's stitches could be removed. As far as pain meds, I'm not sure exactly how long we kept Jack on the medication, but it was probably about 2 weeks. I think he would have been fine to get off them sooner, but they made me feel better knowing he wasn't in physical pain (even though he was probably seeing pink elephants and flying kittens). Glad to hear Fortis is recovering nicely 🙂
<3 Laura and Jacks
It all sounds "normal" if Fortis appears to be managing well. Though i would ask your vet about getting him off the Rimadyl as soon as possible as long term use of certain NSAIDs like Rimadyl can cause GI trouble.
We started weening Jerry off his Tramadol after about ten days, and he was completely off it after two weeks. We took him off Rimadyl after a few days and switched to Metacam after noticing his bloody, runny stool.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Tika had her staples out 14 days post amp and she was ready! Our vet did for us so we didn't have to make the drive to KC to see the surgeon.
She did not handle Tramadol very well at all, so we took her off of it and let her sleep it off. She was on Deramaxx for inflammation.
I think time frame is advised based on how much 'work' they have to do when operating, I do know from personal experience of having my own stitches, towards the end you just want to remove them yourself because they itch SO BAD, and your skin is healed and tight. Ugh.
I'm glad Fortis is doing so well!
--Kim and Spirit Tikaani
Kim and Spirit Tika http://www.tika.....ogspot.com
Thanks for all the input. It really is appreciated. The rimadyl has always cocerned me. Fortis has shown no negative reactions to the meds but I still have my concerns. I will make it a point to discuss this with our Vet.
Fortis has normal stools, is up and eager to be fed, has plenty of attitude and seems mentally alert not "drugged out". He has shown little if any signs of pain. For myself I have always felt when it comes to meds less is better but this is my best bud and I don't want him to feel any pain! Thanks again.
An overly concerned,
Dad 
We're so glad to hear that Fortis is doing so well! Keep us posted on your sweet boy!
Holly's stitches were removed 14 days after surgery. She was on Deramaxx for 13 days (stopped due to upset tummy) and Tramadol for 14 or 15 days - I can't remember exactly when she stopped that, but think it was the day after her stitches were removed.
Best wishes for continued good recovery!
Holly and Holly's mom
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
There are complications that CAN come from prolonged use of Rimadyl or any other NSAID's. Supai tore both CCL's in one year resulting in 2 TPLO procedures. She used Rymadyl regularly to manage imflamation from over doing it. Sure I kept an eye on her Poo, and if there was prolong use we had blood work done, but the benefits far out weigh the dangers.
I agree with everyone that it is best to ween our dog's off of pain meds ASAP, but don't fear a drug that can improve the quality of the dog's life because fear. We alway's have a bottle of Rimadyl on hand. After a full day in the woods my guy's sometimes are sore and a little lame, a Rimadyl with dinner and what a difference in the AM.
Just my 2 cnest worth.
As for stitches, Supai's were removed after 10 days. The Surgeon who performed the amputation also did here TPLO procedures, the first knee he waited the 14 days, and man did he have tough time getting the staples out. Suapi was a fast healer, things went much better with the second knee and amputation with 10 days. So my recommendation, if the Vet is close by, stop in and have him look at the incision at 10 day's, the worst that happens is you go back in 4 days.
And way to go Fortis! life is great when you are pain free! And to Dad, keep up the good work with your Boy.
Shaun & Supai
Most dogs require sutures to be left in place for 14-21 days. I took some of Tazzie's out after 14 days and the rest a few days later. If Fortis is handling the Rimadyl (most dogs do just fine on it) then I would continue it for 10-14 days since it is an anti-inflammatory and those muscles and tissues may be swollen for 2 weeks or more. I'm glad that he is doing well!
Pam
Glad to hear the Fortis is doing well! That's great news! He does sound like a trooper!
I guess Rimadyl users fall into 2 camps. I'm with Shaun on this one. Maybe because we've gone through two TPLO surgeries! I'm a Rimadyl fan but am cautious. It can make a world of difference!
Dad, I wouldn't worry so much. You are doing great! Your Fortis is doing great! Just follow the doctor's advice and take one day at a time!
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.
Check out our latest three movies in the Tripawds Health videos playlist. This three-part interview with the founding doctors at California Animal Rehab includes loads of helpful information about pain medications, side effects, amputation recovery, and much more. Jerry will be posting complete interviews in the News Blog soon, so stay tuned!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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