Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Merry Christmas everyone!
Today has been a rough day for Maya. We took her for a very short walk like we have been doing for the past 3 days and it seems like she overdid. When we got back she couldn’t get confortable on her beds and even yelped. I got close to her incision and she yelped again. Not sure if this is phantom pain or some other kind of pain. The incision is looking good and doesn’t feel warm or swollen. I gave her tramadol and gaba but she still panting. Is it normal to feel pain 13 days post surgery? She is going to vet to tomorrow to remove her stitches but I am feeling super anxious that something is wrong and she is in constant pain. I was hoping that by now she would start getting back to herself...
Has she been on pain meds consistently up to thos point? I had my Happy Hannah on pain meds fot three weeks, although a .lower dose going into rhe third week.
A couple of thoughts since this seemed ro jappen quickly. She tweaked somerhing on her walk. It is soooo easy this early on to overtax the muscles and joints without much effort.
Since you mentioned soreness at the incision. the other thought is maybe a staple or stitch may be poking her.
Phantom pain comes on suddenly and often with the dog trying to "move away" from ,the paun, often yelping. It subsides after a minute or two,
Massage up and down her spine, her neck and shoulder area. Any signs of tension anywhere?
I see you're in here now. How is she doing after the meds
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!
Aww Merry Christmas. I'm sorry that you're worrying right now, I know how it's difficult not to though.
How long are Maya's walks right now? And what is her pain medication schedule like? The panting is one of the most common pain indicators dogs give. Pain medication consistency is key, especially so early on in recovery. Most dogs need medication at least until the stitches are out. That's normal and to be expected. Thirteen days seems like a lot of time but she's been through a major surgery and like many dogs may need more recuperation time and slower, more gradual activity.
What you are describing does not sound like phantom pain to me but mention it to your vet. With some good R&R I'm going to bet that she will start to feel better.
Also, don't furget that the Tripawds Foundation may pay for your first rehab visit to please do take advantage of the program OK? Maya can benefit from the therapy and you'll learn lots about how to keep her strong and avoid injury.
Try some gentle massage, make sure she rests and take things very, very slowly until you see your vet.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
She finally slept after the meds and seems to be doing better. I have been giving her tramadol and gaba every 12 hours. In the morning when we took her she was due for her pain meds but I didn’t want to give before the walk so she would feel too good and overdo it. I massaged her spine line you suggested and the area around her neck feels tense/sore. I also put some ice on her incision to see if it helps. I am not sure what is causing the pain she has been sleeping a lot since the surgery so I don’t think is because of overdoing it. I am going to ask the vet tomorrow just a little worried because I was expecting seeing her getting better and better but like other mentioned the recovery process is a rollercoaster ride
Just a quick update on Maya after the visit to the vet. They said everything is looking good and her pain is probably some arthritis from older age or her body adjusting to the changes. They suggested to remove the tramadol and gaba and gave her an anti inflammatory to see how she does. Today she was moving a bit more but still pretty tired and lethargic. When I got close to her neck she yelped. I will keep monitoring her and hopefully will see some improvement within the next few days. Her bloodwork came back beautifully and chest x-rays clear. She got her first chemo yesterday and so far is eating and going to the bathroom.
Thanks for the pupdate. Glad everything checked out okay! Really good news! Hopefully the antii inflammatories will help. Is it Rimadyl or Carprofen?
In addition to the arthritis, it still sounds like she's pulled a muscle in her neck (or back, which can manifest in shoulder area), especially since she acts tentative if you get near it. The anti -inflammatory and rest should help. Also, Gabapentin IS good for arthritis pain, so, you can ask the Vet about a low dose of she continues to show pain signs. Wish she would let you massage her. Also maybe put a warm towel out of the dryer over her.
Ee've pro already me tioned rhis, but when you can try and get an appointment with a Certified Rehabilitation Specialist. They can work wonders. The Tripawd Foundation will pay for the first visit.
Sounds like you've got a good plan. Let us know as she improves. And hopefully she'll sail thr chemo too! Give that sweet girl extra treats for us!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too !
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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'm with Sally on this. Rehab can be really helpful. A month after my cat Mona's amputation (front leg) her spine looked slightly crooked as she walk-hopped. I took her in for a chiropractic treatment and learned how to massage her. Immediately her gait became much smoother.
Tripawds' bodies need to learn how to balance and move differently and rehab can help with this. Mona loved the treatments and would fall asleep during the treatment.
I hope Maya is feeling better today.
Kerren
How's she doing today? Good for you for finding those sore spots, you're onto something there, keep up the massage and see if that helps in the meantime.
And yep, I agree that some ongoing pain management might be beneficial (that's my non-vet opinion of course). A rehab therapist can help pinpoint the cause of her pain, then treat it with multiple methods, including pain medication, massage, stretching and exercise when she's up to it. The Tripawds Foundation may pay for your first rehab visit so we hope you'll take advantage of the program.
I hope the next few days get better for her. Sounds like things are going as well as they can after chemo. YAY! Celebrate the little things!
Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Grover had neck pain around the two week mark too and I was panicked and afraid that we made the wrong decision. So panicked that we ended up doing an MRI of his neck to rule out an underlying problem or a metastasis. Nothing bad to be found ... just needed some extra time to work out how to use his arthritic neck he body post amputation and likely some muscle pain from the strain.
in consultation w our vet we ended up on a combo of galliprant (a long term NSAID), gabapentin and amantadine. We probably don’t need all 3 still but he is so happy and active that we have decided not to rock the boat.
good luck - I think that better days are ahead 💜
Thank you all so much for the encouragement and suggestions. Grover’s pawrent I can totally relate with the panic. I have been on the edge ever since she has been diagnosed and super scared to hear the big M word.
I will definitely start looking into rehab and some alternative treatments such as Accupuncture. She is taking meloxicam for inflammation and noticed she is moving a little be better. Today was definitely a better day. She still not herself but have been getting up more and following us around. No major side effects from chemo besides some nausea in the morning. Today my husband and I decided to get out of the house to watch a movie and left her for a couple hours. I watched her through the camera and she got on the couch by herself!! celebrating little things like you guys said.
I am very thankful for this community! It has helped me to don’t feel alone. You guys are amazing and definitely a huge support for other people that are going through this journey.
JUMPED UP ON THE COUCH??? BY HERSELF.?.?. HUGE VICTORY INDEED!!!
You go girl!!!! You own that couch!! I always say that a dog will not be denied their rightful position on THEIR couch, and Maya just proved that!!!
Glad you got out to see a movie. It did you good, as well as Maya, for you both to have a little "vacay" from care giving and being the one care given to!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. Did the Vet give you any Cerenia for the nausea? It helps.
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!
You're all on the right track to smooth sailing for the year ahead! It's an honor to be there for you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Today Maya did great! She is finally getting her sparkle back! We took her for a walk around the neighborhood and she got to say hello to a lot her friends and loved all the attention. She is going up and down the couch & human bed like a pro. I thought this day would never come and so grateful that she is getting there. These little improvements day by day make it all worth it.
Wheeee! There's nothing like seeing old friends and getting pawsitive attention to pick up the spirits (both yours and hers!). I'm so glad to hear she's turned that corner and is on her way. Yipee! Thanks for sharing.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
THRILLED TO READ THIS! WAY TO GO MAYA!!! AND IT ONLY GETS BETTER AND BETTER
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!
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