Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all;
I just found this group! My mini schnauzer Trent had a hind leg amputation 12/28 for a large malignant mast cell tumor. He's currently on gabapentin three times a day and metacam once a day. He seems snowed from the gabapentin but he does wake up occasionally to go out and to eat. Except for the first day he has shown no signs of pain or discomfort. I think all the sleeping must be a good thing to help with the healing and recovery, right? The bottle says I can change the gabapentin to twice a day as tolerated, I'm just afraid of doing it too soon and having my buddy in pain. Any advice? Thank you!
Welcome to Tripawds, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I'm sorry Trent needed an amputation. My pug Maggie lost her left rear leg to a MCT and hopped happily through life for almost 4 years.
In my experience just a couple days after a major surgery is pretty early to start decreasing pain meds. Resting is what Trent needs now, our surgeon said Maggie should only walk for potty breaks and for food. If he is over medicated then you could probably cut back, but I would think you would want to check with your vet first. Does Trent have a pain patch? Mag came home with a pain patch (fentanyl) which wore off after a few days. My quad pug Obie also had pain patches after his two knee surgeries. If there is a pain patch then I wouldn't decrease the gaba until after the pain patch wears off.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Awww, sorry you and Trent have to be here. Under the circumstances though, there is no better place for support, understanding and information.
Every dog is different. Every recovery is different. In my Happy Hannah's case, she did not have a pain patch. She was sent home with Tramadol, Gabapentin, Rimadyl (acts the same as Metacam) and an antibiotic.
Interestingly, another member just posted that Gabapentin made their dog very sleepy. Sorry I can't remember the post. I did not experience that with Happy Hannah.
Your pup does need rest, potty breaks and to be able to eat and drink. Drinking and peeing are the most important, along with the rest. That's about all for now.
I'm certainly no vet. Based on your vet's directions, I wouldn't hesitate to reduce the Gabapentin IF he was on Tramadol too. If your vet gave you directions on the bottle that you could reduce the Gaba to twice a day, you can try that. iIf he's less "snowed" you can see how it goes with just two doses a day. The signs of pain are restlessness, ears pinned back, panting, tension.
Let us know how he's doing. It DOES get better!! His sparkle will come back! Would love to hear more about this cutie pie WITH pictures!
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!
Hello Trent and family, welcome to Tripawds. And a Hoppy New Year to you, may 2016 be great to your pack!
Sally and Karen's insight is spot on. THe only thing I would add to that is to check with your vet before adjusting the medication. Gabapentin isn't something you want to change abruptly, it can really disrupt the nervous system, so ask before doing any changes. And yep, some dogs do get very sleepy on it. At this stage though, Trent really should be getting a lot of rest so the healing takes place. If he's eating and drinking and eliminating, it sure sounds like a normal recovery with some good pain management .
Hugs to all of you, we're glad you found us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi ~
Murphy came home on Gabapentin, Tramadol & Rimadyl. He took all 3 for about 2 weeks, weaning down during the 2nd week. This is major surgery and you don't want to go down too soon. Rest is a good thing for Trent right now. Before you know it, he'll be up and getting into everything!
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
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