Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So we picked up our sweet girl from surgery. She seems in pretty good spirits, but is constantly whining or grumbling. Her incision is pretty swollen and gross looking. Watching her look so miserable and uncomfortable just breaks my heart.
Anyone have any advice on getting through the first few days?
Patience, patience and more patience. The first couple of days can be rough. Just make sure that Polly is getting her rest and the medication when she is supposed to. Cadence whined a bit the first couple of days. It was usually when she was trying to get up. We made sure we used the harness the vet put on her to help her up. It will usually take a few days for a dog to go poop, so don't get worried if she doesn't go #2 right away. When Polly wants to rest, let her rest. The medication will usually knock them out. Make sure you keep an eye on the incision to make sure there is no infection. Its normal for bruising to occur. I think that was the hardest thing for me to see. To me it looked so painful. I would ice it every couple of hours or so. Cadence didn't like it very much, but the vet suggested it.
I promise you the old Polly will come back. Once Cadence was off all the medication she was back to her normal self. I'm not sure what Polly is taking but the drugs can make them a bit wacky. Cadence at times just wanted to be left alone, so that is what we did. I wanted to be around her all the time, but it seemed like she just wanted her space.
With time, it will all get better. If you have any questions, please do no hesitate to ask us.
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.” ― Milan Kundera
Well yay that she's home! That's terrific.
As Michele said, the first couple of weeks can be ruff. The pain medications, the post-surgery blahs, can really do a number on a dog. Rest assured though that this is only temporary.
What kind of pain meds is she on? Many dogs will experience anxiety and whining because of the pain meds, but believe it or not they do serve a good purpose and will help her recuperate faster. If the symptoms worry you, call your vet to see how you can modify the dosage.
Is she eating or drinking water yet? Has she eliminated? Most dogs won't eat right away, again, because of the pain meds. As a consequence, bowel movements are infrequent too. As long as she is getting hydrated that's a great sign. You can encourage her to drink by adding low-sodium chicken broth or even a bit of gatorade to her water.
If you are at all worried, call your vet OK? That's what they're there for. And of course keep us posted, we are thinking of you and sending all we've got for a speedy recovery.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I would also add that you can cry if you need to. It's very emotional. She'll be more herself again when she comes off the meds.
I cannot add much more than what is written above. Give her hugs and little pats on the heads. I snuggled with my guy when he was awake, thinking it may comfort him. I cooked special foods for him to keep him interested. For Jackson, he started to come around 13d post-op. Before then, there was a lot of sleeping! It'd take him awhile to lay down and he kept trying to rest on his stump. He tried every day, and we encouraged him, but it did look painful. He didn't get on that side until 12d post-op. Do what you can to let your pup eat, sleep, drink, and poo. We'll encourage and celebrate every milestone!
Wahoo for having you pack back together! I was so excited to get my buddy home, to a place where he could recover, in comfort and love.
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
You guys are so great! This morning Polly seemed back to her old self. I couldn't walk her fast enough around the yard this morning to go potty! She ate and peed twice but no poop yet.
The only thing I am worried about it she seemed to pop out a staple sometime today. She still has on the cone and she hasnt been jumping. I dont know if it got stuck on the blanket? Or maybe she stretched or something, I dont know. Its not bleeding, and the 24 hour vet said unless it starts not to worry. We are on day 3, so I'm sure this is going to happen at some point, but I am incredibly nervous since this is all so new to me, and the surgery is still pretty fresh.
Anyone else have this happen? Should we go to the emergency clinic now? Tomorrow? Wait to see if it gets worse or begins to bleed? It doesnt seem to bother her, but I am a big scaredy pants so I'm panicing!
Definitely keep a close eye on it, but I don't think I would worry too much at this point. Just keep an eye out for any changes at all and call your vet if you see anything concerning.
The staples obviously hold the incision together so that it can heal up, but there should also be at least one layer (usually two, I think) of internal stitches to help hold things together farther down in the incision. So, please know that there is extra reinforcement in there! I think the biggest risk that you run is (1) that spot will take a bit longer to heal since it is not held together to bond, and/or (2) that it may create extra pulling on the staples on each side of the missing staple which may make them more likely to pull out or stretch the tiny holes where the staples go through the skin. Again, just keep a close eye on it and see your vet if you suspect any problem.
Good luck with the rest of recovery!
Lisa and Angel Zeus
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/
Try not to worry. Others have popped staples before. I think if she pops more I would take her in but one shouldnt be a big deal. Lisa's thoughts about it were spot on; she has internal stitches too, so that should keep the incision tidy. Follow the usual precautions against getting it dirty, etc., and she should be fine. Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hope she is continuing to do well. This early part of the recovery can be rough, but sounds like you guys are doing great so far, minus one staple.
Keep us posted,
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Just wanted to say hello and add some support! Our guy is 7 days post amputation-- he's been home for 4 full days now. And it can be tough! So, this too shall pass? 
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