Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Michelle,
For two months after the surgery, Genie's appetite was like a roller coaster ride. She most of the time turned her nose away from the varieties of food placed in front of her. She would one day clean up the whole dish, and had me think that her old self was back. Then she would do the same of not wanting to eat for another little while.
The first couple of weeks after her surgery, the vet's concern was that she needed calories intake in order to heal and suggested me to try different kind of food, just to get her to eat. (Genie has been a BARFer since she was two. What the vet actually suggested was to see if Genie would take kibbles/canned food). I did try, but there was no consistency. She nipped a little bit and then lost interest again.
It wasn't until she finished every single BARF-meal for a few consecutive days that I knew for sure that the challenge (for me) was over! I think that probably was about the time when Tramadol, and antibiotic were almost flushed out of her system that she felt like eating again.
I think Genie was confused more than depressed. Well... she could be a bit depressed possibly because she picked up my emotion.
Hope your dog has a speedy recovery.
Genie's mom.
michelle said:
...today he has been "depressed" for lack of a better word.
Please try to remember that we dogs do not get "drepressed" – that's such a human thing. If anything, we may express discomfort or boredom, or react physically to medications. We also tend to follow the emotional lead of our pack leaders.
I know it's hard, as my people can attest, but please try not to personify our activity, or lack thereof. Set a good example for us and keep an eye out for serious issues, like if we refuse to eat/drink or become incontinent.
It's still early, be patient and keep us posted. Thanks for joining the forums!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello all. One thing I've been noticing about all the posts I've read, (and I've been at this site for nearly 24 hrs now) is that we have to remember just how traumatic the surgeries and chemo really are, even if the dog seems ok, a lot has been done to them. And I don't think anything in Nature is a straight line. There are ups and down with everything, some more dramatic than others. It is difficult not to hold your breath with every slip or cough..it is difficult not to break down. but something a friend told me and I've heard here on the site, is to postpone your fear and grief to when you aren't around your dog if you can. You've all said it many times.
And whether to amputate, whether to give chemo, there's no way to really know for sure...it's a numbers game and you only can make the best educated guess you can. I can be philosophical because my boy made it out of surgery. But I don't know what's going to happen and even get superstitious to say anything lest I provoke the gods. I'll be crying in my beer next..not!
Anyway, I'll shut up and just post my pic of my little buddy and share his beautiful self. well it isn't posting. I hav no luck with images.
Could anyone tell me what a BARF-meal is?
thx!
micki z.
micki z said:
And I don’t think anything in Nature is a straight line. There are ups and down with everything, some more dramatic than others
Well said, Micki. Thank you.
For more information on the BARF diets, please see Jerry's Resources page. Shirley's Wellness Cafe is linked there, and that site has some fabulous nutritional advice. It's where my Mom started with my diet, 7 years ago or so.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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