Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Sandpiper is post-op left, front amputation and is on day 3. If you read other posts, he has been doing amazing in every sense - little bowel movement control but possibly just the Trazodone.
This evening, he ate his normal meal (same since day after surgery) and immediately vomited. His Gabapentin and Trazodone did manage to stay in but nothing else. I am awaiting a return call from the hospital doctor.
Also, is it normal that the Trazodone makes him unable to walk? It's been about an hour and half since the dose and wow - this boy cannot function!
Thank you for any insight - Billie Jo
How much does Sandpiper weigh? What's the dose of Traz and how often? What's the dose of Gaba and how often? Are they given at the same time?Gaba can have a sedating effect somet. And the Trazedine IS a fairly strong sedative. It certa sou ds loke he's overly medicated and the Trazed is most likely the reason.
I am not a Vet and not giving Vet advice. But do talk to them about maybe reducing the dosage. Is he in it because he's a hyper dog? I m ow he has vomited a d has the poops. Mention everything to the Vet.
When you say "can't walk", is he zonked out or tries to walk, but falls, looks like he's drunk?
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!
Hmmm I do agree that the Trazadone dosage could be too strong. He shouldn’t be so zonked that he can’t make it out to potty a couple times a day.
Let us know what your vet says.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Has he been on Traz before? Do you know how he reacts to it?
My Quad Pug Obie is super sensitive to any type of sedation- meds that are supposed to wear off in 4 to 6 hours affect him for up to 12 hours!
Personally I prefer not to use sedatives unless there is a real need, even after major surgery. Partly because of my experience with Obie, but also because in my experience they don't help with pain, they just make a pup really lethargic. Of course that is my opinion and you should discuss any meds and issues with your vet.
I'm glad Sandpiper is otherwise doing well- how are you doing? Are you getting some rest?
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
Here's what I know...vomiting most likely isolated, I may have over reacted. He ate fine for me this morning; dinner is in about an hour. Hospital requested no change to diet just yet.
Yes, spoke to Sandpiper's surgeon this morning and staff last night - reducing Trazodone. Sand weighs 82 lbs and is an energetic guy; goes HARD! We are cutting from 150 mg to 50mg for now and will increase if the need arises. He has never experienced this medication before. His Gabapetin dose is 300mg (was 400 mg for bone caner). Both medicines are given every 12 hours at the same time.
Business accidents slowing down! Several more bowel movements this morning - who knew this stuff would be so exciting.
Today he was outside, on his back, soaking in the sunshine.
When I referenced could not walk - it was like legs wouldn't work and when they did, drunk like state. He just did not want to move. Last night (before making the reduction change) he never moved for over four hours, same spot, sleeping!
I reduced to 100mg Trazadone today to ensure he was not in distress while I was at work. I setup the webcam to keep an eye on him and while he moved a few times, he rested peacefully all day. When I came through the door and entered the living room - he was sitting tall and so very handsome!
Sorry for the quick over reaction...as I've mentioned before the last year has been exceptionally difficult for me with Rodanthe and everything meant something...
Billie Jo
This is such great news. And you don't need to apologize for anything at all. There's no such thing as over reacting when you're on this ride. You did good!
Super happy to hear he had a good day lounging around. I can totally see how the Gabapentin and Trazadone interacted together. My wild boy wouldn't be affected by that but I know a lot of dogs who would be. Sounds like you found the right combo for him. Keep it up!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
YAAAAAAY!!! THIS UPDATE MADE MY DAY!!!!😁😁😁 So glad you are seeing some of Sandpiper's sparkle come back AND some normal poop!! We love normal. 
around here!!!
Yeah, based on what you said, that was a lot of Trazedone! Glad the Vet suggested backing off some. The "drunk" like state/walk was a big clue.
And NEEEEECER, EVVVVVVER, EVVVVVER apologize for anything around here that relates to "perceived " over reacting!!! This is a crazy journey and almost every little thing scares the heck out of us dur eecovery! And that's why we are all here! Been there...done that! But we can help pull you back from the edge....the edge that we've all visited many times!!
Extra 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!
Good job advocating for Sandpiper and talking with the vets to get him as comfortable as possible!
And don't worry about over-reacting... recovering from amp surgery is advanced pet parenting!
Several more bowel movements this morning – who knew this stuff would be so exciting.
The only people who get as excited as new Tripawd parents about these things I think are toddler moms working on potty training 
... he was sitting tall and so very handsome!
Awesome!
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
One thing I always tell people is to try to alternate medications instead of giving them all at one time. That way you get more adequate coverage. Although Trazadone isn't as much for pain. But still the same sort of concept, if you give too many medications at the same time, their affects will be multiplied.
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
midnighter94 said
One thing I always tell people is to try to alternate medications instead of giving them all at one time. That way you get more adequate coverage. Although Trazadone isn't as much for pain. But still the same sort of concept, if you give too many medications at the same time, their affects will be multiplied.Donna
Thank you Donna -
I wish I could alternate the medications but I am managing this recovery on my own and I work outside the home. The instructions have me giving every 12 hours and most with food.
I am fortunate, the vomiting was an isolated incident where I believe my boy just ate too fast. And in true confession - I think he didn't like one of the antibiotics in his food. Additionally, we reduced the Trazodone by 100mg; I am hopeful these are all steps in the right direction.
Thank you for taking the time to post!
Billie Jo
Antibiotics can sure taste awful and upset the belly, so that makes total sense. And I'll bet the reduction gradual reduction of all his meds is going to make a huge difference.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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