Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Bella's surgery was 6 days ago. Yesterday we finished the Tramadol, Rimadyl and Gabapentin. She is now only on antibiotics. I worked today and my husband reports that she seemed to behave the same today as she has been over the past few days. She's been doing remarkably well and we're having to make extra effort to limit her activity. She has been out for potty breaks several times a day since her surgery and we really can't keep her from breaking into a trot when she goes outside. We started letting her wander around the house (actually, she helped herself out of the room - saw an opening and went for it!) and was thrilled to show off her new moves but she's had a couple of moderate spills with our multi-level rooms 
. I'm so worried she'll injure herself so we're working extra-hard at keeping her relaxed and confined to our room. No fun for her.
I just think this was such a MAJOR procedure and can't imagine a human being off analgesics and anti-inflammatories so quickly.
Wondering what the average post-op pain medication duration is after a total limb amputation? I know every dog is very different and some will need more meds for longer while others might need less?? Five days? Is that long enough?
Thanks!
Julie
Murphy was on his meds for 2 weeks. His 2nd week we were told to start weaning him down, so that by the end of the 2nd week he was just about done. So about 14 days total for gabapentin, tramadol & rimadyl. He was never on antibiotics.
We live in a ranch-style house, so we never had to worry about stairs, and we didn't really limit his activity...we let him set his own limits. He never seemed to over-do it. Murphy's pretty stubborn and hates being told what to do lol
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
Julie you're an awesome mom to be thinking like this. Kudos to you and hubby for keeping such a close eye on her activity.
Most dogs start to get weaned off the heaviest pain meds about 10 days out, but many will continue with the NSAID for a while, if not indefinitely, as long as their liver is OK with it. If you think she's doing well enough to cut back on her meds, talk to the vet about how to do it (Gabapentin must be a gradual withdrawal). Remember to take activity very, very slow and if she shows signs of being sore or exhausted, cut back for a few days then restart slowly.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Julie and Bella! It sounds like Bella is way ahead of the curve!
Yeah, my beloved Happy Hannah was also on Tram., Gaba., Rimadyl and an antibiotic for two weeks. In her case, I extend a reduced doseage of the pain meds into three weeks as her pain lasted a little longer.
What size is Bella? How old? Reason for amp? Yes, every dog is different but most do stay on these meds at least ten days. Five days and no pain meds after major surgery does seem a bit soon...way to soon!!! Of course, I'm no vet. I would discuss with your vet about getting her back on at least one of the pain meds and the Rimadyl also. Once the pain gets ahead start, it's harder to get it back under control.
Avoiding stairs is hard when you have a mutli level, but it sounds like you are doing everything possible to make Miss Bella take it easy.
If she's a front leg amp., she will need momentum for her forward motion and will need to move at a faster pace. So a "trot" maybe how she is figuring out her new mobility. Rear leggers also go at a faster pace but it's a little more fluid.
You're doing a great job! Looking forward to more updates AND pictures!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
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