TRIPAWDS: Home to 22974 Members and 2152 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Join The Tripawds Community

Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:

Instant post approval.

Private messages to members.

Subscribe to favorite topics.

Live Chat and much more!

Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Register Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon-c
Post op-recovery journey (10yr old boxer Brody, front left leg amputation)
sp_NewTopic Add Topic
Member Since:
26 September 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
31
14 October 2013 - 9:24 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I called the vet and left a message about the meds and eating habits. I haven't heard back yet. I just finished cooking Brody a steak and he did walk into the kitchen as I was cutting it up. I gave a piece and he walked away. Then I put in his bowl with some brown rice and he wants nothing to do with it. I was able to hand feed him 3 small pieces. He is shifting rooms a lot. He seems completely exhausted. Right now he is laying down panting. I have also noticed when I am up close to is face he seems to have (I don't even know how to describe) dust bunnies on his whiskers? I wipe of with my finger and they feel waxy? What is that? Is that normal? I know he is in dyer need of a bath but well have to wait another week for that. I do wipe him of with a wet cloth on is face and legs. He is sleeping now. I know I know I know I've been told it gets better and I am hopeful for that day and have been very positive but it's hard watching him like this. I think when the vet calls back I'm going to ask to bring him in just to have him looked at and for my own piece of mind. Not sure how I'll get in my truck but I'll figure it out.

Julie :-)

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
32
14 October 2013 - 9:41 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Completely understand! It is AWFUL when your dog isn't feeling just right...and you don't kow why. And this "journey" magnifies every little twitch and hiccup!

I'm glad you've called the vet......walking away from steak.....nope, Brody doesn't feel good!!

Thepanying and restlessness does seem pain related...and that could result in him not wanting to eat for sure.

Yeah, you'll figure out how to get himin the truck.....I KNOW it's really hard when it's just ou! Towel slings.....maybe you can make "layered" platforms so that each step he takes he's up higher? I'm sure I'm clear as mud on that oe. Is there a bench or so ething elevated you can put your truck next to that ne can clmb on and then nto the truck??

Post as soon as you get back, okay?? I'm sure it's nothing to worry about.....but we're all tripawd moms too and.....well.....we DO worry about all our family.....even though there's nothing to worry about!:winker

We'll be waiting......-----

Sally and Happy Hannah

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!

New Haven, CT
Member Since:
27 December 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
33
14 October 2013 - 9:54 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

This just crossed my mind: didn't you say you had a patch to remove from Brody?  A pain med patch?  He could be going through withdrawal.  I've read stories like this from that patch... not eating or funky appetites after that patch comes off.  Meds could still be too high.  Or, meds aren't high enough.  I think bringing him in would help you feel better.  Make sure to get a temperature reading.  Have you tried sardines?  Tuna fish?  Get stinky foods!  Coat the steak in bacon fat?  I'm glad he's resting - you should do the same.

Oh, Brody!  Feel better soon, buddy.  You're worrying us!  Your mom will get it figured it out soon.

~ Katy & Jackson

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!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
34
14 October 2013 - 10:16 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Poor Brody, turning away steak? Wow!

OK, Julie, we totally understand why you're worried and I hope your vet has some ideas for you. Things DO get better, promise.  But be as strong as you can possibly be right now OK? Try not to hover over him and if you need to cry, go outside and do it. Brody is looking to you to be a leader, you can do it!

As for getting into the truck, get a reusable canvas grocery bag, cut open the sides and use it as a sling to hoist him up. If you have someone to help even better. We have a 4x4 truck so I know how hard that is to do by yourself when you're dealing with an incision. I would ask someone for help right now. Hopefully he won't have to go anywhere though, and he can continue his restful sleep.

Keep us posted.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
26 September 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
35
14 October 2013 - 1:44 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

I still haven't heard back from the vet. I called about a 1/2 hour ago and the receptionist said she gave the message to her and will be calling me.

Perhaps it is withdrawl. It's a possibility. I just took his temperature and it is 101.5.

He also just peed in the house (even though I have asked and opened the door numerous times) for about a minute straight and I am not exaggerating. The last time he went was Saturday afternoon. After he went he drank water 2 times. Did anyone else's dog NOT want to go outside? It is finally a beautiful day and not raining and he doesn't want to go out and obviously had to go the bathroom.

My friend stopped over and he was happy to see her. Also, Brody sheds a lot normally but I feel like his face hair is shedding way more than it normally does.

Does the bag go under his stomach/chest area? Will it hurt his incision if it touches is when we lift him?

 

Many thanks again. You really are my saving grace!

Julie :-)

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
36
14 October 2013 - 2:37 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Sorry he peed in the house, that's a lot of puddle! Well I can't say for sure why he did that but he's probably just tired. Hopefully that's all. Many recovering dogs will have accidents. If his mobility is otherwise OK, considering where he's at in recovery, it's probably fine.

Dogs shed when stressed or excited, that's definitely a possibility.

The bag goes underneath his belly. Is "shouldn't" hurt (easy for someone to say when they don't have a big incision!) but you can also pad it with a thick towel.

b r e a t h e

You're doing great!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
18 September 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
37
14 October 2013 - 2:44 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi Julie

My lab, Tucker, is about three weeks post amp so I am relatively new here too.

Use the sling behind Brody's remaining front limb...it really will help.  But don't be afraid to ask for help either...my neighbours were great right after I got home with Tuck.

Let us know how you make out with your boy!

Hugs,

Linda and Tucker

 

 

Member Since:
26 September 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
38
14 October 2013 - 5:20 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Jerry - that's what I don't understand. He has gone outside to go the bathroom. He CAN go outside to use the bathroom. He CAN walk outside to use the bathroom. That's why it concerns me that he won't. He just stares at door when I offer and then turns and walks the opposite direction.

 

I was staring at him today and now when he lays down he doesn't even lay there with his head up. He immediately lays it down on the ground. And he lays there without being asleep just staring into space with his eyes open.

 

We just brought him back a cheeseburger and he won't even lift his head or look at us to take it. No interest at all whatsoever.

 

The vet NEVER called back so I'm starting to get really ****** off. Sorry for that, but I want to talk to her. I have been calling the dr that did the surgery, should I call my regular vet instead? Regardless, I am taking him somewhere tomorrow to have him looked at.

 

Thanks for the information on the sling. I will def give a try with my husband tomorrow.

 

Since he is NOT panting and seems comfortable, just comatose I think he needs less meds but have no idea where to cut back. Any advice based upon what he is currently taking???????????????? Help.....

 

Thank you,  Julie :-)

New Haven, CT
Member Since:
27 December 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
39
14 October 2013 - 6:48 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hey Julie!  I went digging and here's what I found for Jackson's meds.  After amp, here's what I wrote "He's 60 lbs and with his bfast and dinner he gets 50mg tramadol, 50mg rimadyl, his antibiotic, and a joint supplement (glu/chondro).  He'll be on this cocktail for about a week and then try to taper to just 1 tramadol/day."  - See more at: http://tripawds.....mAn97.dpuf

 

To be clear, that's 50mg tramadol AM, 50mg rimadyl AM, 50mg tramadol PM, and 50mg rimadyl PM.  And yes, after 10days of this, we went down to only 50mg tramadol at night.

 

I could have sworn he was on gabapentin, but I guess not.  Crazy me.  If you think dear Brody is drugged out of his mind, go ahead and take him off something and see how it goes.  Again, this can upset some owners and thus they'll never do it without a vet's advice, but many others here see side effects and get anxious.  The good news is that if you withhold tramadol or gabapentin tonight and you see him in pain later tonight or tomorrow morning, you just slip him a pill!  Done!  Just like that.

YOU MUST GIVE HIM HIS ANTIBIOTICS UNTIL THE BOTTLE IS EMPTY.

The other drugs, here are what they are:

Gabapentin = it treats nerve pain.  Think of it as a nerve blocker.  His stump has severed nerves and that hurts!  This could turn him into a zombie if too strong.

Tramadol = is an opioid pain killer.  Yep, this too can turn him into a vegetable if too strong.  Certainly when we down graded Jackson's dose, he woke up more.

Novax = NSAID.  It's like our Aleve.  It's a painkiller and antinflammatory.  Some pups do well on these for a long time - Jackson has been on it for almost 11 months now.  Jackson's cousin has been on it for years.  That said, some pups can't deal with it either, especially if it's been a steady dose, so this could also zonk Brody out.

 

I wish you heard from the vet!  Yuck.  That really stinks.  I would reach out to your regular vet at this point.  Get some answers and guidance.  At this point in Jackson's recovery, you can read what meds he was down to.  Jackson's dose may be too drastic for Brody right now, so I wouldn't copy "us" at this moment.  Feel free, though, to withhold a tramadol dose tonight or a gaba dose tonight. 

 

OH!!!!  Novax, an NSAID, can cause tummy problems.  His not wanting to eat may be b/c his tummy is upset.  You could always try another NSAID.  Again, talk this over with your vet.

 

Good luck!  I'm thinking of you guys.

~ Katy & Jackson

 

- See more at: http://tripawds.....KjeHB.dpuf

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!

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
40
14 October 2013 - 7:23 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Oh sweet Julie.....wish we could all fly over and give yo a hug! I CAN relate to your fear and frustration sooooo well! I was out of my mnd with panic...regret...fear...you name i! It boiled down to the fact that Happy Hannah's recovery took a little lnger than some...it was a little rougher in her than some AND, I had a very hard time gettng in touch with the surgeon .....at best I may have a vet tech call back (and they did their best with the owlege theynhad)...onco. same story. My refular vet AND this site have been THE best resource and THE best bedside manner in tne world!!

I jnow yu read the start of Hapoy Hannah's recovery under "Treatment, Recovery, etc." It may be reassuring to go back and look at those March posts.....Brody is still ahead of the curve when comparing to her recovery! And YOU are too! You are so brave and so strog!

Katy REALLY gave you some great advice and she's very knowledgeable! She, alng with so many others helped sustain me as recovery was SLOWLY BUT SURELY taking place!!

His temp. is good, he did eat yesterday, he rallies when friends come over, he's peed and pooped It does sound like the meds could be messng withhim.

Is it possible he pulled a muscle in his neck ? Just thrown things out there. And he is NOT panting now, so maybe the vet will tell you to trail off the pain med.

Yeah, I agree with Katy, call your reguar vet. And shame n them for not havng "so eone" call you back! This is a scarey ordeal and THOUSANDS of dollars have been spent with these surgeri s, onco.' etc. A call should be returned!

Okay! You k ow you can cont on us!! Keep on using us as your so ding board til you get to the vet's tomorrow, okay? And then go hugin Brody for us. That remnds me, is he waggng his tail?

Hugs to yoh Jukie!! Big ole' hugs!!

Sally and Happy Hannah

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!

Member Since:
26 September 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
41
15 October 2013 - 6:32 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Morning,

WELL, my vet finally called me back last night around 730pm. I told her about his behavior and she told me to take him off ALL his meds and to call her today around 3pm and let her know how he is doing. If he is not doing better then she wants to see him. She said he's been on them long enough and should be ok.

Katy - I asked about the antibiotic and she said he can stop that too. He only has 2 pills left. I would have thought to take til the end too. At least that's what us humans do! Thanks for sharing your link. I appreciate it.

Sally - This website has been the BEST thing for me and MY recovery with Brody. I would be a complete mess without you all. I think he has been doing fantastic too until this slump, which I def think was all the meds so I am so happy to take him off of them and get my Brody boy back. He really hasn't panted much at all. I don't think it's neck pain I think he's just out of it. Yes, he wags his tail occasionally.

 

The GOOD NEWS...... He did eat a cheeseburger last night. I broke into pieces and hand fed him. This morning I went to check on him and he was laying down but when I came to see him he got very excited. He stood up and let me pet and love on him. His tail and body were going crazy with excitement. I gave him 2 pieces of cheese and then hand fed him the steak I cooked for him yesterday and he ate about 10 pieces. He probably would have eaten it all but I didn't want to overdue it. Remember how I said he only lays down with his head on the floor, well he is actually laying down with his head up TOO! He didn't want to go outside this morning, but that's ok. I will try again later. He did drink some water too! OH I am too excited to get these meds out of his system. I wish the vet had called back this weekend. I did mention to her that I left messages but apparently if an emergency, which I didn't think it was I should have called the other number and then they would have texted her! Well, now I know the drill!!!

 

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!  Have a great day and Ill keep you updated.

 

Love, Julie :-)

 

 

New Haven, CT
Member Since:
27 December 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
42
15 October 2013 - 6:58 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Now THAT'S a great report!  Thank goodness you got a call back.  Wow, ALL drugs?  He'll certainly feel different, no doubt!  Be watching for signs of withdrawal or pain, if the change was too sudden.  However, he'll no doubt get his spark back very soon and that'll be relieving, uplifting, and amazing.  YEY Brody!  He'll get better by the hour, especially if cheeseburgers and steak and cheese are there to reward him.  Heck, I'd get better with that enticement!

YEY!

~ Katy & Jackson

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!

Member Since:
26 September 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
43
15 October 2013 - 7:16 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Yes, its been a good day so far!

 

Katy - yes, all drugs. I was pretty surprised too. It's been 24 hours since he got the his last dose. He isn't panting or whining. I will keep a close eye on him today to make sure he is comfortable. Do you think that is to drastic? Thoughts? I don't want to see him go through withdrawl because that will be just as bad as being overdosed.

Julie :-)

New Haven, CT
Member Since:
27 December 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
44
15 October 2013 - 7:28 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I am not a vet.  I don't know Brody.  Only you know Brody best, so it's up to you to be his guardian and call out when something doesn't seem right.  You've done a great job so far!  I know you'll always do right by him.

That said, seeing his cocktail and going cold turkey on everything sounds drastic to me.  However, your vet might agree that it's better to be clear-minded, a little in pain, and wanting to eat rather than zonked out!  There's something to said for not feeling 100% BUT wanting to eat, drink, and go to the bathroom regularly (um, I LOVE that feeling myself!).  24hrs may be too soon to see withdrawal issues, but keep an eye out.  You may see him come back to life for a day or so and then another slump where he's back to panting or pacing.  Certainly those signs, without drugs on board, indicate pain.  If you notice those, call your vet and let her know what's going on and what to do.  I'd discuss whether the same doses or drugs should be used (I suspect Novax caused some tummy problems).  With or without drugs on board, his stump will be tender.  Maybe with too many drugs he was too slow to respond to its tenderness or he was numb....so with fewer/no drugs on board you may see new behaviors toward his incision.  Those new signs may be OK and understandable (tenderness!  Not willing to rest on it!  Bump = ouch!) and others not OK (insistent licking, or at least trying to since he's a front amp).

I think today you're going to see a massive change and I'm so happy for both of you.  Mostly him!  His mind will start to clear up and he'll process more of what's happening around him.

You're doing great!!!!

~ Katy & Jackson

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!

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
45
15 October 2013 - 8:19 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

And a collective sighof relief from the tripawd commjnity!

YAAAAAAY and (((((((HUGS))))))) to you both!! Such a great update! His body language...the tail wag...the "body wag"...the eatng.....ALL WONDERFUL NEWS!

And when Brody feels better, mamma feels better!! Ohhh how we all nderstand that feelng!

Keep usposted okay? It may be thay he only needs to be n the gaba.....or just some tram....or maybe none!! You'll know...as Katy said, you know your Brody best and yo've been dong GREAT!!

Lots of love,

Sally and Happy Hannah

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!

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 243
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1268
Members: 17735
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18610
Posts: 256809
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG