Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all,
We made the decision to amputate Miggy's front right leg on Monday (miggy is a 11 years old Maltese btw). She has this huge lump on her leg and we took too long to notice that it was serious 🙁 The lump fortunately is not cancerous and did not spread to the rest of the body. The only way to save her was to amputate her leg and at first we considered her age and did not want her to go through this. But things went downhill quickly and we decided that we are not ready to let her go.
Post surgery, miggy seems to be adapting well. On the day she got back, she is already hopping around the house and going to the pee at the usual place. However, day 3, we noticed that she is becoming really bad-tempered. She growls all the time (when we pat her on the head, which is what she used to like) and today barked and growl at me like I stepped on her. I have never seen her so angry before and I feel really helpless.
I know that it is not easy for her… and it pains us as much.
Is her change in behavior normal?
Hope to get some advices here. Thank you so much.
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Hi Miggy and Family, thanks for posting. Please consider registering so your posts don't require moderation appear immediately.
We're glad the surgery went well. I'm not a vet but the crankiness sounds like she's in pain to me. Is she on any pain meds?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to the family. Haven't heard this one before, I wonder if it could be a reaction to the meds, these guys usually aren't themselves for a little bit after surgery, sounds like you may need to talk to your vet. Good luck and Paws Up, Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Welcome to Tripawds. I concur with Dan & Jerry. Sounds like it may be a pain/meds issue. I would contact the vet asap.
Happy to hear that the surgery went well. You mentioned that the lump wasn't cancer, but didn't say what it was - other than you had to amputate in order to save her.
Please keep us posted!
Cathy
Me, too! I think Miggy either hurts or is feeling weird from her pain meds. Not knowing what she's taking and if it's working, we can't advise anything except to talk to the vet. But I'm betting it's either too little pain medication or a reaction to what she's on. That stuff makes most people act funky or behave oddly, and our dogs are no different.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
My first thought was also that it is a reaction to the meds. I would call and check in with the vet. Just to be sure all is well.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Hi there,
We had our dog Maguire's leg amputated almost a month ago. He is doing amazing but we have noticed some aggressive behaviour as well since the amputation. His aggression seems to be towards other animals and not to people.
Maguire and his brother Duke (our chocolate lab) got into their first ever dog fight a few days after his surgery. The two of them have lived happily together for 10years so this was very scary for us. Maguire also growled at dogs at the vets office during his last check up (two weeks after his amputation).
My vet had said that he most likely feels a little vulnerable now and that he is trying to intimidate other dogs before they realize he only has 3 legs. She urged us to treat him like a normal dog and do our best to not allow this behaviour.
I am sorry that you are having these problems with Miggy. The other people above may have a point - she may be feeling some pain too. Perhaps you should speak to your vet just to be sure.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Kara
This is all good advice. I predict it is just a matter of time before Miggy is back to her cute happy self.
http://tate.tripawds.com/
August 16, 2006 to November 28, 2011
TATE ~ Forever in our hearts.
Don't try to disturb miggy too much as she is in pain with the leg. I know how it feels to her but you should understand her pain first. Leave her alone for few days she will be ok.
| bone cancer in labradors |
Yes, it could be the meds and of course, the pain. But like Kara said, sometimes dog feel vulnerable. They've lost their "fight or fight" ability.
I lived with one that way for 12 years because of her tripawdness. She was harmless but no one could touch her because she was scared. She'd try to growl and rush anyone that tried to touch her except for my husband and I. It also became a game to her. "no one touches Comet game". She only let a couple of people touch her at the vets. In an emergency she'd let anyone touch her.
Reassure Miggy everything is okay. Just keep building her confidence! I bet when she gets better without pain and meds, you'll have no problems with this issue.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
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