Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Henry had his hind leg amputated 4 days ago due to a break that didn't heal properly. Since coming home, he will periodically become skittish when he looks at the missing leg, running in circles and appears panicked. We can distract him to calm him down, but from a normally calm dog this behaviour is worrying.
Has anyone else experienced this behaviour? Is it normal after an amputation?
Welcome to our Tripawds family Henry's mum!
Could be phantom limb syndrome... or it most likely he's real loopy from his pain meds. Some dogs have weird reactions while on certain pain medications... just like people. What kind of dog is Henry? Small, medium, large? How old is he? What kind of pain meds is he on?
The first 2 weeks after amputation are usually the worse... for both the dog and the pawrents. Since Henry doesn have cancer... and if he has no post op complications, he should heal quickly and do very well living life on 3 legs.
Tell us more about your baby, and post some pictures too!
Angel Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
Welcome, and thanks for joining the tripawds community! It does indeed sound like Henry may be experiencing phantom pain . Unlike us silly humans, dogs don't feel shame or "miss" their leg after amputation.
Henry is likely looking at his surgery site and reacting to the sudden pain or spasms phantom pain can cause. You may find these tips for relieving phantom limb pain in dogs from the Tripawds Downloads blog helpful.
Pacing and heavy panting, however, are also common side effects from pain medication. Is he on Tramadol? Don't mistake this behavior for excessive pain and over-medicate! Always consult with your vet if you have any serious concerns.
Be sure to read Jerry's top ten dog leg amputation questions and answers too. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, we look forward to following Henry's progress.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello Henry and Mum!
Welcome to Tripawds.com! So sorry about Henry and his accident. You'll have to tell us more about him.
Everyone here will give you excellent advice on the recovery period of the amputation since most have been through it. (not me, just a birth defect leg) Try to read through the wondeful tips admin has posted. You'll put your mind at ease about his recovery.
We are here to support you and hopefully help if you need any. Just keep your chin up and remember - major surgery of any kind takes time to heal. As people, we feel the loss of our dog's leg and start assuming they do to. In reality, they are just recovery from a major surgery. Trust us, it will get better.
Best of luck and wishing Henry a super speedy recovery!
Comet's mom
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.
Great minds think alike...and it works for us, too! Like everyone ahead of me I immediatly thought of phantom pain . Ask your vet about a perscription to gabepentin and see if that works. Like Jerry mentioned, some dogs do get loopy from pain meds. My Emily was taken off her tramadol early because she stared into space, was breathing heavy and seemed very disstressed.
Good luck with Henry. Keep us informed. You are in my prayers.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Thank you everyone for your advice, Henry seems a bit better today... We have had a couple of traumatic months and his reactions were a little scary for us all... I'll let you know how he goes. A little about H, he is an eight year old English Pointer, we live in Sydney, Australia. Henry is a rescue dog and has lived with us for 12 months. Henry also has an 18 month old GSP brother.
Henry suffered a severe compound fracture eight weeks ago when he got afraid in a bad thunderstorm and escaped, unfortunately the bone died even though he has had the best care, it was just one of those things.. He has the most wonderful nature and is also very brave. He has been quick to get back on his paws and is moving around fairly easily even though it has been such a short time since the amputation. We will give him lots of love and your help, thoughts and prayers are truly appreciated.
Thanks for the update!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello Henry! Now we can see your sweet face!
I bet you will be making everyone in your family smile again soon! Your baby brother is going to keep you on your tippy toes when you get well!
Glad you are doing better. You sound like you got some wonderful pawrents!
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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