Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hey everyone,
I am thankful we came across this site as this was the most difficult section we have made with our almost 9 year old Great Pyr Albus. He had surgery Thursday at 10am and came out around 3 I believe and it’s now 8am on Saturday. We were able to bring him home yesterday evening, but we are worried about a few things.
He vomited a few times with the last one being around 2-3am but the vet told us we could get some over the counter meds and that seems to be helping. However, we can’t seem to get him to eat even the tiniest bit of food and he is refusing to move which I understand he’s in pain. I just read a few times that they typically bounce back pretty quickly and maybe we just weren’t prepared for the reality of the situation?
any help on if this is normal or how to get him to eat is appreciated. We have tried feeding him wet food, rice and boiled chicken and a little kibble.
Thanks you for any help you may have,
The Corey’s and Albus
Hi Corey and Albus ... Sorry you find yourself here but this is the best place for support, information and understanding from those of us who have been on this amputation journey. Your post has been approved so you will start receiving a lot of good information.
they typically bounce back pretty quickly and maybe we just weren’t prepared for the reality of the situation
The important thing to remember is that every dog recovers at their own pace and in their own way. Some seemingly bounce back quickly, but generally you're looking at a good two week time frame before you start to see some of the sparkle coming back. This is especially true with a larger, more mature dog.
Give him lots of gentle massages up and down his spine and neck area to try to keep this muscles loose. Just let him rest and if you need to assist him to get him up for potty breaks, that's perfectly normal.
You need to speak with your vet again about a prescription called Cerenia. This is helpful if a dog is nauseated, queasy stomach, vomiting etc. Not sure what over the counter drug was their suggestion, but we do find Cerenia to be very effective generally.
Keep in mind that Albus just had major surgery, is on a good dose of pain meds hopefully, all while trying to adjust to life on three.. Humans would still be in the hospital probably on a morphine drip.
When you get a chance, let us know what pain meds he's taking, the dose the frequency etc. Often times it takes a little bit of tweaking with the dose and frequency after they first come home from hospital to find what works best for your pup. Also is he on an antibiotic? The combo of meds, especially if you aren't getting any food in him can make him have an upset tummy.
Is he drinking water and has he been able to urinate yet? Pooping may take a few days and you will definitely have to entice him with some yummy food to try to get him to eat with his pain meds.
Try cheeseburger, warm rotisserie chicken, scrambled eggs with cheese, stinky liverwurst, Etc. Try putting this yummy food on a regular dinner plate rather than his food bowl. if you make some cream cheese balls or peanut butter balls that hide the pills you should be able to get them down okay.
We know this first part of recovery is hard to watch, but he will get his sea legs, he will get his appetite back and he will start getting his Sparkle back, one Tail Wag at a time.
Update when you can and stay connected for more tips and support.
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!
Hi and welcome! We are sorry you had to join our club but glad you are here. Hope we can help you feel a little better.
I'm going to ditto the insight and questions that Sally gave you. Try to remember that all dogs have different recoveries, and bigger dogs generally need more time. This is major surgery and any human would be a total mess right now, not even home from the hospital yet. It's very early to expect anything more than a potty break outside, then back in to rest and recover.
Glad that the vomiting has stopped. What OTC did your vet recommend? Just curious.
Pain control will impact appetite, for sure. Keep him hydrated and encourage him to eat but don't expect a lot for a few more days. Things DO get better!
Just checking in.....update when you can.
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!
Unfortunately our sweet boy passed away peacefully a few hours after I posted this. He was doing ok throughout Friday evening and even tried to roll over for belly rubs. Saturday morning he drank a little water, still refused to eat and then went back to sleep and decided to join his brother over the rainbow bridge. It was most definitely a heartbreaking weekend, but I’m glad he’s at rest now.
Oh nooo! 
Corey we are so shocked and saddened to hear this awful news. This doesn't happen a lot but when it does it's a terrible blow to our community. Nobody ever expects this kind of sudden turn and we are all impacted by this kind of horrible event. If you feel like talking about it I'm interested in finding out your vet's thoughts about what might have happened.
Our hearts all break for you and your family. Please, if there is anything you want to share about him to honor his life, please don't hesitate to post a tribute, we would be honored to remember him alongside you. Just always remember that you gave Albus a chance at a pain-free life. You were the best, most loving parent a dog could ever hope for, and his spirit will always embrace you for the incredible life you gave him. Albus will be by your side, always.
Stunned, shock, heartbroken, gutted,...... none of these words can describe how we all feel about this terrible news.
Sometimes this horrid disease has already plotted its vicious course and goes undetected until it strikes suddenly like this.
You did what we all do here, we try and give our pets the best possible chance at an extended quality, pain-free life. We know there are always some risk with any surgery, minor or major, but we all jump into that vast Lake of Hope and proceed forward.
Albus knows he was loved and he want3d that chance that you gave him out of love.
There are no words that could possibly bring you comfort at this time. As hard as it is, you can take solace in knowing that you bought him home and he was surrounded in the comfort of your love and not in a cage in a hospital.
When you can, please share with us more of your Treasured Memories with this very special boy.
We don't know much about his brother who proceeded him, but we do know that he greeted Albus with a wagging tail and a happy smile and steak and ice cream!
With love to all
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. As Jerry ,mentioned, and when you are up to it, please let us know any insight the Vet offered. We learn from every experience. even such overwhelming sad ones like this.
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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