Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi - I'm wondering if anyone else has had this same experience. Normally, Abby likes to be where I am. At night she sleeps in the bed with us - at least when it is chilly out. The first couple of days post-amputation, she was so out of it, that she just slept in her bed or on the couch most of the time, but the last day or so, she's been sort of... aloof. For example, last night she got out of bed with us at about 1a.m. and hopped down the hall and laid as far away from us at the end of the hall as she could. No amount of coaxing could get her to come back to bed with us. I got up and checked on her at 4:30 and still no go. She wouldn't come back to bed with me. (Of course, normally if she's not where I want her to be, I'd push, pull, or pick her up - but we are terrified to try and pick her up ever since she screamed the other day when I tried to pick her up and help her down off the bed.)
Finally around 6 this morning I hear her up in the hall so went out and coaxed her back into the bed with us. She was totally shivering.
Is this normal, for a dog in post-recovery to want to be alone. I'm assuming it's the pain or side effects of the meds (Tramadol and Acepromazine) or both, but wanted to see if others had similar experiences. It's a bit worrisome.
Thanks!
Jackie, Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Welcome Abby and family!
She sounds very normal! I am assuming she is 3 to 4 days out from amputation?
There is a lot of inflammation and healing taking place since it was a major surgery. She is probably hot from the inflammation and internal swelling. It's probably just too much body heat from all of you together.
And yes, the tramadol can have some goofy effects, too. It's going to take about 2 weeks before she will probably start acting herself again.
Just imagine that all her insides with the nerves, tissues and blood vessels have to heal. We would probably be in ICU still if we had an amputation. It's major trauma on the body. So, unless she is crying out in pain for no reason and the incision site starts to look angry, I would just let her rest and try hard to not worry about how she usually acts.
Others will chime in to help ease your mind, too.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery for Abby!
Comet' 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.
Hi Jackie and Abby,
Welcome to Tripawds- tell as a little more about Abby- why the amp? which leg? How old is she?
First off- if you ever get really worried call your vet- that is what they are there for. While we do have a ton of collective experience here, only one of us (that I know of) is a vet.
My pug Maggie did not handle tramadol well at all. Her reaction sounds like Abby's. She would act scared and anxious, and not sleep. She would get out of bed and sit by herself, or go outside for awhile and come back in without doing anything. Abby might also be dealing with phantom pain . You can read about phantom pain HERE and see if that sounds like what she is experiencing. HERE is a link to some forum posts on phantom pain ; there is some discussion there on the go to drug for phantom pain called Gabapentin.
The first two weeks after amputation tend to be the hardest while they are on pain meds and learning to balance. It seems for most once the sutures or staples come out, and all the meds are out of the system there is rapid improvement. However, some do take their time coping. Maggie was pretty slow to adjust, but she got there.
So don't get discouraged and stay strong for Abby. She willl take her ques from you.
You should book mark what we call the Required Reading List. It is a compilation of information on what to expect with amputation, recovery and treatment. If you are interested you can also download an e-book from this site called Three Legs & a Spare, the world’s first comprehensive e-book about canine amputation.
You have found a very supportive community here, and one with a ton of experience as I said above. Keep us posted on how Abby is doing and feel free to ask questions or just come here for support!
Karen and the pugapalooza
Thanks Karen & Comet's mom. Yes, Comet's mom, you are right - we are at day 4 post surgery. And, Karen, Abby is doing the exact same things you mention as Maggie with the Tramadol reaction you describe. Thanks for the required reading list. I'll definitely read through that today.
Abby is only 15 months. She has osteosarcoma and had her right front leg removed 4 days ago. She will start chemo next week. This is all moving very quickly as we only found out about the cancer last 8 days ago. Crazy. Anyway, her chest xray was clear and the lab results from biopsying her lymph node (removed during the amputation) were also clear, so we are hopeful. I started a blog on blogspot about her - http://poochsmo.....gspot.com/ - for my friends and family to keep up-to-date before I realized I could start one on here, so also will do short posts, more tuned to the Tripawd community on here. http://poochsmo.....wds.com/ Just started my first post on there yesterday.
Off to read through all that info! Thanks again.
Jackie
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Hi Jackie,
I just ran across your blog.... I haven't been on the site as much the past couple of days because I am a baseball fan and a San Francisco native!!!
I wanted also to let you know that our fearless leaders are on the road right now, so are not posting as often as usual, but there are usually lots of other people around who will chime in.
I know what you mean by everything going so fast.... Maggie had mast cell cancer, not OSA, but I went from my regular vet saying cancer and amputation, to an oncologist consult, to surgery in just a few days. I remember sitting on my back porch with her a few days after her amp thinking 'what have I done?'. Mag had her amp before Tripawds was founded so we had to go it alone.
Where are you located?? We have tripawds all over the country (and a few around the world). There are a few tripawd meetups arrainged from time to time. It is nice to get together with people who understand!
Karen and the pugapalooza
Hi, Jackie. It really does go fast those first few weeks. Trouble was diagnosed on a Monday at 4PM, had a second opinion visit Tuesday at 5:30PM, and was in surgery on Wednesday morning at 9AM. It was like a blur. Fortunately, her recovery went really well. She had some minor down time, but nothing major. Two weeks after surgery she started chemo. Your pup is so young! Sending lots of positive energy your way for a speedy recovery and a long uneventful life.
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.
Ohhhh. The Giants. The team that put us (the Padres) out of the running -- I'm in San Diego.
I wondered about meet-up groups. I've seen some tripawds at the dog beach that we like to take Abby to, so I'll have to investigate and see if I can find a group in the area. I can't wait until Abby is well enough to go back to the dog beach! We are so looking forward to that day. We have faith that it will be here eventually!
Sorry to see that you lost your Maggie in June. It's so hard to lose them, but they bring such great joy to our lives. They certainly bless us with lots of happy memories. And I'm sure Tani and Obie are helping make new memories. Same with Abby, and her 'big sister' angel-beagle Bailey.
Jackie & Abby
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
(Shoot - i typed up a reply and then somehow lost it - hope this doesn't post twice... Anyway...as I was saying:)
Thanks Shanna & Trouble. That is a very cute pic. And wow - three days! And I thought we were fast!
Abby goes for her first chemo appointment next Wednesday. I'm kinda looking forward to it. We are going to get in there and kick some cancer a$$! "Take that, stupid cancer!"
We are hoping her youth will be working in her favor. When our beagle got cancer, it was not unexpected. Still awful - but not out-of-the-blue. She was 12 and had earlier scares with benigh mast-cell tumors. But when you hear the c-word for a pup! Well, it really sucks, big time and you wonder 'Why us? Again!' Hopefully we are getting in there early enough that she'll be on this site celebrating her ampuversaries for years to come!
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Hi Jackie,
I had gone back and read your 'other' blog and saw you were in San Diego....sorry 
.
Thanks for your kind words about Maggie. I was so fortunate to have her be a long time survivor. After amputation her prognosis was 6 to 9 months WITH chemo, which we did. She survived 3 years and 9 months and I actually lost her to a second cancer. That is why I feel comfortable telling people to ignore the stats and prognosis- you enjoy every day you have. Some don't make it too long, and some like Maggie defy the odds. When she was diagnosed with her second cancer I did not even ask for a prognosis...
If the tripawds you are seeing on the beach aren't part of our pack here you could let them know about us. I have become a tripawd stalker- spreading the word in Maggie's memory. You can also post in the Tripawd Parties forum when you are ready and see who responds.
And as far as beach dogs go- check out Chloe's blog. Chloe is a rear amp who is 3 months or so past her surgery. Her mom is going to school around Santa Cruz so Chloe gets to go to the beach every day.
I am looking forward to the post about Abby's first trip back to the beach!
Karen and the pugapalooza
I'm so sorry to hear of your Abby's diagnosis, and SO young. I'm with you, hopefully that youth will work in her favour. Sounds like you guys are right on top of things so now go kick that cancer's butt!!! Sending lots of pawsitive thoughts.
Laura and Angel Tai
Tai – 9 yr old lab. Diagnosed Osteosarcoma Dec 18/09. Front right leg amputated Dec 21/09. Started chemo Jan 7/10. Lung mets discovered Sept 16/10. Valiant to the end on Oct 26/10 when cancer reappeared in a leg and we made the decision to set her free. Forever in my heart where not even cancer can take her from me.
Hi Abby and Family
Yes, really sorry to hear about Abby's condition especially since she is so young. That is heart-breaking. But you came to the right place for info and support.
Many dogs, even velcro dogs (like my own was), withdraw when they are in discomfort or pain. I couldn't get Tazzie to budge for a few weeks after surgery, day or night. I'd move to the couch to sleep near him on the floor so I could be sure he was okay. Often, their discomfort seems worse at night, so you might notice symptoms like panting. It is a balancing act to give them pain meds for the discomfort while not having similar or other symptoms because of the meds. Once I cut down the meds, it was clear that he was more uncomfortable for he got a bit irritable - so we went back onto the tramadol
Even though the surgeon who did the work seemed to think there would be no pain when Tazzie came home, a GP vet used her common sense to ask 'don't you think you'd feel some pain for at least a couple of weeks after a leg was amputated'. I suppose so!
If she does shiver a lot, you might want to ask the vet. I don't recall hearing that particular symptom. It probably is a good idea to not encourage her to climp or jump up on couch's or beds in these early days, although many dogs do.
Abby is a cutey and I hope everything goes really well for you!
Thanks Laura and Tazzie. The more I read and the further we get into this I think it is the meds making her act 'funny'. As you say, I'm trying to balance the pain with the side effects. She was really wimpering in the night so went ahead and gave her the max dose of Tramadol that the vet recommended. She seems better as far as the pain this a.m. - no wimpering, even on going downstairs - but is sitting outside right now having some alone time. Watching her through the window while I type.
I did call the vet about the shivering - he asked if the house was cold, which our house is always cold the minute the weather changes as we have high ceilings and a lot of tile floor. I covered her up with a blankie and then she seemed fine. Now we are having crazy hot Santa Ana weather though, so it's nice and warm and no more shivering yesterday or so far today.
We also put our mattress on the floor so we can sleep right next to her in her bed and so that she can get in and out of bed with us easily.
Today the drain comes out so I'll ask the vet when I see him about the balancing act w/ the pain meds. Thinking it's better to fight the pain and if she feels a little outta sorts, well, that will just have to be the case for a little while longer.
Going to post some more pics of her on the blog(s) today.
Thanks again everybody. (I need to try and figure out how to get that little box of info to show up under my sig, like some of y'all have.)
Jackie, Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Sounds like you got some good advice already and maybe it's the meds affecting her. Once you get thru the "2 week of recovery", things will start looking up.
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Chiming in late here, but ... wanting to be alone is perfectly normal for recovering pups. Think about dogs in the wild – they will often run away from the pack to hide and heal on their own. If they don't they may get kicked out of the pack, or worse. For this same reason they are very good at hiding their pain!
Don't take it personally if Abby doesn't care for your affection right now, and don't be surprised if she even grwls at you. Her acting loopy, is certainly due to the meds. Once weened off those, she should quickly start showing her old personality again.
Check out our Cal Animal Rehab interview videos for some great advice about pain, medication and recovery. And consider downloading the new Tripawds e-book, Three Legs and a Spare for even more tips and fast answers to the most common amputation questions.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Jackie said:
Thanks again everybody. (I need to try and figure out how to get that little box of info to show up under my sig, like some of y'all have.)
Jackie,
I think you are referring to the signature box.
If you look in the bar above the forums (where your avatar is) there are some buttons on the right side. Click on the one that says 'Profile'. Then there is a row of texts highlighted in yellow- on the far right click on the one that says 'Setup Your Signature'.
Type and edit what you want in the text box (you can put logos or small pics- but lining them up is really hard).
Just under the text box on the left is a button that says 'Update your Profile'- click that when you are done.
Karen
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