Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello, my 13 year old dog Cali (Australian Cattle Dog mix, 60lbs) who had her left front leg amputated about 9 days ago (osteosarcoma). She’s healing nicely and her pain seems much more manageable than the first few days home. She’s on 400mg gabapentin every 8 hours and 30mg codeine every 8 hours, staggered. I know it’s still early days, but Cali is still showing almost zero interest in standing or walking. She CAN stand on her own and has done so when she needs to adjust herself in bed (and doesn’t cry or whimper much), but otherwise she refuses if we try to get her up. She usually ends up freaking out (screaming, heart racing, panting, seems very scared) if we get her to stand - it’s so heartbreaking. Again, once she calms after standing she can walk a little with support, but it’s a struggle and she really just wants to lie back down. She pretty much exclusively uses the bathroom while lying down (with a pee pad underneath). Most of what I am seeing is that dogs are usually walking around at least a little by now, so I’m just wondering if anyone else has experienced this? I do wonder if the “out of it” feeling from the gaba could be contributing…her pain seems under control and she’s otherwise eating, drinking, sleeping great and seems peaceful and sleepy and even shows signs of excitement when one of us comes home from work. Anyway, I’m so worried about her…just want some reassurance that this is normal and will pass - or if we should be doing something differently?
Hello and welcome to you and your sweet Cali. I want to get your post approved quickly so everyone can respond and give you the support and reassurance you need. I can tell you that it does take Senior Dogs longer to adjust and get their sea legs.
Perhaps you could speak to your vet about maybe given the Gabapentin every 10 hours and maybe eliminating the codeine altogether. Just a thought. Also you might ask about adding amantitine as an in between dose between the 10 or 12 hours. Again, just throwing out a couple of suggestions.
Also only try to get her to stand and go out when she is showing interest herself that she's ready to go pee.
Sorry for the quick response but others will chime in with more detail.
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 to you and Cali! I'm sorry you had to join our club. But we are glad you are here and hope to put your mind at ease.
As Sally mentioned it does take longer for senior dogs so try not to compare, she's on her own timeline. She will get there, nine days out is like 5 days out for a much younger dog.
Her pain control sounds good and my guess is that it could use some adjusting. She might be a little dysphoric from the Codeine, and super scared at any little thing because of it. Have you discussed this with your vet? I'm wondering if eliminating the Codeine and just using the Gabapentin and an NSAID will help her get her sparkle back. Amandine is good for nighttime especially when pain tends to catch up. Don't change anything until you talk to your vet and let us know how it's going.
Also don't push her too hard other than encourage her to potty at her usual intervals if she's able. Having a doggie friend come over may help encourage her to move too and give her confidence, but I wouldn't do it until you talk to your vet about adjusting her meds.
Thank you so much for the encouragement and suggestions! I forgot to mention that she cannot take NSAIDS because she is on low dose steroids for something else. I will definitely ask about lowering/spreading out the meds though. She’s very unsteady when she stands, and I’ve read gabapentin can do that. We have been trying to encourage her to potty over a pad, but she’s usually so resistant she will sometimes just lay back down on the pad - then a little while later she goes while lying down. It’s ok, we are making it work, I’m more just worried that she should be making more progress at this point. I really appreciate the encouragement that she will get there eventually.
You are so welcome! Just check out our Size and Age Matters Forum to see examples of senior dogs in recovery, you will see you're not alone.
If she cannot take NSAIDs see if Galiprant is an option, it's an NSAID alternative. Pain relief is so important for a good recovery.
Yes, if she's feeling unsteady from the Gabapentin I can see why she doesn't want to stand. Definitely give the vet a call and let us know what they suggest.
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