Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So last night and this evening, Harry has had these restless spurts, where he meows sort of loudly or grumbles and/or rolls around a bit on his rug on his back/side and when I was scratching his chin/cheeks a bit ago he got a bit playful, trying to bite/grab my arm with both paws the way he does when he's overstimulated or has suckered me into scratching his belly...
I'm thinking this is the Tramadol, because yesterday was his first full day on it...but I'm worried it may alternatively be pain because he's not keeping his full dose in (foaming/drooling it out when I give it) 🙁 .......if it is the Tramadol, is it normal/ok?
I know I sound like a broken record, but out Cat contingent will chime in shortly.
I'm not sure how Tramadol affects cats, but it sometimes make dogs restless and whiny....of course, so can pain!!
If Harry is feeling like playing some, he might not be in too much pain. Not sure, but I think a lot of czts like to hide if they are in pain.
Hang in there...help is on the way!
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!
Meant to ask. What was his behavior like yesterday after he had the full dose?
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!
You're not a broken record. I appreciate the reassurance. His behaviour was the same yesterday, when I was home. I feel like you're right and he wouldn't be active if it was pain....
He's on 1oz every eight hours (2-3 times per day is the prescription, no closer than 8 hours) and my understanding is that that's a pretty big dose (he's 16.5lbs) but it's been more than 8 hours between doses because he's seemed sort of okay and work has been an obstacle - although I'm sorting that out now. Yesterday he had a dose at 8pm, then not until 7am this morning, then again at 4:30pm...but it's now just 7:30. He also had his metacam at 5:30. And his pupils are pretty big. . . I feel like I'm answering my own question. I think he must just be high 😛
I think the Tramadol is working to block some pain receptors and he just feels better than he has and it is making him a little frisky. Per Drs Foster and Smith fact sheet on Tramadol in cats, sedation is an occasional side effect and there can be more risky side effects, but they wouldn't present like this.
Sedative effect could make him just a little silly.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
inkpot said
You're not a broken record. I appreciate the reassurance. His behaviour was the same yesterday, when I was home. I feel like you're right and he wouldn't be active if it was pain....He's on 1oz every eight hours (2-3 times per day is the prescription, no closer than 8 hours) and my understanding is that that's a pretty big dose (he's 16.5lbs) but it's been more than 8 hours between doses because he's seemed sort of okay and work has been an obstacle - although I'm sorting that out now. Yesterday he had a dose at 8pm, then not until 7am this morning, then again at 4:30pm...but it's now just 7:30. He also had his metacam at 5:30. And his pupils are pretty big. . . I feel like I'm answering my own question. I think he must just be high 😛
Yup. A bit stoned.
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
Lucky bugger. Thanks again. It is also only periods of semi friskiness between lots of lying about ...mhm. I think he's ok.
Agreed...Sounds like you have a stoned kitty! Since you have a little latitude, you could maybe continue to keep theTramadol spaced out a little further.....once every 12 hrs seems ample based on the size of his pupils you are observing!!
Don't forget the chocolate for yourself! It helps calm the nerves!!
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!
Tramadol made my dog a little loco... 🙂 To say the least! She would pace and whine and we had to make her work through it. BUT we also got an anti-anxiety drug (like a valium for dogs). Not sure if they have anything like that for kitties though. Hang in there!!! It will get better!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Will do (re spacing out a bit more)
Thanks, Shelby
I'm going to be asking for an alternative to the Tramadol tomorrow anyway because he hates it...although that may not be reason enough if he is still getting enough down
Maybe they can give you the burprenorphine. I think it worked well as a medicine. Not sure what others I've heard used. Oh wait some have kitties have had fentanyl patches. Keeping Harry from having too much energy would be a good thing and I know he'd agree that bitter meds are no fun. 😉
Although they may keep him on tramadol. No harm in asking.
Tina and Smore
(with the spirit of Pebbles watching from the Rainbow Bridge)
Smore is my tripawd kitty who adopted me one summer evening. She had an injury to her front left leg and had to have her leg removed July 17th. She was only 3 or 4 months old at the time. Now she moves faster than some four legged cats!
inkpot said
You're not a broken record. I appreciate the reassurance. His behaviour was the same yesterday, when I was home. I feel like you're right and he wouldn't be active if it was pain....He's on 1oz every eight hours (2-3 times per day is the prescription, no closer than 8 hours) and my understanding is that that's a pretty big dose (he's 16.5lbs) but it's been more than 8 hours between doses because he's seemed sort of okay and work has been an obstacle - although I'm sorting that out now. Yesterday he had a dose at 8pm, then not until 7am this morning, then again at 4:30pm...but it's now just 7:30. He also had his metacam at 5:30. And his pupils are pretty big. . . I feel like I'm answering my own question. I think he must just be high 😛
i just noticed as I was rereading...I meant to say he s on 1ml 2-3 times per day, not 1oz. Just gave him his last pre-surgury dose after ten hours and a half in between, without any food mixed in as he's supposed to be fasting since 8 last night. I felt bad waking him up and dragging him off my comfy bed to force bitter junk down his throat (I've been taking him into the kitchen and shutting my bedroom door to stop him running in and drooling opium foam all over my bed...and then probably not wanting to go near it). He perched on the couch arm while I wiped his cheek fur down (seems to like kitty wipes and theyre good at getting oily med laced drool off) although it wasn't TOO foamy...I hope the vet has an alternative to make the whole situation slightly less miserable. Harry has decided not to come back to bed for now 😛
inkpot said
I'm thinking this is the Tramadol...but I'm worried it may alternatively be pain...
Don't miss the many pain management articles and podcasts in the Tripawds Blogs ...
Is Your Dog or Cat in Pain? Here’s How to Know the Signs.
Pain Signs in Cats and Dogs: Learn the Symptoms
Four Great Post-Amputation Pain Management Tips from #AAHA2016
Learn How to Recognize, Treat Pain in Your Pets
Vet Expert Mike Petty Shares Tripawd Pain Management Tips
Use the Advanced Search above to refine your search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find more helpful feedback. You can also search all blogs here .
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
How is he doing now? Did you get something to replace the Tramadol?
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
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