Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Rosie our golden is on day 5 post surgery of front left limb amputation. She seems to be doing well, but today she seems down. She has been taking her medicine - rimadyl, gabapentin, & tramadol as prescribed. She is laying near the door, not sleeping, just looking sad. Should I be concerned? Her incision is healing well, and the bruising seems to be getting a little better. She had a little pooling a few days ago, but cold compresses helped alleviate that. I know she needs to rest and being quiet laying down is the best for her. I guess I just want her to recover quickly and be able to walk/hop around for longer periods. At what point should I start weaning her off her medicines? 10-14 days?
Is that Rosie in your avatar...she is beautiful! My boy was off all meds by 14 days. Five days out is still early, she definitely needs lots of rest so I don’t think that is unusual but hopefully someone more experienced will be along shortly to offer more advice.
Day five is soooo early. Keep in mind that this is MAJOR surgery. In addition to that, your Rosie is learning to adjust to life on three. And, on top of all that, Rosie is on some good paun meds!
All the strong hospital meds are completely oit pf jer system now, so you may be noticing a bit of a crash.
Is Rosie eating, drinking, pooping, peeing okay? Does she seem to be resting comfortable? No panting, no whining, etc? Alert? Engaged?
Rest is exactly what she needs to heal. She's a very smart gal to know that!😎
How much does she weigh and what does her pain med plan look like? Pain meds can keep a dog somewhat subdued and a bit "spacey" sometimes. IF, IF, IF, you think her pain is being managed, you can talk to your Vet avout reducing the dose a bit.
I know it's hard to be patient, but remember recovery doesn't last furever!! Update when uou can.
BTW, love her avatar picture. Goldens are such sweet dogs.❤
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!
Awww she's beautiful! It sounds like shes doing well for day 5. Lots of rest and time to adjust.
We originally did meds for 14 days till the stitches were out. After that we were able to tapper back to about half the original dose. In roanes case shes so darn big our vet decided to leave her on a maintenance dose of carprofen/gabapentin to help with joint pain in her remaining back leg. Shes much happier and moving around better now that we figured out her meds. Every dog is different though, your vet will probably have more input when rosie goes for her check up.
Hugs ❤ Bev, nurse Moe cat, Autumn's Angel Roane & Angel dog Gypsy 🐾
My sweet soulmate Roane was diagnosed with osteo in June of 2019. Had a rear leg amp on July 2nd & crossed the rainbow bridge to be with her sister Gypsy on the first day of Autumn Sept 23 2019.
Thank you for your replies.. I know it is early to wean ;her off her meds. She is eating, pooping, peeing regularly. She actually loves her meds because they come in Human food treat form!!
She does do some panting - but for the most part she is pretty mellow and lays as best she can resting. Sometimes it seems her breathing is not even, more forced. She is scheduled to have her staples out next week , so will definitely stalk to the vet about how to continue her meds.
Hi and welcome 
What you are describing sounds like maybe some break through pain. I am not a vet, not giving doctor's advise, but panting, signs of depression, not getting comfortable are signs. Approx 5 days after surgery is when all those beautiful anesthetics are out of the system. Now she is depending totally on pain meds that you provide. My first recommendation is that you try to get those meds into her at as even integrals as possible. She may need a higher dose for now. Most amputees need good pain management for between 2-3 weeks, it really depends on the individual.
I hope this helps.
Jackie and Huckleberry
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
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