Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Here we are...day six post-op...I can't believe how time has flown! Must be the sleep deprivation 
Stella has had a difficult time, particularly at night. She seems anxious and uncomfortable. Both of which, when you think about it, are probably very normal with such an involved, life-changing operation. The night before last, it was so bad all night I called the veterinary hospital at 4:00 am, really worried about how to manage her symptoms. Ultimately, we were prescribed Acepromazine to give her at night, to help alleviate her anxiety and restlessness. As a bonus, my husband and I were hoping to get some sleep, too.
We were told to give her one dose, as a trial, in the afternoon. This was to determine whether or not one or two pills were required to assist her in settling down and helping her sleep. We gave her one, 25 mg dose at 2:30 pm yesterday afternoon. And she's been asleep ever since! A little TOO effective! My husband decided to sleep downstairs with Stella last night, rather than disturbing her to carry her upstairs. He slept very little because at one point she actually fell out of her new Barker dog bed, and for fear that she would stop breathing! That is how soundly she is sleeping!
I did manage to get her out to go potty this morning, and I fed her her pain medications with some chicken, but otherwise she's out for the count. We are waiting for her to wake up and resume some activity. Now at least we know that a full dose is WAY more than she needs - and that this drug works when Stella's feeling anxious. We will be using it only as needed, and am hoping "as needed" is never again!
With much gratitude to the Tripawds community,
Stacey, Mike and Stella Belle
Thanks for the update! Ace had the exact opposite effect on Wyatt. Great suggestions for the "Trial" dosage, becasue every dog is clearly different.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Our experience w/ Ace was that even with the same dog, it would have wildly different effects at the same dose. Sometimes 1 pill would knock him out, sometimes it didn't seem to phase him. This was years ago, but I think I remember the vet commenting that it wasn't unusual. Hopefully like you say you won't need to resort to it too often.
Active 10+ Pyr mix suddenly came up lame with ACL tear in left rear leg. Scheduled for a TPLO but final pre-op x-rays indicated a small suspicious area, possibly OSA, which could have caused the ACL tear. Surgeon opened the knee for TPLO but found soft bone. Biopsy came back positive for OSA. Became a Tripawd 9/18/14. Carbo6 with Cerenia and Fluids. Pain free and living in the moment. Crossed the Bridge on 7/12/15 after probable spread of cancer to her cervical spine. A whole lifetime of memories squeezed into 10 months. Here's her story: Eloise
Yeah, I think if you can stay away from that drug Stella will be better off...even if she's restless. Im no vet and I'm not trying to scare you by any means, but it can have disastrous effects on the ability of the respiratory system to function. Again, not a vet and my information may be completely wrong.
I can tell you that my Happy Hannah was restless and whining for days. The nights were just awful. It was just myself so there was no trading off with someone so I could get some shut eye.
How much does she weigh and what pain meds and dose does she take on a consistent basis? This IS major surgery and it does hurt!! Some of her behavior may, or may not be, related to pain. The hospital meds are usually out of their system by day two or three and that's when the balancing act with the pain meds eeds to be worked out.
Stay connected and keep us posted. As you've already seen, a whole lot of first hand knowledge here. We understand like no others can.
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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 Stacey, Mike and Stella Belle....welcome to the best place on earth for tripawd support! Sorry its been a little rough for you guys starting out. I remember the sleeplessness as if it were yesterday - and its been 15 months for us! Day by day, it got a little better for our Dobe Nitro, and us too. Keep plugging forward, more sleep is in your future
Paula and Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
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