Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone. Tanner had his amp surgery Tuesday and he seemed fine until this morning. His personality is a bit different. He is not accepting treats as readily, but he is eating his dinner. He is wagging his tail but not excited to go outside and when he does go outside he just plops down in the grass and we have to physically lift him up. He will sit in odd places and just doesn't seem to focus. Is it the meds? He is on Rimadyl, Ultram and Keflex. He lays around more as well. Common sense tells me he is just recovering and to be patient and this could be the meds but Im not sure. What do you guys think? Please help.
Amy,
I believe at the 3 day out point is where we hit a wall too. This recovery period is tough, but it won't last forever. Take it one hour at a time, if you have to. On day 5, we had to go back for another patch & a morphine injection.
It "could" be the Ultram/tramadol, but my personal belief is that he still needs that type of a pain reliever this soon after his amputation. What is his dosage? If you think that is it, maybe cut it back? At 2 weeks post-op, Calamity gets 1 tab AM & 1 tab PM, as a guide to where we are. Remember not every dog will react the same & a few of the dogs here have had issues with tramadol. You need to be the judge.
If he usually always takes treats and now isn't, there are some things I'd check, first being his temp, second, look in his mouth for anything around his gums, teeth, tongue for sores, swellings, anything that looks odd. When did he have his last dental? maybe he has a tooth that hurts? Then check the incision for abnormal redness, swelling, a hot feeling, signs of infection.
With him being on Keflex (cephalaxin) and Rimadyl, always watch him poop, checking for diarrhea or blood streaked or tinged stools.
Calamity would go outside & stand at the gate around this point in her recovery, this was strange for her. She would also go out & lay in the yard for periods of time.
This is just meant as a guideline for you, if things just don't sit right in your gut, you should always call your vet.
I hope this helps you a little. Hang in there, I promise it gets better.
Janie & Calamity
Janie & Calamity http://www.trix.....gspot.com/
Hi Amy, Sounds to me like the pain medicine could be making him dopey, but maybe Tanner is just having a day that he needs to rest more. It takes a lot to recover from surgery. I'd just watch him and call the vet if it doesn't change. Continue to offer small meals and water every few hours by bringing it to him. Let him rest and get strong again. In a few weeks, he'll be up and feeling great again. You're a great mom~ di
Hi Amy and Tanner,
This sounds about right for what Radar did too. You may need to get creative with food and treats to help Tanner keep his strengthe up. Also the meds themselves may be bringing him down. Most that I've read about here do much better once their stitches are out and they are off meds.
Hugs to you and Tanner
Connie & Radar
Thanks for the update! Tanner is most likely in a fog having just come off the surgery meds, and built up a few days of other dopey medication. Eating and tail wagging are good signs.
Give him lots of rest, water, and love. I'm sure he'll bounce back to his old self, quite literally, soon.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Dexter did the exact same thing for about 1 wk. post amp. I'd let her outside and she'd be laying down under bushes or under a tree in the far reaches of the backyard, like she was trying to hide. Took every trick I knew to lure her back into the house. I was scared as I thought she was exhibiting behavors a dog does when they are beginning the death process. I was afraid to let her outside thinking I wouldn't be able to get her back in. I was wrong. I called the Vet and they advised that her behavior is most likely due to her being in pain. (tail constantly between the legs, no eating...even her favorite treats!). Sure enough, the Vet was right. Eventually Dex started coming around...little improvements every day. Took about 2.5 wks. total. Then when she was off all meds, she became her usual fun, excited, hungry self!!! 🙂
Hang in there and be patient. This too shall pass and soon enough you'll have your baby back.
Sherri & Dexter
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