Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Yes, the pants and shakes were worse as one dose was wearing off. And if they came between doses, an ice pack would do the trick. But once the worst of the pain was over, he was sort of in this gray zone, sometimes he'd just want to be left alone. No pain indicators, just antisocial. But now I don't know if that was a pain indicator that I didn't recognize.
Anyway, no Tram today after yesterday's episode, now he is just laying around, no pep and though he is eating he's not pooping. I think we'll try some pumpkin for that. It's just discouraging that he was so perky and happy every morning and now he's just sad. I know his pain level is up, or maybe I should call it his discomfort level. I wanted the emergency vet to call Tate's local vet yesterday morning with a new Rx but he wouldn't prescribe anything without a visit. Bugs me because that is where we had his surgery done so he has very complete records there. I didn't think throwing Tate the back of the Jeep for 40 miles of bouncing around without pain meds was in his best interest.
Well, tomorrow we'll get him on the right stuff and also get his stitches out. Maybe he'll be ready for his party hat!
http://tate.tripawds.com/
August 16, 2006 to November 28, 2011
TATE ~ Forever in our hearts.
Gosh, it really does sound like phantom pains.
Here's the topic from Dr. Pam that is a member.
Phantom Limb Pain
Phantom limb pain is another common side effect after amputation surgery. Again, it’s a side effect that can be controlled, and even prevented.
Phantom pain happens when a severed nerve “thinks” that the limb is still attached to the body. The nerve is trying to control a limb that doesn’t exist.
Your dog may have phantom pain if she:
- Constantly looks behind her to see if the leg is there
- Attempts to move the area where the limb was
- Randomly cries out with loud, sharp shrieks
- Has light muscle twitching in the incision area
- Shakes or pants (which could also indicate general post-op pain)
Phantom pain is a normal complication and many amputee dogs get it. Although time is the best thing that can help the severed nerve to heal, you can take steps to alleviate this pain.
Gabapentin is a newer pain relief option in veterinary medicine, and many vets are still unfamiliar with it. If yours doesn’t know about this important drug, ask them to consult with a veterinary pain management specialist from the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management.
Try not to get too upset even tho it is very upsetting. It will get better. So get the party hat out!
ohhhhhh Monkeybutler dustbunny - are you showing a heart??? Good - we are waiting for you on the tripawd side
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
Leave me a lone, Fatneck. That wasn't me. I just left for a minute and my mom snuck on. She can be a dummy head and just starts typing away on my account, giving me a bad rep! (but I love her, even tho she is a dummy head sometimes.)
Was wondering how Tate's visit at the vet went today????
Thinking of you guys!
Tate will probably start to feel better after the stitches are out. He sounds similar to Tazzie's condition at that time. Tazzie was one of the slower to rebound, but I think I was confident some improvement was occurring by the third week, and it was much much better for week 5. Generally he was better when something was going on - involving other people or other dogs (not just his boring mum).
I don't think it really sounds like phantom pain , but sometimes Gabapentin is used for pain other than phantom.
Hope your visit to the vet was helpful.
We went to the surgeon (vet's on vacation and I wanted someone that knows him to see him), she took out the stitches, said he's right on track and gave him the "all clear". Just Rimadyl, no need for anything else. He's all healed up inside.
She said the hole might have been necrosis, something causing pressure on that spot during surgery or right after, that cut off the blood supply. Makes sense to me, it was perfectly round. Someone dropped a nickel on the operating table, I bet. : )
She listened to all my concerns about the Tramadol but in the end she said she thought he was picking up on my anxiety. (What? Me anxious?) She said Tram is about their best option, everything else is controlled and they can't stock it. We'd have to take their rx to a human pharmacy, and everything has the potential for some kind of side effects anyway.
She also said Tate lost a lot of blood during surgery and it will take awhile to build back up. That doesn't explain why he was better and then worse but it doesn't matter now.
I feel a lot better having him off the Tram and can't wait to get him off the Rimadyl, too.
http://tate.tripawds.com/
August 16, 2006 to November 28, 2011
TATE ~ Forever in our hearts.
We're hoppy to hear Tate is on the road to full recovery! Maggie had issues recuperating after surgery on traditional meds... listen to our recent Tripawd Talk Radio interview with Tracy and Gina to see if you want to consider consulting with a holistic vet regarding homeopathic pain relief.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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