Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi All
Well Boomer has not changed much in the past 4 days, she is very very quiet which is unusual for her ( Boomer the Beagle). She eats very little but she will eat a bit, she actually eat better the first 4 days she was home, now she picks away, she does not want any of her treats and she wants nothing to do with Ruben (our other Beagle)her very best friend. She is still able to go out a bit but for very short walks maybe half a block or so, whereas 4 days ago she could walk 1 block or so. She has much less spunk than last week, it looks like she maybe limping a bit with her good back leg. Also she has not more Tramadol, the prescription has run out and she is only on Metacam now for the next 3 weeks. So I am not sure if she is in pain or having Tramadol withdrawal effects, her last dose was about 30 hours ago. I am probably being overly protective, like many of you have stated I am watching her maybe too much. Her head and body shake is very bad these days, almost like Doggie Parkinson's. I mentioned this to both the Oncologist and the Surgeon prior to making the decision to amputate. My concern now is that she may have some underlining Neurological problem and that the Amputation may have been the wrong decision. I would hate for the poor thing to have some sort of Neurological disease on top of coping with 3 legs. I guess time will tell. I hope and pray that she will recover as best she can.
Boomer & Ruben's Dad
Awww Dad,
I'm sorry it's not going as well as we'd hoped. Please don't hesitate calling your vet. (you paid for it and they would want to know) I know how concerned you are, as we are too.
I really don't have any knowledge but I do know that you should monitor a few things:
1) Does she have a temp? (get an ear themometer at a pet store - it's not very acurate. But test it on Reuben and then Boomer to see if they are pretty close)
2) Rub the tip of your finger insider her mouth across her gums. If they are sticky, she is dehydrated. Try freezing chicking broth, beef both, tuna can juice or salmon juice in a small cup or ramaken bowl and see if she will lick it.
3) Look at her gums and see if they are reddish or pinkish in color. If they are an ashen grey (you won't mistaken the color - they look very abnormal in color), then it is time to go to the vet ASAP.
That's all I can offer for the immediate. But do not sit and fret if you are concerned. Just call the vet.
Best wishes and hugs.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Hang in there Dad, it hasn't been that long, really. She does sound like she's still building up strength.
Your decision was made with love and with all the information you had at the time. No matter what, remember that Boomer is out of the horrible pain she was in before the surgery. If there is anything neurological going on, at least she doesn't have that pain to deal with too.
Hang in there.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sending healing, peace, and comfort to you and Boomer.
On the one hand, you don't want to be a worry-wart, but on the other hand, you are the expert on your dog. I agree--call the vet with your questions.
Take care.
Daisy, 12 years young, had left forelimb amp on 5/19/2010 due to osteosarcoma. She left her body behind and joined the other spirit tripawds on 7/16/2010.
So grateful for each day with her!
Lexi (Daisy's momma)
I know when we met with the oncologist with Denali - she was EXTREMELY sore. Part of it I wonder if it was because of the extra pressure on her joints from being a tripod. You can always call up your vet and ask for their opinion on the matter.
~~~~ Denali ~~~~
June 9, 2010 OSA suspected
June 17, 2010, July 14, 2010 Clear X-rays – no mets
July 1, 2010 Amputation
July 9, 2010 OSA Confirmed
November 23, 2010 Cancer took you from me - Never forgotten, Always Loved - Forever
Supporting the Fighters, Admiring the Survivors, Honoring the Taken, And never, ever giving up Hope
I would suggest talking to your vet too. I weaned Mackenzie off her tramadol starting about the 9th day or so (reduced the dosages every day) and I remember during the middle part of her 2 week recovery (about 5 days of it) was the worst for us (loss of appetite, listlessness, etc.) It really does take a minimum 2 weeks before you start to see them back to a somewhat normal state. Not sure what #day of recovery it is for Boomer but it might still be a little bit early in her recovery process? We've all gone through this rollercoaster ride where some days are good and some days are not so good. So hang in there - I'm sure you'll feel much better once you consult with your vet.
Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
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