Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all,
My St. Bernard Benny had amputation surgery two weeks ago last Tuesday. He has been seemingly ahead of the curve in recovery (he's up and about on his own and tried it on his own far before his two week ampuversary). There were no complications and it's his back leg, so he has good balance. However, he has been whining lately when more people are at home. During the day when it's just me (Heidi), he seems fine to walk around on his own (doors are closed so he can't get to any dangerous areas, ie outside by the pool or hardwood floors or stairs). Is it possible he has phantom leg pain already? We do meet with the oncologist tomorrow to have his first chemo, I was just curious if anyone has had a similar experience. Or will he get somewhat anxious as his scar is building tissue? He's good about not pulling at the staples however. Any advice or comments would be amazing.
Thanks to all the big hearts out there that do this for their babies 
heidi
Hi Heidi, thanks for joining us. Benny looks like a real sweetie, what a great name for a big boy like him!
Based on what we've seen here, phantom pain can happen pretty much anytime within a few weeks of surgery. But the signs are usually a sharp, piercing cry, not whining. Is he still on pain meds? If so, how much? And what kind? Oftentimes pain meds will make dogs feel really out of sorts, and see pink elephants. The whining can often be a result of that.
Is he only whining when people are around, and if so, is he confined to certain parts of the house? If so, could it be that he wants more freedom to be around the other people? If so, would there be a way for him to be around them (i.e., put down carpet runners)?
It's so hard to tell what dogs are saying sometimes. I don't know if this is any help but I'm trying to look at all angles here to see if we can come up with ideas to make him feel better.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome and sorry you had to find us here. As Jerry said, most folks report a sharp cry/scream with phantom pain . He might be in some pain - although, if he doesn't do it when there are less folks in the house that doesn't seem likely. Could he be milking it for some attention? Or if he's still on the pain meds, maybe he's just feeling funky still?
Hope you get him sorted out. Maybe the vet will have some ideas at his chemo appt?
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
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