Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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First, really good news, nothing on the CT scan before surgery! Yeah! Surgery went well on Tuesday, and we got to bring Wrig home on Thursday. We were nervous, we thought it was too soon but the doc thought he would do even better at home. We were surprised to see him so alert after surgery and hopping so fast! We realized he was moving so fast because he thought he was gettin' outta that place! (they let us take him on potty breaks which is next to the parking lot
)
Wrigley II did great the first day home and slept great that night. Second day not so good, he really seemed blue, restless and uncomfortable. I know I have to brace myself for good and bad days it's just so hard to see him so"not himself". It's hard to believe in a few short weeks we will have the old Wrig back. I have read too many great stories of recovery not to believe that.
I do need some help! Wrigley II was eating, not his food but chicken, he's starting to not want to eat at all, any suggestions? Worried about him not getting enough water, we'll take him to the vet if he starts to get dehydrated. He had his first chemo, we're trying a combo therapy (hope it works well). Also, I don't think he would ever go out to potty, unless we take him. We have been taking him out a few times a day. We know building his strength is important but how much is too much ? He seems to get a worried look when we try to get him up and out, and more and more reluctant to hop. Could he just be sore? I'm worried he will lose all confidence!
I want to thank everyone for all the encouragement, thoughts and prayers before surgery. This forum is my strength!
Wrigley's Mom
Trouble's first 2 -3 days home we let her decide when she needed out not wanting to over do it. She wasn't too interested and only went out a couple of times a day - morning and evening. She ran out of pain meds about day 5 and acted pretty sore. The vet put her back on remadyl to take the edge off and she did much better.
Trouble didn't start her chemo until two weeks post-op, but it does make her a little off for about 2 days. She seems tired, and not herself. That may be the reaction you are seeing in WrigleyII. Within a couple of days she is back to normal. So far she hasn't experienced any episodes of not eating, but she does have some mild nau. If WrigleyII is having nausea, he may not want to eat.
I know how happy you are to have him back home with you. Hope he is back to his old self soon.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Wrigley's Mom, that is wonderful to hear! Congratulations on making it over such a huge hurdle.Yeah!
My pawrents thought I wasn't ready to come home the next day as well. The surgeon told him they could, and they were like "WHAT? He just had his leg taken off? OMG!" But I showed them! I wouldn't even let the doc wheel me out on a cart, I hopped out of the hospital!
Try not to worry about his not eating as usual. I think that a lack of appetitie is pretty normal right after surgery, especially considering that he has pain meds, and chemo coursing through his system right now, plus he's getting used to life on three legs. It's a huge adjustment, and even though we're pretty resilient, we do need a little time to adapt to the situation. Sleep is good, we like to sleep a lot right after surgery. And remember, it takes a lot of time for us to work those meds out of our system. We just aren't used to being so dopey, and many of us will whine and pant a lot as a way of coping with it.
If Wrigley isn't eating much, it makes sense that he doesn't have to go potty as much either. That's probably why he doesn't want to get up whenever you tell him to go.
About not getting enough water...well, you can try to whet his appetite for it, by adding chicken or beef broth to the water (low sodium is best), or Gatorade, or ice cubes. Most dogs love that, and will start drinking right away.
As far as food goes, we dogs can go a while before we are hungry, especially when we're detoxing from all those surgery meds. Have you tried tempting him with some stinky wet food, like Evo's canned vennison, rabbit or duck? We LOVE stinky food! Or heck, your own food would work too, hamburger, a yummy hunk of steak, whatever makes him want to eat. Don't be surprised if he doesn't want to eat for a few days, but foods like this can get his motor running if you are worried.
Finally, the reluctance to hop thing is yeah, he's probably sore and tired. It takes time to build up that muscle in his remaining legs. With it being just a few days post surgery, try not to worry so much. If you loose confidence, so will Wrigley.
Keep an eye out for any major changes that might warrant a vet visit, like not taking in any water or food, or excessive crying, or a leaky incision, but otherwise, hang in there. You'll be amazed at what a difference two weeks will make in his behavior.
Hang in there! We're here for you. Hope this helps.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I had the same problem trying to get Nova to eat and drink after surgery. EVO rabbit flavor was hard for her to refuse. Also, there are some canned foods with tripe in them that made her go bananas (made me want to puke opening the can, but I was able to hold my breath long enough if it meant getting her to eat!) And she never once turned down a hand-fed ice cube. I tried feeding broth, but nothing worked better than plain old ice cubes. When my kids were watching TV I'd fill up a cup with ice cubes and have them hand feed her. She LOVED that!
Sue and Nova
Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!
Wrigley might be experiencing nausea from the chemo plus the added stress of the amputation. Sometimes the drug Carafate (sucralfate) helps this quite a bit, even if the dog is not vomiting. A lot of dogs don't eat for a few days after chemo but in most cases the appetite returns within a week. Some of the pain meds could also make Wrigley feel queasy. Just make sure that you are getting some water, gatorade, or ice cubes in!
Pam and Tazzie
WELCOME HOME wrigley - home is definitely the best place for recovery isn't it?
Zeus (my big piggie) didn't have any issues with eating through any of his recovery, but all those suggestions are great ones...Just a thought - maybe wait to do chemo until he's through the initial recovery of the amputation? I haven't heard of chemo being started right away...but that doesn't mean it's not common. He's been through sooo much like Jerry said, so there are obviously going to be obstacles along the way, but yes...wait until about 2 weeks post-amputation and for us, when Zeus had his stitches out and the bandage off, it was a complete turnaround...instantaneously - it was amazing to see it.
Ice cubes are great...both my boyz LOVE them..stand by the refridgerator begging for ice. LOL...
We send lots of prayers your way for a speedy recovery...get lots of rest (mom too!) and please keep us posted.
Much love,
Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Welcome Home Wrigley ll- you have truly made it past the biggest hurdle so far.
CA Wrigley had her left front leg amputated Monday Dec. 22- came home Tuesday, back to vet Wed for a check up and then it was the holidays so we were on our own. Did make a few trips to the emergency due to her incision leaking too much, and then more trips to the vet for quick check ups. More often is was my nervousness, not anything that really required attention.
Wrigley would only get up when I got her up for the first 2 weeks ( especially the first week). She was on tramadol 3 times a day and had a pain patch ( I forget the exact name- fentanol) for 5 days. Those made her pretty groggy. The first Sunday after her surgery she had an episode where she was showing her fangs like she was in attack mode, crying non stop, crawing trying to "get away"- she tried to get under a bed, tried to get under a desk, and eventually ended up in my lap for an hour til the episode passed. I thought she was in pain, but after blogging- Jerry let me know it was "probably the pink elephants she saw from the pain meds" They can do weird things.
As far as eating, in the beginning she did ok and then backed off- I think part of it was she thought there was going to be a pain pill or some pill in everything she ate. I started giving her pills in the Bil Jack liver treats, then she stopped eating those. So I tried the chicken for pill dispensing, then she wouldn't eat the chicken in her food. So I eventually just hid the pills in a piece of roast beef and didn't put any meds in her food ( except a supplement the DR. had prescribed which she didn't mind)
I put some cooked ground beef in with her kibble and she liked that. Although she had never had wet food with her kibble I got her the EVO turkey /chicken canned food and put some of that in .She loves that. I also add a little chicken broth- I used what I had after boiling chicken for her. She was not a big fan of the breasts, so I did cook her some thighs ( not too much they are higher in fat) and she did like those.
After those 2 weeks pass you will be amazed how much life returns to normal. We started Wrigley's chemo on Jan 8 - so just a little over the 2 weeks post amp. We are also planning on a combo course- her oncologist would like to do Carboplatin and Doxorubicin alternating the 2 every 3 weeks for a 6 treatment course. So far her first round of Carboplatin when very smoothly. Not a single side effect. She did very well . Her bloodwork came back normal too. She will go for round 2 on Jan. 29. They are planning the Doxorubicin that round. I am nervous about that drug, and had many conversations with the oncologist about my concerns, but still feel this is the right plan for Wrigley. She has aggressive cancer and her DR. would like to be aggressive in the treatment. If she does not do well with the other drug, our plan is to stop and just do the one agent. I'm am hoping we sail smoothly through that like we did the first round.
I can't tell you enough to hang in there these 2 weeks. It is torture- the emotional roller coaster you will ride is unbelievable. You will be wondering what have you done????? You may not rest ( listen to Zeus' mom and get some - she is right, and a great support) you will feel helpless so many times, just wanting your baby better. But after the 2 weeks pass, and the pain meds go away, you will find it hard to believe it was just a bit ago you were in recovery. Our Wrigley amazes me every day. WE are coming up on a 1 month post amp and you would think she was a tripawd her whole life. I can't keep up with her with a walk, I have to run. She is up and down the stairs on her own. I tried to help her the other day and she pushed me away. She barked when the doorbell rang the other day, tried to chase the deer that passed through the front yard- truly amazing they are.
Hang in there and best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
Thanks everyone for your helpful tips. This is really hard! I was doing so well, before and after surgery and the 2 days after but now I've broken down. It's really hard when you don't even get a tail thump the whole day. I can only imagine how rotten Wrigley feels, and we certainly can't expect too much, but you just want them back to "normal".
I know we're lucky so far. Wrigley hasn't had any bruising, leaking and no swelling. His appetite has been on and off and same with the water. I will go buy some stinky stuff. I have tried the gatorade, and sometimes that works, he doesn't like ice. We are giving him Cerenia (4 days) for nausea and vomiting. They use it on humans. He hasn't had any vomiting but we can't really know if his tummy feels yucky.
As for the chemo the day after surgery, his oncologist suggested it. As she explained it, the primary leg tumor is like the mothership and she has helpers other places (most likely the lungs) and tells them to sit tight, she's got it handled, so when you take the leg off some how it sends signals to them that she's gone and they can go to work, so the sooner you start chemo the better. We are also doing Carboplatin and Doxorubicin but she is doing both on the same day 3 hours apart. It fairly a new treatment but she says they have had good success with it.
Today I am just letting Wrigley run the show, he'll tell me when he needs to go out. He hasn't left our room or his bed since 5:30am, it is now 8:00pm, Would this be normal for the 4th day home? It's freaking me out! My husband is worried about him not using his leg and getting exercise, I tell him you all say just let him rest. Do we need to worry about him using his legs right now?
Thanks for the help! My mantra will be "2 weeks, 2 weeks"
Hey Byquist, we know exactly how you feel. It's the ruffest part, but you'll be OK. Just keep envisioning Wrigley recuperating and getting back to his old self.
As far as his behavior goes, we aren't vets, but maybe you want to ask yourself; Is he eliminating at all? Does he get up and move around in the room? Does he look like he's in any pain? Is there any crying?
It's hard to say if his behavior is normal or not. Every dog's recuperation is a little different. If it will make you feel better to have your vet look at him this week, I say do it. Peace of mind goes a long way in helping you regain your confidence that he will get back to normal, which will help him in return.
Good luck. Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Wrigley and Mom! How are you guys doing today? I have been reading your posts and finally had to chime in. The 2 weeks of hell you are going through are worth it...I promise! Max didnt have chemo right after the amp surgery but he did have some issues that made things difficult and I remember thinking to myself that if this was how things were going to be that neither one of us were going to make it. Thats when you have to go with your instincts and if you feel like you need to call the vet then do it. Max did nothing but lay around for the first 7 days. He barely ate or drank anything and maybe went out once a day to pee. It didnt matter what I gave him, the only thing he would even look at was water that was really cold with ice in it. He didnt eat the ice, but would take small drinks of the water. No tail wagging, no moving, nothing and I nearly lost my mind. I dont think you have to worry too much about him not using his legs for the first few days...Max seemed to be weak but it didnt keep him from walking fine once he had the energy back to do it. It took him all of the 14 days of that 2 weeks to begin to act somewhat normal. As I said before, he had some other things going on, but as far as recovery from the surgery, take it slow and easy. Zeus's mom said it all when she said day by day and hour by hour. Its truly the best way to get through it. One month later we have had one chemo treatment, are outside playing in the snow, he wants to eat constantly (partially due to the steroids he is on) and is very much back to his normal self. Max has had a really ruff time...but all to say that it does get better. Just hang in there and let all of the great people on this site help you through the journey. I honestly dont know what I would have done without all of the support that I got from everyone here. Each dog heals differently, so hang on and stay pawsitive for Wrig! He needs your energy!! Take care and Max and I will be thinking about you and keep you in our prayers.
Paula
Paula and Spirit Max
We had a very hard time getting Ember to eat normally again - she went for days without food post surgery. We tried all the suggestions above with limited, but increasing success as the days went by. What worked best was to prepare her a plate of the same food we were having and then hand feed it to her. Also something that worked for our playful girl was to toss the food gently at her - usually cubes of bread or some softer biscuits made for puppies. She just couldn't resist snapping them out of the air!
Jane
Hope things are a little better. It will get so much better when you get past that 2 week point. I can't even believe our 2 weeks was so bad, because things are so good now.
One thing I have started doing since CA Wrigley started chemo is I got a daytimer/calendar just for her and record any significant changes, patterns, behavior, etc each day. Right after chemo I used it to document what she ate, if she ate, when she pooped etc, now that we are in a routine I just right "normal" on the days. This way I don't have to remember anything and I can take it with me to Dr. appts and know exactly what has happened.
Hang in there, there is light at the end. Soon you will be playing like you used to.
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
How is Wrigley II doing today? We are sending lots of warm healing hugs his way!
Luv Spirit Jake, Smooch, Baby Gus & Mom (Sherri)
Hello everyone! Thanks for sending your hugs and prayers our way. I haven't been feeling up to posting the last few days, too tired, and just trying to keep my mind busy.
Wrigley II seems do be doing a little better. You know how it goes, two steps forward one back. Wrigley seems to be eating and drinking on a more regular basis. He still hasn't eaten a meal standing or barely sitting up for that matter We have to hand feed him most of the time, but not the cottage cheese, that would be difficult! He loves the cottage cheese! I've tried some stinky food but he just turns up his nose ,so we'll stick with the chicken. You'd think he would be sick of it at this point! Wrigley also will only drink ice cold water from the frig. He still isn't moving too much (flips sides in his bed), just goes out to go potty which seems to take every bit of energy he has. He doesn't seem to be in any pain, he pants occasionally but seems relaxed. He did poo on Sat(solid) and Sun(runny). but hasn't since. I'm a little worried since he has been eating. We go to the Dr. tonight to get blood drawn, that should be an adventure getting him in and out of the car. His ramp is a little too steep for him right now.
I let him stay in his bed in our room today thinking he might get better rest in the quiet, you can only imagine how elatedI was to see him hopping out to see me in the living room!!!! A giant step forward
! I know he is on the road to the old Wrig, we just have to be patient. Pretty soon I'll be saying hah, what was I so worried about?
I read Max's story and it gives me so much hope that we will be out going for walks and having some fun very soon!
The only other thing I worry about is the diet and supplement thing, so much information to take in. How do really know whats right? It all seems very confusing and complicated. If you don't have a Dr. that's up on all of it, or a believer that it can help, your really on your own.
Thank you for having Wrigley II in your thoughts
Huge step forward hopping to the living room! That is just great. Wait till you get a little further and they are hopping so fast you can't keep up with them..... Our Wrigley continues to amaze us. I put on "the shoes" again today and she went crazy - we went for a brisk walk that is how great she hops....truly amazing.
On the supplements. Re: the herbs and such, I have not found a Dr. in our area that is really up on those so I understand what you mean that are on your own. I am learning so much from this site- probably more than some Dr.s .
I do however give Wrigley other supplements. I had given our dogs the Fresh Factors and Joint Health chewables from Springtime Inc. prior to anything. I used these products a few years ago with an old lab mix dog we had that ended up with Cushings Disease. I put her on these ( in addition to her meds) and she made a remarkable recovery. She was 12 at the time and after being on these she acted like a very young dog- had a new kick in her step. So I was hooked on them. I took the ingredients listing to Wrigley's oncologist and she told me I should only continue the Fresh factors during the Chemo. She does not like to give supplements with Antioxidents during chemo as she feels they may interfer with the drugs. ( The joint health supplement has a Vit C compound so she wanted to hold off on those). So that is all I know about supplements, but I know a lot of people here are experts.
Good luck on your continued successes- Try and get some rest.
Seanne and CA Wrigley.
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
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