Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Today is day 6 post op for left front leg amputation. (They removed his scapula too, is that common with other front leg amputations?) Ziggy was recovering amazingly well and I have been dreaming of park visits and short hikes again in the future. But yesterday he had a very rough day.
He hasn't been able to stand well at all, and has cried out a few times that he did. His balance is off and he has fallen over a few times. His appetite fell off (for the first time in his life!) and has only been eating just enough to get his meds down. I have had to physically lift him to get him up and going which is really difficult for a 100lb (pre-op weight) dog.
The only thing that has changed is that his carprofen finished on Day 4. Calling the vet obviously, but just wanted to update here. I see a lot of people mention a day 5 or day 6 crash, but does it look like this? He won't move at all now without serious effort on my part, whereas a few days ago he was up and around the house and yard throughout the day. 
BTW, love his avatar. A very handsome boy.
What pain meds is on now... the dose...the frequency? Glad you're getting him back on Carprofen! Finished at day four was a very short time.
The first thing that comes to mind and we do see happen very often is overdoing. Dogs need to rest, rest, rest, take SHORT LEASHED potty breaks and rest more.
If he had more activity than that he most likely had tweaked a muscle, joint, etc. Massage up and down is spine, his neck, etc. Any sign of tension? Any tweak of the back can cause some of the symptoms you describe.
So yeah, update when you can on his activity level and pain meds. This is just a "recovery bump in the road" that he'll get past.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. Of course, not a Vet and not giving Vet advice
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
PS. Just went back and re-read your earlier post. It sounds like he has all the right meds, but what's the frequency and dose amou t.
Also remembered that he pulled on the leash and was "insisting ' he go k long walks. Naughty little boy😉 Makes me think more and more maybe a pinched nerve in back or shoulder/neck area. Anyway, just try and keep him calm until the Vet further.
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Sorry to hear that ziggys feeling under the weather. Good for you for getting up with your vet.
As sally said it could just be a strain or pinch. Roane experienced something similar when we stopped taking the carprofen (week 2 after her stitches came out) after a few days off meds she literally wouldnt move. Stairs became an issue and she stopped eating. In her case she just wasnt ready to stop taking the meds. We put her back on and she was back to her old self.
is he still on the gabapentine? At one point my vet told me the 2 compliment each other.
Roane would also have "crashes" she would have a really good day followed by a down day. I attributed it to over doing it.
Hope ziggy is feeling better soon.
Hugs,
Bev & Moe cat
Hugs ❤ Bev, nurse Moe cat, Autumn's Angel Roane & Angel dog Gypsy 🐾
My sweet soulmate Roane was diagnosed with osteo in June of 2019. Had a rear leg amp on July 2nd & crossed the rainbow bridge to be with her sister Gypsy on the first day of Autumn Sept 23 2019.
Yeah, I am thinking a pinched nerve in the back as well, his back legs are splaying out and he isn't moving them effectively when he is up. I guess it hurt him enough that he doesn't want to try moving again. His gabapentin is 600mg and tramadol 250mg every 8 hours.
Finally got him up for a short pee break, and he moved slow and awkwardly. Pee'd and pottied, then immediately laid down in the grass. Let him rest then had to lift him up to stand again.
Talked to the vet and he is going back on carprofen. Yay! I think the anti inflammatory helped him, we will see.
Discouraging to see the setback, if he wasn't such a big dog I don't think I'd stress so much, but it isn't like I can just grab him and set him outside or put him in the car to go to the vet. He is dead weight and doesn't like to be manhandled, haha.
Hey there I'm in the Tripawds chat right now if you want to talk.
Yes this does sound like a pulled muscle or some type of acute strain from adjusting to life on three. Try to massage around his body and look for pain signals . Does he flinch or look back when you touch certain spots, like his neck or shoulders?
Now would be a good time to book that rehab therapy appointment. Therapists like to see dogs about two weeks after surgery but if he is having this kind of pain now, they may want to see him sooner.
Try not to get discouraged, this isn't abnormal at all and most dogs will recover once activity is cut back a bit and pain meds are adjusted. What else did your vet say besides putting him back on the NSAID?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
She said we are just going to try the meds for two days, if no improvement she wants him to come in for a visit, do a physical check up, and possibly xray around the spine to make sure the cancer hasn't spread there.
That sounds like a reasonable plan. We'll keep our fingers crossed for improvement!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
It's a good start. Zig woke up this morning and got up on his own. Ate his whole meal vigorously, and then trotted out in the rain for a potty break. He laid down to rest and I gave him his meds. I have been working in my home office, where in pre-op life he ALWAYS was beside me but hasn't in a few days, he came in to my office and laid at my feet! Small victories! Just so glad I didn't have to physically lift him up to get him to stand, that is the first time in 2 days! Rest and carprofen are helping. Thanks Jerry for the advice on massages as well, he seemed to enjoy that.
Yay! That sounds like you're turning back into a better direction
I hope the rest of the day goes better too!!💖
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
YAAAAAAAAAY!!! A great victory indeed having Zig lay withh you in the office! Nope, not a little victory, rather a HUGE VICTORY!! Keep on keeping on Ziggy!!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Woooohoooooo! This totally made my morning! YAY ZIG!
Here's to more pawgress. Let us know how today goes.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
This morning I was greeting by Ziggy already standing, favorite ball in mouth, and nubby little tail wagging like crazy. I haven't seen that tail wag since he started limping a few weeks ago. He has so much energy today and keeps dropping the ball at my feet ready to play. He is still a bit upset our walks are limited to short potty breaks and sad that he doesn't sleep at the foot of our bed like he always has (2nd floor bedroom), but otherwise it seems like I am getting my dog back!
Wonderful news!! I am so happy for you Sounds like pain management
is working and Ziggy is well on that wonderful road to living his new normal life 
Keep up the pawsome work!
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
YAAAAAAY ZIGGY!!!! DOING A LITTLE HAPPY DANCE OVER HERE!!😁
So glad to read this great update😁 Ke3p that wagging' nubby tail waggin' sweet boy!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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