This is something very new for me. My White German Shepherd has just had surgery to remove her left rear leg due to recurring neurofibromas. She had the surgery Monday and we just brought her home this morning. She is not eating anything at all, hasn’t peed and hasn’t attempted much movement. I don’t want to act nervous yet but I wondered how long it takes for the adjustment to try walking without the leg. I carried her out of the vet and carried her from the car into my apartment. When we have tried to get her to walk she is not interested yet. What are your feelings out there in tripawd land.
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Many members wait days for their dogs to do their doody. As Jerry’s vet told us, when they need to go, they’ll go. Pain medication can cause both loss of appetite and constipation. You will find many suggestions for stimulating appetite in the Tripawds Nutrition blog too.
Best wishes for Katie’s speedy recovery! Please consult your vet with any serious concerns.
Welcome Katie – Sorry you have to feel so bad, but I promise it will get better. It is usually done in baby steps that you don’t notice right away, but it all adds up. The first couple of weeks are the worst.
Shooter didn’t pee or poop for 3 days, but once he got the compression bandage off he went right to it!! You’ll find we all celebrate the little things around here!
If you have a hard surface floor, make sure and put lots of area rugs around so she won’t slip so much and feel more stable. Also, stairs take some learning and seem to be a little harder for rear leg amps.
Just give Kate lots of love and take care of yourself too. We’ll be looking forward to updates!
Luanne and Shooter
Best wishes for Katie!
I have a tripawd kitty, Fang, so our recovery was just a little different than yours (as kitties are obviously quite a bit smaller, so they are a little quicker to get back on their feet). But with the bathroom situation, I can tell you that it took Fangers 8 days to poop. The pain medication definitely makes them constipated.. and they’re a little loopy for a few days so you have to know they’re just drugged out. So, don’t be worried if she’s out of it and doesn’t have her normal personality just yet. And I would not be surprised that she’s not interested in trying to walk yet either.
If you’re worried, talk to a vet, but she sounds like she’s acting normally to me!
It’s okay to feel nervous, this is a nerve wracking time!
Have you tried using a sling to help support her?
Did the vet have her walking and did she pee at the vets?
She’s just had major surgery and is a big girl. Recovery is sometimes a little rougher on big dogs.
Many dogs don’t eat for several days. I’m sure you’ve tried chicken, hamburger, etc.—-all the good stuff. Sometimes something really smelly works.
Being patient when your seeing your girl so miserable is a pretty tall order. This is not out of the norm right now at all. Katie’s sparkle will slowly start coming back bit by bit in a few days. You will be amazed t ow well she negotiates once she adjusts!
Hang in there. It will all be worth it and you will have the joy of reality time to love her even more and spoil her to pieces!!
We would LOVE to see a photo of your beautiful girl. And we really look forward to more updates!
We are all here for you and u derstand like no others what you are going through. Scarey times don’t last. The sparkle WILL come back and her personality will ounce back better than ever:-)
Sally and Happy Hannah
Katie and family, this isn’t too unusual. Keep in contact with your vet and if anything seems really out of the ordinary let them know. Remember that pain meds and the surgery itself will make dogs really groggy for a while. Some dogs need a few days to bounce back, others need a couple weeks. If she is eating, drinking and eliminating chances are everything is fine but do keep your vet in the loop. And of course hop on over to our Discussion Forums where you can talk to others who have experienced similar recoveries.
One more thing: GSDs are strong, amazing dogs. She will get through this, hang in there.
Many hugs coming your way.
Katie
I think what all of us learn here is how different each of our babies are in the recuperation of post surgery. Snoop overall did well but I think it really seems to take two plus weeks for them to really start to begin on the path of feeling like themselves. You’ll have good days and some not so good, be patient which isn’t easy but it will move forward, and you will see your girl back again. Good thoughts your way. Looking forward to hearing her good progress.
Awwww, Katie. She’s probably high as a kite and maybe not feeling too well – both from the surgery, from drugs, pain, swelling, etc. If she’s saying “leave me be and let me rest here….for a long time” let her. When she needs to move or pee or poo, she will. Give her the opportunity and have a confident, upbeat voice when holding her leash, or opening the door. Bend down, clap your hands, hold out your arms, get CRAZY excited. You got to express confidence in her that she can do this. She can! Oh my goodness, SHE CAN! There are going to be some ruff patches coming up, but just take it moment to moment. Ride it out. Let time do its thing. I’d recommend that for more immediate answers and support, go post in the Forums. Or, come by chat! Someone is usually there or not long. When things get tough…I PROMISE things will improve. She’ll get there!!!
~ Katy