Bambi is a beautiful 3 year old chihuahua. We rescued her about a yr ago, her left leg was broken before and healed naturally since she was a stray. Fast forward…Thursday night Bambi slipped on the hard wood floor and landed on her bum leg. Instantly we heard a break, the screams coming out of her was the worst sound we’ve ever heard. We decided on amputation because it will be better for her. Today is the day at home and needless to say we’re freaking out.
Is the E-collar too tight? Is she hydrated enough? Why won’t she eat? Is the inaction site getting better?….so many things. I hate that she’s in pain but this website helps a lot. She’ll be okay she’s been through so much. She’s a trooper
Bambi is adorable . She’s going to go through some pain. I called my vet several times and we adjusted my dog’s pain medication. The first 2 weeks after surgery are the worst. When I was around my dog after amputation ( which was all the time, I never left her side ) I didn’t put the e-collar on her because I was constantly watching her. She hated the e collar. I would bring her water for the first couple of weeks until she felt stronger. If Bambi is not eating I would try chicken and rice. It’s important that she eats so she can build up her strength. My girl, Kiana is a 10 year old Samoyed and Great Pyrenees mix. It’s been 10 months since her amputation, because of cancer, and she is loving life. Trust me, it does get easier, hang in there. Give your little sweetheart a pet on the head from Kiana & Fiona
Thank you Fiona that helps a lot. It’s reassuring to hear the experiences of people that have been in a similar situation. We’re still trying process it all, and from what I’ve heard it’s usually tougher on the humans than the dogs themselves. They’re stronger than we are in a lot of ways! We’re staying positive and are trying to prepare ourselves for anything. Once again, thanks, I really appreciate it!
Hi there Bambi and you pawrent!
So she had the surgery on Friday? If you can slide three fingers under the collar to the first joint it’s not too tight. Keep her well hydrated, she probably won’t have a huge appetite. Make sure she can reach her food and water with her cone on. It will probably be a sloppy mess getting used to the cone. Has she found her feet yet? If she had surgery yesterday, she still has lots of good drugs on board. What medication did she come home with? Right now all bets are off on food and hydration. If she will eat it, offer it to her. Boiled chicken, stinky canned food, food is better warmed, it smells better and is more comforting. Make sure she gets her meds, and if she’s really out of it you might want to get some doggie pads to put under her in case she has an accident.
She’s a beautiful girl, long haired Chihuahua? Stay tuned, site is having problems so if you don’t get a response right away that’s probably why.
Hugs,
Jackie and Huckleberry
Yes Friday is when she got her surgery. We took the e collar off we could tell it was too tight on her, and we’re afraid to leave her alone so we’re always watching her. Right now she still has the fentanyl patch (we very cautious of that reading all the thing that might happen) she’s also tramadol and rimadyl. She’s not very good at taking meds so we have be very patient with her.
Yes she’s a long hair chihuahua with an attitude and we love it!
As you probably know, we’ve been having trouble with the site being down. I’m so glad Fiona was able to get through to give you some good support! And remember, we have the TRIPAWDS HELPLINE 1- 844 TRIPAWD
Not eating is somewhat edpectrd the first coupld of days due to the hospital meds still in their system, pain meds, antibiotics, etc. Sonyes, anynyummy food she’ll eat is worth a try!
Pooping may not happen for several days either. Drinking and peeing are important though. My Happy Has never missed a meal, butshe didn’t wantto drink any water for a week at least! I had to stir a spoonful of ice cream in itnto getnher ro drink!
For niw, total rest and short potty breaks and then more reet! You need to restrict his activity for the first two weeks, then you can allow a kittle more freedom. For now, no stairs, no jumping, no running, etc.
I don’t think Happy Hannah slept more than a few hiurs the first several nights. She was very restless and whining. Just could not get comfortable! She and I were voth miserable. In fact, it was a good three weeks before I could finally say I did this FOR her and not TO her!
But once recovery was over, her sparkle came back just fine!! Yiur sweet kittle pup will get through this rough part and be back to her happy self before you know it! She may need a bit of time tonwprk on her mobility since this happened so quickly. Shhhh…..don’t tell the vig dogs….but little dogs usually recover a little faster!
Can’t wait to see more pictures of this precious pup!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
We put her food bowl close to her and she was able to eat a little bit already. She would only take water from our hands and a little from a medical syringe but has already been down to potty! We’re having trouble keeping her still, she likes to move a lot and get comfy on her own, but we know we need to be careful with her recent incision. She’s never been one to take medicine either, so it’s been a battle trying to get her to take it, trying to wrap it in all sorts of different treats.
This site is already helped so much, we have been freaking out trying to get our heads wrapped around it all and it’s good to have a resource to rely on. She’s our little girl, so we have to make sure she has the best and most comfortable experience possible!
And I see Jackie was avle to fet throh alao with some great advice! As you can see, you are not alone!
AND YAY FOR POOP!! 🙂
Pill pockets work well, cheese, maybe even wrapping it in some canned pate style cat food. Worst case you can wrap her in a towel and pill her, but smear some butter on it first so she can swallow it without it sticking. You can try sewing one arm of a baby t-shirt closed and putting her good leg through the other arm. If she is as hard headed as I think she can easily take out a sutures or staple so don’t fall asleep and leave her with access, it will be bad. It only takes a minute.
Good job with fluids! Keep it going. If you have to try canned chicken soup or canned dog/cat food that will help keep her hydrated. I would not worry about her walking and turning to get comfy, just don’t let her jump on/off things out run around too much. If you have to confine her to a room or a crate just do it.
She’s beautiful, looking forward to seeing more pictures!
Jackie and Huckleberry
Yay, on the poop! Kiana took over a week. Be aware when the patch wears off which I believe it is 3 day after surgery you may see a difference in her pain level. Be sure to talk with your vet if you see the increase of pain/ discomfort. I don’t think Kiana or myself got much sleep for the first week or so. You sound like me, always watching your dog making sure she’s eating, breathing, sleeping, drinking and making sure the incision is healing properly.
I cried many times but never ever in front of Kiana. I made sure I was always upbeat in front of Kiana. I would talk to her all the time and tell her how strong she was and she was going to be okay. If I can say anything to you, stay upbeat for your little one she needs you more now than she ever has. Dogs are very smart they can read you like a book. It sounds like from your comments you’re doing an excellent job and I’ve seen a couple more pictures of Bambi and it looks like she’s coming along just great. Hang in there, it does get better.
Hugs from Kiana and Fiona