Hello, Mitch is an 11 year old greyhound who had his leg amputated 13 days ago due to cancer. I have been looking at this tripawds site several times as I needed to know what would be likely to happen. Like most people, really scared.
Mitch is still on tramadol and metacam, but we are trying to reduce his tramadol. At present he has two tablets twice a day. Tried to cut down a bit more last night but had to get up and give him another around 4am as he was shaking and panting. He isn’t eating a great deal, which is a bit of a worry. I have tried loads of things and all he’ll take is corned beef and fairy cakes with peanut butter spread on them. His amputation site is also still leaking a bit and red in parts, though the vet seems to think its okay.
It is really hard to say if the trembling and panting is from coming off of Tramadol or from pain. Emily could not take tramadol without trembling. I am assuming though he does n ot tremble while he is on them. On day 13 I would think he would be about off of pain meds. You might ask your vet if there is something else he could take to try to figure out if it is pain or withdrawl.
As long as he is eating I wouldn’t worry yet about what it is. The important thing is to keep him hydrated.
When he gets his stitches out the vet can look at his incision.
It is scary, isn’t it. Try not to let Mitch know you are scared though because he is looking to know to know how to respond. Goo luck and I will be praying for you an d Mitch.
Debra & Angel Emily
Did Mitch have a good appetite before the amputation? Some dogs aren’t chow hounds and that wouldn’t concern me, but if he was a chow hound before the amputation, I would worry a little. They say some dogs won’t eat if they are in pain. When was the last time he was in to see the vet? Good luck!
Yes he used to eat well though was never the type of dog who would eat anything. I have been trying to get his appetite going by giving him stuff he would normally love, but he’s even been refusing some of that.
He saw the vet on Friday who said to wean him off the tramadol. The panting and trembling comes on as it gets toward time for another tramadol. This has been the case since the start. I now have him down to 4 rather than 6 tramadols so I suppose we are going in the right direction.
I should have added that when he first came out he didn’t eat anything for a couple of days. I suppose at least now he is eating something.
Oh I remember how scary all this was at the beginning… So many new things to deal with… a big surgery… lots of drugs… We all know what you and Mitch are going through. It’s funny how each dog reacts so differently to the tramadol. In my Jake’s case, he tolerated it very well and had no problems on it, or when he weaned off it. Other dogs stop eating, or get very anxious or sick… Guess it’s just like people… we are all so different. What kind of cancer does Mitch have?
Post some pictures of your baby so we can all see what he looks like… It’s very easy, just look up the instruction in the technical support of the forums…
Keep loving and spoiling your baby… We are here for you!!!
Angel Jake’s Mom
Many thanks for your kind words. He has bone cancer. The x-rays showed no sign of it having spread, though as the vet said, chances are it just doesn’t show yet. Once his stitches come out he’s going for chemo.
I wanted to say many thanks for your kind words. It’s less scary knowing there are other people out there with similar problems. I am hoping for my beautiful boy back if only for a few months.
Please keep in mind such symptoms can often be side effects from the pain meds so be sure not to overmedicate! Search the forums for more info and always trust your vet’s advice.
Welcome, and thanks for joining the Tripawds family!
My prayers are with you and mitch as you go through this incredibly tough time! My dog buddy just had surgery last tuesday and is also on meds,but so far all has been ok. It’s good for me to hear about the possible effects coming off of the drugs could have as i have wondered about this as well. I also think there is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion from another vet as to his post op condition. I tend to get a little protective though.
So glad this site has been a source of comfort to you as it is for me as well, what a gift!
Take care and keep us posted, Buddy’s mom
So sorry to read about Mitch, I know how hard, scared, lost and confused a person can be once you hear the words….”your dog has cancer” it really is life changing at that moment. I hope you find answers, peace and most of all…I hope Mitch pulls through! I will be saying some prayers for you and Mitch.
~ Misty & Bandit – Holding onto Hope
Many thanks for your kind words and good luck to Buddy. We will be thinking of him.