Everyone said the first night home may be difficult, and we definitely had our challenges. Around 10pm Bailey started whimpering non-stop and we were very worried that he was in pain. We called the vet and they suggested we give him and NSAID and Amantadine. We had tramadol but they said it wouldn’t have an effect because of the Fentanyl patch. The NSAID stopped the whimpering quickly, but only for about 2 hours. Around midnight he started up again and I laid with him for a couple hours. At 2am he got up and started walking around so I took him out for his first bowel movement! I must admit that my biggest fear was that he wouldn’t be able to figure that out, but he did just fine! After than he finally stopped whimpering and got some sleep.
Today was his 3rd day post op, and he is definitely more alert. He started to lick his incision a bit today and I noticed that he took one of his stitches out, but it is nothing major. He is still whimpering quite a bit. I asked the vet about Gabapentin for possible phantom pain however the he didn’t like the idea because he said it amplifies the effects of the Fentanyl. He also said that the whimpering is not likely due to pain, but rather a side effect of the opiate. He said it is a very common reaction. We did notice that he seems to stop when we pet him, so we have been just paying him a lot of attention!
He seems to be getting better at balancing and moving around too. Yesterday his back leg was completely twisted sideways when he was standing but today it looks more natural. I let him sit outside on the back deck in the sun for a while – he loves to sunbathe. About a half hour later I noticed that he wasn’t there, although I knew exactly where he went. In the afternoon when the sun passes over the house, he always relocates to the front porch to catch some more rays! He managed to get up the steps on his own with no problem too! We started using the Ruff Wear harness today and it definitely makes it easy to help him along. It gives us peace of mind to help him if he falls however I’d say he is doing just fine on his own! Looking forward to another good day of healing and rest tomorrow!
Chris- Are you guys able to get back to work or are you taking turns being his entertainment at home for a bit?
Apparently the disorientation from the patch can cause a dog to feel very uncomfortable. They can understand a limb is gone but can’t understand not being able to understand. You and your wife give him comfort and make him feel safe when he isn’t sure. It’s very good for him to be anchored with a feeling of love and security. I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you not being able to speak dog!
the first poop…we are so enchanted by these things as tripawd brothers and sisters. sounds like you guys are doing pretty well with these first days – sun bathing sounds wonderful, way to go bailey!!! don’t forget your medicinal naps – powerful healing tools.
charon & gayle
Yay for little milestones! Pooping and walking! Just be careful that the harness doesn’t rub up against his stitches as that might be painful. I didn’t start using the harness with Chloe until after her staples came out. Though I was lucky since her vet sent her home with a nice sling in order to help her learn to walk.
Meds can be a pain in and of themselves. Chloe was on tramadol and rimadyl, but the tramadol made her really dizzy and when mixed with the antibiotics, lessened her appetite. After day 5 Chloe seemed to be handling the pain well so I started weaning her off the heavy duty tramadol. Really made a difference in her energy levels. I did “maintenance” pain control with Rimadyl since that didn’t have the same side effects that tramadol. I know you will figure out your med routine for Bailey too!!
Can’t wait to see how he does over the next few days!
-Nicole and Chloe
Hi Bailey! It’s incredible how our sweet doggies figure it out on their own. Meanwhile we fret over every little thing, such as going potty or getting around to finding the perfect spot in the sun:) I have been so amazed at how Rudy has adapted. I think Riley is already doing amazing!
I would stroke Rudy’s neck and back and tell him what a good boy he was when he seemed kinda uncomfortable. I think Bailey is similar in he wants to know he’s not in this alone. Love really helps heal doesn’t it?
So happy to hear Bailey is doing so well. Rudy sends a big sloppy lick!
Almost every case where we hear of a dog going home with a Fentanyl patch, there is lots whining and disorientation. Once removed, Bailey should be himself again. Be sure to review these other tips for managing phantom limb pain in dogs, and please keep us posted.
Good advice on the drug front from the vet, we’ll be sure to let people know that Gabapentin and Fentanyl don’t mix.
Sure hope today went well and your recovery continues improving!