I'm really hoping someone out there can help or offer some advice. My sweet Shiloh, a 4-year-old Lab mix, just went through an amputation surgery due to a really aggressive tumor. It's only been a few days since the operation, and although I expected her to be a little out of sorts, she seems to be in extreme discomfort and I’m starting to panic. She hardly moves at all, whines constantly, and refuses to eat more than a few bites. I've tried everything I can think of to make her more comfortable—soft blankets, pain meds as prescribed, even hand-feeding her favorite treats, but nothing seems to help. I feel so helpless seeing her like this and I'm worried that something might be going wrong. Has anyone else gone through this with their dog? How long before your pups started to feel a bit better, and is there anything else I can do to help her through this? Any guidance would be so appreciated.
Hi there,
I'm sorry to hear that your dog is experiencing discomfort after their recent amputation surgery. It's completely normal for pets to feel pain and discomfort after such a significant procedure, but we want to make sure they’re on the road to recovery.
Post-operative discomfort could be due to several things. Pain from the surgery itself is common, and the incision area might be sore. In some cases, pets may also experience phantom limb sensations, similar to what humans can feel after an amputation.
You can help your pup by creating a comfortable resting place with plenty of soft bedding. Ensure they’re in a quiet area where they can relax without too much disturbance. Following the pain management plan given by your vet is crucial, so make sure you’re administering any prescribed pain relief medications as directed.
Watch for signs that might indicate a more serious issue, such as excessive swelling or redness at the surgery site, discharge, decreased appetite, or lethargy. If your dog seems extremely agitated or in pain and isn't improving, that’s a signal to reach out to a vet as soon as possible.
For personalized advice tailored to your dog's specific situation, I recommend booking a video consult with one of our vets on Dial A Vet. They can provide guidance to ensure your furry friend is on the best path to healing.
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