Colonel Underpants: The New Chapter

Maybe he's a bit dehydrated? I'm sure he got IV fluids during surgery but if he's not drinking a lot.... all of my dogs are so sensitive to anesthesia and narcs that they are quite dopey after surgery/dentals etc. I'm sorry you are having this additional worry, though. Hopefully your vet can sort it out and ease your mind. Gentle pats to Beckon and nurse Layla is beyond cute - so attentive.
 
Dear sweet Layla, she understands.

Is Beckon MDR1 mutant or carrier? Deska was a carrier (mutant/normal) and he also had problem with peeing after having buprenorphrine, I think for the same reason that he was zonked out. But then I know when Tully had her hip done peeing on her own was a milestone at the hospital because it is scary for them (the dog), esp when also zonked out, because all they know is it feels different in that area (I got a phone call to tell me when she peed).
 
Layla Is the most sensitive little soul! How comforting it is for Beckon, and you too, knowing she is comforting him.

I sure hope you vet can help with your current struggles. You don’t want them in pain but also do not need some of the side effects either. Are you still giving Sub-Q fluids? Maybe he needs more? Fingers and paws crossed for a quick resolution to your current problems.

Thanks for taking the time to update up us. We understand how exhausting this whole process is for you too! Take care...
 
Chris, everything you are seeing in Beckon is the norm for dogs who have gone through amp surgery. Most dogs don't pee or poop for 2-3 days post surgery (I misunderstood your first post after he got home and thought he had peed and pooped...which would have been very unusual)...if it goes longer than the 3rd day then sub-Q may help. The other option is to use a syringe and squirt water into his mouth several times a day...this usually works well and saves the stress of a vet trip. The instability is also 100% normal and as the drugs from the surgery wear off (next couple of days)he may also evidence some pain and seem depressed. Be very careful not to stop pain meds too soon...pain is a stress factor and will not help in the healing process. Amp surgery is a huge trauma on the body and the first couple of weeks as you go through these "down" times you may find yourself wondering if you have made the wrong decision. I cried myself to sleep several nights during Sketch's initial post amp weeks when he was going through a tough spot, thinking that I had done something horrible to him and it would have been kinder to let him go. Then about week 3+ things start to get so much better and you will see your beloved Beckon coming back and be thankful you made the choice to have his cancerous leg removed. But right now for the next couple of weeks the absolute most important thing you can do for him is rest, rest, rest.

This is an emotional journey, even more so for you than for Beckon...take good care of yourself too.

Hugs to you and Beckon, Trini
 
Chris, I don't have any experience with amputations, but I do know that when Checkers was laid up with the skin graft on half her leg last year the whole first week was tough. I had to keep her basically from moving much, so I had her gated in a small area in the kitchen and crated at night for her safety. It took about 3 days for her equilibrium to come back, and we did every-other-day vet visits for a month to change the bandage and avoid infection. It was beyond exhausting and dominated my life, but when we came out on the other side it was all worth it.

Give yourself a break when you can now, you'll need it. Don't have high expectations for Beckon being perky or energetic and be very careful what you allow him to do. Less is better while he heals. I hope your vet visit today gives you some reassurance. I second Trini's advice to keep him resting...she knows more than any of us what it's like. Hang in there. Sending you hugs.
 
What a sweetheart Layla is to stick by Beckon like that, some dogs are so incredibly empathetic!
Could you try adding water to his food? If he is dehydrated from the effects of surgery/medicine the extra fluids may help him to pee. Of course right now things may feel so different for him that possibly he can't pee, plus if he's not ambulating much he may not be drinking much at all.
I hope the vet can give you some answers and I hope you can get some rest.
 
Hooray! We went to the vet, and the ultrasound revealed a bladder full to brimming. We catheterized him (me assisting), and he filled a large dog bowl! :eek2: He's so much more comfortable now, and I have a couple of catheter kits in case we have to do this again. So glad those nursing degrees are coming in handy at last! :lol:

We're feeding Becks low residue chicken and rice, so Dr. Robbins said we probably won't see much poop for a few days, and then it may be diarrhea. The best news is, he's moving much more normally now -- and he is having no more problems with the hardwood floors. He's off the opiods, and we'll just monitor his pain levels and treat with Gabapentin as needed. We're turned the corner.

The vet team and Dr. Robbins are so impressed with his bravery and his progress. :biggrin2:
 
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