Charlie is 3 days post-op and it almost seems as though she is depressed. I didn’t think dogs formed a psychological attachment to their limbs like humans do. Or are the meds making her apathetic? She has laid around most of the day looking awfully sad. I am starting to doubt my decision to amputate her leg. I know, logically, it was the best thing to do, but this is all so surreal and I feel bad about the whole thing. I’ve been reading a little on this site and other people have said it takes up to two weeks before they get back to their normal selves. I hope she becomes the happy, playful dog she once was. Physically she is doing great but emotionally she is a big sad sac 🙁
If she is only 3 days post amputation that is very normal. She still has a lot of drugs on board. Most people see a crash in the first 2 weeks. During the 2nd week when stitches come out the dogs usually start to perk up some as they are coming off some of the heavy pain medications. Don’t forget this is a major surgery so they will lay around a lot and not do much which is a good thing.
hugs
Michelle & Sassy
I’m glad she’s taking the rest she needs, I’m just surprised. I thought I would have to crate her to keep her calm, but she stays calm all on her own.
Since our dogs are usually so stoic in the presence of pain we forget they just went thru major surgery. A human would take much longer to be up and about for something even less traumatic.
Michelle talked about what the pain meds can do. That being said, take a deep breath and give Charlie all the love you can Maggie the Pug took some time to get back to normal, but ended up a happy tripawd. Each dog has their own timeline and we just have to roll with it. You are not the only pawrent to second guess your decision. I’m pretty sure we all did! It really is ok and is part of the healing process for you as well as for Charlie.
Take care and hang in there.
Luanne and Shooter
Yeah, ditto to all of the above! This is soooooo early in recovery. She’s not depressed about her leg per se, she must feels like crap from major surgery! Hmans would be in the hospital for weeks for so ething like this!
On my goodness, was the Queen of second guessing and “what have done to my dog?! In fact, o e of te threads K started under Treatment, diagnosis, recovery” was something like’ My dog jad rear leg amp. six days sgo and scared made wrong decision!”
Well, Happy Hannan is over five months post amp. and it was the best decision ever!! We re having the nappiest of times just beng together! love her and spoil her and then lover her and spoil her some more!! We are living in the moement and grateful for ever sacred moment we share! And the same will happen with yo and Charley!
These first two–even three weeks are tough!! Try and stay upbeatt and positive for your Charley. Encourage and pplaud every little thi g she does! Everyo e here will tell you how iportant an upbeat attitude is.
You are not alone! We understand! We are here for you! This site supported me like crazy and I never could have made it without them!
Now give yourself a nug! I’m serious! Hug yourself and say “Good job”! Yeah, that was a good hug! Now go hug Charley and tell her wht a good job she’s doing too!
Look forward to yor next post!
Sally and Happy Hannah
I agree, I’m sure it’s the pain meds. My boy Max didn’t really get back to his “normal” personality until about 4 weeks out. I know it’s easier said than done, but try to be patient. Charlie will get there, and these first few days/weeks will be behind you both.
Don’t despair.. it is probably the drugs and/or pain. Barret really wasn’t himself until we weaned off the tramadol 2 weeks after surgery. Hang in there, you’ll both make it. I promise!! It can be tough, but it goes fast! In a month you’ll read these posts and wonder why you were worried in the first place!
Heather