Callie Broke Her Leg - Update Post 220

[Guest VelvetEars]

I'm glad that she's doing ok! I hope that she continues to improve. I'll be around all weekend if you need anything.

[joejoesmom]

Seems like I remember Jane saying that they keep them on serious drugs for a couple of days....

 

Still praying her recovery goes well.

I can definitely say that OSU keeps them very drugged for the first couple of days. Even if your surgeon isn't following the exact OSU protocol, I bet he would keep her pretty doped up. I have seen post-amp dogs the day of the surgery and they truly do not notice anything. They wouldn't even recognize their owners. Even the second day they are pretty out of it.

 

I assume she is at a facility that has a vet there 24/7. Although it leads to a lot of bed linen changes, OSU removes the Foley catheter pretty quickly after surgery. They stand them up to pee outside -- helps get the blood moving.

 

Things that you should do while she is in the hospital:

 

1) purchase rubber or vinyl backed runners. Home improvement stores (Lowe's, Home Depot, etc.) will sell this by the foot. It is 26 - 28 inches wide and however many feet long that you want it. You just need to provide a pathway through any room that has hard surface floors that she might need to walk through. Scatter rugs will work as long as they do not slip or curl on the edges. If you don't already own these, the indoor/outdoor rubber backed runner is a bit less expensive and can be hosed down.

 

2) if your bedroom is not on the main floor, move a mattress to a room on the main floor where you and she can sleep. You do not want to carry her up and down the stairs (her incision will be sore) and you will not want her to try the steps on her own.

 

3) If you have more than 3 or 4 stairs to go outside, you might want to invest in a ramp. You can make one yourself. If you don't have a long flight of steps, a ramp for use in a car might be long enough. You will need to figure out a way to secure it. Most amputees learn to go up and down short flights of steps within a month or so, so you may not need a ramp for long.

 

4) Speaking of cars. If you have a SUV, you will need to purchase a ramp for your car -- unless you can bend over and lift her in and out of the backseat yourself. With a car or van, you probably will only have to lift in and out for a week or so.

 

5) If she has a favorite homemade food, make some and bring it to her in the hospital to help tempt her to eat.

 

6) It sounds like visiting her while she is in the hospital might not be a good thing (in other words, it sounds like she was nervous and anxious when you left her there). The vet staff should be able to advise you. Remember you only want to visit her for her benefit, not yours. Some dogs will get excited at seeing their owners and then get very anxious and upset when their owner leaves them there.

 

7) Get a sling. If you have a number of steps to go down, sew a strap to the center of the sling. Put velcro on the end of the strap and corresponding velcro on the side of the sling that is the non-amp side. When you use the sling, run the strap up the dogs chest and around the remaining front leg. Attach to the velcro on the side of the sling. This prevents the sling from slipping to the hindquarters of the dog if the dog gets ahead of you going down the steps.

 

8) Get lots of rest.

 

9) Prepare methods to prevent her from licking or scratching her incision. Some possibilities include: a muzzle with a stool guard attached (be sure to file the ends of the tie wraps to make them smooth); an adult size small or childrens large t-shirt and two rubber bands (put the t-shirt on the dog with the front leg through one arm hole. Use the two rubberbands to snug the shirt around the neck and the waist (to reduce tripping, pee incidents, etc); a vest or lightweight coat; a soft e-collar; and/or a sock and vet wrap for the rear paws if she tries to scratch.

 

10) Try to take time off work for the first 3 to 5 days she is home. If you must leave her alone, contain her in her crate so she can't roam and get herself in trouble.

 

11) You will need to get medications. It is usually cheaper to get them at a human pharmacy. It sounds like you have one person who can run out and get prescriptions filled while the other is watching Callie at home. Unless the vet prescribes metacam for the NSAID, you will need to get the NSAID at the doctor's office. If he prescribes metacam, the same drug is available in human form as meloxicam. However, you might not be able to find the right size pill for your dogs weight. You definitely do not want to give a higher dosage and a lower dosage might not control the pain. IMHO, it is best to stick to a veterinary NSAID. You will also likely need tramadol and an antibiotic. Tramadol I believe is a $4 drug at Walmart. Most of the antibiotics they might prescribe are also on the $4 list. They will also recommend something to keep her stomach calm. Famotidine (Pepcid) is commonly used and is available over the counter. If she has stomach upset, they might prescribe Carafate. The generic of this, sucralfate I believe is also a $4 drug. If not, it is pretty inexpensive at a human pharmacy.

 

12) The sutures are usually removed 2 weeks post-amp. IV Chemo is usually started at this point. So your vet should be talking to OSU about the available meds and the recommended greyhound protocol now.

 

Other comments:

 

At some point, you will question whether you did the right thing, this is totally normal.

 

She may let out a scream or two -- this can be from pain or from distress when she goes to move and one of her legs is missing. This will pass.

 

Pay attention to panting and restlessness. This can be due to pain or it can be a reaction to the pain meds (primarily tramadol). If the panting improves within an hour or so of giving the pain meds -- it was likely due to pain. If it gets worse after giving the pain meds she may be having a reaction. If tramadol causes this type of adverse reaction, talk to your vet about switching her to something else.

 

It typically takes at least 2 to 3 weeks to start seeing the old Callie re-emerge. It may take 4 to 5 weeks for her to show any interest in toys or other play. Usually by 6 weeks they are starting to participate fully in life again.

 

Please email or give me a call if you have any questions:

 

Jane

finewhipador-drool@yahoo.com

614-523-0754

[Remolacha]

Glad she made it through the surgery ok. No first hand experience, but it makes sense that they would keep her pretty heavily medicated the first couple of days.

[Guest azlorenz]

Thinking of you. Day 1 done. On to Day 2 post-amp. We are all pulling for you and Callie.

[brindlebaby]

I laid down before dinner and just woke up!

 

I would be fine with the pretty doped up part, but I kind of sensed the surgeon wasn't sure why when he said, "I don't think it is from the surgery or her leg removal, I think it's more from the drugs." Maybe I'm reading more into it than what he meant...I'm sure he was tired (since he gets there at 6am and does multiple surgeries without stopping).

 

Thank you Jane for all you've written...right now it's a bit overwhelming and I'm afraid to start thinking ahead, I don't want to jinx her coming home!

 

Our yard is hilly so not sure I want Callie out there at all (or at least for quite awhile). We only have one step up into the house from the front door and the front yard is flat and level.

 

I do want to try and take off work next week, although it will be pretty much without pay. Hopefully they won't object. We can put in for an unpaid furlough, but it should be in 2 weeks in advance. That way you don't lose your medical leave accrual.

 

I had a nice sling, but gave it away last year . My cousin had her dog at the same place over the summer for 2 separate surgeries, getting two torn ACL fixed, and I think she said they gave her a sling to use on Murphy when he was released.

 

I know Leann from Rescued Racers said that they (the place Callie is) consulted with OSU when she had her dogs and also the fosters there.

 

I have a question about OSU, they are backordered on the chemo drug I think?? Is this the drug that they would send to someone's vet? Should I join (pay) the OSU fees now? Would that mean that we would get the drugs sent to our vet for free or are there additional charges? Kind of confused about that!

 

This place where Callie is, they have a separate rehab place one the lower level. That's where we were taking Kodi at for hydrotherapy and we sometimes saw dogs from the hospital upstairs getting some sort of rehab. I wonder if they would work with Callie...or maybe it's too soon or that's not something that is even done, she probably will instinctively know what to do on her own??

 

I'm very nervous about anticipating when she can come home, afraid I'm going to jinx her coming home. <---I think that's from past bad experiences with a dog or people where things didn't work out.

 

I will update after the hopefully "morning" call. Thank you all for your love and support, Jane thanks so much for all this info and I may call you down the road.

 

Herman is retired so that is a big help, but I still think I need to be here with her, at least the first week.

 

xoxo,

 

Kim

 

p.s. Sorry I missed your text Meredith, I was , but glad you posted here. I didn't want to text you back and possibly wake you up.

[Guest VelvetEars]

I'm still awake, Kim, and you can call anytime day or night if something happens and you need help. I turn off text msg alerts when I go to bed, but the ringer is always on. I'm glad you were able to get some solid sleep - I know how utterly draining it is, and it's almost a relief to have them somewhere safe where they're being looked after so you can catch up on rest and get your mind back to a better place again.

 

I don't know if it would help at all, but I have the harness I got for Jane. It's one of the Whiskers, Wags, and Whatevers velvet lined harnesses. When Jane wasn't able to support herself but wanted to, I used it to help steady her while she staggered. I also used a twin-size bedsheet as a makeshift sling to support her sometimes. And I bet we could find a pattern for a sling online if you can't find one ready-made. Probably wouldn't take much time for the two of us and a sewing machine to make something that would work. Text me if I can help, ok? I won't be on GT tomorrow unless it's after 7p. I've got work all day (blocked of course) and then the kids are going to their dad's for the weekend.

 

And tell her Jackson said she'd better get well soon because he misses his girlfriend.

[brindlebaby]

Meredith! I didn't think of it, but Callie also has a WWW harness with the velvet lining! I think they will give me some sort of sling to take home, at least they did for my cousin's dog. She said it was nothing fancy, but did the trick of supporting him in case he fell.

 

I slept most of the night and I'm still tired! It's probably more mental tiredness, I was worthless at work today!

 

Yes, I'm glad she is at the hospital so she can be monitored around the clock. I'll probably act like she is made of glass at home, that's how I treated her when we first adopted her. I thought she would break something every time she would run in the yard.

 

I'm just really missing her now. I just kind of transferred back to this job so for some reason all my old pictures are on the work computer I now have. Pictures of Callie in Kansas City and Louisville, tons of pictures of her modeling for all the donations, some for the Hope for Hounds auction...

 

I'll update when I hear tomorrow... I don't get on there from work, but can from my phone although my updates will be shorter.

 

 

xoxo,

 

kim

 

 

I'm still awake, Kim, and you can call anytime day or night if something happens and you need help. I turn off text msg alerts when I go to bed, but the ringer is always on. I'm glad you were able to get some solid sleep - I know how utterly draining it is, and it's almost a relief to have them somewhere safe where they're being looked after so you can catch up on rest and get your mind back to a better place again.

 

I don't know if it would help at all, but I have the harness I got for Jane. It's one of the Whiskers, Wags, and Whatevers velvet lined harnesses. When Jane wasn't able to support herself but wanted to, I used it to help steady her while she staggered. I also used a twin-size bedsheet as a makeshift sling to support her sometimes. And I bet we could find a pattern for a sling online if you can't find one ready-made. Probably wouldn't take much time for the two of us and a sewing machine to make something that would work. Text me if I can help, ok? I won't be on GT tomorrow unless it's after 7p. I've got work all day (blocked of course) and then the kids are going to their dad's for the weekend.

 

And tell her Jackson said she'd better get well soon because he misses his girlfriend.

[brindlebaby]

 

12) The sutures are usually removed 2 weeks post-amp. IV Chemo is usually started at this point. So your vet should be talking to OSU about the available meds and the recommended greyhound protocol now.

___________________________________________________

 

Jane, I'm just reading your post over and I will print off a few copies at work tomorrow.

 

I wonder if chemo should be done at the hospital that did the surgery or should I be taking her back to our regular vet for the chemo? Where Callie is at right now isn't a regular veterinary office, at least I don't think so. I think they have specialists and it's also an emergency hospital.

 

I'll try and check on this over the weekend.

 

I also am not so sure about going to see Callie, but I'll play it by ear and ask their advice.

 

thank you again for everything!

 

kim

[EllenEveBaz]

Holding Callie and her loved ones in the light.

[kikibean]

Hi Kim!

 

I'm glad she's doing ok so far!

 

I think if your regular vet does chemo you can take her there and have it done. Some vets don't do chemo. I would think at your regular vet they'd be more likely

to give her more personal attention than at the specialist. Just make sure that your vet is familiar with it and knows the possible side effects of some of the

drugs, etc..

 

If they're not, email me and I can give you the name of the vet I use who does a lot of chemo and you could do a consult with her to see what you think.

 

Kelly

[Charlies_Dad]

We're thinking of you and Callie. I am sure she will do well and will be home soon.

[brindlebaby]

Heard from a nurse with an update at 955am. She said Callie's pretty much out of it still. She's on IV pain meds and pain patch. They're stopping the IV pain meds today and switching to oral. They want her to perk up some. She has no interest in food or water, but she said that's to be expected.

 

She said we are welcome to visit today, but they prefer we come before 6pm as they have more staff. I told her about Callie stressing out when we left her for x-rays on Monday and she said we know her better than they do. We probably won't go today, and will maybe try and go see her on Saturday.

 

I then asked if she was on Ammacar and she kind of hesitated and asked what? I said I don't know the full name, that's just the short name for it, but it helps with clotting. She said she didn't see it, but would certainly find out for me. I then asked her name so I know who I talked too.

 

In less than 5 minutes she called me back and said Dr. A walked up literally as soon as she hung up the phone and added Ammacar on the orders, so she was going to give it to Callie as soon as she hung up.

 

That worries me.... I specifically mentioned Ammacar in our consult and asked again if she was on it yesterday when the doctor called and was told yes. I hope it's ok if it was just started.

 

I woke up a few times during the night, double checked my cell to make sure I didn't miss a call. Surprisingly I was able to fall back asleep with no problem.

 

Will update when I have more info...

 

xoxo,

Kim

Edited January 14, 2011 by brindlebaby

[DonnaBehr]

Lots of for you Kim and continued prayers for Callie's quick recovery.

 

Donna

[joejoesmom]

 

I have a question about OSU, they are backordered on the chemo drug I think?? Is this the drug that they would send to someone's vet? Should I join (pay) the OSU fees now? Would that mean that we would get the drugs sent to our vet for free or are there additional charges? Kind of confused about that!

 

 

First of all, joining the website does NOT affect whether or not you receive chemo drugs. Only join the website if you want to donate to the program and you want access to the information there. Do NOT join the website in the hopes that it will get you more or different drugs. It just doesn't work that way. Dr. Couto believes all retired racers should have access to their resources whether or not their owners can donate (join). So if they have the drugs available, they will send it directly to your vet at no charge.

 

The last I heard, they were still backordered. But your vet should contact them to get the protocol and hopefully they will have received enough of the drug to send out. They typically provide a chemo drug called doxorubicin. Doxorubicin (adriamycin is the brand name) or Carboplatin (Paraplatin is the brand name) are what are typically used. Which one depends on whether the dog has any pre-existing heart or kidney issues. In the event of neither of these, it is up to the oncologist. Some prefer doxorubicin, others carboplatin. FYI, high doses of doxorubicin can be hard on the heart. Carboplatin is a relative of cisplatin. It is used more often than cisplatin because it has less chance of kidney damage. However some docs still prefer cisplatin because it is stronger and some feel more effective.

 

You don't need to have an oncologist administer the chemo. If your local vet is willing, they can administer it. However, if they have never done it before, I would be a bit hesitant. It is important that doxorubicin never touch the skin. Therefore great care must be taken. Your vet will know if they feel comfortable or not. Other than being careful with the toxicity of the drug, all they really have to do is insert an IV line, keep the dog quiet and still and infuse the chemo agent. It typically takes no more than 10 or 15 minutes for the infusion. I have heard of instances where a local vet has administered it at someones home or even in the back seat of a car (when the dog had extreme fear of the vets office). You will likely not get anything like that from a large specialty practice. I should also mention that the vet needs to have the ability to do a CBC before each chemo. Depending on the CBC, they might need to do a chem panel, urinalysis, and/or hemocult. If your vet does not have the in-house ability to do these tests, you might need to have them done the day before, necessitating two trips to the vet.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Jane

[greytdecals]

Kim, I am so sorry to hear that your Callie has Osteo

 

I will be keeping you, Herman and Callie in my thoughts and prayers.

 

Maggie-Mae is 2 years post amp and she was given a 6 month prognosis. There is Hope!

 

You will be surprised at how well she will adjust to being a tripod. I don't think Maggie-Mae misses that fourth leg!

[joejoesmom]

Heard from a nurse with an update at 955am. She said Callie's pretty much out of it still. She's on IV pain meds and pain patch. They're stopping the IV pain meds today and switching to oral. They want her to perk up some. She has no interest in food or water, but she said that's to be expected.

 

She said we are welcome to visit today, but they prefer we come before 6pm as they have more staff. I told her about Callie stressing out when we left her for x-rays on Monday and she said we know her better than they do. We probably won't go today, and will maybe try and go see her on Saturday.

 

I then asked if she was on Ammacar and she kind of hesitated and asked what? I said I don't know the full name, that's just the short name for it, but it helps with clotting. She said she didn't see it, but would certainly find out for me. I then asked her name so I know who I talked too.

 

In less than 5 minutes she called me back and said Dr. A walked up literally as soon as she hung up the phone and added Ammacar on the orders, so she was going to give it to Callie as soon as she hung up.

 

That worries me.... I specifically mentioned Ammacar in our consult and asked again if she was on it yesterday when the doctor called and was told yes. I hope it's ok if it was just started.

 

I woke up a few times during the night, double checked my cell to make sure I didn't miss a call. Surprisingly I was able to fall back asleep with no problem.

 

Will update when I have more info...

 

xoxo,

Kim

 

 

Amicar is the brand name for aminocaproic acid. I don't know for sure, but I think she will be just fine with it starting today. The main period of worry is 2 to 4 days after surgery. I can't remember if her surgery was yesterday or Wednesday. They probably gave her amicar during surgery.

 

Jane

[Magdalyn58]

Continuing prayers coming for Callie....

[TheFullHouse]

Keeping Callie in our prayers.

[NeylasMom]

I am just reading this now. Was afraid when I saw the title that it would be osteo. Glad to hear that Callie is out of surgery, sounds like she's doing as well as can be expected. I don't think anyone has mentioned it yet, but there's a new osteo thread that you are welcome to stop by for support, to rant, anything. Many folks who have gone through this before are there to help. Hang in there.

[Guest VelvetEars]

Kim - I would have gone to see her today. I think she may need to hear you and see you and smell you so she knows that she has not been deserted. She needs to know that you are still around and hear that you need her to eat and drink so she can come home. I know that's what kept Jane going. She thought I deserted her at Mizzou - I called and talked to her on the phone, just so she'd know that I needed her to get better so she could come home. So definitely go see her tomorrow. She needs you.

[DesiRayMom]

Many prayers still coming for Callie.

 

When you see her, whisper in her ear that SO many folks are thinking of her & sending their love.

[duncan41]

Still praying non-stop for Callie. I agree that she needs to see you. My girls respond to Mom's Magic Belly Rubs with sweet nothings being whispered in their ears!

[Guest kelli123]

Callie we are Praying for you baby girl

[kikibean]

Depending on how long she's up there, I can go visit. I just live right down the street from VSS. I went and saw Maple a couple of times for Leann since she didn't live close. She had to call and give them permission for me to visit and to ask what time. She thought with Maple that it might be easier for her to see someone she knew, but not necessarily someone she expected to go home with. She also visited her a couple of times.

[brindlebaby]

I called the hospital this evening to check on Callie. I was so nervous waiting for someone to come to the phone, I could of thrown up. The lady I talked with said that Callie is resting comfortably and looking at her right now. I think she is off the IV pain meds now, but still won't eat. She said that is to be expected somtimes in a hospital setting.

 

I asked if we could come see her tomorrow and she said, probably so, but when the doctor calls us in the morning to ask. I said that when they called this morning, they said we could see her today, but I was afraid it would stress her out and then I told her about how bad she got when we left her for x-rays. She said that she had a bad night the first night, kept trying to get up. I asked before or after surgery and she said before.

 

She said if the doctor doesn't call by 10am, to call them. I am going to take her one of her piggy toys (not sure they will let her have that though), but maybe if she can rest her head on it like she does at home. I'll rub it on Pixie and Sammie so she can smell them. I'm also going to ask if we can bring her something sort of food, so maybe she'll eat for us. Are they usually on a restricted diet for a bit?

 

When we were done talking, I asked her if she would tell her that we love her and then I started crying. I hope she has a good night sleep and we can see her early tomorrow.

 

How long can they wait if she won't eat? She hasn't had anything since a few treats Monday evening around 930pm.

 

 

I also checked at work and I can go in Sunday and Monday (a holiday) and work so I can take off most, if not all of next week.

 

 

After reading what you wrote Meredith, I started having second thoughts that maybe I should of went to see her. I am dreading leaving her behind and was so worried that it might give her a set-back. I feel a bit better after talking to the nurse and hearing that she is resting comfortably and looking around. I hope she gets a good night sleep.

 

 

 

 

Kim, I am so sorry to hear that your Callie has Osteo

 

I will be keeping you, Herman and Callie in my thoughts and prayers.

 

Maggie-Mae is 2 years post amp and she was given a 6 month prognosis. There is Hope!

 

You will be surprised at how well she will adjust to being a tripod. I don't think Maggie-Mae misses that fourth leg!

 

 

Thank you Suzie, I've been thinking a lot of your Miss Nellie and Maggie-Mae this week. I'm so happy to hear that Miss MM is going strong!!

 

 

 

 

Depending on how long she's up there, I can go visit. I just live right down the street from VSS. I went and saw Maple a couple of times for Leann since she didn't live close. She had to call and give them permission for me to visit and to ask what time. She thought with Maple that it might be easier for her to see someone she knew, but not necessarily someone she expected to go home with. She also visited her a couple of times.

 

Thank you Kelly, depending on how she acts during/after our visit, I may take you up on that. She knows you!

 

 

I'll update more after I talk to the doctor. I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but it will come to me later, probably in the middle of the night.

 

xoxo,

 

kim