Whining, restlessness after amp = fentanyl?

[Boomie's Mom]

My 9 year old lab, Boomer, just had his right rear leg amputated on Thurs. 5-15-08 due to bone cancer. Ever since the anesthesia wore off, he has been panting, whining and pacing or circling. He has not been able to sleep for more than an hour at a time. I asked the vet if he's in pain or just out of sorts, and she said it's probably the duragesic (fentanyl) patch he got the night before surgery. She also said some dogs become so agitated on this medication, that their owners opt to remove it before the recommended time. In Boomie's case, the patch is supposed to stay on for 2 more days, and I don't know if we can wait that long! I am wondering which would be the lesser of two evils for Boomer: post op pain, or this emotional misery. I also worry that his constant up-down/pacing, etc. is impairing the healing process.

He was on Tramadol the week prior to surgery and did really well on it. We are due to resume it when the patch comes off. I'm ready to have the vet remove it today. Has anyone else gone through this?

[tessa]

hello boomie's mom.
xena went through this as well. it turned out to be a hangover from the anesthetic. she, and many other dogs, respond really poorly to it. at the time of the surgery...it lasted for about a week afterwards. for follow up xrays...it lasted only 24 hours. i suppose the difference was how much she received for each treatment.

if boomer did well on tramadol...you might make the switch now. consult your vet first, tho. xena did not have a patch after the surgery...but got by solely on metacam.

[Boomie's Mom]

Well, whatever it was, that phase of his recovery seems to have passed. Boomie is much calmer now, and able to lie down and rest comfortably. He even seems to like laying on his incision, which the vet says is a good indicator that he doesn't have a lot of pain in that area. Hopefully we'll both have a good night's sleep tonight.

[GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

The first couple of days are so hard. On everyone.

I am so glad to hear your Boomie is feeling better.

General Anesthesia in humans can take months to work out of the system, and so I would just keep that in the back of your mind as he recovers. The gasses work into the cells of the body and have to be dissipated, according to my many surgeons over the years. I noticed it, but got along great in spite of it.

I am so glad to hear Boomie is shaking off the effects ... prepare for the ride of your life, as he amazes you with his ability!
And hopefully THIS

will become THIS

[readyforjan27th]

My dog was hit by a car and both back legs are broken. His surgery was Friday, they perscribed fentanyl patch the vet put it on at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, said it takes about 8 to 12 hours to work!! my puppy finally went to sleep around 8:30 and spelt until about 2: am sunday. ITS 3:38 am and I am up with him now he is still crying, and I dont understand why its been over 12 hours should the patch have kicked in by now.. I have ear plugs in and its still not drowning out the sound of him whining. he will not be able to walk for 8 to 10 weeks. So I know exacly what your going through with the patch!.. googled it and read that is caused reslessness and whining until the animal gets used to it.. If i got it saturday and it dont come off until wednesday when should he be more ammuned to it.

[slshepherds]

Welcome

Sounds like your pup may still be very painful - he may need pain medications in addition to a fentanyl patch, especially if his pain has "wound up". I would call your vet or local ER.

joanne

[readyforjan27th]

The vet had given a perscription for Torbutrol 5mg tablets to give him and each pill is cut in half. and the fentanyl patch is 25 mcg. Do you know if it would hurt to give him a half of a Torbutrol pill if he is 8lbs? and on the patch at the same time?