Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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2:46 pm
Our 5 year old English Cocker Spaniel had a front leg amputation over 12 months ago due to a bone embolism, she had a very rough recovery (reacting to internal stitches, soreness) she has never recovered her strength and stability although seems happy in herself she continues to be reluctant to go for walks and seems to be uncomfortable (whining and panting heavily when she is walking). She has had MRI's and x rays and the vets seem unable to pinpoint any reason why she seems to be so unable to get her movement back although we seem to have got her eating again after struggling for months.
She currently has hydrotherapy weekly and has had cartrophen injections, she is being referred again on friday for a follow up MRI. Recent blood tests including tests for arthritis have shown nothing abnormal.
There are so many agile, comfortable three legged dogs and we are trying to eliminate what may be affecting our little pup.
Any thoughts, advice or ideas would be ever so welcome.
3:14 pm
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
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Bless you for taking such good care of your pup. We hope the hydrotherapy helps. Please consider registering for the forums and your comments will post immediately without requiring moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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3:36 pm
28 November 2008
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I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to not be able to find the cause of your pooch not recovering as well as you think he should. Don't have any words of wisdom, but feel your pain and sincerely hope the hydrotherapy helps.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
4:57 pm
Vet Expert
Vets
Members
23 August 2008
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Sometimes nerve dysfunction will not show up on an MRI. I would try gabapentin twice daily for a few weeks to see if that helps as well as acupuncture. Finding a good holistic vet would be a good idea since there are also herbs and supplements that might help.
Good luck!
Pam
8:50 pm
2 June 2009
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Have you thought about animal massage at all? It may help to relax her and loosen up her muscles. I'm not a vet or anything, but if she's uncomfortable when she moves, it does seem to sound like a nerve thing as Pam suggested. My dog, Jack, had phantom pain and was on gabapentin and has no issues now. Good luck!!
<3 Laura and Jack
P.S. Your dog is CUUUUUUUUTE!!!!!
Thank you for the advice, I'll mention the Gabapentin to the vet on friday - hoping it is available over here!!
We've had physiotherapy on her, but we do give her massages and she stretches out full length which makes me think it doesn't give her pain!!
Grace is a cutie and it kills me to see her like this. Fingers crossed for Friday, I'll keep everyone updated!!
