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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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A New Way of Standing - Thoughts/Advice?
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Member Since:
11 January 2014
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2 May 2015 - 9:11 pm
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Hi Everyone -

It's been ages since I've posted on the forum.  Mostly because my geriatric computer has trouble, and I am so busy! 

I am looking for some thoughts/advice.  Mara is 15 months post amputation/cancer diagnosis.  So far this year, she has had a neck injury and a really bad back injury that she was really painful.  Mara goes to a chiropractor and canine massage (one each per month) and typically she is not on any meds aside from elk antler supplement and a ton of antioxidant/anti-cancer supplements.  We are fairly active going on off leash walks daily (1-3 miles).  After her back injury, she now stands with her left rear leg forward.  Everyone I take her to is perplexed.  Her vet thought she was making a triangle to stand.  Then her canine massage lady suggested a nerve issue.  The chiropractor thought hip pain or hip flexor pain and she's standing that way to take pressure off the hip (she is never much out of alignment when she gets adjusted).  I had her x-rayed and re-examined this week, and again my vet thinks it a combo of changes in her body after over a year of moving this way and one area of a little pain in her back (her back and legs looks good on x-ray - no cancer and her ACL is good).  She is starting to lose muscle mass in that left rear leg and wanting to put weight only on the 2 legs she has on the right.  This week we had some issues with training in her cart (she flipped it over a few times), so she is more painful than normal (cart-work is taking a break for now...or forever).  My vet suggested she have another massage, so today I took her to that.  She is really having a hard time getting around the last few days.  I think it is all made worse by the cart injury and all the manipulation she had to have her x-rays on Thursday.  My canine massage lady found pain/spasms in her lumbar spine...possibly where her iliopsoas muscle attaches to the bottom of the spine.  This "injury" or whatever it is is hard to deal with, because we don't know specifically where she is painful or what it is.  She is on meloxicam, methocarbamol, tramadol, elk antler still, arnica, and turmeric.  I just wanted to know if anyone has experienced this stance or has any thoughts on this.  Thank you so much. Here's a picture showing how she stands, though the left leg is often further forward and turned out.
Thanks so much!
Beth & MaraImage Enlarger
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Member Since:
27 July 2014
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3 May 2015 - 10:30 am
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My cat Mona had her front left leg amputated. I'm not sure if we can compare a tripawd cat's stance to a dog's but I'll describe Mona's. Initially I saw her back legs even and then she started moving her front leg to the middle with her paw twisted out. This concerned me so I took her to the chiropractor who did some work and showed me exercises to strengthen Mona's front leg and how to massage Mona daily. After the treatment I noticed Mona became lighter on her feet and even stops and adjusts her right shoulder before she continues.

At times I see her sitting like a tripod with her left leg slightly forward but I don't notice her standing like that (her favourite positions are sitting or lying down).

It sounds like you are getting a number of great treatments for Mara. Is physio/rehab a possibility? This might help in strengthening areas that could assist with stability. There are a number of rehab videos on this site so you can see what they do in rehab.

Mara looks like she still has lots of spirit!

Kerren and Tripawd Mona

Idaho
Member Since:
12 March 2013
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3 May 2015 - 12:41 pm
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I made a comment to your post on the FB page, but will copy it here, too.

We could always tell when Murphy's back was bothering him because his gait shortened and he stood with his remaining back leg further underneath him. I hate to sound like a broken record, but the first thing I always tell people who have a Tripawd with a painful back is to check out a certified rehab/physical therapy vet. Ours did absolute wonders for Murphy.

Kathi and the Turbotail April Angel

Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!

UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!

Oakland, CA
Member Since:
20 December 2008
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3 May 2015 - 1:06 pm
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I have all rear-leg amps so have no experience to relate to Mara's situation but I have definitely seen changes in stance over the years with my tripawds. Their bodies just naturally readjust to life on three legs and this can cause stresses on other parts of their body that can cause pain down the road. But if this only started after the back injury and two of your medical team think its related to some kind of back pain it seems it may be related to that back injury and was exacerbated by the cart upsets. I am so sorry Mara is hurting! I hope that she will feel better once she recovers from the cart incidents.

xoxo,

Martha, Codie Rae and the Oaktown Pack

Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!

Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!

Visit Codie Rae's Blog!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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4 May 2015 - 10:13 am
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It's wonderful to hear from you both and know that Mara has been doing so well overall, welcome back!

I love the way you are getting her such great care from the massage person and the chiro. Now, here's one more to consider: has she seen a certified rehab vet? Because those super educated folks are the ones who often catch mystery conditions that general practitioners, or people who only specialize in one type of rehab care, will miss. The Canine Rehab Institute has a great directory for finding a provider. That would be my next move, because it does look like she's in some kind of pain.

Please keep us posted OK? We would love to hear more about Mara's journey. It's not often that a Wolfie does so well, unfortunately, and she truly is a beacon of hope for this community. YAY MARA!clap

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
11 January 2014
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6 May 2015 - 8:06 pm
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Thank you everyone for your replies.  Unfortunately Mara has taken a turn for the worse.  After she had her massage on Saturday, she has been no longer able to get up or walk.  Her left rear leg is increasingly weak and muscle wasted.  I brought her back to the vet on Monday and again they couldn't find much but she has 2 nodules in her lungs now (see after further x-rays).  As a last ditch effort today I took her for an acupuncture treatment.  She is still eating and seemed to have moved around the house some while I was gone at work today, but if there is no improvement soon, it will be time to let her go. 

Perhaps I should have tried the rehab vet months ago.  I did forget to mention that she had an accident while working to train with her front end cart last Tuesday and she fell over in it and struggled to get out.  That is the only reason I am hanging on in case this is a back injury and not cancer in her spine.

Thank you for this wonderful community, and without it, my Mara would not have had 15 months of a good life after being diagnosed with cancer.

Beth

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Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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6 May 2015 - 8:28 pm
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Oh Beth! Imw just catching up on our sweet Mara!! Wow! What a "catch up" it is!!!

I have been with you and Mara, as have others here, and no way is anyone giving up in this magnificent team yet!! Such a strong and inspirational big hearted girl she is!!

The cart tumble could definitely be causing issues. Did the vet prescribe some Prednisone or other anti inflammatory? I guess the meloxicam serves the same purpose?, as does the Arnica? Anyway, the Pred.could help may take several days to show imlrovement, but it also used to alleviate any symptons from lung lumps too. There wpuld have to be a washout period from the Meloxicam I think.

It just seems that with all the test results, vet check ups, therapists, etc. everything is pointing to the cart mishap aggravating the initial issue to begin with.
Mara is eating...that's a real good sign! A d the fact that the Acuw may already be helping some...another good sigan! And actually, I think sometimes acupuncture does t show good results for several sessions.

I knkw this is worrisome to say the least. Do everything in your power to stay in the moment just like Mara! Let nothing rob you of your time together!! Cont i nue to love and spoil like alwauys! Lots of treats and tummy rubs!!

Lpve seeing pictures of her!

We are al@ cheering for Mara! And that's a whole lot of cheering!!!!

Keep us posted!

Sending lots of love and healing energy!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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7 May 2015 - 10:01 am
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Beth, we too are hoping it was the cart accident and that things will get better. Keep in mind that oftentimes acupuncture takes a couple of sessions to kick in, I'm hoping with all my heart that it does soon. If she is eating that IS a good sign! Now, about the mets...I know that with Jerry, the mets grew big enough to cause him breathing problems. If she's not showing signs of breathing issues that is another pawsitive, truly.

You are an amazing mom. I know you know her better than anyone else ever, and only you can decide when the time is right, but we are all sending lots of love and wishes that she has much more time ahead. Keep us posted oK? And let us know if you want to talk, we are here for you.

Love that photo of her!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
6 July 2013
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9 May 2015 - 7:24 am
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Beth

 I'm  hopeful that as you read this Mara is doing much better. I noticed you mentioned a front end cart. Our pup, Jet, is almost 2 years post surgery for the amputation of his front left leg due to osteosarcoma.. I'm interested in learning more about carts - pros and cons. And would welcome any suggestions to keep his mobility as painless as possible. He doesn't seem to have any pain right now but I'm trying to be proactive. He's not quite 5 yrs old so I'm sure that helps.  

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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9 May 2015 - 9:32 am
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susanm said
I'm interested in learning more about carts... 

Don't miss all the Tripawds News blog posts about wheelchairs for amputee dogs!

Use the search form above to search all forum topics and search all blogs here .

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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