Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So recently our dog Chops (2.5 year old mixed dog- about 70 pounds- lost his leg about 1.5 months) was diagnosed with arthritis in his back knee, hip and spine. Things seemed to be looking up- he is on anti inflammatories and gabopentin. We left for vacation last Friday. He wasn't completely himself (still needed quite a bit of rest) but he seemed more normal compared to the previous month where he had been laying down a lot and dragging himself around instead of getting up all the way. Vet told us to start taking him on walks again (short ones- 15 minutes each).
We get home tonight and he doesn't even get up to see us. Lays there. We take him home and he can't get up the back stairs. We are back to the way he was before his diagnosis. Keep in mind that up until recently, though he would obviously be stiff, he was very energetic and happy.
Any advice? Perhaps decrease walks to quite short? Not sure how long meds take to kick in. He has been on anti inflammatories for 3 weeks; gabopentin for just over 1 week now. going back to the vet in about 3 weeks and also have a chiro appointment for him at the end of the month.
thanks everyone!
Awww, sorry sweet Chops is having the some issues. I went back and revisited your posts to see what had been done up to this point.
I'm just guessing, but I woukd think basically just walks to potty would be what you need tom cut bacok to for now. And definitely no steps if possible. He could have reinjured his cartlidge ligament..just a layman's guess.
If plssiblr, I would see if I couod get the vet appt sooner just to confirm that there are no new injuries.
Sorry I'm not mich help. Maybe other will chime in.
Hang in there! Chops will be feelkng better soon. Could very well be that he just lver did it, or lerhals twisted or strained a muscle.
Hugs to sweet Chops!
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!
Thanks Benny! I am just a worried parent who hates to see her pup like this. It was a shock to come home to! but you are right- back to some significant rest because that really seemed to make the difference last time around. It is just hard to say because we haven't been with him this past week. And then we'll slowly increase his walks. I'll give the vet a phone call too.
Need to learn how to attach photos on here to see you can all see his cute face!
I was looking at all the harnesses offered in the online store... there are so many options and they mostly seem for front leg tripawds. Any insight into which might be best for Chops? We are using a sling from the vet but he hates it. My boyfriend has to pick him up fairly often and Chops hates it.
Hi there! Chops sounds like such a spunky pup! Sorry he's feeling down but we'll try to help you with info that can help him.
OK a few questions:
- what are his activity level and play sessions like? As energetic as a dog can be, when they are a Tri we must remain extra vigilant about not letting them overdo it. Does he run around all day on his own? Or is his playtime mostly leash walks and inside playing? You want to minimize impact on the joints, so keep "explosive" movements like frisbee chasing and ball throwing to short periods of time and only after a warm up.
- Have you checked out the Tripawds e-books , specifically our "Loving Life On Three Legs " book? It's all about managing the health and fitness of a three-legged pup.
- Our Tripawds Gear blog also has lots of fitness tips here.
- Oh, we are currently having an online Tripawds Fitness & Conditioning Course that would be SO valuable for you and your pup, still taking signups till the 15th.
- As for harnesses, the ones we recommend are for both front and rear leg Tripawds. There is no harness specifically made for three-leggers but the ones you see in our Gear Store are the best ones we've found. The Webmaster harness is our favorite all-around harness especially for lifting into high clearance vehicles, mobility care, etc. Here's a post that can help you decide: "Which Harness is Right for My Dog?"
- Finally, you may want to get a referral to a certified rehab therapy vet to find out the underlying causes and how to resolve them. I wouldn't wait too long, or jump into chiro unless it's under the supervision of a rehab vet who's created a specific program for Chops. Sometimes you can do more damage than help when there isn't a total program that's part of it.
I hope this helps! keep us posted. Here's how to add images to the Forums, we'd love to see some!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Did they diagnosis the arthritis with an x-ray?
My quad pug girl Tani had arthritis in her back and all four legs. We started treating with joint supplements, then anti-inflams, (rimadyl) then pain meds (gabapentin). The last big gun was adequan, an injectable anti-inflammatory. There is a loading phase, then a once a month shot. We progressed to shots every two weeks. It was a great med for Tani, but it does not work for all dogs. You might ask your vet about it- be warned it is expensive! I learned how to do the injections myself at home so I didn't have to take her into the vet all the time.
Hope you find something that works for Chops.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
I am on the hunt for rehab/physio for Chops in my area. I am hopeful we can find some local resources to team up with our vet. Gotta get this guy back to his happy self.
Admittedly, when we got Chops I didn't know that even though he was capable of running and playing, that it might not be good for him, which partially is to blame for him having arthritis so young I am sure. He loves other dogs and playing and exploring.
Since he started laying down a lot (about 3 weeks ago) and our numerous vet visits and diagnosis, he has only been on short walks (5-15 minutes). He rested for an entire week, and then this past week we were out of town. Still short walks, but I guess it was too much too soon or something got irritated.
Yes- they took x rays. Then they also did a orthopaedic exam of his leg and back. There were concerns he had major knee damage, but it turned out not to be the case. Arthritis and a minor cartilage tear. I suspect ultimately it was too much too fast. We went away and left Chops with my boyfriends parents. They were told to take him on a short walks (which they did) but perhaps were not aware of the signs of him being tired. Maybe he overdid it. I will monitor and rest him all weekend and see how things are looking on Monday.
I will look into harnesses too- he is too big of a guy to be lifting without support.
Don't blame yourself, we all learn as we go when we have a Tripawd in our life. You are being proactive and taking care of his needs, which speaks volumes about your compassion and care. Let us know what you find out OK? We'll be thinking of you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh gosh...ditto everything Jerry said!!
I recently was adopted by a young tripawd Coinhound..approx. 1..1 1/2 yrs. I "supposedly" have some knowledge on how to care for a tripawd. I've been on the site over two years now and My Happy Hannah became a tripawd for over a year after amputation due to osteo.
And there is no way I czn slo this pup dow !! I nave a ramp with rails...he numls over the rails when he's in a hurry to go out and run like a crazy boy! I nave cushions on the floor so he can use them when jumping up a d down on the bed and the sofa. He prefers to jump OVER them to get to the bed.
All we can domis TRY and protect them the best we can. We can at least do joint supplements, etc. I can't help but think though, that when there earthly journey ends, they would rather have played full out and lived life tk the fullest...even if it meant arthritis later or even shortened their life a bit!.
Big hugs to Choos! You are a great advocate and he is so lucky to have you as his soulmate!
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!
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