I have not posted for a while since there has been little change. Daisy lost her left rear leg due to being hit by a truck on Aug 11th 2010. She was always an active healthy 12 yr.old. and was described as a good candidate for amp.  After 2 mths of off and on physical therapy she still cannot stand up on her own but when we pick her up she can walk about 20 ft on her own before forgetting that her left leg isnt there and plopping down on her left side. Yes that means every time that she needs to go out, be it 3am, we get up and take her out. Never realized just how beautiful a clear cold night sky actually is :) and right now in upstate NY it is very cold.

Like a toddler, She barks when she needs to go out, rolls off her bed and gets stuck or is hungry or thirsty.

We have tried not picking her up and encouraging her to get up on her own but she will lay there for hours and wait. She is not food or toy motivated which makes it more difficult. We are "walking" her 2-3x day for 5-10 minues which is pretty much us supporting her upright in her harness. Hop hop plop hop hop plop

We ordered a cart from eddies wheels but we may need to send it back for an adjustment, her rear right paw keeps getting caught between the wheel and frame because she doesnt carry it under her like a tripawd should but off to the right. We are hoping that with the assistance of the cart she may be able to build up strength in her rear.

We are continuing PT for now (water treadmill, laser therapy, massage) and will post again if we make any progress. The vet at the therpy center doesnt think that there is anything physically wrong other than sore muscles. A few weeks ago she strained her front shoulder and couldnt move at all but now that seems to be better.

Anyone out there with tripawd that just wont or cant get up?

Hope everyone had a great turkey day!!!!!

Hi Daisy and Family,

I'm sorry daisy is still not getting around as well as she should be. I just wanted you to know that your not totally alone. Fortis had his amputation back in February and has never been able to get around without support. I've seen every poop and every pee since his diagnosis.

Fortis suffered an injury shortly after his surgery. With acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, massages, and lots and lots of swimming he has improved but never to the point where he could get around without help to any large extent. He is able to stand, eat, and get water on his own but that hasn't always been the case. I used the transition method describe above (Fortis is very food driven) and found it to be very helpful in strengthening Fortis remaining rear leg. For us, the "tough love" method didn't work and only caused Fortis to attempt things his body could no longer do and thus he would repeatably reinjure himself. I finally just decided to give him the support he needed and make the best of it. I know this will come as a surprise to some but Fortis is very independent and doesn't wait for help. He simply needs it. That said, it has been a wonderful year and I wouldn't change a thing. I know your situation is a bit different but just wanted you to know that your not alone and that I understand. Keep working with Daisy, continue to encourage her and hopefully she will surprise you.  We're certainly hoping that she does. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way.

I couldn't agree with you more, the clear cold night sky is trully beautiful.

Fortis'Dad