Helllo fellow tripawd pawrents -  Boy, has this forum been interesting!  This will be my first post in any of the tripawds forums, and I'm hoping that I can glean some more enlightenment for caring for my tripawd.

My sheepdog, Sylvia, is now 2 months and 20 days post-amputation.  We really took it easy with her during her recovery, following the surgeon's instructions religiously and taking time to get her to the point where she rarely needed a sling or harness.  She's kind of a shrimp for her breed (about 62 lbs.).  She'd been healing wonderfully and handling chemo with no side effects (except hair loss).  By Christmas, she was able to run around the backyard, chasing the ball and outrunning those of us with just two legs.  She could easily handle the steps from our back porch down to the yard.  I had begun to take her for walks, starting with about 1/2 block, then gradually about a block and a half.  Then I noticed that her remaining rear leg was buckling fairly frequently and she seemed slower about lying or sitting down, and getting up.

At her last chemo treatment (Jan. 10), I told the vet that she seemed to be having issues with her leg or back.  Her surgeon examined her and told us that she had what appeared to be a slipped disk in her back.  He prescribed 4 weeks of strict crate rest, and prednisone, and gave me a prescription for Tramadol, in case she had more pain.  So, you can imagine that, reading over the posts, I've become pretty frightened that I've allowed the prednisone without knowing the side effects.  I really, really trust Sylvia's oncologst and surgeon, and I did make sure that the prednisone was not to be a long-term solution.  I'm hoping that beyond the temporary extra thirst and frequent peeing, it hasn't done long-term damage.

I've been wondering about physical therapy, chiropractic, accupuncture, or other means of caring for her back.  She is a really bouncy dog and it's been a horrible 3 weeks trying to keep her quiet, after she'd been doing much more, physically.  I was skeptical that I'd even be able to get her in a crate, but that was easier that I'd expected.  However, half the time she's in the crate, she's sitting up instead of lying down and is all hunched over.  Outside of the crate, she'll be quiet for a while, the pop up suddenly and hop around the house.  I feel like we're forever pulling on her collar or harness to get her to settle down.  The bottom line is that I'm not seeing an improvement in her buckling leg.  I'm so very worried about permanent damage to her back.  I'm thinking that the time in the crate actually doesn't seem to be helping.

The advice about getting more excercise feels more appropriate to me.  We'll be going for Sylvia's last chemo treatment on Monday, Jan. 31 and I plan to discuss optional treatments for the back problem.  It seems logical to me – and I wish I'd pursued it long ago – that physical therapy to strengthen her back and remaining leg muscles would've been a good idea. 

I really appreciate having these forums to exchange info. and I hope it will help me address Sylvia's setback with her doctors on Monday.

Sylvia and dog-mom Karen 

Thank you all!  I really see what everybody posts about feeling like family, with so many of us looking out for one another and for the dogs we love!

For Karen and her pugs:  Sylvia is a rescue, but from the best we can determine she just turned 7 years old.  Her cancer is osteosarcoma.  Regarding mets – Of course we had x-rays and ultrasound prior to her amputation, November 9, and everything was clear at that time.  We haven't had any more films taken during this chemo period, but since Monday is her final treatment (cross your fingers), they will be doing the x-rays, etc. then to see where we stand (so to speak!).  There was no discussion of her problem being caused by any metastasis, but we'll find out for sure the day after tomorrow.  It sure feels better to know that not everyone has the really bad side effects from the pred.

Shanna and Trouble – Your advice is so right . . . Worrying (something that I've managed to get to a fine art throughout my life!) doesn't achieve anything, and dogs can be so perceptive.  Funny tho – When I'm upset my Silly Sylvie (never the brightest bulb in the socket) is pretty clueless, but my four-pawed, healthy English Shepherd is so attuned to my moods that she's the one most affected by negativity and worry.  In fact, she seems to be trying to provide a calming influence when the Sylvia gets too wound up.

And Jerry – Thank you so much for the info. on core-strengthening excercises and other appropriate posts, videos, etc.

The Tripawds Family is awesome!

- Sylvia and Karen 

Sylvia and Karen,

   Sounds exactly like what Patou and I are going thru. His buckling is still an issue and we are about a week past our 2nd round of chemo. However he will stand perfectly but when he takes about 3-4 steps the buckling begins.  He is 6 weeks post amputation.  

   I have wondered about the back issue but like you, I am afraid to suggest to my vet any prednisone use. So for now he has limited mobility on his own but with the new harness (a BIG thank you to Brett and Pattie for sending me Fortis' Blue Dog Harness!!!!) he almost runs with my help. As a matter of fact now that he realizes that he has "new legs" with the harness he will wait for me to assist him and then just takes off in a big run to the truck to hop in with my help so he can "go with mom to see the sheep and pigs!" And let me tell you that assisting a now #124 pound dog is a BIG assist!!!! He and I are both breathless whenever I help him. It is amazing that dogs learn not only there limitations but just how much they CAN do. I will be following Sylvia's progress to help clue me in as to what I should do for Patou. And vica versa will be just fine with me too. Good luck with Sylvia and hope her progress continues.

Janet and Patou

Dear Sylvia and dog-mom Karen 

I have no direct experience with physical therapy, chiropractic or accupuncture, except what I read here. My girl JD was a front amp with arthritis. You have some links to check out and stories to read from folks who have 'been there done that' 

 I will just offer a big welcome and look forward to updates on your' shrimp' Sylvia.

Deborah

Mom to Spirit JD and the quadpaws Serena and Maya