Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My Nellie had her rear amputation in March and has been doing great, but over the past week or so has really been slowing down and her movements have been labored. She has not wanted to get up and down off the bed or couch as much and is making small grunts as she hops around in the morning. She has gained some "winter weight" and has tight muscles along her left side which is now carrying all her weight. Her appetite is still good (always for hamburger and rice!) but we had to give up Rimidyl because it upset her stomach so badly w/ loose stool. Having to strain with only one leg to squat seems cruel! She has not shown any signs of cancer return but I was wondering if anyone else has had experience with these symptoms. I am thinking it may be d/t her slight increase in weight, cold weather, increased strain on residual limbs. She seems to like lying with the heating pad but I was just wanting to see if ya'll had any other suggestions!
Thanks!
Tracy
Jerry has some useful links in here. Under the section Arthritis / Osteoarthritis / Intervertebral Disc Disease, there are some info for massage and acupressure techniques. There is also an acupressure chart in which you could find the points accordingly to help alleviate pain in different areas of body.
I used to put heat pad on Genie's back and hips, especially in the morning, and also after in lying position for a long period, to first get the muscles warmed up, then massaged her back along the spine, and her hips. That could help the blood circulation, and eased the stiffness and discomfort.
Hope that this can help Nellie.
Hello!
I agree that arthritis and extra weight could be affecting your dog's remaining limb. If she seems painful a low dose of Tramadol daily may help. Trying a different NSAID for a short while might also help. My dog Kona has very bad arthritis and took Rimadyl for 2 years and Deramaxx for 1 year and then she started vomiting blood. Without the meds she was very sore and stiff so I switched her to Zubrin. This is a newer NSAID that is much easier on the gut than the old ones because it blocks different enzymes than the others. You still have to check blood work to make sure that the liver and kidneys are healthy but this drug might be what she needs. Ask your vet if they carry it. My dog has been on it for 1 year without incident.
I am assuming that you are using some sort of glucosamine supplement, and make sure to get that extra weight off. Acupuncture is a great idea!
Pam and Tazzie
Hi Tracy,
X-rays would show arthritis... once you get her on something to help her feel better you can get her moving around to drop some weight. How about some chicken instead of the beef and some raw grated veggies ie carrots? I give Buster Dog Gone Pain , I think it really helps him . You can get some advice from a homeopathic vet as well. Besides of a good quality glucosamine, I've heard of vitamin C, E, and D as well (Cod liver oil.. nordic natural has one just for pets).. don't forget she could also see a chiropractor. There are also warming beds out there! Hopefully you get her feeling better soon. PS a homeopathic vet could also prescribe a natural remedy if the alternative NSAID upsets her system.
Kim&Buster
Pss that is a great link.. i'm on here all the time & never came across it. someone really did their homework~ kudos
Kim & Angel Buster
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
–Anatole France
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