Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So, I’m kinda getting worried that Tuni isn’t using her back leg properly, and probably because it’s weak. A part of me is hoping it’s because she’s on all the meds (tomorrow morning will be the last time for the antiviral meds … WOOHOO), as the vet brought that point up, but I’m curious if anyone knows of a way to stabilize her back end, where she is forced to position her leg the correct way … if that makes any sense? Cause everyday it seems like walking is getting worse.
I know the Rejab can’t come soon enough and to tell you to be patient is futile, right?😉😉
I k owwith eogs, and especially senior dogs it takes at least a month AFTER recovery sometimes to get their mobility work d out. And that would be without any additional hurdle like Petunia has faced.
Yes, your description and question made snes. The Rehab Specialist are so identify cause and effect.
aMaybe you could call and see if they have any cancellations. Heck, you could call every day because you never know.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
DITTO to all of Sally's post!!! Call and see if you can get in sooner; maybe they have a cancellation call list.
As far as how to assist her now, I don't know if it would help a rear legger, but I used one of my tank tops to help Purrkins stay upright and balanced by using it like a sling. It's what I had within arms reach to grab, and it worked for him. Thats the only thing I can think of for you to try. Purrkins did not mind it, and it did help him stay upright. If that doesn't help and things worsen & I would phone the vet again and I would, pick her up and take her to the litter box and different rooms. Is that the right choice? I don't know thats what I would do until I got the help I needed. Hopefully, Jerry will have some insight. I am sorry, thats all I can think of. The back leg position will come rehab will be your guide!
Whoo Hoo on the antiviral ending.👏🏻
(((Hugs)))
💝💝💝
So Petunia’s body is “contracting” a lot, or her muscles. It’s been going on for 30 mins now. Started shortly after I gave her the antiviral pills. Called the vet and they recommended I take her to the emergency vet. She is eating, but I’ll be honest, I’m not sure the last time she pooped cause Possum would sneak in and use the litterbox. It’s hard to lock Possum out of the bedroom at night alone cause she just cries. The vet has mentioned that if her stomach contracts that it might be her colon is full of poop for too long. She hasn’t vommited though, another sign about a full colon.
I don’t know if I’m freaking out too soon. This has happened before in the last weeks. I don’t know if it’s just pain related cause her walking has been getting worse. She almost doesn’t want to do it at all.
I’m watching her now, she’s laying on her amputated side, and her back leg is twitching. Maybe that’s what makes the rest of her body contract as well? Could be where her poop is hardened?
I just don’t know what to do cause the emergency vet will literally break me. I know it. Let me try to get a video.
Take a video and post please. It's hard to say what's happening by your description. BUT, It does NOT sound like a poop issue to me at all! If she were, she would be in the box, straining and throwing up. I understand you don't know when she pooped last but again, it doesn't sound like a poop issue.
Oh, you beat me. let me see
Her whole body is contracting a little and she’s now snoring. Maybe she’s just very tired? Gah, I might be freaking out too much.
I trust you are seeing something, but it is not visible to me. I might see a little subtle movement. It's not showing up in the video well. Is she still on her gaba? She appears to be sleeping nicely and not in pain.
You know we are not vets, so if you want, you can post in our Ask a Vet forum. I don't see any emergency from that video. Thats an opinion, nothing more!! If you are concerned, Post in ask the vet.⬅️ Please try to get a better video for Dr. Pam
(((HUGS)))
I have no doubt she is tired it takes a lot of work to go on three, at 16.5 more so. I would also think her little body muscles would like ours be very sore after doing things we are not used to. Continue faithfully the Miralax as well. A plugged-up cat is NOT THIS sleepy peaceful kitty. Thats what I know. They are miserable and in pain, throwing up and trying to poop!
I put an arrow where I’m seeing it.
It honestly was worse prior to making this post, but it seemed to have calmed down. So many thought went in my head, like “did one of the pills go down the wrong pipe and into her lungs?” I know I’m being so crazy. I try not to be. She’s just have had such a rough recovery that I’m on edge. I’m glad you don’t see an emergency. I understand that you aren’t a vet, but I also wanted to see if you saw anything, cause as you probably are aware, I tend to get worked up really easily. I’m not normally like this. 😅
Thanks for the arrow that helped!!! I still don't see an emergency;🫂🫂🫂 I see muscle spasms possible from overuse. I have to state that I'm not a vet for the record;) I'm a cat mom like you. If your vet said to go to the er???
If you are unsure, post in the ask the vet. That's the best advice I can give, and we DO understand the panic and fears, recovery, exhaustion from no sleep or little, and all the emotions. Try breathing big, deep breaths seriously. It will ground you and help you focus. I know from experience why I share that: breathe in 4 hold for 4 breathe out thru your—mouth for 8.
Im glad to hear it calmed down; keep her on the gaba and the miralax. Post in ask the vet if you are in ANY DOUBT.
Call tomorrow and see if you can get into rehab sooner.
I have to get offline and medicate Purrkins, but I will check back to see if you posted again,
🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂
Thanks Holly, I’m really glad you were there at the perfect time! The vet said to take her, but it’s hard to try to explain to them what’s going on. I was telling them she was having full body twitches/spasms, but nothing too intense. I mentioned her getting her leg amputated cause maybe it’s truly causing her discomfort and that is the reaction to it. They could have imagined what I was explaining much worse than it was. I wouldn’t blame them for that. I was just wondering if I can get info on what could cause it, and something that isn’t a medical concern.
I do like the idea of seeing if I can get on a waitlist. Thanks Sally for the suggestion and Holly backing it up!
Please give purrkins some love for me! Also, I will try the sling method. I hope you have a good rest of your night, same to you Sally!!!
I’m gonna spend the rest of the night trying to resist all the candy I have leftover from only having 8 trick-or-treaters! 😅
Okay, do the breathing exercises like Holly suggested….I’ll do it right now with you…..seriously….do it .
Here we go……
BREATHE IN to count of four……hold four….EXHALE FOUR.. Breathe 4 …hold 4…exhale four
Again……breathe in 4 ….hold four….exhale four
Again…..breathe in 4…..hold four…..exhale four
REPEAT…. DO THIS EIGHT TIMES…..Each time breathe in a positive relaxing thought….exhale the negative
You’ve got this! Now go get some junk food and let Petunoa rest and snore while you eat chocolate……..in another room👍
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
I was typing while you did the post above Glad you are lettingPurrkinss orewhieyou go pass out Andy! Just make sure for every piece of candy you pass out you eat two pieces yourself. You’ll have such a sugar sugar high in a few minutes and then you’ll pass out and snore just like petunia
So glad Sweetholly could put your mind at ease. Again of course we are not bad, but to observe her resting so comfortably and snoring is an excellent clue that she’s not in some sort of crisis distress.
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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