Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I have an 11 year old lab mix who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his front left leg 9 weeks ago. 7 weeks ago we had his front left leg amputated and he recovered fairly well and has been getting around pretty good. He had been pretty inactive but was using our deck stairs (about three stairs) pretty well going up and down and even went up the second floor of our house on occasion with no issues. He seemed to be doing well and was eating well. Two night ago we noticed he was having some problems getting around. Yesterday was even worse and today he seems to have no use of us back legs and can't put any weight on them or use them at all. What could be causing this? Is it possible the cancer has spread to his spine and that is causing this? It also seems he is in pain because he shivers on occasion so we have been giving him some of the pain medicine he was taking after his surgery. He hasn't needed that medicine for 6 weeks. He is still eating the same. Any thoughts are appreciated.
Oh no! I am so sorry you have to deal with this! The cancer, the amp & now a set back.
It could be the cancer but it could be something else like a disc issues or embolism or ??? I think your only option is to take him to the vet to see what they say. I know it is the weekend, but if it is a spinal issue, taking care of it sooner rather than later can mean the difference in recovering or not.
Crossing fingers & paws that it is something easily fixable! Please keep us posted!
Sonya & "Millie"--born Feb 1999, diagnosed with OSA 8/27/14, set free 9/27/14
(RIP baby girl)
Sorry to hear about your pup. What's his/her name?
There could be some different things going on. Since it's in the hind leg (is it both or just one?) it could be an issue with the ligaments in the knee. I've gone through cranial cruciate ligament tears in 2 prior dogs. Both needed to surgery to correct. Typically it affects one knee but then if one goes out there's a higher likely hood the other knee will go out eventually. I know there can be partial tears where the dog may still attempt to put weight on the leg but they limp. If it's a full tear they typically hold the leg up and put no weight on it at all.
You'll need a vet to verify if it's a CCL issue as they know how to manipulate the knee to determine. This problem has surgical resolutions with some different options on the procedures used.
Please keep us posted on what you find out and I'll be keeping you and your pup in my thoughts.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
He's a front amp? My girl was a rear amp and she lost full range in her rear leg and it was due to tight (super tight) muscles. Perhaps try a bit of light massage on those legs? I know when I run and my quads get super tight it is indeed harder to move around.
Hugs,
alison with the spirit of shelby furever in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Wilbur and family welcome, I'm sorry to hear about this update. Hopefully our awesome fairy vet mother will chime in son but here's my non-vet perspective: Quite often it's like how Allison's Shelby experienced, tight muscles. What kind of activity is he getting lately? How long are his walks? Oftentimes we think our dogs are ready for more than they really are and little setbacks can happen. But there can be so many different things going on though, the best way is to let your vet know so they can pinpoint the issue. Please keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Our Murphy is younger and is a rear amp due to an accident. Several times over the past two years he has managed to tweak his sacro-iliac in the lower spine. When he does that, he doesn't want to get up or walk around the way he usually does. We have found that gentle stretching of his back leg helps keep the muscles and joints from tightening up. However, we didn't find this out until his rehab vet explained it to us during one if his sessions. He has had acupuncture, laser therapy and hydrotherapy/rehab exercises. These really help, but we also need to be vigilant about keeping up with his exercises at home, too.
If your vet checks your pup out and finds that it is a mobility issue caused by exercise or lack of exercise, you may want to look into some sort of therapy. We are hoping that is what it turns out to be.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
There are 3 main possibilities:
Muscle inflammation or sprain
IVDD (a swollen intervertebral disc)
Cancer metastasis to the bones in the vertebrae
If he is not on an NSAID like meloxicam or Rimadyl I would add that and also consider Tramadol and gabapentin. Your vet can take an xray but unfortunately the only way to really know what is going on is a CT scan or MRI.
Pam
I took him (Wilbur) to the vet and his prognosis was grim. I made the very difficult decision on Tuesday to have him put down. He was in so much pain and I had to be fair to him. Thanks to all who responded.
I'm so sorry that you had to let Wilbur go. It's tough letting our beloved Tripawds go to the Bridge but know that Wilbur was greeted by many Tripawds who've gone before him. I know he's up there running and playing and having fun without pain slowing him down.
Just know that my thoughts are with as you find your way through the grief.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Wilbur & family, my heart goes out to you. We understand what a difficult decision this was for you, our heart breaks for your loss. Please know you were a great pawrent to him, and he will always be by your side. If you want to come back and share his life story with us we would love to enjoy your memories with you.
Many, many condolences to you and your family.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry for your loss. You made the most unselfish decision for Wilber. It really stinks when you think they are out of the woods, then WHAMMO. Cancer sucks! Wilber had 11 wonderful years. Cherish the memories.
Oh I am so sorry to read this ... you did what was best for Wilbur and that was the best gift - ever! I know my Shelby met him there and they are ALL playing again!!!
Sending you love and hugs...
alison with the spirit of shelby fur-ever in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
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