Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello fellow tripawds and their peeps!
Charlie went in for his 6th and final round of Carboplatin today! Go Charlie! However, it wasn't the greatest morning. I've been gone from morning to night all week, so I haven't noticed it prior to today, but he was struggling with getting up, going potty, and getting in and out of the car.
He actually fell into the shed while peeing this morning. Normally his back legs will start to shake when he is going poop as he is in this squatting position for a long period of time, however they were shaky just by standing today. He has been doing so well, so this was totally out of the ordinary.
The vet mentioned potentially starting him on Adequan. I did a search and saw that Jake, Hershey and Boomer have been on it, but they don't mention if it helped (Jake's cancer seemed to have spread and Hershey was misdiagnosed).
Does anyone know the good, bad and ugly regarding it? My vet mentioned that it really seemed to help other dogs but that it is quite costly.
Thanks guys!
VQ & Shaky Charlie 
"I don't know where I am."
Awww Charlie, feel better. We're so sorry you're not feeling well.
Here is a link to some information we wrote about Adequan in our Nutrition Blog.
Have you considered some rehabilitation therapy for him? It can really do wonders for dogs with hind end issues, and even just a few sessions make a world of difference. Check this directory to find a certified therapist close to you.
Many good wishes coming your way, we hope that he starts bounding around again soon. Keep us posted?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Adequan is always worth a try and is not harmful but it can be pricey. It helps the cartilage cells make a healthier, thicker joint fluid to cushion the joint and help reduce pain. The typical regimen is one injection twice weekly for 4 weeks then once monthly as needed.
I tried Adequan with my dog Kona (12 yr old Pittbull) but it did not help, most likely because she has horrible arthritis and probably does not have many cartilage cells left in some joints. It has done wonders for my French Mastiff Loki (for his shoulders) and he currently only takes a meloxicam tablet (generic Metacam) only if he overdoes it.
Pam
The latest update on this says the stuff [good medical term] works as well subcultaneously as it does intramuscularly. Some recent study so that makes it less painful for the receiver and the giver!
Thanks for the info!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My vet did it subcultaneously and I about had a blow up with him since I was paying $60 a pop. (I read up on it after 3 shots) But he convinced me it worked the same.
I think it worked a bit. But Comet had a neck disc infection that was misdiagnosed as arthritis. So, I'm not exactly sure if it does work. It just depends if you want to pay the price. I did it for 1x per week for 6 weeks.
VQ, I'd try physical therapy on your own first. Since we dismantled Comet's pool (it's was too just gross to clean anymore and we tossed it), Comet is not as physical. The swimming every day really seemed to help so much. I only notice it now since she hasn't done it in 3 weeks. I should have bought another one for $99 since the weather is still warm. But I can also take her to water therapy for $25 an hour.
If you have a place that does water therapy or a friend that has a pool then I'd try water first.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Hey, I haven't logged in here in a while, but I came back because I wanted to post a question, and then I saw Boomer's name mentioned, so I thougt I'd stick my 2 cents in regarding the Adequan. Boomie's been on it for years, long before his amputation, due to his hip displasia and arthritis. I think by now his remaining back leg is beyond the help of Adequan, but his right shoulder has also been affected by the way Boomer has had to carry himself and adjust his balance on 3 legs. I agree with the vet that without the Adequan, he would have even more mobility problems than he does now.
Anyway, as much as I like my vet, I was getting so frustrated at the cost of the Adequan, and we were getting a shot every 3 weeks. (this was after the initial loading dose, or whatever you call it) He went off it for awhile after the amp, but then when his shoulder started having trouble we went back, and this time the vet showed me how to give a subcutaneous injection. This is very easy to do, and it's just a fraction of of the cost of going in there to have them do it. Right now he is getting it every 2 weeks.
Cindy and Boomie
Boomie's leg was amputated due to osteosarcoma on May 15, 2008. He enjoyed over two and a half years of life after that, one day at a time. He died on Feb. 21, 2011.
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