Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone! New member here. I posted this in another forum also, but was told to try this one too.
Our dog Chuy is a tripawd due to being (we think) hit by a car at approx 4 mos. old. When the rescue found him his left frt. leg was so infected and dead they had to amputate. He's a wonderful dog, full of life and lots of love! He's just 1 year old now. He is a chow/golden mix, m/n approx. 55 lbs.
A week ago he took a minor spill and hurt his left rear leg. He could walk on it, but we felt that it warranted a vet visit. She took x-rays to make sure there was no breaks/fractures or other problems. There wasn't, no arthritis or dysplasia, the vet x-rayed both of his back legs to compare them. What she did find is frightening. His right rear leg looks perfect. The left rear leg has no calcification (aka white outline) the entire bone is gray. She checked him for Valley Fever (we live in AZ) which came back neg. She also said that there is a possibilty of Leukemia. You can't even see the cap at the top of the femur, that's how gray the bone is.
Has anyone come across an x-ray like this? Does anyone know of any other possibilities? He's such a good dog and I don't know if amputation is going to be a possibility with him already missing the left frt. leg.
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
Leukemia should not cause only 1 leg to be affected. Perhaps they meant lymphoma? Is it the entire leg bone or just the top near the hip? There is a degenerative disease called Legg-Perthes that can cause this but it is more common in small breeds. Although rare, it is possible for osteosarcoma to affect young dogs, but the bone is destroyed rather than demineralized. I would have to see the xrays/bloodwork to give you any more input.
Pam and Tazzie
It is the entire leg that is gray, from the foot all the way to the top of the femur. Would a degenerative disease affect a dog that is only 1 yr. old? I thought osteosarcoma would involve tumors and he has no tumors. Thank you for your quick response at least this gives me something more to research so I will know what I am dealing with when our vet gives me her final diagnosis, before we go to the specialist.
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
These are the x-rays that have been taken so far. The 3 vets involved so far have not been able to make diagnoses. they have turned the x-rays over to a radiologist for further examination. We have not heard anything as of yet. The waiting is really starting to get to us. It has been 2 weeks now, time is wasting!! Any ideas?
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
Great job posting the photos. We hope some answers come you way soon. Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
It could be an artifact due to positioning. Was he sedated? On the second photo his left leg looks shorter at the femur than the right, so either that leg was not pulled down all of the way or there really is a problem. On the lateral view (marked left knee; third photo) I think the bone density looks fine but there is no lateral of the right knee for comparison.
Your vet was right to send the films out to a radiologist although it doesn't usually take that long for a second opinion! I would be most worried about his ACL (cruciate ligament) being partially or completely ruptured but your vet would probably have to sedate him to determine that.
Let us know the outcome,
Pam and Tazzie
Yes, Chuy was sedated during the x-rays on both dates. Still waiting on the radiologist here.
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
Talked to the vet today. The radiologists reply was that Chuy may have Leg Calf Perthes as you said. He also said that there is a slight fracture at the head of the femur something called a Slipped Epithesis and has a ligament problem in the left knee. Needless to say we will be making an appointment to see the Orthopaedic Vet. ASAP! We want Chuy to be well and will do anything to get there. Just waiting for the regular vet to fax the referral form over today. Tomorrow we should be getting the new raised feeder from Dr. Foster & Smith and his harness from REI. WooHoo! Chuy's gonna be stylin' soon! REI. WooHoo! Chuy's gonna be stylin' soon!
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
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