Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi guys,
Late last week we came home to find that Roxy was not getting around as usual. We thought maybe she had tweaked a leg again, but the difference in this time was there wasn't one leg she seemed to be favoring, we couldn't figure out where the pain was coming from. I had some tramadol left over from her last injury. I gave her a couple, she seemed to get better, and after a day or two she was getting around better, but not 100%. During these two days she didn't get regular doses of tramadol, just a couple when she looked to worse. I thought maybe she was getting over what ever was bothering her.
Then she started to get worse again. It started friday, she seemed to be sore, not moving as fast. Then Saturday she just went downhill fast. Now she doesn't hardly want to move, she's not too interested in food, but she'll eat special treats. When she tries to stand up too fast she cries. When she does walk her back is hunched over, right below about the half way mark on her spine. She's not using the normal tripawd hop. Its now move her front leg, move one back leg, then move the other back leg. I really think her pain is in the back leg/hip area, it doesn't seem to be the front.
For those of you who have dealt with arthritis, does this sound like a bad flare up? I really hope it is rather than being something serious, but I'm afraid I'm fooling myself. Secondly, I'm out of tramadol. Can I use ibuprofen for now? Also, she was on a regular dose of prednisone overy other day. She went off of that about two weeks ago. Does pred help with arthirtis symptoms? It just seems like quite a coincidence that her symptoms started that soon after going off the pred. I'm going to make her an appointment with her vet tomorrow, but I'm freaking out and thought I'd look for some input from you all.
Thank you,
Leslie
Trouble's arthritis came on more gradually. We recognized she wasn't moving as well, and kept her minimally medicated for several months. In the end, it progressed extremely quickly. Within just a few weeks at the end she was practically immobile.
Don't kid yourself into believing arthritis is easy to deal with, it is not. It brings a whole second set of worries as you balance the medications to minimize any side effects. For me, it was truly worse emotionally than dealing with the cancer.
I think there is another topic that talks about ibuprofen that Tazziedog(Pam) commented on. She's a vet, you can take what she says about medications as gospel. If you can get Roxy to enjoy a warm heating pad, that can help.
You will be in my thoughts.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Pred will treat both arthritis as well as spinal mets so it is hard to say exactly what might be going on. An xray can spot arthritis but unfortunately only an MRI or CT scan can identify spinal mets or intervertebral disc disease. Your options are to return to the pred or start an NSAID.
Do NOT give your dog ibuprofen since it can commonly cause GI perforation or liver/kidney failure in dogs. I would use the tramadol until you can contact your vet. If your dog is in intense pain then a trip to the ER might be in order for a narcotic pain injection such as Buprenex.
Pam
Just want to send well wishes to Roxy!
Leslie, just because I am a freaker-outer - I jump to the worst so take it as it is meant to be and not to scare you.
---Keep an eye out for grey gums and tongue; an indication of internal bleeding. You may want to check her pulse. (google it on how to do it)
If she gets any worse, then go to the ER, which I know you'll do.
Keep us posted, okay?
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.
Thank you for your replies.
Shanna – I certainly didn't mean to be presumptuous about the ease of arthritis. I guess in my mind it would be better than spinal mets. Maybe that's just inexperience talking.
Pam – Thank you for your medical expertise. I will be sure to discuss every scenario with her vet.
Ge'Lena – Glad to know I'm in good company for the freaker-outer thing. I will certainly watch her gums and pulse. Thanks for the tip.
Roxy has been a little better as the day has gone on. She started getting up to greet guests which she had not done yesterday evening or early this morning. She had about 15 minutes when she was up and about just walking and she seemed to be getting around better. She has eaten some of her dog food (with me hand feeding of course. I think it's a ploy to get pampered). She's also had some plain yogurt, cheese, and I've boiled her some chicken for dinner. When I went to make the other dogs their dinner she hopped up and came in the kitchen with them. That made me feel a little better also.
I'll keep an eye out for any changes and I'll be sure to keep you guys posted.
Thanks again for your time!
Leslie
That's a great update! At least you can breath a little easier until you can get to the vet.
Monkeybutt-bunny's mom
I'm so glad Roxy began to feel better as the day went on. Sending lots of good wishes for a positive outcome with the vet visit.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Feel better Roxy. We know you've got the spunk to get over anything! May your week get better and better. Please let us know what the vet says OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ok, I was going to update this last night, but 20 minutes after we got home a storm came through and knocked out my electricity. But, the official word is arthritis. I'm kind of relieved, but I know we have another life long battle.
When I got home yesterday to pick Roxy up for her appointment, she came trotting up to me like she almost felt normal. The dogs spend the days outside while we're gone to work, and Roxy usually lays on the porch in the sun when she's outside. When I saw her acting better I felt a little relieved thinking maybe it really was arthritis and the heat had helped. We get to Dr Hollis' office and of course Roxy is acting almost as if nothing is wrong. I said "I know you can't tell by looking at her, but she was barely moving this weekend." Dogs always try to make you look like fools. Just like computers. As soon as the IT guy gets to your desk, the computer starts working. Know what I mean?
Anyway, Dr. Hollis examined Roxy and said her lower spine and right rear leg are very sore. She gave me the numbers to a couple vets that do acupuncture and another vet that uses whats called a cold laser. I've never heard of it, but it's supposed to be great for pain relief. I'll be checking in to those. Meanwhile, we're starting the process of finding the right balance of meds and side effects. Hopefully she's able to get some great relief very soon. For a dog to show that much pain, you know the pain has to be horrible.
Thank you for your advice and thoughts!
Leslie
I'm happy to hear Roxy's feeling better. We've been fighting the spinal arthritis battle for 17 months now…8 months before Isabelle's amputation, she was barely walking. It has been a much bigger challenge than amputation or 2 cancers! Spring is by far the worst time for them, with all the temperature & humidity fluctuations. Before big storms it can be particularly bad. This weekend was a rough one.
Cold laser is good for acute inflammation and we use it intermittently, but it's really more helpful for muscle inflammation and wound healing. Acupuncture helps tremendously, but is an ongoing commitment. Inactivity is the enemy. Regulating their activity requires a lot of diligence. Avoiding excessive running, twisting…as in normal play, unfortunately… can save Roxy from days of pain. If you can find a veterinary chiropractor, an adjustment can make a huge difference. Massage is also very helpful...you can learn some techniques to do at home. The most valuable therapy for Isabelle, though has been underwater treadmill, but I know it's not something always accessible….maybe some advice for some physical therapy you can do at home would make a trip to a rehab vet worth it. Maybe some info from the Tripawds radio show this weekend?
I do use meloxicam daily, but with all the adjunct therapies have cut her daily dose by about 1/3, so I have a little leeway when she needs the full dose.
Good luck,
Cynthia & Isabelle
Hi Leslie,
I'm glad you got a diagnosis- knowledge is power!
Quad pug Tani has pretty bad arthritis in her back- she is in fact missing a lumbar vertebrae. Just one more oddity about Tani…
But- we got by for a long time on a high quality joint supplement with glucosimine, chondroiton and MSM. This past winter her mobility really declined, she couldn't stand on her back legs (not something I encourage, but it was noticeably missing) and she could not get up the stairs I built for her to get on my bed. She would limp sometimes too. We finally started her on rimadyl a couple months ago. The improvement after just a couple of days was stunning. She can jump up again, and most of the time can navigate the stairs. I am careful about what I let her do as far as jumping up and down from things (especially down as she has always thrown herself off of high stuff). I have not tried a massage therapist or acupuncture as Tani does not like to be touched very much. I have tried massaging her back and hips a little but she won't tolerate it for very long.
She is already on another med that requires blood work every six months so that is not a problem. So far she has handled the rimadyl without side effects. Of course she is almost 11- so I'm probably not looking at managing meds for a really long time.
I'm glad to hear that Roxy is feeling a little better. Tani likes to lay in the sun too, and she is much more mobile on the warmer days.
Karen and the pugapalooza
I agree with Cynthia...tune into Tripawd Talk Radio this weekend and ask away!
Cheers for an Arthritis diagnosis! Yeah I know, sounds weird, but it's better than some other ones, that's for sure. Hope Roxy keeps on feelin' good!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
If the problem is in Roxy's spine, it's often because the vertebral discs become bridged with bone that fuses with bone that grows out from the vertebral bodies (short explaination). Sometime these osteophytes can fracture acutely and cause severe pain or more serious complications. Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin are not as helpful for this issue, as the pain is often coming from nerve/spinal cord impingement. NSAIDS are the most beneficial. …and you want to channel your funds to the most helpful treatment. The glucosamine/chondrotin industry is a multi billion dollar windfall, but not always useful.
If you see a chiropracter, be sure they are a vet…you have to be careful with adjustments during an acute episode. If you do any at home massage, you never want to massge directly over the spine…there are some tips on the site for at home techniques.
Going up the stairs is a huge aggravating factor to lower spine issues. I just don't allow Isabelle to go up more than the 4 inside stairs…otherwise, I carry her up. Down isn't a problem. Ramps up are also quite taxing.
The warm weather in the mid to southern area you are in, coupled with the humidity actually makes things much worse…you might notice Roxy having bad days just before and during these times. The winter doesn't seem to bother them nearly as much, unless there is a heavy, wet snow. The cold, dry days are the best.
I was just sharing what has worked for Tani. I would never dictate to someone else what is best for their pup.
The multi-billion windfall industry has helped my pugs (and me actually) over the last several years. When we needed something more we went to rimadyl.
I was taught how to do massage by a certified therapist.
Tani never goes up more than 3 stairs on her own. Down is definitely a bigger problem for her because she jumps.
Tani does much better in the spring and summer. Winter is her worst time.
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