Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello
Henry's arthritis worsened significantly after amputation resulting in whining. Vet says Henry does not need meds related to surgery. I'm keeping him on Tramadol 100 mg 3 -4 x daily, 3.75 mg meloxicam 1 x daily, Robaxin 500 mg 3x daily. He is 72 lbs. He started chiropractic care last week. I'm worried about how this is going to progress even if he recovers from the amputation fine. Pain meds seem marginally effective which is hard to believe based on the high doses. I've scaled back above doses over past 24 hrs and waiting to see how he responds - whining due to drugs?
Any suggestions for how the arthritis can be best maintained / managed for a good quality of life. Vet didn't want to prescribe steroids due to effect on immune system. Starting chemo in a few days.
Thank you to all for your support and guidance.
Kami and Henry
How long ago was Henry's surgery? Which leg was amputated and where does he have arthritis? What breed of dog?
Right hind limb amputated 7/3/12 for OSA, started on alternating cycles of Carboplatin and Doxorubicin and oral Palladia. Single lung met 9/1. Met in the neck muscle removed 9/30. Large mass in sublumbar lymph node 10/2. Rescue chemo with ifosfamide 10/6. Mets to the rib and axillary lymph node 10/21. Started Leukeran and Pred 10/25. Wookie left this Earth for a far better place on 12/4/12. I miss you, Boo, you were my heart.
wookie524 said
How long ago was Henry's surgery? Which leg was amputated and where does he have arthritis? What breed of dog?
The surgery was 12 days ago. He is a 9 year old boxer/pit bull mix. His right rear leg was amputated. The arthritis is in his lower back.
Thank you for your time!
Kami and Henry
Hi Kami,
My pup Porthos has arthritis and had amputation over 5 months ago.
I give him high dose glucosamine/chondroitin, MSM, high dose fish oil tablets (he gets 10,000 mg a day) meloxicam.
I also got him a magnetic collar (magno mutt) and a cooling blanket. Rose hip is suppose to be good in reducing inflammation, as is turmeric.
They first two weeks are tough, and with pups that have other challenges it can take a little longer for them to adjust to three legs.
Porthos had a couple of sore days in the beginning while his body adjusted to three legs, then he only got stronger and stronger. Having a harness has helped allot.
Sending strength and fast healing to Henry
Angel Porthos, Pyrenean Mastiff, 7 years old Os front right leg, DX 18 May 2012, Amputation 14 June 2012, Hip Dysplasia, Two TPLO surgeries. Is now somewhere over the rainbow, 21 November 2013.
Thank you Vanuato (Porthos mom / dad ) for your helpful response and kind words. I've read a few of your posts. Porthos is darling. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kami and Henry
Kami, while you're waiting for Wookie to get back to you, check out these interviews and videos with California Animal Rehabilitation, there's a lot of great info about caring for arthritic/seniorTripawds in them. I hope they help and that Henry's feeling better today. Let us know if scaling back the pain meds helped.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Some dogs do vocalize on the tramadol but it could also be pain since the surgery was only 12 days ago. I would look into gabapentin as well as acupuncture. The meloxicam dose is low but 1/2 tablet would be too high so the only way to adjust that would be to use the Metacam liquid or try another NSAID.
Pam
I would definitely recommend keeping Henry on the lean side... that will help with the arthritis and help him get around better as a tripod. If he is a swimmer, that would be a great exercise for him... exercises all the muscles without putting any weight on the arthritic joints.
Tramadol is a funny drug. Some dogs tolerate it just fine but others can get a little whiney and weird from it. I would check with your vet, but maybe it's worth taking him off the tramadol for a few days to see how he reacts. And as Pam mentioned, different dogs also have different responses to NSAID's. If one doesn't seem to be doing the job, it might be worth trying a different one.
Best of luck to you both!
Right hind limb amputated 7/3/12 for OSA, started on alternating cycles of Carboplatin and Doxorubicin and oral Palladia. Single lung met 9/1. Met in the neck muscle removed 9/30. Large mass in sublumbar lymph node 10/2. Rescue chemo with ifosfamide 10/6. Mets to the rib and axillary lymph node 10/21. Started Leukeran and Pred 10/25. Wookie left this Earth for a far better place on 12/4/12. I miss you, Boo, you were my heart.
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