Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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I'm sorry you didn't get any answers! I've been thinking about Maggie today. Was she on any nerve pain meds after surgery? Also, when Bo would get anxious post-op we did what we called "ice therapy". We'd put an ice compress on Bo's surgery area for 10 minutes or so. He would eat ice cubes while we did this. We would do this right before a med dose and then he would take a nice nap. It was quite soothing for Bo and for us...and cheap!!
We're sending pawsitive thoughts your way!!
You will all be happy (especially me!!) that maggie had a good day today. She rested peacefully for the first time since her operation. What made the difference?? I don't know. I have had her on a bland diet, pepcid and an antiacid pill, and two gabapentin in the am and 2 at night. She isn't as good tonight but I am hoping for more good days ahead. Her only leg in the back is giving out on her. Has anyone every tried a ace bandage on their dogs leg for support?? She is twelve and wasn't very strong back there in the first place.
Well, that's great she is getting better!
I would certainly jingle up the vet about the ace bandage. I have no medical knowledge but I personally wouldn't do it.
I once bought a soft wrap brace for Comet's front good leg thinking it was a good idea. My vet advised me it wasn't since having fake leg support can weaken the muscles more and defeats the purpose. And also there is a chance of an injury. Plus, it's hard to judge how tight to make it. You can easily cut off the circulation.
Do you have a dog rehab center in your town? The bestest therapy is water therapy! You'll need to wait until she heals. But gosh, it's great for building strength! Comet did it when she was 11 1/2 to 12 years old. It really helped keep her limber.
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.
Laurie, I'm not sure why you don't seem to be getting my PM's to you, but Boomie's harness is on its way to you. It should arrive by the end of the week! Glad she had a better day today.
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.
Oh hooray for Maggie having a good day. I hope her days continue to get better and better!
I'm afraid I don't have any advice for the back leg, but the water therapy is a good idea if you can swing that. Hopefully once she is fully healed and off the meds, she will feel a bit stronger and just be more stable in general.
Sending pawsitive thoughts your way and healing Abby kisses for Maggie,
Jackie, Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
That's great news! Sounds like each day is bringing some type of progress, even though it's hard to see at first.
As for the ACE bandage.....funny you say that! Back when we thought I had a torn ACL, we tried that.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hahahahhahaha!
It's amazing the things we take pictures of! We'd only take a picture of ourselves in an ace bandage if we were planning on suing someone for causing an injury!
GUILTY! Rocket's bandage after his bleeding broken toenail - it too came off!
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.
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