Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Wasn't able ro see his regular Vet, but after pulling, stretching, etc, she thinks his hock is popping out of joint. Torn ligaments.
This is rear leg that had cruciate repair two years ago...the fishing line thing. Hes's been offloading onto his other two legs more and more the past month, or maybe more on the front leg and the other rear leg that had TPLO a year ago.
I sensed "something was happening" with the offloading and rhe way he holds that leg out straight and to the side. I wanted to get things together enough that I could take him to the Surgeon who did the "high dollar" second surgery. Anway, finally got things figured out to set up an appointment P, ..and he's out of town three weeks! BAM Frankie comes in with the swollen hock thing two nights ago1!
I feel sooooo guilty because it was probably the hock ligaments giving me a "warning" by the way he was holding that leg and offloading.
Anyway, did xray...no broken bones. She feels like cruciate fishing ,one repair is still holding..
Suggested Rimadyl and rest. I mentioned brace and she didn't say much. For various reasons I haven't been able to do Adequan. She said if I could swing ONCE A WEEK for awhile, IM, she thinks that would help.
Didn't Julian have a brace for something similar? Seems like a brace would help Frankie's hock from popping out while giving the ligaments time to heal, maybe??
Do you think there is any value to doing the Adequan just omce a week for awhile?
I've put in a call to the Rehab Bet who worked wonders for him with first surgery. Doesn't seem like rest and Rimadyl will work on their on. She might be a little more familiar with braces than my Bet..
As always, thank you so very much. And Tazzie, you gave of this gift of your Mom, and we are forever grateful
With sincere appreciation,
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
I
It's hard to see, but he's just been using "that" leg for balance and toe tapping. As I mentioned, he holds it out to the side...kind of with a twist outward and fairly straight. Can a hock issue cause that "form".? I feel like I HAVE to fix it bec je xannot continue to offload on those two worn out arthritic legs. I. might add that, attitude wise, this isn't slowing him down a bit!!!! He does lay down.more, eats laying down, etc.
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Oops...video didn't work. I'll upload to YouTube...it may "uploading for hours", but I'll post as soon as completel..
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Yes Julian has weak/damaged tendons in both his hocks; the right one has swelling similar to Frankie. I use an Assissi Loop twice daily as well as CBD in addition to Adequan every 2 weeks, gabapentin, and meloxicam. Julian does have custom-made braces from Therapaw that we use just for walks but they are made to be worn all day if needed. I think they were only about $150 per leg. You will have to take measurment and your vet will have to approve it with a fax or written script.
Pam
THANKYOU SOOOOO MUCH DOC PAM!!! I was thinking that it was Julian who had to wear a brace. I'll try and get that appointment with the Rehab Vet as I know from past conversations she's open to braces in certain cases too.
Assis loop....adequan....meloxicam...gaba...therapaw consult...sounds like a plan!!
Thank you again for your time and invaluable input!
When you have a second, would love to see a pic of Julian in his brace....and all your pack fot thst matter!!!
❤❤❤
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Oh I'm so sorry to read this Sally! Did you happen to catch our tripawd talk with Ben from Go Hero Braces, "Everything you need to know about Braces for Tripawds"? Give it a listen so you can get some brace information in the meantime.
That's so Frankie to be all spunk and no sulk! I hope he starts feeling better soon. Do NOT beat yourself up for anything, you are an amazing parent and doing so much for him.
FYI it's my understanding, at least in Wyatt's case, that Adequan needs a loading dose of 2x weekly for 4 weeks and then once a month thereafter. It is not cheap (around $120 for the first month) but after the loading dose the cost goes way down and one $120 prescription will last at least 3 months or so, for us anyways.
Don't forget to try heat and ice therapy on him, that can help meanwhile. Please keep us posted on what your vet says for treatment options OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sorry to hear this Sally! Do you have any Adequan left? I know you had some last time we saw you, but you were having a hard time administering it.
Paula
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
Hi Sally,
Hope Frankie is feeling better. You are an amazing Mom!
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Thanks Nancy! After all the manipulation by the Vet it is swelling a lot more now. Still offloading a lot. Ugh! Attitude wise though, he's still Cool Super Dawg Frankie!!
Paula, yeah, you did see the Adequan. Good memory. The expiration date is almost a year ago now, so I need to see if it's still viable.
Jerry, yeah it's also my understanding that the loading up the first four weeks is the way to go. It's also my understanding that Intra-muscular is the most productive. Thanks for the link on the braces. Will definitely check that out! Seems like the way to go.
The Vets here said IM is best. The Rehab said sub q is just fine. . Not that Frankie would "allow" me to do sub-q anyway. Michelle can attest to that! The Vet he saw the other day that once a week will work. GEEZ!!!!! Am I confused or what????
I'll start another thread as his treatment plan evolves. Thanks for your support. He really is an amazing boy😎.
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Personally, I would use your Adequan, even if the expiration date is near/past rather than just throw it away (unless its like years past date). I've heard the IM is best too, even thought Nitro had to take it sub-q. Good luck with the brace endeavor, hope it works out. Keep us posted.
Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
I did just a little poking around and the only thing I can see is that it may lose a bit of effectiveness, although others will say if it is stored and stable it may not lose effectiveness at all. It doesn't sound like it will hurt him, worst case is it might not be as effective as it could but I wouldn't throw it.. just me. It is a pricey medicine. (Or it used to be.)
Yes, Paula, IM is usually the way to go. We used to give lumbar injections a lot too, but I would not recommend that unless you have a lot of experience. In this case maybe just getting it under the skin is better than nothing?
I am so sorry Sally.... Frankie is just the "live life to the fullest" kinda pup and nothing is going to get him down. Of course, his mama takes the best care of him and he doesn't have a worry in the world, lol.
Didn't mean to hog up Dr. Pam's space but I just saw this and I wanted to let you know I am thinking about ya. I hope you are able to resolve this so that Frankie can go back to full speed ahead 
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Thanks Pula❤ and Jackie❤!!! Input always appreciated!!!!
Thee bottles that I have, one out of date is August 2019 and another with an April 2019 expiration. One is definitely sterile and not ised. The other used once. That would give me a good headstart. So should he good to go.
One of the biggest hurdles is carving out two hours one day, and then basically three days later another two hours (that would land in my work days). My Vet is incredibly gracious enough and generous enough to work with me on a lot of different levels, so this is why I travel the distance.
And Dr Pm, soon as I get that Rehab appt I'll start another thread! Promise!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Seoriously, Frankie. You are UNSTOPPABLE!!! Just rest up and take it easy for a while, okay. Even Cool Dawgs need to ease up a bit from time to time. Can’t comment on the Adequan as that’s not licensed here, but pleased you’ll be seeing the rehab vet. This actually sounds quite similar to Meg’s Christmas Day carry on. Not sure they were actually popping out, but certainly there was substantial inflammation in her hocks, and she was also doing that holding the leg out straight and to the side, exactly as you describe. Extra meds and rest (all things being relative...) seems to have done the trick. Here’s hoping It’s the same for Frankie.
Thinking of you and sending love,
Meg, Clare and the Pie in the Sky. Xx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
I don't have much to add. I just hope Frankie takes it easy for a bit and starts to feel better soon.
David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)
Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.
He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know.
Just catching up here. Oh my sally, im sorry frankie is having a rough time. Im so glad you have a plan and a wonderful vet to help you execute it.
Now mr frankie, you just max and relax on that big soft bed for a bit. You certainly deserve it you handsome fella. ❤ maybe talk mom into a little ice cream 😉 its good for stress.
Big hugs to you both moe and i will be thinking of you.
❤ Bev, Moe cat, autumn angel Roane & angel dog Gypsy
Hugs ❤ Bev, nurse Moe cat, Autumn's Angel Roane & Angel dog Gypsy 🐾
My sweet soulmate Roane was diagnosed with osteo in June of 2019. Had a rear leg amp on July 2nd & crossed the rainbow bridge to be with her sister Gypsy on the first day of Autumn Sept 23 2019.
Okay, jere's a linke for an update on Frankie's upcoming REMOVAL of the first cruciate aurgery.
Dr Pam, IF you have a moment to review, does this make sense to you?
BTW, He did do several xrays nd examined him with an incredible thoroughness.
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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