Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I have a 12 year old Golden Retriever, 58 lbs, who had a front leg amputation in November. She recovered, and was doing amazing (even swimming in the pool unaided and happily). Saturday, suddenly, she was unable to get up. We took her to the emergency vet, they said that it appears she has lost use of her rear leg (opposite side of the front amputation), due to something neurological. They have prescribed rimadyl and gabapentin, and told us to wait it out one week and see if she regains function. They said if she doesn't, we will have the hardest decision to make.
Is there anything else we can do to help her regain function? She doesn't appear to be in any pain, and is wagging her tail and her normal self mentally, but she just can't use that back leg and without it is immobile. Should we have her in rehab? Would a wheel chair help her, or be too much on her body?
Any suggestions are totally welcome. She's an amazing dog, a therapy dog, and a trooper. I want to give her every chance to come back from this and we are heartbroken.
thanks!!
Kristen
Hi Kristen, welcome. What's your doggie's name? Your future posts won't need approval so post away. Also, I left your post here in case our Fairy Vet Mother Dr. Pam sees it, but please consider posting in "Hopping Around" as well so we can better follow along with your journey.
It's pawesome that your pup has been doing so well otherwise! Sounds like maybe all of the activity has taken its toll a bit (very common here) and she would benefit from a certified rehab vet assessment. So YES! Definitely take her to one if you are able. If you do, the Tripawds Foundation will even pay for your first consult. See: http://tripawds.....-tripawds/
Wheel chairs aren't always the answer and they are especially not recommended unless done with the guidance of a rehab vet. See this post for details.
Try not to let the ER vets assumptions get you down. There are many more avenues to investigate before making any kind of decision like that. Stay pawsitive and focused, you are a great parent and will figure this out with your vets. Keep us posted oK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I know this is very stressful to say the least. It IS good that she's in nomlain and, other that bum leg, she's happy!
Yeah, DEFINITELf get a second opinio , or third!! Guess they did xrays and all that, bjt, an opinion from a certified rehab vet, .aybe so e acupuncture, all sorts of other options are available.
In the meantime, believe it or not, many immobile dogs love riding in wagons or doggy strollers. I know lifting 58 lbs isn't easy, but the ride will do everybody good!
Hang in there!
Lots of love
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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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