Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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9-10 year old, 75 lb Rottweiler - Front leg amputation November 2014. When lying down, or even sleeping for that matter, he completely curls up his front paw to the point where his nails almost dig into the floor and his arm from paw to elbow is elevated. It looks so uncomfortable, I'm concerned he is angling his arm as such to compensate for pain. He has vocalized (small yelp or small moan) 1-2x a day within the last 5 days...only when getting up or lying down. When he's up and standing or walking he seems fine. He also has begun licking his arm.
We are in the process of weaning off prednisone, so I don't know if his arm/paw has been hurt and inflamed all this time and is presenting itself now with the lowered dosage...or if this is something more serious that I should worry about. He did not vocalize while on the higher dosages of prednisone (1.5 months). Could it be arthritis or a possible strain, tear, etc? I sent a picture to my vets and they did not think it was a concern, but I would like second opinions. Have also upped his pain medication (gabapentin and tramadol) yesterday per the vet to compensate for the prednisone tapering.
Any thoughts or ideas welcome. Thank you!
(Would also like to attach pictures here but not sure how...)
Boy that could be anything but hopefully nothing serious. Follow your gut instinct though and have it checked out just in case.
Here are instructions for adding photos to your posts. Let me know if you want help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I would be concerned with the vocalizing as well and I think it is smart to add gabapentin since the pred is being tapered. Why was he on the prednisone? It could be masking inflammation in the spine or other leg so if the gabapentin does not help I will sometimes up the pred again. Unfortunately only an MRI may show the cause of the inflammation so for now I would do as your vet suggested.
Pam
That's interesting. Molly J started taking prednisone (10 mg, 2x/day) on Sunday. A day or 2 later, I noticed her curling a front paw under her leg when lying on the rug or her bed. She's never done that before, and it does look uncomfortable.
Woooah. Interesting indeed!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So did your vet add the prednisone due to uncontrolled pain? Was she having problems walking?
Pam
Molly had trouble walking for about an hour after having a seizure last Sunday. Prednisone was prescribed because a brain tumor is suspected, and it is supposed to help decrease pressure. That, in turn, should hopefully help to keep her from having another seizure anytime again soon. Has your pup been having trouble walking?
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