Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My newly adopted 11 year old golden/corgi mix lost her right forelimb (at the shoulder) due to lick granuloma In October 2009. She is now licking her left forelimb a bit...nothing major, but my wife is really worried. She isn't gnawing at it, but I thought I would ask here.
She gets her annual checkup in about 30 days so we will be watching it more closely. My wife put a small sock on her for now which she tolerates (she tolerates pretty much everything nicely from toenail clipping to brushing her teeth), but I'd rather avoid that if it's just a normal behavior.
Basically my wife is looking for a second opinion to mine 🙂
Thanks
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Foxy | Golden Ret./Corgi Mix | Born on Date ~1999 | Tripawd mode – 10/02/2009 | RIP - 03/05/2012
I really don't know much about lick granuloma, but if you're concerned - maybe the vet can see your pup earlier than the 30 days?
Keep us posted, and paws are crossed!
Cathy/Jane/Spirit Skyler/Chloe
My dog Charlie is a paw licker. This is due to allergies (and I assume some OCD). His right front leg was amputated due to Osteosarcoma, which meant he was down to only three paws he can lick now. He gets chemo and sometimes his blood drawn from his left front leg. He is now licking that area (in his old age, he's no longer quite as obsessive and doesn't lick the areas raw anymore).
In the past he has licked his paws raw, so that would be the only concern with your girl. As long as she isn't hurting herself, I wouldn't be worried. The sock concerns me for traction purposes. Perhaps cutting the bottom so her paw sticks out, just so she doesn't slip. Socks are slippery.
Best wishes, but since she is new to the family, it might be an old habit, allergy or grooming technique. Here the cat is making fun of, er, I mean copying him. Welcome to the site!
"I don't know where I am."
I've never heard of lick granuloma, I had to google it. Learn something new every day! My dog lost her left, front leg almost 5 months ago. Most evenings she will spend a few minutes licking the remaining front leg. I think in her case some of it is because that leg probably gets a little sore or tense with all the extra work it has to do. I will usually spend a little time rubbing that leg, giving her a little doggie massage, hoping it will help her out. But if your pup has a history of having problems with licking I can understand your wife's concern. I would probably be scared about it too. My advice would be to talk to your vet, and if your pup doesn't mind the sock and it makes your wife feel better, leave it on. Hopefully she's just massaging her leg...
Leslie
Thanks everyone...personally I am not worried about it right now. Her activity level has increased a lot (she was previously just able to 'walk' herself...my grandmother was in her 80's, but took care of her dogs the best possible).
There is no emergency yet. She's just licking her fur and none of the skin below is damaged at all. I tell my wife it's probably due to being walked each morning now and probably some muscle pain from that.
We check out her leg each night now to make sure she is not doing tissue damage.
Lick Granulomas seem to be more mental than physical though and since she lost her former leg to it we are concerned. The amputated leg was a 'bad leg' from birth though. It was never quite right from birth and she finally gave up on carrying it around the vet told us.
Foxy | Golden Ret./Corgi Mix | Born on Date ~1999 | Tripawd mode – 10/02/2009 | RIP - 03/05/2012
alkemyst said:
..looking for a second opinion to mine
Good idea! Hopefully we'll hear from tazziedog (aka: Dr. Wiltzius).
Have you tried using a bitter tase deterrent to keep her from licking?
Or perhaps it is behavioral. If you think she may be bored consider these interactive toys and long lasting treats for dogs.
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We have that same bitter apple you listed. I am not ready to spray her yet. Working in IS I already know how simple air spray cans taint anything you spray with a really bad flavor. We are on the fence right now she is grooming vs chewing.
Foxy | Golden Ret./Corgi Mix | Born on Date ~1999 | Tripawd mode – 10/02/2009 | RIP - 03/05/2012
There are many causes of lick granuloma but one of the most common is anxiety. If this is the case your vet may want to start your dog on a drug like clomipramine or fluoxetine. You could also try a DAP collar or diffuser for a more natural approach. If allergies are the culprit then some dogs will respond to an antihistamine. Topical products like Bitter Apple or a solution containing Synotic (DMSO) mixed with an anti-inflammatory like Banamine have also been effective. If there is already a break in the skin then antibiotics orally are necessary until the lesion is healed (even if it takes 6 weeks).
These are frustrating to treat! Good luck….
Pam
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