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 have a 7-8 month old chihuahua that we found on the street about 6 1/2 months ago, he was most likely born without his back right leg-so my vet says. Since we got him, he's always walked perfectly fine and runs faster than any other dog I've seen. About 2-3 months ago he suddenly stopped walking, so we took him to the vet, they gave him a cortisone shot and sent us home. Three days later he walked again like nothing had happened. Now we're back at the no walking stage. He constantly cries and nurses his stub, and refuses to walk. When he does walk he spins in continuous circles and raises his stub high in the air which causes his imbalance. We went to the vet twice, they gave him his cortisone and some pain pills and brushed it off, saying he's probably having growing pains. But it's been 5 days of no walking, I'm very concerned. You can tell his little spirit is hurting-his perky ears won't even go up and his tail is tucked. I don't know what else to do, my vet just sends me home saying everything is fine-but its obviously not fine or he would have walked by now.
Hi and thanks for joining! Sorry for the delay in approving your posts, future ones won't need approval and will show up right away.
I'm hoping our favorite Fairy Vet Mother sees this soon but until then I will give you my non-vet thoughts...anytime you feel like your vet isn't listening or your gut instinct is telling you something is wrong, follow that little voice and go see another one. Ask for a recommendation to a specialist (certified rehab vet) from your current vet or seek another from friends and family who have good relationships with their vet. They are out there, promise.
I have no idea why cortisone was given, I'm not a vet, but as far as I understand it just masks symptoms and doesn't resolve the cause. Not walking is not normal and it does sound like he's in pain. Did your current vet give you any kind of treatment plan and when you can expect symptoms to subside? If not, and if at all possible, go to a certified rehab vet or even another general vet who understand the physiological needs and changes in a Tripawd's body. Not all vets do, but those who do will try to help you figure out what's going on.
Until then, try to take careful notes about his symptoms: when do they occur? What was he doing just prior to exhibiting signs of pain? How exactly were you giving him the pain pills (dosage & frequency)? Things like that. The notes will help the vet you choose better reach a conclusion.
What's your pup's name? Thanks for rescuing him!
Please keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I would agree that cortisone is not ideal. Metacam is a better choice for a growing puppy. Your vet can try gabapentin for nerve pain since that is safe but I would get a second opinion and consider amputation. Pups do very well on three legs (especially small breeds).
Pam
I would wonder, too, if maybe there's something bothering his inner ear causing dizziness? It could be making him not want to walk..
But I agree, I would want a referral to a specialist or I would try a different vet. Steroids are an anti-inflammatory medication, but they can mask symptoms and sometimes make some things worse. They're helpful if there is a strain or known inflammation or infection, but for something that has come back it's obviously not the right course of treatment.
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
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