Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi! My 9 yo lab had her front leg amputated nearly 30 days ago. Last week she had a “mini stroke” and she had another one yesterday. Our vet hasn’t given us a reason for the strokes so I was just wondering if it could have anything to do with the surgery. Earlier this week we took her in for a post op and the vet thought she had a chest infection because she’s been gagging/heaving since the first stroke. This could just be bad timing or a weakened immune system but I just wanted to see what other vets thought. Thanks!
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Hi Mo, welcome. Please consider registering as a member so your future posts won't require approval.
I'm so sorry about the medical situation. I hope our Fairy Vet Mother will have some ideas for you.
How is her mobility now? Is she going to see a rehabilitation therapist?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi I'm back with an account!
She's been hopping around pretty well, could do our stairs, and was even going on some short walks, but she's having some trouble since the stroke yesterday. She got home from the vet about an hour ago and had a lot of trouble going up the stairs into the house. She hasn't been walking around much since getting home, but she seems to be a little wobbly and unsure of using her back legs.
I'm so glad you registered, thanks!
So her mobility sounds like it could be better of course but not terrible considering? What is your vet's plan to help her recover?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
She’s been on antibiotics since Monday for the chest infection and the vet gave us some corticosteroids when we picked her up today so we’ll finish both of those. He also said to make sure she’s walking but not to push her too far. Other than that he hasn’t given us a plan.
What specifically is she doing that your vet thinks it was a stroke? Often these dogs will lose balance and have nystagmus (rapid eye movement) and sometimes a head tilt. This can only be diagnosed with an MRI but you can also have your vet check a blood pressure reading since hypertension can cause brain bleeds. Is your dog normal between episodes? Other causes of neurologic dysfunction include an inner ear infection or idiopathic vestibular disease which resolves on its own.
A few months ago my dog Julian had some mini-episodes of dizziness and weakness that only lasted 30 seconds each so I called the neurologist and he said since they were so short and he was normal in between to wait it out. He had one more a few weeks after the first two and now has been fine so he might have had a "mini-stroke".
Pam
So I wasn’t in the room for the first episode but afterwards she was on the ground in a very unusual position and then couldn’t move her back legs and also threw up. During the second one she collapsed, was breathing irregularly, couldn’t seem to move, and had rapid eye movements side to side. After a few minutes she sat up a bit and threw up. When I told the vet that her eyes had been rolling around is when he thought these episodes were most likely mini strokes.
In between she’s been pretty normal. A little unsure on a feet for a day or two. The only real change is that she started gagging/dry heaving whenever she’d walk around after the first episode.
Thanks!
Mo
Mo I'm so sorry, that must have been really scary!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi. Just an update. Jess took a turn for the worse. She’s been at the vet for the past 24 hours. She can’t walk and is having trouble breathing. We have to put her down today.
Right now all we can do is send you our love. You ARE doing what is best for Jess, yet we know that brings you no comfort right now.
Be with her, celebrate with her all the great times you experienced by being by her side on this earthly journey.
May her transition be a graceful as she sheds the earth clothes that no longer serve her. Jist kmow thst as she gets closer to the Rainbow Bridge she will be running strong and free with tail wagging non stop.
Sending you peace
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
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 no I'm really sorry. What a heartbreaking situation, I wish we could help ease the pain. For what it's worth, you did absolutely everything for your girl and stayed by her side through thick and thin. She knew that, and as she crosses over, your compassion and love will bring her the comfort she needs for a peaceful transition. No dog could ever ask for more. Jess will always be by your side in spirit.
As you cope with the heartache in the coming days, we are here for you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I just saw your post from 1/23. I'm so sorry to hear you lost Jess. It is so hard when we want and try to do everything we can for our dogs and modern medicine has nothing.
What you described is very similar to what I went through with Cookie. In the end, the best guess we made was a newly identified condition called Geriatric onset laryngeal paralysis polyneuropathy. Although things can be done to help with the breathing, nothing can be done for the mobility issues yet. We went through random bouts of ataxia and constant labored breathing with a strange cough.
I am so sorry for your loss. Run free sweet baby.
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
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