Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Nitro was very happy to have helped! Now he needs to work some of his Warrior Magic!
Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
Hey heh Sally, sounds like a plan!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hooray for progress! Hooray for good news! Even if the non-invasive treatments are nearly as much as surgery, you'd probably have those same treatments on top of the surgery for rehab, right? So you're still ahead of the game as I see it.
I second the glucosamine-chondroitin supplement. Isa was on one from the day I adopted her, upping the dose as she got older. Her spine was nothing but arthritis, a huge problem as a tripawd. I have no way of knowing but I suspect she did as well as she did for as long as she did because of the supplement. Now I know not to let doggos jump up to catch their balls but she loved it so. Live and learn.
There, I actually have two cents to contribute myself.
And yes, Hannah is leading the charge of our angels to push those black clouds far, far away!
Many, many hugs to you and Frankster and Miss Mrytle! Belly rubs for those who enjoy them!
lots of love
Teri, the Roxinator and Angel Isa
Right rear leg amp 7/12/16 due to OSA. Metastatic lesion on her right front leg, January 2017. Joined the Winter Warriors January 19, 2017. Run free my sweet girl.
teri said
Even if the non-invasive treatments are nearly as much as surgery, you'd probably have those same treatments on top of the surgery for rehab, right? So you're still ahead of the game as I see it.
Good point!!!!!
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!
And Clare. thanks for the comparison of The Pie’s knee situation and what was helpful for her. A lot of similarities. Do you recall how often did she do laser??
Oh gosh, nothing like every other day. The only time we’ve done laser that frequently was when trying to get rid of Meg’s chronic infection before her amputation. She had it three times a week for about three months. And yes, that sort of frequency really does add up cost wise. From what I remember, Pie had perhaps four treatments initially at one week intervals and monthly thereafter, right up until she died, so perhaps for about 18 months. Her last treatment was actually the day before she died. And I took comfort from that in retrospect because I know she found the laser soothing and relaxing and of course she enjoyed the attention (and the chicken). It was a flexible arrangement so if she seemed a bit stiffer or started hopping, we would up the frequency to fortnightly or something like that, but I think actually that only happened once. So monthly basically, and that (together with dasuquin, fish oil, home physio exercises etc) was enough to keep her perfectly comfortable.
❤️❤️🥧
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Oh also, sorry, just to add, Pie was on Metacam, and later also paracetamol (I think you call it Tylenol?), prescribed by her rehab vet, 125 grams twice a day, and Pie weighed 25 pounds. Paracetamol also has the virtue of being extremely cheap.
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Ohhhh myyyyygoodness! In addition to the Galliprant, the Dasuquin Advance, and possibly including the at home Adequan injections, plus more “rest” for da’ hound, etc., the Rehab Vet laid out her “suggestions” in an email for laser. She wants to do every other day…..every other day….. for two weeks!! Then every three to four days for two weeks…..then once a week!! And then there’s the hydrotherapy! Ohhhhh myyyy goodness!! Frankie! Frankie! Frankie! Everyday is an adventure with you and I love you for it!
What about NOT every other day Sally there has to be a middle ground thinking out loud again.
This is probably not helpful just to share Purrkins went for laser acupuncture once a week for four weeks after surgery then to once a month and so on until we got to what Dr.Matt calls tune-ups every 2-3 months. I know this is a different scenario but that is a lot every other day. It is not cheap and I know it would be helpful. I wonder if she would discuss anything more doable? Frankie would improve with less frequency I have no doubt. Our Dr. Matt is like Clares a flexible arrangement depending on how Purrkins is doing.
Keep up with your plan and Frankie keep resting ok. Ask about fewer treatments something that might be doable for you and Frankie. Just a thought.
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I need to put this in because it is important. Please do not mistake my actions, please. Paracetamol IS another name for Tylenol which is rarely ever used on dogs because it can effect the liver, and if not given under strict veterinary orders can be toxic. I am sure whatever the circumstances are that you are using it is obviously well watched with a veterinarian, but after Frankie's reaction to Rimadyl probably might not be a good option.
I just want to make sure everybody stays safe.
Hugs to all of you!
Jackie
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
I wasn’t suggesting that Frankie take ANYTHING without the advice of a vet. Obviously.
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
I didn't think you were...
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
I can just picture The Pie❤ all relaxed as she was getting all that attention while being lasered. Sweet.
Thanks for sharing Elsie Pie's❤ laser experience and the frequency. I'm sure what Frankie's Rehab suggested would be great in a perfect world for someone with tons of monies and tons of time, but very few here have those luxuries.
I'm going to take the approach that "some laser" is better than no laser and just do what I can do, as I can do it.
Thanks to everyone!!!!!!!
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!
benny55 said
I'm going to take the approach that "some laser" is better than no laser and just do what I can do, as I can do it.
Thanks to everyone!!!!!!!
Just to say I agree I have no doubt it would be excellent for Frankie in the PURRFECT world where one has the money sure! THAT is not MOST of US! I didn't mean to sound like I was taking away from Dr. Wheedles suggestions the treatment advised! Hoping to find a doable route if there is one. We can only do the best we can do with what we have. It is never an all or nothing unless we can't make any happen, and that is ok too we do what we can do!
You are doing that now Sally always have always will!
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Totally agree with everyone - doing "some" is better than none. Imagine if one did have unlimited resources.....the poor dog would be doing nothing but running to various vet appt's, procedures, etc. Pretty sure that is not how they want to spend their time. Sally, you are doing a great job balancing what "can" be done, and letting Frankie be Frankie. The universe has this planned out, and as much as we like to think we are in control, I'm not sure we are.
Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
Oh Holly, I absolutely appreciated your feedback!! It's so funny, because after I replied to "Pie", I was going to thank Purrkins for his shared wisdom about trying to do soooooo many laser treatments. Got sidetracked and didn't get back on.
And thanks to you also sweet Paula❤
Yeah, to try and do so many treatments, at first anyway, would require Frankie living with Dr Wheedle! Pretty sure she'd be returning that loud mouth vocal counter surfing, pee -in -the- house- if -I -want-to hound to me within 24 hours!
Always appreciate everyone 's input and I ALWAYS know it's given with love and big doses of wisdom❤
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!
A bit off topic but I want to respond to this aspect of the discussion:
paws120 said
Paracetamol IS another name for Tylenol which is rarely ever used on dogs because it can effect the liver, and if not given under strict veterinary orders can be toxic.
In many countries outside the U.S., Paracetamol is widely used by veterinarians. In fact, Dr. Alex of Our Pet's Health in New Zealand (who will be our special guest on an upcoming Tripawd Talk Radio episode), discusses it in his excellent blog post / video "How to Treat Arthritis in Dogs and Cats: the Drug Truth"
Paracetamol (acetaminophen, tylenol) is one such drug that can be used in dogs only. It must never be given to cats as even a small dose will kill them. Used correctly in dogs though it is generally very safe and provides good additional pain relief with little risk of GI upset. Overdose can cause liver damage so care needs to be taken to dose appropriately. Dogs are not little humans.
And now back to our Frankie discussion...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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