Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My Abby is an 8 year old Saint Berbard weighing 130 pounds,, She has bone cancer in her lt front hock area.. she is on tromydol and steriod twice a day.. she is still limping pretty good.. my question is if I wrap it in a ace type bandage will it help with the support so it is not as painful when walking around the house?
I personally do not believe that wrapping a bandage around the leg would help. If anything, I would fear the bandage would cause more pressure and therefore more pain on her leg.
I would suggest calling your veterinarian to see about increasing the dose of the Tramadol and/or giving it more frequently. Bone cancer is typically a very painful condition and I doubt they will be able to give anything that will be able to make the limp go away completely. If amputation is not an option for you, the goal is to make as as comfortable as possible.
I am very sorry you are having to go through this.
Right hind limb amputated 7/3/12 for OSA, started on alternating cycles of Carboplatin and Doxorubicin and oral Palladia. Single lung met 9/1. Met in the neck muscle removed 9/30. Large mass in sublumbar lymph node 10/2. Rescue chemo with ifosfamide 10/6. Mets to the rib and axillary lymph node 10/21. Started Leukeran and Pred 10/25. Wookie left this Earth for a far better place on 12/4/12. I miss you, Boo, you were my heart.
Abby may be a big dog, but she looks fit. If your vet is not recommending amputation, you may want to seek the opinion of a specialist. Tazzie was a 125 lb mastiff who did quite well on three legs.
Bisphosphonates are another option when amputation is not. Otherwise we would recommend a custom fit dog leg brace to provide support if recommended by a vet.
The problem with Tramadol and other meds is they will mask the pain, often causing a dog to overdue it resulting in a traumatic painful fracture, which will eventually happen anyway as the bone tumor grows.
Best wishes. Please give Abby a big hug for us!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
amp is out.. We live in a split level house so she has to go up and down stairs all the time .. The wrap was a idea for support whn going down so as not to fracture that leg.. I will ask the vet tomorrow when we go in for our med refills.
nitewarrior said
amp is out.. We live in a split level house so she has to go up and down stairs all the time ..
How many stairs? I had 18 steps and I dealt with them pretty well after recuperation. Although I was only 75 pounds, still, steps didn't post much of an issue for me or for most of the other Tripawds here. Just something to consider.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh you know I forgot that your vet said she's not a candidate because of her age. Still, you might want to get a second opinion just for peace of mind. I'm sorry you're in such a tough spot.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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