Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Cuddles is a tripawd. He is a papillon, Pomeranian, Chihuahua cross. He is almost 11 years old. He had his right front leg amputated when he was 8 months old. He developed arthritis in his back right leg about 6 years ago and is on an anti inflammatory for it.
Last week he could barely stand up he has never arthritis in his left front leg as well a congenital deformity and the leg is becoming very bowed. He is now on the highest dose of anti inflammatory he can be on, as well as the highest dose of tramadol he can take. We are currently carrying him around the house and I am fearful he is going to turn the wrong way and land up falling. He will have to be carried outside to potty as we have stairs. He will nor be able to jump off or on furniture anymore. He cries when he is in pain and sleeps a lot more. His appetite is down.
I believe he has lived a good life and it breaks my heart knowing he is in pain and palliation is the only thing we can do right now. I am ready for him to cross the rainbow bridge. Is that selfish of me to want to end his suffering even though he may still have some god days yet. This is the first dog I have owned and he is the light of my life. I want to do the best thing for him. Thank you
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Hi Marcella and Cuddles, welcome. Please consider registering as a member so your future posts won't need to wait for approval.
I'm so sorry Cuddles is feeling so lousy. Yes it does sound like he is giving pain signals and is really hurting. Everything you mention is consistent with a dog who is in pain. Unfortunately, Tramadol is not an effective pain medication, and the NSAID while it's helpful, isn't enough. There are other, better pain medications available that can make a difference in keeping him comfortable.
Although he is 11 years old, as a small breed dog, generally even Tripawds who have been three-legged all their lives can go on to live longer, high quality lives once their pain issues are addressed. Has he seen the vet about his mobility issues not improving? Or a canine rehabilitation therapist? If not, it would really benefit him to see one. They can often help in a situation like this, and recognize pain when a family practice vet missed it. The best part is the Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit so please take advantage of the program.
Sparky the Dog is a really good example of a situation like yours. He is a 14-year old small breed dog, and a good example of a dog whose parent thought he was ready for the Rainbow Bridge. After talking with her, she took Sparky to a canine rehabilitation therapist and what a difference it made! One year later Sparky is no longer in pain and doing really great!
If it is Cuddles time, just know that you are a good parent to him for even asking these kinds of questions and sharing here. There are many things to help you prepare for pet loss. But first, I really encourage you to get another opinion from a therapist if you haven't yet, just to be certain that he is indeed ready to transition OK? If you'd like help finding one please let us know, we are happy to help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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