Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi All, I am brand new to the tripawed community. Our 10-year old SheepaDoodle was diagnosed with cancer in Janurary, had a rear amputation on Feb 12th and his first round of chemo on Feb 27th. After a couple of weeks his energy and personality came back with lots of tail wagging and interest in walks etc. But this week, we left him outside for the first time while we went to work. I don't know if he tried to chase a squirrel or if something else is going on, but he now is back to not moving around much and his remaining hind leg is very weak now and collapses a lot. Is this common to have good and bad days? Or might something be going on with his remaining hind leg?
Hi Gus and family, welcome. I'm so sorry you had to join us but we're glad you are here, and happy that Gus handled recovery and chemo so well.
It's hard to say what could be going on because we're not there, but it kinda sounds like he may have done something crazy while he was outside alone. How much of a yard do you have? Most dogs will keep going and going and going until they drop, with or without a missing leg. It's still so early in his recovery that keeping him in a smaller space will be helpful. Most of us let our dogs overdo it too soon after surgery (I know I did!). It's a learning experience, you will get there! Have you seen our Tripawds e-book Loving Life On Three Legs ? Or the Tripawds Gear blog ? We have tons of tips on managing activity.
Meanwhile please consider having him evaluated by a rehabilitation therapist. These experts can 1) figure out why he's hurting and 2) show you the best ways to keep him strong and injury free. The best part is the Tripawds Foundation may pay for your first rehab visit !
This could also be a chemotherapy side effect, which can happen at 7-10 days out. How's his appetite? I would let your vet know if he's not eating or his elimination habits have changed.
Got any photos of your adorable Sheepadoodle? Here are instructions for adding images to the Forums, let us know if you'd like help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Glad that Gus was doing so well until this hurdle! Can only ditto Jerry. It is so very, very easy for a new tripawd ro tweak something.
Massage up and down his spine, his neck, his shoulder. See if he shows any tension. It's also way to easy to tweak a knee or a hock. Definitely try and get him a Rehaab appo as soon as you can. They can work wonders.
In the mea time, talk to your Vet about Rimadylmor an antiinflmmatory snd, if you can't get j to a Rehab soon, have your Vet evaluate his leg to make sure he hasn't torn a ligament or anything.
But rest and an antiinflmmatory ought to work for now. I know you hate to make him slow down again, but it's only temporary. It generally takes about two weeks to recover from the surgery itself. It takes a good month for all the mobility issues to adjust and for the muscles to adjust.
Let us know how he's doing...and we would love pictures!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
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