Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Ok that's good you got an appointment. There is so much they can do, it's what they train for, you would be surprised! Remember that treating pain is not a one-and-done thing. It often takes at least two or three modalities and a larger vet team to tackle more complicated pain. So, in other words, not just pain medications but something else like gentle massage or even acupuncture can make a huge difference.
I know you're frustrated and sad. Try to see the big picture. Sometimes recovery is not as easy as we hope it will be, but with the right therapy these situations can be made better and you'll have your boy back.
If it's any help, these stories about difficult recoveries show that better days can be just around the corner:
Two Tripawds’ Tough Amputation Recovery Stories (and Comebacks!)
Until then, try coming up with other ways to spend time together and keep him entertained. interactive brain games are fun, and they prevent boredom too.
So for the past 5 months I’ve been buying carprofen and gabapentine from the vets, that’s 120$ every two weeks. Django now a Tripawd going on 4 weeks. Is there a cheaper place to buy, I’ve noticed petco or chewys sells some of there generic pain meds cheaper. They state their made to the same standard’s as the others. Are they just as effective as the vet’s, I’ve read mixed reviews about it.
Ouch yeah that's quite a bill. I know many people use Chewy's pharmacy, and haven't had any problems. It's hard to turn down Chewy's prices, but at the same time, I have to say that I honestly feel better buying from my vet when I'm able to afford it. My own vet has an online pharmacy that I buy from and the prices are so close to the big box retailers that I am happy to get them knowing my vet has approved their meds. I would be more likely to buy from a Chewy's than a Costco, however, when I need to, because there are many horror stories about human meds getting mixed up with pet meds at places like Costco. Their pharmacists are not trained in veterinary pharmacopeia the same way that vet pharmacy techs are.
If you aren't getting the generic versions then ask your vet if they will prescribe and sell them to you. Let them know that you want to help him not be in pain but the cost is an issue. If they don't offer the less expensive forms, then it's your right to ask for a copy of the prescription and take it to a pet pharmacy that's more affordable.
Update, this morning he couldn’t get out of bed had to pick him up. He can’t walk, but stand. He’s peeing were he’s eating and I can’t get him out to poop. This is the worst I’ve seen ever I can’t wait for the surgeon to get back from vacation, I’m going to see if anyone else there can see him if not take him some place else.
Agree, get him into a Vet asap. Explain the situation do your best to make it happen somewhere!!! At the very least maybe they can do an xray of his spine, etc.
I'm so sorry this is happening. I know your nerves must be shot to say the least. The fact that he's still eating and doesn't appear to be in pain is quite remarkable, and perplexing at the same time.
Let us know as soon as you can get an appointment somewhere, okay?
Sending you lots of cyber hugs
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))
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!
Yes, definitely get him checked out today. Poor buddy! I'm also very sorry that this is happening, I wish I could wave a wand and make him feel better.
When you're waiting for the appointment, jot down all of his symptoms and when they started, so you have a good description for the vet. That should help expedite a diagnosis.
Keep us posted, we are thinking of you and sending TRIPAWD POWER your way!!!
So I emailed the orthopedic surgeon and he got me appointment with the oncologist. I didn’t do the X-rays yet I know I should’ve but I’ve already spent over 12000$ with meds, radiation, surgery and appointments. Without the X-rays she thinks it’s neck pain but she also said that this might not go away and next option would be letting him go. She prescribed him methocarbamol 500mg 2x we’re going to see if this helps. I still have the other appointment for next week with the surgeon. This really sucks, spending 5500$ to remove the pain, just so it causes another. That can’t be removed. I’m not giving up on him, until he gives up. But I’m afraid it’s nearly here.
Thank you for updating, I know that wasn't easy to put into words. I can feel your heartbreak and frustration right now, and you have every right to feel that way. It's a LOT of money you've put into caring for Django and when things like this happen it's devastating. I hope with all my heart that you can get some clearer answers after the surgeon and oncologist see what's going on.
Meanwhile the Methocarbomol should hopefully help. Our Wyatt (75 pounds) was taking it 2x a day as well, and it made a difference for him. I'm keeping my fingers crossed it does the same for your sweet boy.
The Tripawd Power is still coming your way full force! Please know we are keeping you in our thoughts and sending all the pawsitivity and support we can give. Keep us posted.
The Tripawd Power is still coming your way full force! Please know we are keeping you in our thoughts and sending all the pawsitivity and support we can give.
And there is power in all that pawsitivty energy.
As far as finances and not always being able to do every single test, cray, etc, we all understand that! You have already done more than most would do, or are able to do.
I had a situation not too long ago with a sweet "Hound" I adopted. Long story short and with no details, after about five months his rear legs basically collapsed. An MRI (or several) could poss determine the csuse. Through myVet's expertise and assessing Hank, she felt that it was most likely a disc issue. And that would mean expensive surgery, long crate confinement with a 50/50 chance of recovery. I had to trust her judgement as the monies just were not there for more diagnostics or surgery,
The vet said even with MRI, etc she wouldn't recommend the surgery (he also had heart issues) and with the Pred, etc it would decrease any inflammation and increase his mobility, and it did.
The Bet treated him with Prednisone and that worked like a miracle drug for awhile. He regained use of his backs legs and was able to have more Hapoy quality time.
Guess I'm shariing all this to let you know we all have to draw a line in the sand when it comes to finances. And to also say that this may indeed still be a muscle issue or a pinched nerve in the neck area, etc. FWIW, I disagree that nothing can be done if it's a "neck issue".Ask the Oncologist, or email your Vet and see if Prednisone can be added I to the mix.
And again, refresh my memory. Were you ever able to get a consult with a Rehab Specialist? If not, maybe you could get an "emergency " appointment.
If it helps, feel free to vent here 24/7! The fact that you are avle to put a sentence together coherently at this point is quite remarkable.
(((((((((((((((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!
Thanks for the support guys! I just don’t see the point in the X-rays, if it’s spread to the spine there’s nothing I can do. The surgeon got back to and told me to keep him rested. That’s all he does is rest, he only gets up to pee and eat right now. And he’s showing weakness in the hind legs for the past 3 days. As for the prednisone I don’t think you can combine it with carprofen.
Yes, if prednisone is used it would only be under your vets direction. The Vet would advise about how much of a washout. Between the carprofen and the pred.
Is he showing a lot of pain, or "just" the mobility issues?. It's my understanding that with spine Mets usually in awful lot of pain kissing involved
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
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!
He’s seems to be in pain when’s his trying to move. I can rub his neck and back with no sign of discomfort, I’m really worried about he’s hind leg weakness this is new. If it gets any worse I’m afraid this might the end for him. He had a ct scan last month before radiation and came out clear minus his broken leg and even then he seemed better off in that situation and in less pain.
So perplexing. And I can only imagine how hard this is on you. I'm sure Django is frustrated, but at least his pain doesn't seem consistent ....just related to trying to stand. Not saying g that's great, but still just "may", still inficate muscle.inflamed dis. nerve pinched, etc.
I'm glad you're staying in touch with the surgeon. I knowThursday can't come soon enough! So keep giving him the Gaba. The muscle relaxer you jist started may make him rest more comfortably and maybe even bit sleepier.
Oh, if you pinch his toes, does he have a reaction...try to pull away, etc?
And when he eats, is it laying down or does he try and stand to eat.? And if eating is what he enjoys, keep on givi g him anything special he wants!
One other thought. You might try aking a post under "Ask A Bet". We hope a Bet who came here because she had a Tripawd and need support and guidance. She has since then volunteered to offer any advice she can, aybe you could outline what going in, when it started, protocol he's on now, symptoms, etc.
Still seeing pawsitive energy and hoping for things to get better.
((((((((Hugs)))))))
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!
I know it feels like you'll be waiting a hundred years before finding out what's going on. Try not to jump too far ahead. If there's anything I learned over the years is that in many cases these situations are treated and resolved with a little more teamwork. Bender's story is a great example. They were also feeling exactly like you are now, and things got much, much better once a diagnosis was made. I guess the point of the x-rays is just so you can have a diagnosis and know what's going on so that you are less frustrated about guessing on what's happening.
Asking Dr. Pam her thoughts may bring you some added calm, you might want to give it a try. Just give her a bullet pointed list of what's been happening so she can get a good picture and provide some suggestions.
Ok asked the surgeon today on his thoughts on cutting the carprofen out of the three meds he’s on and trying prednisone. First he shot the idea down saying he does not treat neck or back pain with steroids. But I pushed on and stated, that we’re only guessing right now. He wants a update video today to see his walking condition before the schedule appointment on Thursday, to see if he wants to start a washout period before Thursday.
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