Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi. My dog TEX is a 9 year-old mix who has/had osteosarcoma and successfully completed his amputation and chemotherapy treatment. His surgery was in April and the chemo completed in July. He did very well other than being a little tired during the weeks he had his treatment. All x-Rays were negative, which is good. He quickly got adjusted to life in 3 legs.
Now, Tex seems to be having some struggles with walking as if he is over using this remaining front leg. He doesn't want to walk much, even to simply go outside. Also, the oncologist suggested taking a very low dose pill to prevent any cancerous cells from multiplying. Ok, so we started that. We stopped the pills for a week to see if the pills are making him tired, but he didn't seem any different off them. Could Tex be needing leg support? I'm not sure what to do. Any thoughts out there or similar experiences?
Welcome and best wishes for Tex. Search these forums and you will find lots of topics with members discussing metronomics . We started Jerry on Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) when we discovered his lung metastasis. It is doubtful that the pills are causingTex's lethargy.
We highly recommend consulting with a certified canine rehab tech (CCRT or CCRP) to find out what's going on. You will also find lots of professional tips, how-to videos and information about the type and amount of exercise recommended for Tripawds in Loving Life On Three Legs , now in the Tripawds e-books library. You can work wonders with PROM exercises, stretching, balance work and core strengthening exercises ...keep in mind, walks do not build strength, only endurance.
For details about the benefits of orthotic braces for Tripawds, don't miss our Orthopets video interviews. Check the Tripawds News blog for all our orthopedic interviews and posts, or search all blogs here .
Hope this helps!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well hello Mr. Tex! Glad to know recovery has gone so well for you, with the exception of this little temporary bump in tne road!
You've gotten sooo many great links from Admin Guy. I think you'll find really great information on how to help Tex in there.
Assuming he's been checked out to make sure his front leg is "okay"(no knee issues, torn cartilage, ligaments, tiny fracture, etc) and he has no disc issues, it sounds like he's in need of a good rehab consult. A member's dog here was having issues with walking (more like not wanting to) and it apparently stemmed from back issues and him trying to compensate by adapting an "awkard" stance, which only exacerbated the issue with more pain and not wanting to get up.
What type of activity has he been doing up to this point? Just short walks? No jumping up and down off things? Or more crazy antics?
Consult with yiur vet of course, but I wonder if a little pain medicine would help while you're trying to figure out what's going on. Dealing with lain can definitely make him feel tired and not wanting to get up.
Update when you have a chance to review everything and let us know if any of this helps. Also, try a lot of gentle massage and very, very gentle stretching before he even tries to get up.
Give Tex a big hug for us. And we would LOVE to see pictures when you can!
Love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Thank you for all of the suggestions. Much appreciated!
As for activity, we go for short walks and he goes up and down stairs at home. We are up and down the stairs quite a bit, and Tex is always following, until lately. He jumps up and down from his favorite chair too, but it is not that high off the ground.
I will have to post a picture soon. He is my cutie. Thanks again!
Hi Tex and family...my Dobe Nitro also had a front amp - 15 months ago - and we determined he needed chiropractic adustments to help with his new gait. He was in a lot of pain from his back and lower neck being tight. Is this something you have access to? Otherwise others have benefited from accupunture as well. Good luck and I hope you figure it out.
Paula and 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
We could try that.
For now, we went to the vet and he seems to think he needs an anti-inflammatory medicine to see if that helps. If not, we will try the other options. I appreciate all the support and suggestions.
Glad you had a vet check him out. Tex, you have to take it slow and rest for awhile, okay,?
LOVE Tex's avatar picture! A very handsome boy!
Update when you can. We'll be sending healing energy!
Hugs,
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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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