Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi,
Wondering if anyone has had their pup develop arthritis in their front leg/elbow on the side where the rear leg was amputated? If so, would appreciate any thoughts on how you kept your dog comfortable, activities such as gentle swimming, under water treadmill, chiropractor, acupuncture, and meds (NSAID)...prognosis, outcome...anything please...Thank you!
Hi JW! It's good to see you here. How are you doing these days? Did you see Elly's post about all the fun she's having with nose work? As another noser I figured you'd get a kick out of watching her.
To answer your question: yeah it's pretty common for arthritis to happen to Tripawds. You mom is on the right track with the types of activities that help ease the joint pain. We always recommend a consult with a canine rehab therapist before embarking on any activities though, just to make sure you'll be doing the ones that can best help you. They can tell you which medications and supplements are helpful, and which activities to pursue first (for example, open water swimming should only be tried after the dog is in better shape than when he started a rehab program). And the best part is, the Tripawds Foundation may even pay for your first rehab visit ! Check out the link for details.
Here's a post about Wyatt's rehab consult he had last summer. It's helped us tremendously to know the proper way to exercise him now that he's nine years old:
Wyatt’s Time for Tripawd Rehab Therapy at Colorado State, Part 1
Tripawd Rehab Therapy Exercises for Wyatt, Part II
Also, check out this interview with the rehab team at Texas A&M:
Texas A&M Vet Rehab Tips for Tripawd Dogs
Generally speaking, most people find that acupuncture, massage and chiro makes a huge difference in the quality of life for their Tripawd. But again, a canine rehab therapist can help determine the best route to take for you.
We hope this helps. Let us know how you're doing!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Jana!
I hope you got the email I sent on Elly's NW adventures.
Elly is only 3 so we are not dealing with arthritis (yet!) and first Tripawd Maggie's was very mild by the time she passed- and seriously- she was a pug! After about age 7 her most strenuous activities involved power napping.
Quad Pug Tani was Mag's little sis and was diagnosed with arthritis at age 6, she had it in her back and all four legs. Tani was pretty wild and energetic for a pug- she was hard on her body. We immediately started with joint supplements and over the years we added anti-inflammatories, pain meds and eventually injections. We did chiropractic treatments with her as well. I was skeptical that chiropractic could help with arthritis but it really did! We also got Maggie's old stroller out of storage and taught Tani that riding was a good thing, although it took several months to convince her. I usually gave her a ride over hard surfaces and then let her out at the park.
I was lucky with Tani that she got great relief from each step of medications. There was clear improvement in her comfort after we started each thing (joint supplement, rimadyl, gabapentin, then adequan). And she tolerated the rimadyl for years without adverse affects. When she was between 12 and 13 I was at the point of having to make 'the decision' she was just so uncomfortable. That is when we tried adequan injections- it was magic for her. I learned how to give the injections and did them at home. We got a couple more years and when she passed at almost 15 it was not due to the arthritis.
I hope John Wayne is otherwise well!
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hi there, my front amp Meg has arthritis in her remaining front leg, in the elbow, which also has dysplasia and also in her foot. She had moderate arthritis pre amputation and is now two years post amputation. My quadpawd Elsie also had arthritis in both elbows and both knees.
Meg does very well and has a great quality of life, despite the arthritis. She takes metacam daily, and has done for years, as well as Dasuquin and a high quality fish oil supplement. She also takes green lipped muscle extract and eats a special food aimed at joint support and maintaining a low body weight (it’s made by Royal Canin).
Meg sees a rehab vet about once a month for acupuncture and laser, both of which help her greatly. In addition, we do physio exercises at home (for core strength and flexibility) every other day. She loves to swim and swims daily.
I have not tried Adequan (though I would if I could) as this is not licensed for use in dogs in the UK.
Hope some of this is useful.
Meg, Clare and Angel Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Also, just a question, when you say that John Wayne has developed arthritis, are there clinical signs, limping etc, or was this just from an X-ray? How is he managing at the moment? Is he affected by the weather? Meg is noticeably worse in damp weather and we exercise less when it’s damp. I also use a stroller.
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Thank you so much for sharing your information. I knew that Adavan is not licensed in the UK so far...hoping it reaches your country as it has had some wonderful effects here. Will keep you posted, following our eval later today. Have not had an x-ray nor any other clinical procedure other than physical evaluations by massage therapist/conditioning class instructor, chiropractor, and me. So...we have a game plan for treatment to get in order and under way. Thanks again for your help!
Something else worth mentioning: Antinol. It's green-lipped mussel joint support and I'm hearing great things about it from Texas vet surgeon Dr. Brian Beale. He's actually doing a clinical trial and looking for participants. Private message and I can connect you with the details.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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