Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Lexie (8-1/2 yrs) lost her front right leg to osteosarcoma in June. As of 10 days ago no new tumors and her blood work is normal. Unfortunately she's developed severe arthritis. She whimpers the entire time we have her up to go to the bathroom. Rarely does she move from where she lays in the house. We started weekly adequan shots 2 weeks ago and administer Rimadyl twice a day for pain. What else can we do??? We can't let her continue to suffer. It's killing us.
Awww, sweet Lexie. You might want to try acupuncture through an integrative / holistic vet. Rehab vets or physiotherapists could also help.
I learned how to do massage for my kitty and she also had chiropractic treatments. You might find if hot or cold compresses will help. Rehab vets can help with this.
I have arthritis in various joints and the only thing that helps is cold packs. I also bought the Farabloc (not only for phantom limb pain) and I think it helps.
Hope Lexie (and you) get some relief soon.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
My quad-pug Tani had terrible arthritis in her back and all four legs, it was first diagnosed at 6 years old.
We started with supplements and ramped up over the years to include prescription meds.
If I remember for Tani once we started the loading phase of adequan (once weekly shot for four weeks, then monthly for maintanence) it was about week three that we saw improvement.
Based on what you posted you have room for more meds and supplements.
Here is what Tani was on:
Fish oil, twice daily in meals
glucosamine, max dose for her size, one time a day
rimadyl, max dose for her size, 2 times a day with meals (note- this is an anti-inflammatory med, it does provide some pain relief but there are stronger pain meds)
gabapentin, a pain med, 2 times a day with meals
adequan injections, after loading phase 1 time a month at first, increased to every two weeks.
With all those meds regular blood work was important.
I also found that chiropractic treatments really helped Tani. You might also try acupuncture. And the amount of exercise Tani got was important for her mobility. She tended to over-do so I found I had to regulate her activity so she wouldn't get so sore.
I hope you find a good balance for Lexie.
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
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