Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Has anyone else seen this?
Riley had her front, right leg amputated 3.5 weeks ago. Now, when she stands her back legs shake- almost like shivering when you're cold (but she's not because it's 90 degrees here).
Is this just her back legs are strong enough and struggling to carry the load that the front legs used to or something else?
beesmom said
Is this just her back legs are strong enough...
Most likely, it is still relatively early after her amputation and she must rebuild strength in that leg to compensate. What kind of exercise is Riley getting and how often?
Be sure to focus on some strength building exercises, balance work and core conditioning. FYI: Walks don't build strength, only endurance, and dogs will run themselves ragged before pooping out. For plenty of professional tips, how to videos, and helpful information about the type and amount of exercise recommended for Tripawds, consider downloading Loving Life On Three Legs , now in the Tripawds e-books library.
We also strongly suggest consulting with a certified rehab vet tech (CCRP or CCRT ) to develop a regimen and identify any specific issues.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Rosco's back legs do this too. He's 9 weeks post amp. Is Riley small? Rosco is about 17lbs and I think it has a lot to do with not having the muscle mass/strength built up to balance right. Kinda like when a person first starts to do yoga. It's hard to even stand on one leg b/c you don't have the core strength to balance. I have the book admin is talking about and I highly suggest it. We're going to use some of the suggestions in there once Rosco gets a little stronger and puts on more weight (he has other issues with muscle wasting).
Sorry I didn't have much advice but just wanted you to know that it isn't just Riley!
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Need more information.
1. When did the shaking start? How long can Riley walk before the shaking starts?
2. Has Riley lost weight since the amputation? Riley should be less than 8 lbs.
3. What does you vet say?
I'm concerned that this an injury. Riley was not using the leg prior to amputation and was quite fit.
Riley walks very, very little. Thursday will be one month post-op. Her legs shake only when she stands still. She walks maybe 100 feet or so 5-6 times per day. She is mostly lounging in bed.
We have not (and were not advised of) any strength building exercises. I will take a look into the book and see what we can do.
Riley has lost weight since the amputation. She was 8.5 (9 pounds pre injury) pre-amp and she is 8 now. She really can't lose any more weight. Her spine is showing (and her ribs would be really showing if the fur didn't cover them). She is a Chihuahua mix but she's tall. For her, 8 pounds is the least I'm willing to have her at.
I don't think we have a rehab vet in our area. I'll look into it. We do live in "the city" but it's smallish so we don't have a lot of the more specialized stuff available (Tallahassee, FL).
ohmynixon said
Need more information.1. When did the shaking start? How long can Riley walk before the shaking starts?
2. Has Riley lost weight since the amputation? Riley should be less than 8 lbs.
3. What does you vet say?
I'm concerned that this an injury. Riley was not using the leg prior to amputation and was quite fit.
I answered the other questions in my last post. The vet who did the surgery is 4ish hours away from us. I have been conversing with her via phone re: Riley's status. I was planning to ask her about this when I talk to her tonight. Riley can get off of the bed without any assistance from us (she does use a ramp) and she can go in/out of the dog door on her own.
I don't think it's an injury. When she does walk (hop), she looks fine. No lameness or limping in any of her legs. There is no swelling in any of her legs/paws and she lets me touch and lightly squeeze all of them without pulling away or crying or really any reaction at all.
ETA: I have posted tons of pictures of Riley in our thread in Presentation and Diagnosis called "Making the Decision." I don't think that she needs to (or can really) lose any weight at this time.
beesmom said
I don't think we have a rehab vet in our area...
Find a CCRP or CCRT near you at http://www.cani.....apist.html
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
admin said
beesmom said
I don't think we have a rehab vet in our area...Find a CCRP or CCRT near you at http://www.cani.....apist.html
Thank you! Checking now.
ETA: Wow, I'm surprised! We have not only one but two! I will look into maybe getting her some help through one of them.
could be muscle spasm my Lakeland every few months does this and he has lost his front right as well, think it may be some type of muscle imbalance....usually rimidil works + heat pack
Hi Keith,
Thanks for joining! We look forward to hearing about Lakeland, feel free to start a new topic so we can follow along with your journey.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So, things took a turn for the worse with Riley last night. After dinner, my husband took her out for potties and she collapsed- like her back legs couldn't support her.
He brought her back in and put her on the rug in our living room and she was able to sit herself up on her butt. We could see her trying to stand but she could not move.
We took her to the emergency vet. Upon examination, the vet was unable to "feel" anything wrong with her bones and Riley stills has full circulation and feeling in the legs and tail. She was running a slight temperature. We did a CBC and it showed that Riley is slightly anemic (she wasn't when they pulled blood for her pre-op) but there were no signs of infection.
During her physical exam, Riley was "knuckling" basically attempting to stand on the wrong side of her foot (like where the fur is instead of where her paw pads are). The vet said that this should be automatically corrected by her brain. The vet then said basically that her legs are not getting the message that her brain is sending. She thought that Riley had maybe "tweaked" something during the re-learning to function process after the amputation.
Riley is now on crate rest and Prednisone. We go back tomorrow if there's not any improvement.
Thanks for the update. Please keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The steroids seem to be helping her. I was awoken at 5:30 this morning by a Riley who had escaped her crate and was standing on her back legs kissing me to wake me up to cuddle her. We're still keeping her in the crate but she can stand herself up now and is walking to/from her potty breaks.
Glad to hear that Riley is doing better.
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Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Oh gosh! That's great news! 
Come on Riley! We are all cheering for you preciois!! Letsw get over this hurdles and continue on healing and beingnyiur feisty little self! And fatten up some kiddo!!
Keep updating is!
Lots of 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!
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