Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My 5 year old Charlie has officially been a Tripawd since Aug 27, 2012 (although has functioned as a Tripawd since suffering from a FCE (fibrocartilaginous embolism, aka stroke of the spine) March 2012, and not regaining use of his left front leg) See his video here or Charlie's Blog
He also has a slight deficit in his left rear leg but has been getting around quite well as a Tripawd. We have been doing some serious weight management, and continue bi-weekly hydrotherapy.
Just the last week, he's become less active. He's eating and drinking just fine. He doesn't show any specific pain. He just doesn't seem himself. I honestly think he's depressed. The weather is changing and his siblings are out playing and enjoying the spring weather. I think he's tired of hopping around and not being able to keep up running and playing.
I read about Sam-e (Tripawds and Sam-e) and ordered some from Amazon. When I received it, I was interested to read that it also elevates moods (at least in humans) We haven't started giving it to him, but I'm interested whether anyone using this supplement has found it elevates a dogs mood. I have read that a dog's brain works similar to a human's and am hoping it might do the trick for Charlie.
Hey welcome back, it's good to hear from you guys even though Charley seems to be down, I'm sorry to hear about. I'm curious about how the SAM-e works for him. I know others have tried it here and their forum posts are in various places.
As for the signs of depression, keep in mind that a lot of times what looks like depression to humans is in reality a dog's way of masking illness of some sort. Remember that in the wild a dog will go and hide, they will separate him or herself from the pack, when s/he is feeling weak. This is a dogs way of hiding symptoms. Many dogs will do this in their own households too. So even if he isn't showing any outward signs of pain, perhaps it's a good idea to have him checked out by your vet to make sure there isn't anything internally going on (I hope not!). I really believe that if your instincts are telling you something isn't right, it's good to have a vet look him over and run some bloodwork just to be sure.
Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Good point Jerry! Funny, after I posted last night, Charlie was up playing with his squeaky toy and acting like his old self. He's due for his annual checkup soon. Maybe sooner if he continues to mope around.
I will definitely post how the Sam-e
works. He got his first dose today. I tried to search forums about Sam-e
, but I'm not great at negotiating around the Tripawds site. I'm lucky I figured how to post this 
Traction is still an issue for Charlie. I ended up getting area rugs for the ENTIRE house. He now can go anywhere he wants without problems. Now that the good weather is here, we like to enjoy our deck. Charlie doesn't do well on it without his PAWS boots. We just can't leave the boots on all the time, since they don't 'breathe'. If his slips/trips, I can definitely notice a change in his mood. I'm still searching for just the right thing to give him the traction he needs!!
Thanks for your post Jerry!! Hope all is well!!
Cathie
charliewarlie said
I tried to search forums about Sam-e , but I'm not great at negotiating around the Tripawds site...
Use the "Advanced Search" link under the Search box above to fine tune forum topic searches or search all blogs here.
We also wrote about Sam-e in the Tripawds Amazon blog. It was first recommended to us by Dr. Waldman at CARE, and we discuss it in the Supplements section of our new Tripawds rehab e-book.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Cathie, you are a darn pawesome pawrent I have to say. Thank you for all you do for Charlie to keep him healthy and injury-free. Please keep us posted on how he's doing. He's been through so much, I'm sure this isn't anything serious but do keep an eye on it and let us know what's going on when you can.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Sweet Charliewarlie and Cathie!
Glad to hear you're having a better day today! What, did you just want a little more spoiling and treats so you thought you'd pull the old, "I'm not feeling good" routine?
Cathie, so glad someone else admits they have a little trouble negotiating things around here:-) NOONE could be more computer dumb than I am!! And it clearly is a very simple site to use.....that's what makes me turn red with embarrassment!!
Which brings me to this......didn't I just see you posted tody under RECENT BLOGS?? I read it...I know I did! I went to click on video and it would'nt let me see it. Anyway, I had to get off site for awhile and when I went to find your Recent Blog (the little pictures and sentence of two on the right hand side of page). it was gone!!:-)
Anyway, just want to say what a cutie pie Charleywarley is and what a lucky boy to have you for a Mom!.
Perhaps you could put some indoor outdoor rugs on the deck for Charley?
You clearly are an excellent advocate for your Charley and can't wit to hear more good updates:-) 
Please don't "smarten up" on using this site....... I sure would enjoy the company:-)
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
benny55 said
......didn't I just see you posted tody under RECENT BLOGS?? (the little pictures and sentence of two on the right hand side of page).
FYI: You can see the most recent dozen posts from all Tripawds Blogs on the Store Page, and you can browse or search all recent posts in the Tripawds Blogs Directory.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh gosh after clicking n (it's a computer term:-) ) the Store" and "tripawd blog" another wonderful aspect of tripawd universe opened up!!
Sometimes I would read a "post/blog" and not have a chance to respond right away...and then when I'd come back it ...swish...disappeared:-) Can't hide anymore, I know where to find ya':-)
Thanks AGAIN admin. A real heartfelt HANK YOU:-)
Cathie, let me know if SAM-e elevates Charley's mood. If so, I'm gonna take a couple of doses every time I get on this "thing" (computer)!
Best wishes to ALL:-) Sally and Happy Hannah
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 all the comments. AND thanks to the Admin for tips on negotiating around the Tripawds site.
Charlie is feeling good. We've been doing the Sam-e for a couple days. I can't say I've noticed a difference yet with his mood. Charlie has a 'different' personality. He's a grumpy growler by nature. (even pre-FCE) Kind of an independent 'cat' type personality. But we love him just the same. I'm sure Sam-e won't change his personality, but I think it has many benefits to make sure he continues to feel good.
He's been getting some great home massages several times a day. I'm also thinking about taking him to the doggie Chiropractor. He still has some deficit in his left rear (same side as front amputation) and he tends to skip when he walks, and curves a bit to his amputation side. His physical therapist has been giving us tips for things to do at home, trying to keep his spine from curving. (sleeping over a small pillow on his amputation side - offering him treats, holding them at shoulder height along his 'good' non-amputation side, so he has to curve that direction) The only time he really seems 'in-sync' is when he's at a full run on level ground. I think a beach trip is in his future. He LOVES to run on the beach.
Sally & Happy Hannah - Thanks for the positive words. We live in a rainy climate and just built our huge deck. As soon as we get a covered area over the deck, we plan to put down some 'traction ' rugs for Charlie.
Charliewarlie & mom Cathie
Update: It's been about a month that Charlie has been on Sam-E
. I had to give it some time before I could really give an opinion. I believe it MAY be helping 'elevate' his mood. Possibly because it is supposed to help his joints as well?? I don't know. But whatever the reason, Charlie has been happy, active and playful!! Charlie is also on a supplement called YuMove (which can be purchased on Amazon.com) We did stop the supplements for a few days, because he was starting another prescription (an antibiotic.....due to a slight case of kennel cough from a short boarding stay. He is up to date on his bordatella, but I guess it's like a cold or flu.....many strains that the vaccine doesn't cover) Anyway, I wanted to make sure we didn't have any upset tummies, so I quit the supplements for a few days. I do believe I could tell he was doing much better (physically and emotionally) after starting the supplements again. I can't say for sure if it's the Sam-E
, or a combination of several things, but he's doing great. We still struggle with his left rear leg (which never fully recovered after his FCE) It's hard to work on strengthening and coordination of his rear legs, without putting too much strain on his sole front leg. I just discovered a good exercise that I hope will help. We have started to work on 'dancing'. With treats I can coax him up (he balances on me) and then I take his remaining front paw and help him walk back and forth. It seems to help, without putting any extra strain on his front limb Life is good!! Tomorrow we do hydrotherapy. He loves going, and LOVES his Therapist!!
Cathie,
This is such great news, thank you for the update. I'm glad to hear Charlie is doing better. He's had such a ruff go of things with the FCE and all, it's wonderful the SAM-E is helping. I asked in your other topic but i'll ask it here too for reference: what is the dose he's getting? And what does he weigh? I know others will be interested.
Here is a blog post we wrote about SAM-e last year:
SAM-e Helps Alleviate Joint Pain in Cats, Dogs
And speaking of being interested, we would LOVE to see a video of your therapy dance!
You really are an awesome pawrent, I give you 3-paws up for all of your dedication to helping him get back up and loving life again.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Catnie and Charlie, 'bout time you got back here and gave us an update!!! But it sounds like you've been busy just being HAPPY!!
So glad thing are better!
And Carlie doing is little dance? Oh yeah, we've got to see a video of that!!
Cathie, YOU are doing such a great job caring for your boy! Isn't it amazing what a lot of love can do? Your Charlie is a special boy with a whole lot of spunk and can-do attitude! His personality surely has helped him overcome all his challenges so brilliantly:-)
And the crowd roars MORE PHOTOS!!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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 wonderful comments! I will try to get some video and pics soon (probably post on Charlie's blog) Today at Hydrotherapy, Charlie's therapist gave us some other ideas for helping to strengthen his left rear leg. Charlie loved his outing. It's about an hour drive each way, and he loves car rides!!
Jerry - Charlie is 20lbs and takes 200mg daily (in the morning on an empty stomach)
Charlie is pooped after his workout today 
and will have sweet doggie dreams!!
Thanks again to all for your support and kind words.
Cathie & Charlie
Thanks Cathie, we look forward to the videos when you're able to!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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