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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Falling??? Help!
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Member Since:
7 April 2015
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15 April 2017 - 10:16 am
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Valentine is starting to fall on her remaining front leg.  She is also pausing around some of her ordinary daily habits like hopping 3 inches up onto her dog bed or 6 inches up onto our bed which sits on the floor.  Till now she has never had a problem with these tasks, she is also tentative when hopping up or down the stairs to go outside.  She is two+ years post-amp and has done so well, till now. She was 10 years old on Valentine's Day, her name-day. Also her leg seems to swivel inwards and her wrist looks like it is stretching and collapsing.  We have a thera-paw wrist support brace which we hope helps and a harness which we use to help her when needed. She sees a chiropractor and acupuncturist regularly. Her weight is good.  We tried a local physical therapist a while back but it didn't work out so we stopped.  She has had a fantastic post-amp quality of life, she patrols and guards the yard and herds our other dog, a husky.  We are wondering whether she hurt herself somehow or her front leg is just wearing down.  We have a regular vet appointment scheduled for Tuesday.  We are thinking it might be time to start adequan shots or steroid shots.  Please share any suggestions you have for us.  Thank you for your comments.

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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15 April 2017 - 10:34 am
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I see Clare (Meg's mom) is in here right now. I think she will really have some good insight since she experienced something similar with Meg...I think.

So I'm going to come back after I read her response. But yes, it's most likely time right now for some hard core rest for several days, maybe some Rimadyl, as well as the Adequan, etc.

Do you have access to any other Rehab Specialist?? There is a link on here a techie will have to give you, but a Dr Debbie Gross does do long distance consults with video.

And hey! CONGRATULATIONS TO VALENTINE FOR A TWO YEAR AMPUVERSARY AND A TENTH BIRTHDAY!!! 🙂 Keep 'em coming! 🙂

Love

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!

London, UK


Member Since:
15 December 2015
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15 April 2017 - 10:35 am
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I'm sorry to hear that Valentine is having these problems; I know how stressful and worrying it is to see a change and not know what is causing it. I too wonder if she's injured herself. How long has she been struggling? Did it start suddenly, or did it seem a more gradual decline in function?

My Meg experienced something similar, at about six months post amp. In her case she'd pulled a muscle behind her shoulder blade. This was diagnosed by her rehab vet. Strict rest and Metacam sorted her out and she hasn't had any problems since. You can see more details on this thread, including everyone's suggestions. 

It's obviously good that you're seeing her regular vet on Tuesday. They may well have some ideas. Do you see a rehab vet for the acupuncture etc.? If not, it might be helpful, as they have so much experience in dealing with this sort of thing. They would also be able to advise re the adequan, once you've established what the problem is. We haven't used that as it's not licensed here, but I know others have, so stay tuned.

Sending all best to you and Valentine. She sounds like a rare old character. I love the fact she herds your husky!

Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 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 Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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15 April 2017 - 11:06 am
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Is it possible for now to carry her up and down the stairs for now, or, at the very least, a harness??

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!

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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15 April 2017 - 12:56 pm
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My big question is the same as Clare's: did it happen suddenly or has it been a gradual decline?

A sudden on-set would make me think acute injury, a gradual decline could mean arthritis or a 'wear and tear' injury to the leg or shoulder- it could even be her back.

Do you do any core strength exercises with her? Any stretching? Hopefully your vet can provide some insight as to weather its an injury or a long term issue. 

There are lots of supplements and meds you can try before you go to injections or steroids.  My quad pug Tani had bad arthritis in her back and all four legs, she was diagnosed at 6 years old.  We started joint supplements then and over the years gradually added anti-inflamatory meds, then pain meds and finally adequan injections. 

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

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Member Since:
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16 April 2017 - 3:56 pm
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Thank you everyone for your comments, questions and suggestions.

She has been doing a little better over the past few days but we have been guarding her very carefully.  She has not fallen again but her gait is not as steady as we would like.  

Some of you asked whether this was a sudden onset (injury) or had been coming on over time.  We are not sure.  We think she may have injured herself back in the fall chasing squirrels in the yard, but chiropractor and acupuncture treatments and her guarding and regulating herself had seemed to help.

We have some core strengthening exercises that we learned from her rehab visits and we have done them on and off with her.  

We have a appt. with her vet on Tuesday so it will be interesting to see what she says.   For now, our panic has receded.

Thank you again. 

Virginia







Member Since:
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16 April 2017 - 4:14 pm
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We love to hear when panic recedes around here!!! The ebb and flow of panic can be scary sometimes!!

Keep us posted AND update when you can!!! Sounds like some more R&R will help. The fact that you see immprovement is good!

Higs!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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17 April 2017 - 3:42 pm
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Oh wow I hope everything is better with Valentine. I'm just now catching up on what's going on. Sorry the first therapist didn't work out. Are any others near you? Try searching the Canine Rehab Institute Directory.

Also, you may want to see Domino's recent posts about a similar carpal joint issue. I believe he's recovered thanks to his rehab sessions.

Please keep us posted about the vet visit and her progress. We're all cheering you on!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

On The Road


Member Since:
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17 April 2017 - 7:48 pm
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Don't miss this recent Tripawds News blog post filled with helpful tips...

Try These Simple Starter Exercises to Help Tripawds Get Strong

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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