Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My German Shepard Mix, Stella, was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in mid may, and got her front leg amputation late may. She recovered really well and was running around like normal again until just the other day. Then, she suddenly started limping, her back legs seem like they are in pain and she won't roll on to her back. Her abdominal muscles also seem really tight. She is still eating fine, but seems to be in pain when she moves...any input would be appreciated.
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I'm sorry Stella is having problems, but great that she has done well so far!
Did she fall or slip? Did she overdo one day? It doesn't take much for a Tripawd to tweak a remaining leg or their back. Have you discussed with your vet? Since she is in pain when she moves then a check up at the vet might be in order. Some pain meds or NSAIDs might help her feel better.
Do you have access to a rehab vet? If everything checks out at your regular vet then this might be a good time to have her evaluated by a pro who could help with the injury and help you get her back to health and on a good exercise program. Tripawds may even reimburse you for your first visit!
Here are some Blog Posts on Rehab Exercises and Stretches
Here are some Blog Posts on Massage for Tripawds
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
Stella sounds like she's been enjoying life as a tripawd, even though she has a little hurdle to overcome now.
Ditto every thing Karen and her observations and questions.
Massage up and down her spine down to her rump, neck and shoulder. Does she show any tense areas? It's certainly possible she has tweaked her back, or a disc issue, or something like that.
As Karen said, a Vet or Rehab Specialist can help digure out what's going on. For now complete and total rest, and, with a Vet's guidance, maybe some pain meds and an anti-inflammatory. Only, of course, under a Vet's direction.
Keep is posted, okay? We'll be cheering for sweet Stella.
Hugs
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!
Ditto x2, I would try to think back to see what her activity has been like. Oftentimes our dogs just go go go until we see that they're having problems. I agree that a consult with a rehab specialist would be good at this point. And the best part is that the Tripawds Foundation may even pay for your first rehab visit .
For now, let your vet know what's going on, make sure she takes it easy and gets lots of R&R. Learning what's safe activity for a Tripawd takes time, but you'll get there! You may want to check out our e-book, Loving Life On Three Legs for lots of insight into keeping a Tripawd injury-free and healthy.
Do post some photos of Stella! Here are instructions for adding images , we can't wait to see her. Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You should let her check because Osteosarcoma may spread to the other parts of her body...
Update: We went to the vet and they took X-ray's of her lungs and her rear legs, they said that they couldn't see any visible signs of metastasized cancer. Great news. Bad news, they have no idea what the problem is...she has progressed to the point where her rear legs are hardly working at all and she can't move. Any time she attempts to stand she falls over, and she can hardly go to the bathroom because of it.
I have to carry her up and down 3 flights of stairs to take her out, and when we get down she just tips over in the grass. I don't know if it's a Tripawd thing, a cancer thing, or something entirely different...
What plan of action is the Vet taking? Did they xray her spine or suggest disc issues as a possibility? Steroids , or anti-inflammatory.....any suggestions at all? Any pain meds?
One thing that comes to mind is basically a vertigo situation. There's actually a name for it that can't recall. A long shot, but something to check out.
Any bloodwork done? Eating and drinking okay?
We're big on second opinions around here. Can you check into doing that?
Glad to hear that her xrays were looking good! YAY!
Hugs
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!
That's the big issue, I am taking her to another vet soon, because there's no plan of action from the vet. Just gave us Tremedol and Previcox to deal with any pain.
She is eating and drinking fine, and is in great spirits, but she's not able to move.
I am getting the X-ray's emailed to me so I can see if they got any of her spine and then I am sending them to a different doctor to get a second opinion.
Good for you for being so proactive!!!!
I'm glad to hear they did give her a pain med and Pervicox.....and I' m really glad you're getting a second opinion.
To hear she's eating and drinking is really good news! And to know she's in good spirits is a great sign too!!
Keep is posted . You WILL get this figured out!! If it is some sort of back tweak, it may be that a good steroid injection will help.
Cheering for her!!
Hugs
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!
thaliadaniels said
You should let her check because Osteosarcoma may spread to the other parts of her body...
Yes, this is possible, and we've seen it here, but overall the vast majority of times pain signals indicate other fixable issues like muscle pulls or joint aches. Yay! 🙂
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm in the Tripawds chat right now if you want to talk. I have some ideas.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
zanovitch17 said
That's the big issue, I am taking her to another vet soon, because there's no plan of action from the vet. Just gave us Tremedol and Previcox to deal with any pain.She is eating and drinking fine, and is in great spirits, but she's not able to move.
I am getting the X-ray's emailed to me so I can see if they got any of her spine and then I am sending them to a different doctor to get a second opinion.
I'm sorry that she's not feeling better, but great job being an advocate for her. This article will help get you ready for the other opinion:
How to Request Veterinary Medical Records in Three Easy Steps
Instead of another general practice vet, if at all possible I would get in touch with a pain management specialist. The IVAPM directory can help you find one near you, and I"m happy to help as well if you want to PM me your location.
In the meantime, you may want to try heat and ice therapy.
Heat and Ice Therapy Tips for Tripawd Cats and Dogs
As mom to Wyatt Ray , I can tell you that German Shepherds are pretty tough dawgs! I have no doubt that you and Stella can get this figured out so she can start feeling good again. Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all so much. Having this community has been the most amazing thing for my girlfriend and myself. This has been so difficult, and having this support system has made a world of difference. You are all amazing people, so much love to all of you.
I will keep everyone posted with any updates or anything we find out in the next few days.
Shepherds are prone to something called lumbosacral stenosis which is a narrowing of the lumbar spine and pinched nerves resulting gradual paralysis of the hindquarters. This came on suddenly so it appears to be something else like a pinched nerve, but from personal experience with our angel Jake, lumbar spine issues can be devastating.
Another vet visit tonight after I discovered a tick on her! The vet did blood work and found that she had Ehrlichiosis from the tick and that was leading to her loosing muscular control in her back legs. She is on antibiotics now, and they is now under careful watch for the next 12 to 48 hours to see if she can start getting mobility back. Hopefully that will be the end of it!
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