Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hey all, just a quick question. As previously stated, our Hobbes had his right rear leg amputated about a week and a half ago.
Since then, I have noticed that he tends to keep his left rear leg up under him more than he did (with 4 legs). I know there is some "adjustment" he needs to make with one less leg, but this is causing his spine to hump up a little.
I "trolled" the forums looking for something similar being discussed, didn't see anything. He is still on post op drugs (gabapentine and tramadol), for the time being. And, he is getting his fur back on his stump.
If this is way it's going to be, that is fine. We just want to make sure there isn't going to be long term negative effects for him. Will his back "straighten" out once he is off the drugs and has had more time to adjust? Are we just being overly concerned?
Thanks in advance,
Ted
Hey Ted and Hobbes! Loving that avatar picture!!!
And...ta..dum...speaking of pictures, do you think you could get a good pic or video of what he's doing? And how about poctures in general of this sweet boy?!
I'm no vet, but it sounds like its just his way of temporarily figuring things out. He could also feel a bit uncomfortable still and it kind of hunched from a bit of pain. I di know that vets say it takes about two weeks to recover from surgery and about a month for mobility issues to be worked out...muscle, joint adjustment, balance, etc.
And yeah, this journey will makenyou BEYOND "overly concerned"! We all become constant worry warts if there is so much as a hiccup!!
.aybe others will jave more insight.
Reallynglad ronhear he is doing so well. And it only gets better snd better!
Hugs to all!
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!
I think I recently read of another dog hunching and Sally may be right that it was a fairly new amputation and it was likely from pain. Someone else might chime in if it was their dog.
I imagine that Hobbes still has the stitches in? If so you can check with the vet then or I'd even phone the vet to ask if the pain meds needs to be adjusted.
I believe both cats and dogs start finding new ways to use their body after the amputation. It takes a little while and a few mishaps while they adjust. A month after her amputation I took my cat Mona to a vet chiropractor for a session and also learned some strengthening exercises and massages. Even 9 months after her amputation I still see Mona adapting and moving in different ways.
Overtime you might want to search this site for rehab/strengthening exercises to avoid long term problems.
Kerren and Tripawd Mona
Hi Ted!
Boy I just love that Hobbes!
Tripawds compensate and balance by putting their remaining limb toward the center of their bodies, hence the term "tripawd". Whether front or rear leg Tripawd, that leg will always move inward and it does create a curve in the spine. For rear leggers that curve tends to be more pronounced.
Yes, it can lead to arthritis and joint stress in later years, it's like a human walking with a limp. You know how when you limp for too long you end up with back pain because your spine is all out of whack? Well this is why we are so repetitive about letting people know they need to manage their Tripawd's activity level. I encourage you if you haven't already to check out our Tripawds book "Loving Life On Three Legs ," which talks more about the physical needs of a Tripawd and how to manage them for an injury free life.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hmm, I thought I had posted a reply already . . .
Anywho, Thanks Sally Kerren and Jerry! I will head over to that link here in a minute.
I will be sure to talk to the Vet on Tuesday when he goes in for a checkup (and get his staples out). Luckily, or unfortunately, he has a lot of experience in amputations (both due to cancer and hit by a car) and the follow up care. I will also discuss his meds and continuing supplements.
This whole "issue" came about because my wife noticed while I was looking in the forums. After the fentanyl patch incident and his inability to use his leg, perhaps we will be watching a little extra closely? I guess it is like the commercials you see about first kids, where all kinds of precautions are taken. By kid #3 or 4, it is kind of anything goes. Since he is our first tripawd, I would imagine we will be extra vigilant!
Thanks again!!
Ted
Hey Ted let us know what the vet says. We're always looking for vets to interview so if they ever want to hop on board and share some knowledge with us I'd love to interview him/her.
Better to error on the side of caution for a Tripawd. You don't have to bubblewrap them, just be more aware than usual. You're doing great!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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