Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Good morning Jerry.
I need some help please. My legs really hurt, especially my back leg ankles. Sometimes they hurt so bad I do not want to get up. Can you help recommend any supports my mom can look at for me. All 3 of my ankles really hurt.
Thank you Jerry!
Koda Bear
While you're waiting for Jerry's reply....just a few questions.
▪︎Has Koda been able to get up on his own at all since amputation? Has his mob been getting progressively worse?
▪︎What pain meds is he on?
▪︎Any swelling?
▪︎To what degree has he been assessed by the Vet.as far as .pinpointing the . cause and identifying solutions ? Spine issues?
▪︎Can't remember if you were able to set up an appointment with a Rehabilitation Specialist. They are truly experts in identifying issues that sometimes Vets may miss. The Rehab is the best source to determine if a leg.brace will even help at all. Plis, of they can be useful, they mist be properly fitted,
▪︎A real long shot FWIW, is it at all possible the chemo injection given at time of amputation (?) could possibly be causing leg weaknrprss and swelling in the leg that fot the injection?
I guess this is a long winded FWIW way of saying the soreness and weakness and struggles for mobility really, really needed to be investigated further!
Unless there was some severe arthritis that was undetectable prior to amputation, and then became noticeable after surgery, his legs just should not be hurting like this.
You're doing such a good job of caring for Koda.Others will chime jn. Keep is updated, okay?
Stand by! Jerry will chime in.👌
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!
Hi Koda, sorry to hear you aren't feeling 100%. I'm with Sally on her questions about your situation. It's vital to look into the reasons for your weakness before investigating any kind of brace, so you can address the root cause of your pain. Have you talked to your vet about it?
For now, take it easy and get lots of rest. I know you want to go out and get back to all your old favorite things, but it sounds like you may need to scale back a bit until your vet figures out what's going on.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi All, Just got home from Koda Bear’s Oncologist. Sorry for the lateness in my response. Koda is exhausted so I have to write for him.
Let me see if I can get all the questions above. Koda’s mobility is baby steps forward with sometimes a little backwards. He can get up on his own but is afraid to because the supposed pain that we believe may be in his ankle areas of all 3 legs. Pain meds were Metacam, Gabapentin which did nothing for him. I forced Koda to get up just to go potty and when he got up he would hurry so he would not be on his feet then run back into his bed. On top of that we suspected a UTI because of his straining to urinate. The test results were negative. The other oddity is when Koda would stand, he would instantly become enlarged and the crying would worsen. No infections noted for him. Koda has no swelling of his legs but when he does you can see his legs vibrate/straining to stand.
We are also suspecting a confidence issue may be developing because of his alleged fear in walking.
We had numerous x-rays checking for any signs of arthritis showing no signs.
They are still checking his values so they can establish the frequency of chemo. His values are in line what they are expecting after his first treatment same day as surgery.
The visit with his oncologist today believes Koda may be experiencing phantom pain ; almost 3 weeks since his surgery. She prescribed Amitrpyline, 1 to 1 1/2 every 12 hrs.
Koda is extremely stoic, so for him to cry or yelp in pain I know he hurts.
I hope I covered all of the questions and thank you!
Catherine
Hi Catherine this isn’t lame at all.
So it’s good that your oncologist is aware of the symptoms. I’m not sure what the Amitryptaline will do for pain since it’s an anti anxiety drug. I’ve don’t recall it being given for phantom pain (Amantadine, yes) and honestly what you are describing doesn’t sound like phantom pain to me. Usually it involves sudden, sharp surprising yelps and obsession with the stump.
I know you said the Gabapentin didn’t do anything but was the dosage adjusted at all?
Oftentimes pain management is often a miltipronged approach that involves hands on therapy like acupuncture and massage. Koda could be having general post operative weakness that can be addressed with the right type of exercise program and pain control. Please consider having him evaluated by a pain specialist/rehab therapist so you can get to the bottom of this. I know you must be so frustrated with the situation and adding another vet into your life is probably not what you want to do, but I think you will find clearer answers from a pain specialist. I can help you find one if you’d like.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yeah, "something " is going on undetected and untreated. I really, really hope you consider a second opinion as Jerry suggested!!!
Additionally Koda is straining to urinate and a UTI has been ruled out. Again, "something" is going on.
I know it's hard not to feel defeated. It just seems the focus of his Vets needs a new direction. That's why a second opinion with a new set of eyes is crucial right now amd asap. Although fear of pain can shake his conf, this is more than a "confidence issue".
We're all cheering for sweet Koda and look forward to hearing if you are able to get a second opinion. Hang in there!
(((((((((((((((((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!
Hi everyone. Mom is making breakfast. She wanted to go walking in the woods outside today and I couldn’t let her go by herself. She might get into trouble. We were in the woods about 15 minutes and my little sister is VERY BAD. I had to rest sometimes, but the woods smelled really great and I liked the soft ground under my feet. I didn’t cry as much today and can pee better (I had to pee on my sister’s pee, you know) but now I’m tired. I am eating much better and don’t even need wet food any more. Mom says I have an appointment at the end of March to start rehab. That’s the soonest we can go. I love rehab and can’t wait to meet new people that give me treats and rubs. We went to the vet yesterday and I got another vaccine shot and the vet looked at my ankles. I used to cry when I stood up to walk and when I went out to go potty but I am not crying as much now. I cry (maybe in frustration) when I watch my sister play. She is having so much fun and I want to play too but I feel weird. The vet gave me new medicine (amitriptyline) that made me pant and a little wide-eyed so I had a hard time falling asleep.
Mom is stressed out and worried about me. But she feels better after looking at the screen and reading what you nice people say. Thank you for taking care of her. I am too tired to do it by myself right now. 🐻
Love and slobber,
Koda
I'm glad you got to enjoy some time out in the woods. I know it did uou a lot of good on so many levels. I'm soooo glad your Mommjas. Rehab appt set up. Hopefully she can get you in sooner by asking they put you on call of there is a cancellation.
Now, for your Mom. We understand your frustration and concerns. Beleve me, we have them too. We can only go by what you describe.. We cant say this enough...Koda needs a second opinion!!!!
If you are conveying everything to the Vet you are conveying to us and you are getting no answers and they are continuing with the vaccine without addressing these issue.....grrr!
Amitriptyline for dogs. You need to google. It's for behavioral issues, an anti depression and,of I read it right, can be used for urinating issues. Your Vet has already treated Koda for a UTI which test later showed he didn't even have! And based on Koda's reaction, it doesn't seem to be having a pawsitive effect...quite a negative impact. You described to the Vet all the ways Koda is having mobility issues, clearly is in pain, the Vet "looked" at his ankles and prescribed a drug for "behavioral" issues????
I am certainly not a Vet! We can only go by what you have described, and what we see here as "normal" and what is outside of the "norm". Thus, I am suggesting as strongly as I can, a second opinion asap. I know the Rehab app will be inv, but this needs to be addressed sooner than that appointment.
As I finish typing this, I realize I may have expressed my "suggestions" a little too strongly. It is not my nature! Promise! I certainly apologize if I have come across any opway other than coming from a place of care and concern and compassion for you and Koda..💖💖💖
And glad to hear Koda is eating better! Great news!
((((((((Hugs))))))
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!
Hey Koda, I know it's hard to hold back when you just want to play with your young sissy. Take it easy though OK? Even a 15 minute walk can be really hard on your body when there is something going on. As an example, our Wyatt was limited to 2-3 15 minute walks a day, tops, when he was in his prime, and super fit. If there's any way your mom can get a dog stroller right now, that could help you go out there with your sis but not put too much stress on your body.
Yeah I'm curious about what the vet said about your pain signals . I'm SOOOOO hoppy you have a rehab appointment! YAY! Be sure to let the clinic know you'd like to be on the cancellation list, just in case you can get in earlier.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
And how is Mr Adorable doing today??
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!
Koda, for the first time, greeted me as I came into the house. His nub was just a wiggling, he drank some water all by himself while standing and we went for a little walk in the woods for about 5 minutes. There is definitely a confidence issue going on, I believe because he wanted on the couch but laid in his bed crying and grumbling until I moved his little sister. He gives no indication of his intentions regardless of familiar terms used. I am very tired and trying not to let my emotions known but he does. 🥺
Together, we are all moving forward in baby step fashion.
Thank you so very much for the continued support.
Catherine and Koda Bear
YAY FOR KODA!!👏👏 Thrilled to hear he greeted you with his nub wiggling!!!! I know this made you over the moon happy!!😁😁
And he drank water all by his big boy self! YAY!!👏
Haha...he did not like seeing his sister on HIS couch! Good to see another sign his sparkle is com back👍
Every little step forward is a HUGE victory!!! Thanks so much for updating us. Keep em coming!
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!
Catherine those are some really good signs you observed, thanks for sharing them. Koda is making progress, and maybe there is some kind of issue going on with his confidence around his sister that is partially the cause of his behavior. Anything is possible. But what you saw today is a terrific indicator that he has the strength and pawsonality to make 100% bounce back. He's getting there!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh boy Jerry, I just realized I have not checked my page for words of encouragement and just some extra hugs and yays. I have been really having a great time except for my visits to my doctors; I am tired of being a pin cushion but I know I must.
Before I lost my leg my mom would not let me play with my sister and I did not understand why but now I do. My little sister encourages me to play by bringing me her favorite ball or a stinky ole t-shirt requiring some shredding. Mom also encourages me but I do not feel that confident yet so sometimes I just play with mom while lounging on my favorite couch.
One day I was feeling really really good so I rolled onto my back not once but TWICE so I could get lots of belly scratches!!! I am also figuring out how I can lay on my no leg side and get back up again or just do a puppy flip. Sometimes it hurts just a little because I have not quite mastered the art of getting up on my no leg side.
Lots of great progress thanks to Jerry, Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too! You guys are just PAWSOM!!!! My mom is pretty pawsom too!!! 🐶
Koda Bear 🐶
Well first of all, let's catch up on some
(((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))
And some
YAAAAAAAAAAY. FOR. KODA. BEAR!!
So good to get an update from you!
YAAAAAAY for getting up and YAAAAY for rolling over to get those tummy rubs!!! Tummy rubs are the best thing ever !!!!
I'm really excited about your upcoming Rehab appointment. I think it's maybe this coming week???? I really hope they can offer some really good tips so you don't have any more oowwee when you try and get up.
You have a really sweet little sister. It's so nice of her to share her toys, espec her stinky tee shirt😎 I'm sure you e joy playing with your Mom though. Moms k ow how to spoil really good dogs. And you are a really good dog!!-
Thanks for checking in!!
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!
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