Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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As we continue to deal with Maggie's seizures, another issue has come up. She is having trouble putting any weight on that front leg (she lost her right front leg 6 years ago). We are going to the vet this week but wonder what kind of treatment is available for her. Chiropractic, physical treatment, etc. My wife read that seizure meds can cause mobility issues. She is currently taking Levetiracetam ER 2 tablets 750 MG twice a day plus Gabapentin 1 tablet 300 MG twice a day. The seizures are under control at this time. We know that there is no cure for her condition but want to make her remaining time as comfortable as possible with the highest quality of life.
Asking From Houston, Tx,
Maggie and Dave
Glad to hear sweet Maggie's seizures are under control. 👏
I don't have any insight into the side effects of the meds she is on.
The only thing I could offer is her weight bearing issue may be completely unrelated to the meds and maybe more to soreness, a strain, muscle pull, etc. Could even be a neck/shoulder pull or tightness. Continue to massage around her neck and shoulder, as well as up and down her spine . Sooo easy to pull a muscle tjat creates lameness.
I do know many have had success with Chiropractors and acupuncture. I dont have experience with either.
Hopefully you'll get some good feedback from the Vet trip. Keep us posted,
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 Dave
I'm so sorry to hear about Maggie's seizures. You are doing everything you can to keep her comfy and happy. She is so lucky to have such great humans.
It's hard to say what therapy will help, that's really up to the rehab therapist who assesses her condition. But it does sound like she is experiencing general weakness from all the impact on her remaining front leg. That is not unusual at all for any Tripawd, and probably not related to the seizures. I'm not a vet though so it's good you are taking her in.
I don't know if you meant that she is seeing a general practice vet or a rehab therapist. If a general vet, I would ask for a referral to a rehab therapist so they can also give you some insight on how to help her mobility. If you need help finding a therapist let us know.
Rest assured there is always something you can do to help her enjoy life at any stage. The treatment and therapy may not cure, but it will help her be as comfy as possible.
Please keep us posted!
What did your vet say?
My front tripawd injured his wrist about 18 months post amp and I was able to get an AST harness through the angel exchange to help him through his rehab. He could not put any weight on it at all for a couple of weeks. We eventually got him a custom support wrap for from therapaws.
My front tripawd saw a chiropractor every month or so. I am trying to remember how we knew when he needed his next treatment but he was able to make it clear he was ready. He also did acupuncture after he hurt his wrist along with physical therapy.
I did acupuncture every three weeks for my rear leg tripawd. It helped a lot with soreness and arthritis. I noticed he could not engage his abdominal muscles when he was ready for another round of needles.
My only regret with both dogs is not starting physical therapy sooner with a reputable rehab vet. The first one I used injured my dog so I only use vets that let me stay with them or can watch from behind a window at all times.
Your vet might be able to figure out where the pain or weakness is coming from but it isn't their specialty.
Things that a rehab vet will do vary from simple exercises, cold laser therapy (if no history of cancer), tpemf therapy, Shockwave therapy, tens unit, and various forms of hydrotherapy.
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