Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My dog is 5 and just had front left limb amputation 3 weeks ago. He was doing really good with no issues up until 3 days ago. I got home and he was having severe muscle spasms in his neck and is now hunched over barely able to walk properly. He started at the chiropractor this week and she said it's common in dogs after amputation. I believe her but literally no-one warned us this was a possibility which makes me wonder if it's more serious. If anyone has experienced a similar situation, I would greatly appreciate it if you could share. Thanks!
Hi Summer, I'm sorry to hear your dog is struggling. I don't have personal experience with an issue like this, but I'm sure someone has and will chime in shortly. It's good that you're working with a chiron, though!
BTW, your future posts will not require approval.
having severe muscle spasms in his neck and is now hunched over barely able to walk properly.
No, not something I would call "common" with tripawds. Not at ali! Now, sometimes there will be twitching at the amputation site area and that's "normal". But hunched over and barely able to walk.....nah. We need to get this addressed and getting him feeling better.
Did this happen AFTER the Chiropractor visit or before. If before, did the visit make it worse or better? Hold off on those sessions until you can get your regular Vet to assess your pup. Also, maybe check into a Certified Rehabilitation Specialist once he gets better. A good one is excellent in identifying any gait issues and how to build his core strength and keepmhis joints safe.
First thing that comes to mind is too much activity too quickly. It is sooooo easy for a tripawd to pull a muscle early on during recovery and even afterwards. The first two weeks should have been short and leashed potty breaks and then back in for rest and more resr. No jumping, no going up and down stairs unless assisted and no jumping on couch, etc.
Obviously check with your Vet as soon as you can, , but sounds like he definitely needs an anti-inflammatory and a pain med and lots of rest and limited activity for now.
For now, give him gentle massaging up and down his neck and spine area and try and relax his muscles. Do3s he show any tense areas when you do this?
Sorry for all the quesrions. We'll look for your feedback.
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!
Summer, you've gotten some great input from folks here, I'm sorry he's feeling bad. Is he on any pain control? If not, sounds like he needs some asaap. I would call your vet for a prescription, and let your chiro immediately know what is happening, as these pain signals indicate something isn't right. Is your chiro a CCRT or CCRP -credentialed therapist? If not, please consider seeing one as the Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first visit so he can get a more comprehensive PT evaluation.
What is his daily activity level like right now? Three weeks is not a long time so he should still be doing minimal activity.
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