Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I have a 6 year old American staffordshire and has been a tripaw for 4 years due to a luxating patella that couldn't be fixed. He's always done great on 3 legs. But the last few days he's been very sad looking, he won't eat, has no intrest to go on walks and just seems to have lost that sparkle in his eyes. I don't know what to do.
He does get sore once in awhile if he overs does it, I definitely wouldn't be surprised if he has arthritis. Could that affect him like this? It's been very cold out lately and I know that can irritate arthritis. Any suggestions would be extremely helpful! Thanks!
Hi! Sorry to hear that he's not feeling well. What's his name? I'm not a vet, but here are some thoughts. My Otis had arthritis and it did not affect his appetite, although when it was first diagnosed, we did have to curtail physical activity and he was fine with that. He also did not seem particularly sad, and he would yelp when he tried to move about.
Has a vet diagnosed your guy with arthritis? Is he on any supplements? Dasaquin and fish oil worked wonders for us. Has anything changed in your home environment recently? Has he eaten anything strange or different (or gotten into anything he shouldn't? Always a risk with the holidays.). Is he eating drinking water normally? Pooping and peeing? Any signs of pain if you massage along his back and legs? Unfortunately, you probably need to go to the vet, especially if he continues not eating. My guess is that they will need an in person visit, since this could be anything six year old dogs get, and may have nothing to do with his being a tripawd.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Yep, ditto what otisandtess say here. It could be a number of things and only your vet can pinpoint the cause. Could there have been a recent incident that started his behavior? Maybe an extra long play date or a spill?
This article discusses pain indicators in dogs and cats. Measure the indicators against what your dog is exhibiting, then jot them down (along with any other symptoms that otisandtess mentioned, and their frequency) and make an appointment to discuss with your vet. Come back and let us know what the vet says OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Nothing to add, really. Just ditto all the above. My girl has arthritis too, and is on Dasuquin and Fish Oil and also Metacam. Is he on any NSAIs? In my experience these can make the most tremendous difference in the case of arthritis. But as Chrisitine says, it may well be nothing connected to his Tripawd status. Let us know how you get on at the vet.
Sending all best wishes and hoping that he is back to his usual self asap.
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Oh and also... for us, the arthritis doesn't seem aggravated by the cold, but it definitely is by the damp. If it does turn out to be arthritis, and it does seem that the cold makes it worse, then you could maybe try something like an Equafleece dog suit, to keep his joints warm and dry. I find these brilliant for my quadpawd, Else, who is also a Staff (though an English one). I have a serious soft spot for bull breeds... xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Thanks for your support everyone. He's at the vets right now and they are running tests. They can't seem to find anything wrong with him yet. So I'll keep you all updated.
Just catching up on your ADORABLE pup!!
Glad you are getting him checked over. Update when you can. All paws crossed for a good solution for getting him feeling better again!
(((((((((((((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!
Just checking in, and hoping the vet was able to shed some light on this.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Ditto Christine. Any news? I've been thinking of you today and hoping you get some answers. Let us know when you can.
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
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