Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I am not sure if any of you remember Cooper the golden retriever who loves trampolines . Hers a front leg amputee , two months now. He did not have cancer, he had a crushed paw from when he was a pup. This past week I have been thinkîng something was wrong, he was more hesitant to jump up and down from my bed, but my husband said don't worry. Tonight he was out in the backyard, went behind the shed and came out barely able to walk. He would try then lie down. He did make it into the house, but he can barely use his front leg. It seems to be kicking out at his shoulder is the best I can figure. I am so scared. Anyone have any advice?
OKAY....DEEP BREATHS....B R E A T H E ........B R E A T H E...
It sounds like Cooper jas definitel been n overdoing it. Itr probably miscular or joint related, but could.be a little more serious..torn ligaments...knee (wrist) issue...all fixale.
You do need to get hime to the vet to have it checked out as soon as you can so he doesn't cause any more damage. Cooper was three months when he had the amputation. Beingnyoung and crazy he probably needs to slow down a lot...NO jumping downoff the bed...or anything for that matter!
After you take him to the vet to be checked out, there are a lot of links here that will show you how to help Cooper build ciore miscles, build strength the proper way, as well as massage and other exercises to do. Physical therapy and visiting a rehab. Specialist may be helpful.
But let's rule out anything that needs to be fixed by a vet first. Do you think you can keep him quiet tonight and carry him in and out and get him to the vet in the morning? Do you have any pain meds you can give him left over from his surgery?
Cooper will be okay...it may require that he slow down a whole lot for awhile, but he'll be back to normal soon.
Please, please let us know what the vet says. We'll look for an update tomorrow, okay?
You hang in there and give Cooper extra treats tonight! And lots of chocolate for you!
((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))
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!
How is Cooper this morning? And ow are you?
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!
It's great to hear from you! So my best advice: First see your vet, who will probably offer the following advice: major R&R for at least a week, nothing but potty walks, no jumping on the bed or furniture, and see if that helps along with possibly something like a NSAID for pain relief. If this doesn't help, I would see a certified rehab therapist asap. Of course, keep us posted OK? We're hoping that the R&R will helps.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Cooper is doing much better. I brought him to the vet last Saturday. He said likely a sprain or strain , rest for 2 weeks. He gave me metacam, but we haven't had to use it. He also gave us Duralactin , a dried milk protein, for long term use of inflammatory conditîons . Cooper has been doing less, not doing much stairs, but he stills gets on the furniture. I realize he is always going to keep me on my toes.
Oh good! Thanks for giving us the update!!!
Hadn't heard of the dried milk protein...interesting. I have used Metacam before and it seems to alleviate any pain or discomfort.
Glad Cooper is still getting on the furniture!!! Furniture just looks so much better with a dog on it!
Take it easy precious Cooper! Your human is a mighty good advocate for you!!
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
Hooray Cooper! That is fantastic to hear!
Interesting about the Duralactin. I've heard of other people using it and have always meant to do a blog post about it. What else did your vet say about this supplement?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
He said he can't keep the Duralactin on the shelves. I believe he thought it would help with inflammation , and i think he want us to continue to use it , cutting the dosage in half at one month. The dog with an appt before us had some lameness and went home with the same thing. He said in coopers case he will develop arthritis due to so much weight on that remaining front leg, so down the road we can add other things like glucosamine or I believe he said some omega .
the good new is Cooper seems 100% again now, and now I know for next time not to panic . I think a limp here or there will just happen, and heal.
Great update!!! Way to go Cooper!!!!
Sounds like you have a good vet.
Yeah, hard not to panic with every little thing on this crazy journey!
You keep that jumping down off stuff to a bare, bare minimum Mr. Cooper! You take it easy young man! Or try to anyway!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Yeah, the Omega Fish Oil may be a good thing to start anytime.
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!
Well we need to look into Duralactin! Thanks for the reminder.
Rehab and conditioning is a great way to keep Cooper strong, don't forget to look into our e-book, Loving Life on Three Legs, and the online Tripawds Conditioning Course, coming up in January. Also consider a front-leg brace, these OrthoPets video interviews talk about how a brace can especially help a front-legger (more in part 2 rather than part 1).
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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