Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi All
My 3 year old Goldendoodle met with an accident two weeks ago. He is recovering very well, but his front leg is not responding - possible brachial plexus avulsion. The ER vet gave us two weeks - if by two weeks he doesn't get sensation back in his front right leg/paw - he would be a candidate for amputation.
I am heartbroken and reading through the forums is giving me hope that he can hopefully have a full life still.... He is my first pet and I am still learning to be a dog parent and this happened.
Question - He gets into some positions and is not able to get up or move from there. My sweet boy has never growled or bit us before - but now when we try to help him, he growls and has bit us two three times now. I think he is in pain in those positions, but not otherwise. Seems silly to ask this, but how do I teach him to lie only on his left, so that he can get up?
His pain medication ran out three days ago but I think he is not needing it except when stuck.
He has energy sometimes and it ebbs and flows. It is so hard to see him struggle and I havent stopped crying. Any advice or thoughts?
We are also looking for a new vet, because our current vet told us that he needs to see a specialist. Is that how it works?
Hi Abby and pup, welcome. I'm sorry you might have to join our club!
The growling is one of many pain signals . What kind of medication is he on right now? He sounds very painful. I think if you can get that pain under control he will figure out how to get up and around better. Dogs figure it out but they do need to be in some level of comfort so it's easier.
I wouldn't rush to amputation just yet. Two weeks is not enough time to decide if sensation will or won't return. A canine rehab therapist can help you. We've been told by these experts that in a situation like this, at least 2-3 months of regular rehab should be allowed before jumping to amputation.
You can keep your current vet for general care, but work with an orthopedic specialist and rehab team to help you figure out if amputation is necessary. If your vet isn't giving you a referral, let us know where you live (you can PM me your location if you'd like), and we'll help find you an ortho and rehab team (bigger clinics have both services under one roof).
Your future posts won't need to be approved so post away!
Hi Jerry
Thank you for the response. Regarding the pain signal, yes we spoke to the vet. The vet said it is not really pain medication, but it helps with the inflammation - rimadyl and extended his inflammation medication and that has helped quite a bit.
I am planning to talk to the pet ER doctor for some referrals - because it seems like our vet can't handle much beyond vaccinations. We went for a bandage change and it was a nightmare for my pup. They handled it very badly and I am not going to go back there again.
However, I am so thankful that our pet ER was so great. Even now when my pup goes there for a bandage change, he is not super anxious - but when we went to vet, he was uncontrollable and wanted to get out the door at all costs.
We also took him to an accupunturist/chiropractor for dogs and she echoed you - that two weeks is too soon to decide on amputation. So we are really hoping that he can get better. (We googled her). I am going to pm you for a orthopedic specialist. Thank you so much for offering.
Aww....your poor sweet pip. I know this is concerning and hard to be patient. But as Jerry said, checking with a Rehab Specialist may be what you need right now to assess the best path forward.
Bummer you had sich a rotten ex with the bandage changing, etc. Really glad you are happier with the ER.
And yes, Rimadyl is jist to help with inflammation but is NOT addressing his pain properly. Try and advocate for better pain mana with the ER Vet. Suggest Gabapentin.
Good job of doing your research and checking out options. And hopefully you can get his pain managed better so he, and you, will be happier!
Keep is posted, okay? We are here for you!
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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