Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi All,
Elmer, my nearly 13 year old, 62 pound mix who's a forelimb amputee due to parosteal osteosarcoma is struggling. He never became totally comfortable tri-pawd, likely due to age and arthritis, but the past few days his back legs don't seem to be doing well. He is struggling to get up, slipping, holding his back legs wide when he is standing, falling a lot, and seems less and less interested in activity (tho still hungry and very sweet). I have him on carprofen, amantadine, lots of joint supplements, and gabapentin nightly. I do understand that gaba can cause ataxia, and can withdraw it for 48 hours to see if that's the issue, but otherwise, I fear his body may be failing him. I did try rehab (didn't go great) and he gets cold laser for his joints. Any ideas/common experience would be welcome. I fear we may be running out of luck, which he historically has had a lot of.
Thanks, all,
Emily
Hi Emily,
I'm sorry to hear about Elmer's mobility struggles. It sounds like you are doing everything right to keep him comfortable. What is your weather like right now? Has he been getting more activity than usual?
I don't think you should withdraw the Gaba. The ataxia side effect is pretty uncommon and I would hold off until your vet takes a look at him.
I'm sorry the rehab didn't work out. What happened? Would you like help finding another therapist? Or can you consult about this with the person doing cold laser on him? Either way he should get checked out, this could be any number of things but generally sounds like he's having some pain issues.
BTW, love the name "Elmer" . It just seems like a name that enhances his gentle, fun side.
Yeah, agree with Jerry to keep him on the Gaba unless the Vet says otherwise. It maybe that he actually needs more frequent doses rather than just at night. It's a good pain med for arthritis amd works well with the Carprofen and Amantadine.
Do you have non slip scatter rugs for traction ? Or maybe PAWS "booties"?
Try massaging up and down hos spine, hips neck, etc. Does he show any signs of tension or does it relax him?
Another thought.....the way you describe the wide stance, the "splay rear legs" may indictate some hip dysplasia issue or disc issues. Sometimes a Vet will prescribe Prednisone in these cases and it does seem to work wonders. It may not work furever but with a "well seasoned" mature dog it may improve his mobility and balance and give him more quality time. My Vet told me one time that, although Prednisone is not a drug he liked to use unless necessary........when necessary it can be a miracle drug. Definitely worth a try. Need a wash out period with the Carprofen though as you can't use both at once.
Keep us posted, okay? Give sweet Elmer a smooch and extra treat for us💖
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!
Online
Hello and welcome. You have received some great advice. I know you said you have done some rehab with him and have him on gaba (which I agree don't withdraw) and laser treatments all great things. Have you ever considered maybe chiropractic care and acupuncture.
I have a 10 year old Rottie (I am old member here and she is a girl I got after my Sassy, my Tripawd, passed away) but she had an injury to her leg or birth defect and has been getting chiropractic care and we added in acupuncture probably the last 2 years as we noticed she was slowing down a little more. She does have arthritis in her back pretty severely. I know this has kept her going. The acupuncture helps with pain and tenderness. He might have something that is a little out of place (I am not a vet) but I know when Jasmine gets "stuck" she has a totally different gate.
Might be worth a shot to see if you have a chiropractic /acupuncture vet in your area
Michelle & Angels Sassy, Bosch, Baby Simba and Sweet Snickers
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Hi everyone,
First, thank you. A community of support means a lot. Elmer unfortunately didn't make it. His back legs failed fast and dramatically, and he went from hopping around the house, if slowly, to being unable to stand on his own in any way and falling constantly. While I have no evidence, I believe either one of his cancer types returned and began compressing his spine, or it's possible that his spine became injured but the rapid and dramatic worsening went at the pace of the parosteal osteosarcoma so I can only guess. We let him go eating peanut butter cups and licking from a jar of peanut butter surrounded by love. I am devastated but grateful we could allow him to go in some degree of peace as he was clearly truly suffering. This dog has gotten through 3 major cancers and an infiltrative lipoma while still loving the vet (otherwise know as the turkey buffet) and barely showing suffering, but in recent past he's been an unhappy guy. To all of you struggling through this with your own pets,, I send love and light and hope for grace and peace and snuggles and happy pats for as long as possible. I appreciate this site, so thanks to all fo advice and support.
Emily
Ohhhh Emily! My heart goes out to you, I'm really sorry he got his angel wings. Poor guy's struggles must have been so heartbreaking for everyone. You did right by him, you allowed him to transition with so much love, and compassion. What a blessing to a dog who won your heart so many years ago.
That bond you shared will never be broken, not even now. Physical bodies are temporary, but love is eternal. His beautiful energy will always surround you, thanking you for all you did to help him be the happiest dog in the world.
We are here for you always. Thank you for letting us know. I'm sending tons of love and hugs your way. 
Thank you, Jerry. I know you, and so many here, really get it. love to all.
Breaks my heart to read this. Cannot express how sorry I am and stunned......and yet not stunned. This disease is so vicious and so cunning and brutal. We do see spine mets act like they did with Elmer. It happens quickly, the legs deteriorate quickl. Fortunately for Elmwr you knew not to do anymore diagnostics, poking, prodding, etc.
Am so impressed with all the obstacles Elmer has overcome. And just the fact he has lived his earth life for thirteen years in spite of all the challenges is a testament to the Victorious Warrior Elmer is. And it is also a testament to the exquisite care you have given him every moment of every day. And when it came time to release him from his failing earth clothes, he knew you loved him enough to do so and that you would be by his side. And what a send off.....peanut butter cups and a jar of peanut butter to savor for his journey back "home".
And thank you for that beautiful caring sentiment where you sent love and grace to everyone on this joirney. Says a lot abput who you are when you think of others in the middle of your own grief.
We know the void will be unbearable for awhile. Your heart is shattered and the silence is deafening. The happy memories will start to put your heart back together again...and that's what Elmer wants for you. He wants you to know he had THE best life with you. You showed him joy and care and love and Soul deep devotion.
When Elmer ran free to The Rainvow Bridge he had a TURKEY buffet feast awaiting him....including mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potato casserole and peanut butter cups for desserts!
We are here for you and, when you feel like it, we would love to know more avout your sweet Elmer. We are family.
Surrounding you with Elmer's eternal light
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!
I am so sorry to hear about Elmer's passing. My heart is breaking for you. Run free sweet Angel.
Michelle & Angels Sassy, Bosch, Baby Simba and Sweet Snickers
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
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