Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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As we continue on this journey I greatly appreciate all your help and support. To recap from other posts, Gaia was doing great post hind leg amputation then quickly declined in her mobility. She had an ortho check up, all came back good. I told all the specialists, and regular vet that her toe does not look right and she keeps chewing on it. It continually was overlooked and not given any thought or concern by the vets. Nothing explained her decline in mobility - the vet then diagnosed mild nuerologic degeneration. Well, I took Gaia into the vet again, 4th visit in 10 days, and made them look at her paw. A pressure sore was discovered on her paw pad, and it's quite bad. They cleaned it up, sent us home with antibiotics and told us to think about how we can relieve the pressure. I can't figure out if this is a result of the extra work her remaining leg has to do, or if it's a result of laying on her side and that outside paw resting on the floor or her bed. Nonetheless looking for any thoughts, advice and ideas on how to relieve the pressure and help her heal. We bought corn donuts to try and Jerry rig the pressure spot when she walks. Will let you know if it helps.
Tammi & Gaia
Aww poor girl, I hope the treatment helps her poor foot. GOOD FOR YOU for being such a great advocate! A pressure sore that everyone missed? Yikes! You listened to your gut and it is paying off.
Was this really what they said?
told us to think about how we can relieve the pressure.
Seems like they threw the ball in your court?
This is what I know from rehab therapists we've met over the years. Yes, pressure sores can happen because a dog's body is unevenly distributing their weight and the body is compensating. It's not so much about the extra work on that remaining limb but about how she is hitting the ground when she walks. Unfortunately in my non-vet opinion, what needs to happen is a good program of balance work and core strengthening so that she can better distribute her body and the forces on her paws when she walks. It will take some time, and work on your part to do the exercises as prescribed, but it's the best way to avoid pressure sores from happening again.
Now I recall in your other post that she has not seen a rehab therapist yet, right? Apparently there is a long wait list? If so, call the practice again and let them know what's going on, they may be able to bump her up the list. If you'd like help finding other centers to get her in sooner, just PM me and I'll try to help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks Jerry. Yes, that is correct, they put the ball in our court to figure it out. I am working with a Canine rehab therapist. Unfortunately, she is on vacation for the next week so G won't see her until a week from Monday. I did send over an email to let her know what is going on.
I like the rehab therapist a lot but she is not a vet. Wondering I should look for both a DVM and CRT? Yes, there is a very long wait list to others I've called.
I was wondering about the exercises. Not sure if I should continue with them or wait. Since they cleaned up the sore, G can barely walk. We have to provide a lot of support with her harness. It breaks my heart that we put her in so much pain to take a potty break. Hoping we can see improvement over the next week, otherwise they discussed quality of life with us. Not too happy about it since I've literally brought it to their attention 3 weeks ago when it was less severe.
Thanks for all your help and support.🙏🙏🙏
Oh yikes I'm sorry you were given those instructions. I wouldn't know where to begin myself!
OK good to know you were working with the therapist, that's awesome. Therapists who are credentialed don't need to be a vet to do a great job and help animals, but a DVM therapist is the gold standard if you can work with one. If you've already started working with her though and she's made the assessment, I wouldn't switch yet.
Wait until the therapist is back, let that poor paw heel right now. Honestly, I'm guessing that one week to decide her quality of life is not enough time, I wouldn't even go there just yet. Try to be patient, keep her off her feet, her mind entertained with brain games and wait until the therapist returns so you can figure out next steps OK? Hang in there, you can do this! And keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sorry Gaia is having such a bad time with her paw. And I know it's stressful for you too. And then to jave this overlooked by Bets.....grrrrr...... .
Cannot agree with Jerry more.....waaaaay to early to think about if she has "quality of life". Patience, time and assisting her through this rough part, while not easy,, is what's needed now.
Don't know if this would be helpful, possible treating with Manuka Honey (high grade) or a cabbage poultice? Obviously you would need some type of wrapping and/or booty to help keep her from licking.
Keep us posted, okay? Hang in there!!!
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!
benny55 said
Don't know if this would be helpful, possible treating with Manuka Honey (high grade) or a cabbage poultice? Obviously you would need some type of wrapping and/or booty to help keep her from licking.
Here are some links that discuss the combo Sally referred to:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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