Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So, since Riley's amp in mid-April, we have been on a rollercoaster ride.
The first week or so after the surgery, she did really well.
After that, her back legs started shaking and she eventually fell over and could not get back up. After a trip to the ER vet, she was put on Prednisone which allowed her to walk....until we weaned her off of it and then she was back to not walking.
We followed up with her primary vet, and after some x-rays, Riley was diagnosed with arthritis and luxating patella in both back legs. The current thought is that she had a very slight case of LP that never showed signs as she compensated with her front legs. When she broke her foot, it was unable to heal because she was unable to put more weight on her back legs to lessen the load. When her leg was amputated, she had no choice but to start using her back legs to support more weight which led to the rapid acceleration of her leg degradation.
At this point, in her vet's words, Riley's back legs "are totally shot." They recommended surgery on both back legs but are not sure of the prognosis due to her being a front leg amputee. We declined surgery.
At this point, Riley is receiving 2x weekly injections of Adequan which so far is a miracle drug. It is allowing her to stand herself up, walk, support her own weight to go to the bathroom, and regain her personality. Unfortunately, this is our last option so if it stops working, we will have to euthanize her due to pain/quality of life issues.
Oh my gosh this breaks my heart. OK, some thoughts I hope will help:
I know Riley is getting some great care, but who is the vet that made this diagnosis? Is it a board-certified orthopedic vet? If not, and it's at all possible for you to get to one, take her for another opinion. It's unbelievable how many times a second or even third opinion can make all the difference for a dog on the brink of euthanasia because of pain and mobility issues.
As for doing surgery on her back legs, it can be done, we've seen it. Recovery isn't a breeze but it's an option. If it's not something you want to do regardless, we understand completely.
Now, what about holistic care? Are you able to investigate pain relief options like acupuncture, chiropractic care and rehab with rehab vets? If you don't know any this directory of rehab practitioners will point you to some in your area.
Riley is such a sweetheart, and a small pup who shouldn't be having such difficulties, it's so unusual. I'm really sorry to know you're going through this. Whatever we can do to help, let us know OK? We want her around for a long, long time.
P.S. Hope you don't mind I moved your post here, but since we're talking about mobility it's a good place to share stories and experiences for current and future members. Thanks.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The ER vet said LP was a possible issue when she palpated Riley's back legs. The x-rays were done at the regular vet's office who made the dx and then sent them to Riley's specialist who confirmed the dx. I've seen the recovery from the surgery (done only on one leg) and it was awful. I don't think that it's something we want to put Riley through. For now, the injections are working enough to give her some mobility so as long as she's not showing any signs of pain- we will keep on keeping on. We are looking into acupuncture for her.
I am so sorry about this set back for little Riley.... acupuncture sounds like a good idea. What about any physical therapy? Or chiro work for a dog? I'm sorry I don't know much about her new set-back but I am here to offer some support and hugs!
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Geez, I kept reading this over and over in disbelief! This just seems unbelievable! I know this is an awful kick in the gut.
Okay, you at least have an explanation for what was causing all of sweet little Riley's challenges. You are moving forward with a treatment that is working and, knocking on wood, will continue to work for a long time.
It would be worth an orthopedic consult if one is available, simply to see if any type of braces or wrappings would help...just throwing sruff out there. It just seems like there have to be some solutions out there for a vibrant small dog like Riley.
Know this to be true...you are a WO DERFUL advocate for Riley! Every signle decision you are making is with her best interest in mind.
I'm not sure about this, but I think Adequan takes awhile to real l y do its job. So if you're seeing improvement already, hopefully it will continue to even be better.
And yeah, ditto the acupuncture! MANY have f o und good results for issues that didn't have many other solutions. It will take several treatments, but zpI bet you'll see some improvement.
PLEASE stay connected and keep us posted. Hoping someone here will have some more insight than I to offer. And keep posting pictures of that cutie pie! We all love her and we are all cheering her on!! And take her through drive thrus for burgers and ice cream! Ice cream is a "miracle drug"!
Sending lots of love!
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!
Oh good I'm glad acupuncture is on the radar. Keep in mind that it takes anywhere from 4 to 6 sessions to make a difference so if you do it, hang in there. Here are some posts that talk about acupuncture.
We all feel so badly for what you're going through, what an awful shock. Whatever you decide we know you've got Riley's best interests in mind and want the best quality of life for her. We'll support you no matter what path you choose so you can lean on us OK? {{{hugs}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yeah, my poor baby keeps getting dealt a bad hand at every step of the way. She is a trooper though. She had her 3rd Adequan injection yesterday and it is helping so hopefully, it continues to do so.
Paws crossed for Riley!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR RILEY!!! Yes jndeedy, all paws crossed all over tripawd land...and quadpaws 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!
Little Miss Riley thinks she is funny today and keeps letting herself out of the baby gate . She always used to do it but hasn't done it since Feb when this whole downhill journey started....so this is huge progress. Annoying but adorable.
Riley looks miserable today. It is time for her injection so hopefully, that helps. We have also given her Tramadol and Metacam. Really beginning to think that it might be time. 
Ohh poor pup, we sure hope it helps. Please give her a smooch from us and let us know how she's doing OK? Hugs to all of you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Maybe she just outdid herself barreling through that baby gate yesterday! And I do say that seriously. As the injections tend to make her feel better, it may also .make he want to overdo a tad roo much and make her sore the next day.
Imw sure she'll have some good days as less good days off and on during the inbetween time before her next injection. So far,since shee started this treatment, her good days are in the winning side. Didn't know if you were going to give acupuncture a shot or not. ave you made any inquiries to see if it might be beneficq?? With every fiber of our being, we hope that the winning days ontinue to be the case for a long time!
I know one thing, she sure is loving all her spoiling and loving!!!
We're all cheering for more "annoying but adorable" antics from Miss Riley!!
((((((((((((((((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!
So all of a sudden one of my other dogs, Lily, has started attacking Riley. Not sure why. It almost seems like she's jealous of all the extra attention that Riley is getting. 
With these furs, if it's not one thing- it's another.
We have been working like crazy this weekend as we just listed our house for sale....and have our first showing tomorrow. Riley got to go check out some local RV parks which we might need to live in after the house sells until we're ready to hit the road full time in November. She also got to go to Lowe's and get some new blinds for the house.
Liky! You stop picking on Riley!! Yeah, I know you're feeling a tad bit jealous but that doesn't mean you can take it out on Riley!! I know...I know...Riley is going shopping at Lowes, checking out RV parks, picking out window coverings that SHE likes...and probably getting extra treats and goodies tha the others aren't getting!! And she's earned everyone of those privileges!!!
And Lily is probably picking up on the stress of her humans getting the house ready to show. That really is a pain in the butt!
And Riley, you keep on soaking up all this attention sweet girl! Miss Lily will just jave to get over her jealous little self!
Sounds like you feel good enough to jave some adventures with your humans today. That makes me smile!! And everytime I see ANY pictures of you, it makes me smile even bigger!!
Love and hugs to all!
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!
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