Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi All, Uschi i 5-months post amputation and I thought she had it down. she had readjusted and seemed to be doing well.
until last week. we have been to our vet every day this week trying to manage her pain to no avail. she hurts in her lower back and I'm wondering if it may be caused by losing a front limb? She is not walking except to get up to eat 2 times a day. she is whining a lot. otherwise I am on constant duty with her trying to find the right meds and doses. she is on the max of rimadyl and tramadol. any advice is greatly appreciated as I feel I cannot let her go like this any longer. perhaps not even past today. I'm waiting for a phone consult with a neurologist vet but feel perhaps cannot even wait for that anymore.
a little more info: she stopped wanting to get up last Sunday. Monday's visit to vet and xray revealed severe constipation along with spondylosis (arthritis in the lower back). she received 2 enemas and I'm switching her back to her old diet with more fiber. she is pooping regularly now. but she seems to have another problem as she is still in pain and not wanting to get up except to eat, poop or pee.
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Sorry to hear that Uschi is having pain in her lower back. Any chance that she might have injured her back while playing, exercising, or simply overdid the week before? Are her back legs weak or favoring a particular one when she walks? Maybe a scan is needed on the spine and back legs in hope of finding some clues. Please keep us posted on what the neurologist has to say. We'll be thinking of Uschi.
Hey there, we hope Uschi is feeling better. She definitely had the Tripawd lifestyle down, maybe something unrelated to the amp could be the cause of the pain. I would definitely take the advice from the neurologist, and also see if an acupuncturist is available to help. Meanwhile, some gentle massage and acupressure might alleviate some discomfort.
Hang in there. You're a great pawrent, just keep giving her the love she needs and keep an eye on you. Let us know how it goes OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hey there, we hope Uschi is feeling better. She definitely had the Tripawd lifestyle down, maybe something unrelated to the amp could be the cause of the pain. I would definitely take the advice from the neurologist, and also see if an acupuncturist is available to help. Meanwhile, some gentle massage and acupressure might alleviate some discomfort.
Hang in there. You're a great pawrent, just keep giving her the love she needs and keep an eye on you. Let us know how it goes OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Took Uschi to a veterinary neurologist today for a consult. Of course the exam itself caused her pain. Without doing an MRI, his best guess it that her osteosarcoma has come back in her spine. he said cancer in the spine can't be seen on regular xrays very well or not at all. a ct scan would be best, but nobody does that around here. I was not willing to even ask about the cost of the MRI. I only want to try meds to bring her out of this and if it doesn't work then we will deal with that then.
The plan now is to stop the rimadyl (last dose was early this a.m.), up the Tramadol dose and give every 4 hrs, and start Prednisone (steroid) for a week or more. he thought that if Prednisone were going to help it would do so within a few days. I also have an appt. with an acupuncturist on Mon. So, we are still giving her our hope and our best care. I just don't know if we will make it to monday.
Also, I am worried about my ability to do the right thing. I don't know if taking things this far is the right thing. If he is right and it is her cancer back, then we should just release her. I just imagined it would be so much more clear.
uschmonster said:
Also, I am worried about my ability to do the right thing.
Worrying only makes it worse. Greet every day with gusto, and Usch will let you know what to do and when. Those who "take it too far" are only doing it for themselves. Listen to your heart, and look deep into your little monster's eyes.
Nothing but good thoughts going your way ... thanks for the update.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
A great update on Uschi. After 2 doses of Prednisone she started her dramatic recovery. within 1 more day she was totally back to her old self, running up and down stairs, even going for walks. I was totally amazed. the key was starting the prednisone immediately and also giving her pepcid for 1 week while the rimadyl left her body. my home vet wanted to wait 3 days after stopping rimadyl before starting pred and I just didn't have that long. the neurologist said, given her terrible condition, that it was ok to stop rim and start pred on the same day, as long as I gave pepcid at the same time. anyway, it's been over a week and she looks great... we have been given the gift of being able to meet more days together. apparently prednisone is a great anti-inflamitory, and that's what she needed. she's still on it every other day.
uschmonster said:
anyway, it's been over a week and she looks great…
Thanks for the great update. Glad to hear you're getting more quality time with the Uschmonster!
PS: Don't forget to log in so you're posts don't require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
That is a wonderful update. I know you are relieved to see Uschi doing so much better. Thanks for sharing your good news.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Looking good there Uschmonster! Thanks for the photo ...
Great looking Ruff Wear harness! Glad it helps.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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