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Shan had a PT assessment today; anyone got tips for a rowdy baby?
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Member Since:
24 September 2012
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29 October 2012 - 4:22 pm
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What a difference a week makes!  Last week I was beside myself with worry because my Shan who had a front leg amp 9/17 following osteosarcoma diagnosis was still having repeated long rounds of very rapid breathing making me think that she was in pain or at least very uncomfortable.  Vets ruled out tumors and anemia and kept giving me pills but I have realized after finally stopping the Tramadol that the pain drug itself was apparently creating some anxiety that exacerbated the rapid respiration.  After 4 days off the pain meds/muscle relaxants Shan was calm enough to finally start sleeping again and with some information from other Tripawd pawrents I decided to get some professional advice about physical therapy.  Jerry asked me if I noticed the breathing issue worsening late in the day and after the drug induced affects wore off, I realized that was the case so that sort of points to discomfort coming from exertion.  Went to the PT today and she said that Shan is compensating really well and that based on the fact that my girl wouldn't quit bouncing around, the PT believes that the wild child is over-exerting at times and getting some fatigue discomfort at the end of the day.  Since my Mom is having heart surgery tomorrow and it will be a while before I can add more to my schedule, Angie gave me some at home exercises I can do with my girl.  These are mostly sit-walk-sit kind of exercises that she says are like doing squats for a person and will help Shan's back legs get stronger so that her one front leg isn't so challenged.  Unlike the vets, the PT was not dismissive of my concerns and said that the front leg amputees she has seen always need a little more time to fully adapt.  But, she said that Shan is balancing really well and believes that the at home exercises may be all she needs.  I will reevaluate when my Mom doesn't need quite so much of my time. 

I made the decision to amputate and do chemo partly because at 8 yrs old Shan is still full of spit and vinegar and just doesn't act like a dog who's ready to travel the bridge any time soon. And, I am so glad that my spunky girl survived totally intact through the amp - her personality came bubbling back within a few days of the surgery.  But her very nature is making it tough to ease her into the Tripawd world - she races headlong into everything.  Anyone else have secrets to getting a rough and tumble baby to dial it back a bit so she doesn't hurt herself?

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
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28 November 2008
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29 October 2012 - 7:03 pm
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This post brings a big smile.  So much better to have to figure out how to slow them down than to figure out the physical symptoms.

There have been others that hit the grounds full steam ahead.  Hopefully they will chime in for you.

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.

On The Road


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30 October 2012 - 11:13 am
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What a GREAT update! Wow! This really makes our hearts sing, I'm so glad she's doing better and now you're not as worried (although I'm sure you're still coping with a lot when it comes to your Mom's surgery...our paws are crossed for a good recovery).

By seeing a PT, you made a fantastic move. To have that confirmation that she's doing well, and get homework assignments that can help her transition as easily as possible, is one of the best things a Tripawd pawrent can do. We can't wait to hear more about her exercises. Would you consider sharing them with us either with pictures or video? I love to write about it in our Gear blog . PM me if so. 

Meanwhile, some things that can help tire out Shan's mind and not so much her body, include brain games. Here are some ideas:

Brain Games in the Gear blog (scroll through results, not all have games but you'll find good tips)

Homemade Buja Board Plans

Agility Ideas in the Gear Blog

Brain Games in the Amazon Blog

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

San Diego, CA
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1 November 2012 - 1:58 pm
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We had a young rough and tumble girl too. I worried she would hurt herself, but then I just let her go at everything whole hog. I knew that with OSA the odds were against us, so I thought, if she hurts herself so be it, but I really didn't try to slow her down that much. (If she'd been a tripawd for another reason, like a car accident, I probably would have tried to slow her down a bit, to try and "preserve" her joints, etc.)

She would self-regulate though. We have access to a big open off-leash beach, so she would run as much as she wanted, then stop and wait and rest until I caught up. Also, she somehow knew to be careful jumping down off of things. She didn't so much jump as ease herself down - that wasn't anything I taught her, she just seemed to know.

That's one thing I would be careful about is not letting her jump down.

Now... even though I decided to let her run like a maniac, it doesn't mean I didn't completely freak out when she did hurt herself. She overdid it one time and hurt her toe. She couldn't walk since it was her lone front leg. I thought for sure the cancer had spread! Took her to the onc and he said, 'nope, just a sprained toe.' Phew!

I don't know if there are any actual "tips" in there or if that helps at all. Best of luck to your rowdy baby!

Jackie, Angel Abby's mom

Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!

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