Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello to all,
My English mastiff girl who is 9 1/2 years old was diagnosed with osteosarcoma right rear leg in June 2015 and started radiation and chemo. She responded quite well, but in late September, she started limping again. I took her back to the radiation oncologist, but since there was such progression of the tumor he felt that further radiation would not help. Her lungs were clear so amputation or euthanasia were the two options left. After her evaluation by the orthopedic surgeon (she was already walking on three legs), he felt she would do fine and we opted for amputation. Next day she was getting up on her own and walking. She seemed brighter, appetite improved and we were elated. We brought her home and for 6 days she did fine. Then she started to have trouble with the remaining back leg to the point that she was knuckling over on her toes and then couldn't walk at all, the leg would just drag. MRI showed no cancer or vertebral disease, so the presumptive diagnosis is spinal stroke. She's been in the hospital for days on injectable steroid, then oral prednisone since. No change, still no ability to use that leg. I am devastated because of what I've put her through so far and I don't want to give up on her. Has anyone else had a problem like this?
Welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I'm so sorry you are dealing with this in addition to cancer and amputation.
My experience with strokes were in my little quad pug Tani. She also had hydrocephalus so we were not 100% sure if they were strokes or something related to her brain injury. She always knuckled a little in her one back foot, but it was really bad after each episode. Of course she weighed 16 pounds and had 4 legs. But her stokes (or whatever) always started with a distinct episode where she lost function in her back end, including her bladder and bowels, all at once.
From what I have read about spinal strokes some pups do recover the ability to walk, but it takes awhile.
I'm sorry I can't be more help. I would suggest you also post this in the 'Ask A Vet' forum. Our vet, Dr. Pam, had a mastiff tripawd named Tazzie so she knows big dogs.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Karen has given you some good advice. It sounds like your vet is working with you and you haven't given up on her you are doing all you can at this point. I don't have any advice for you but just wanted to offer support and hugs. Sending healing thoughts to you and your girl.
Linda, Bob & Max
Okay.....this is a challenge for sure...but one I think can be worked tnrough. My understanding is like Karen's about these "strokes"....time and patience. I'm certainly no vet! I do hope you put this under Ask A Vet also as she is a Mastiff expert!
My tripawd Happy Hannah was a Bull Mastiff and I'm currently owned by a Bull Mastiff named Merry Myrtle. I KNOW how these bib dogs steal your heart!!
Take some deep, deep breaths...B R E A T H E....B R E A T H E...go to that place of strength and courage that you have in your heart and know that she is not giving up, nor should you!!! Clearly both of you are very resilient!!!
The fact that she has done so incredibly well AND has a good check up as far as that piece of crap disease all works in her favor.
Hang in there, okay? You are doing everything possible for your girl!!
YOU HAVE NOT PUT HER THROUGH ANYTHING!!! The disease did this to her! That piece of crap disease makes us make forced choices that no one should ever have to make! Everything you are doing is to give her the best possible chance at quality and more loving and more spoiling!!!
We are right here with you. Stay connected. See what "our" vet says.
Sending you so much love and healing energy
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too
PS what's this sweet girl's name? Do you have any pictures you can post?
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!
Hi and welcome, and many, many {{{{hugs}}}} to you and your pup. I'm so sorry you are in this tough spot, but know that it's not hopeless. Through the years we've had one or two members experience this, and one even wrote a book about it:
Tripawd Charlie Shows There’s Life After FCE Paralysis and Amputation
If you would like me to connect you with his mom Judy, let me know. Also, you may want to visit Lessons From a Paralyzed Dog, they are good friends of ours and have a lot of insight about this condition. It's more of a blog than a forums type environment but Sharon welcomes all comments and is very helpful.
Is she seeing a neurologist? If not, that would be my next move.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Since the MRI is normal then FCE is a likely diagnosis. If possible I would try acupuncture. Pred is okay to try but can cause muscle weakness so if it doesn't help after a few days I will often stop it. Dogs with FCE can improve over time but the issue is nursing care for these giant patients. They need to be kept clean and dry and need help eating and drinking. Physical therapy is important to prevent muscle atrophy.
Pam
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