Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hector had been doing so well after his left leg amputation in August. But last week he collapsed crying in pain and could not weight bear. Took him to the vet who diagnosed arthritis in his remaining front leg, she put him on Tramadol and Metacalm. 7 days later Hector still struggling although can walk a little. He is off his food and whining a lot, and we don't know what to do. We have heard acupuncture, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy might help, and any advice appreciated on how to help Hector 's arthritis.
Mary, Archie and Hector
Hi Mary,
I'm sorry Hector is having trouble with arthritis. My quad pug Tani has terrible arthritis in her back and her back legs.
She takes rimadyl (an anti-inflam like metacam) and gabapentin for pain. She also takes a glucosimine supplement. She also gets adequan injections every two weeks. Adequan is an injectable anti-inflam. It works great for Tani but does not work for all dogs. It is pretty expensive too. I also had some luck with chiropractic adjustments for Tani, I didn't think that chiropractic would help, but it really did.
One of my pugs did not deal well with tramadol, it made her very agitated. You might talk with your vet about changing the tram to another pain med and see if Hector settles down.
I hope you find a solution for Hector soon.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Sorry for the circumstances....But....great to hear from you!! Really, reallyg glad Hector has been doing so well except for this "down" part of this crazy "up and down" journey!!
Just curious...what kind of tests did the vet do to determine arthritis? I'm just curious how she ruled out other possibilities since it came on so auddenly. When did she anticipate Hector wo u ld be feeling better? I'm sure she checked things thoroughly...just want to make sure itsw not a knee issue or hairline fraction or junk like that!! Perhaps a second opinion???
Ive forgotten how much Hector weighs, but can you carry him out to potty and then bring him right back in to rest h is leg? Or how about a harness/sling to help him?
The meds can make him not want to eat sometimes. Try anything...chicken, steak, macaroni and cheese...whatever you can get him to eat!
PLEASE, PLEASE, KEEP US POSTED! I know many have tried various forms of physical therapy, water therapy included.....that really seems to help in relieving pressure on painful joints
Do you still have some chocolate in the cabinet from the amputation days? Yeah....go look....it still is the best relaxant for humans!
((((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Karen gave some great firsthand advice. Lexie (search member debva) also dealt with a tripawd with arthritis issues and she used some holistic approaches as well as rehab and PT
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!
Mary, Archie and Hector, it was really nice chatting with you today. Let me know what you find out about rehab vets in your part of the UK, I hope you can find someone to give you a second opinion and help Hector feel much better. I know he has a lot of livin' to do and you're a great mom for helping him get there. Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am a bit surprised the arthritis came on so suddenly. For us it was a slower progression, but just as devastating. I wish we had started the Adequan injections sooner. We were slow to aggressively treat the arthritis, but looking back, it is one of my regrets. I wish I had fought it harder from the time we first knew it was becoming a problem.
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.
Thank you all for such helpful and sound advice, once again it is so good to have your support through Hector's journey. When he had his leg amputated in August the surgeon did say that Hector had some arthritis in his remaining front leg but nothing too severe. He had been doing great although slowing down a few weeks ago, and then when he saw his little friend in the park he charged forward, although he seemed ok he did slow down a bit more. Then when he collapsed the vet just seemed to right him off, and did not do any X-rays or tests, she made her diagnosis by examining the joint. She just seemed to right him off. I think I have found a local rehab vet who specialises in acupuncture so I am going to contact them tomorrow, to see what they say. Hector is just not himself, and we are feeding him exactly what he wants which at the moment is chicken and Turkey soup! We manage to take him outside so he can do the toilet, and we carry him into the car to take him to the park, as he just likes to lie in the park watching everything going by. He is just not himself, and we hope it is the meds and arthritis and that new pain control and some rehab will help him get some better quality of life.
I will let you know how we get on.
thanks again everyone, you being there for us means so much.
Mary and Hector
Best Wishes! Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So sorry about Hector. We had Lexie on Gabapentin, Rimadyl and Tramadol for pain, and also gave her Glycoflex III supplements, which seemed to help. Good luck!
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
Hector showing signs of slight improvement today, and seems a bit happier in himself. We have booked in him in for a second opinion and some acupuncture on Saturday, so here's hoping he will be back to his cheeky self soon.
thank you so much for such great advice and I will keep you updated on how Hector gets on.
Take care
Mary and Hector
Oh I'm glad he's better and you have an appointment for the rehab vet. Maybe Hector knows that you're feeling good about the appointment? I know this will be a long week for you but once he gets some additional pain relief he should start to get back to his old self. Hang in there, you'll get there!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you, and you are so right I do believe Hector has picked up that we have been worried about him and are now more positive. Also we have reduced the Tramadol which has him less agitated. He is still enjoying his Turkey soup and chicken roll, and making sure that we are kept on our toes! He now tells us when he wants carried and taken to the park, and also when he wants carried back to the car! Nothing is too much trouble for Hector our inspirational Tripawd.
I will keep you updated on how his appointment goes.
Mary and Hector
As we dealt with the increasing arthritis symptoms, Trouble was on Rimadyl as a maintenance drug and Tramadol as needed if she seemed to have additional pain. You will find there are many pups out there that have had problems with the Tramadol.
So glad you are able to let him know you aren't as stressed. That will help.
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.
Hector went for some acupuncture today, and it seemed to help him a bit. The vet gave him a tborough examination and is concerned that the liver and adrenal tumours are creating problems, in particlar the mass on Hector's side ie liver is impacting on his back legs and movement. The outlook is not good but she she going to get hold of all Hector's results to see what can be done to help him. I am seriously worried about Hector as he has now starting to lose control of his bladder ie suddenly peeing without warning, loss of appetite, and not wanting to go out at all. Despite all this his tail is still up and likes to stay close by us, so we are not giving up on him. The vet did say that his only front leg is strong, but it is back legs due to the mass that are causing the problems.
all the very best
Mary and Hector
Oh Mary I know it's tough hearing about the good news/bad news. At least he is in some good hands now. Be sure to mention the incontinence to the new vet. Acupuncturist vets offer so many treatments beyond standard pain medication that can give a great quality of life. It's early in your relationship with acupuncture and this vet, we will stay pawsitive that she can come up with some helpful treatments, I know you can keep pawsitive too!
Keep us posted OK? And give him a big smooch from us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
One day at a time, okay? Just try and stay in the moment and SPOIL, SPOIL, SPOIL! I think you've already mastered that lart!!
Glad Hector is with this vet. And sometimes acupuncture takes a few rounds ro make a difference. Perhaps an anti inflammatory steroid could help reduce the imlact of the mass. Prednisone is used to help treat inflammation, but cannot be used with Rimadyl.
Perhaps try liverswurst al k ng with that turky soup.....he stinkier the food the tastier sometimes!
Keeping all laws crossed for you. We are here with you! Now go get some snuggles and watch that ail wag! You will both feel better!!
Sending love and 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!
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