Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My sweet Juju just loves walks, but I don't walk her much anymore because she can't move the rest of the day when I do. I have had her seen by 2 vets and nobody is quite sure what's wrong or how to help. She is 4 years old with a rear leg amputation done when she was about 10 months. I thought it would be years before she started having mobility issues! Vets have examined her remaining knee and it appears to be sound. X-rays showed mild hip dysplasia. We did a few acupuncture treatments which didn't seem to help. She gets chiropractic adjustments every 6 weeks. I just don't know how to help her. After walks she can't seem to get her rear leg under her to move around. She has definitely been struggling more lately, walks or not. She is more hesitant to jump on furniture or take stairs. Any tips?
Hi Juju and family, welcome. Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away.
I'm sorry she is having mobility issues. Yes, she is young! It sounds like she is in quite a bit of pain. Ouch. It's good that you are looking for help.
I have a few questions:
- What kind of breed is she? How is her weight?
- Did she see a credentialed canine rehabilitation therapist? It sounds like it based on her acupuncture. What else did they do besides acupuncture?
- How many acupuncture sessions has she had? Generally it can take 4-6 sessions before you see a difference.
- Is she on any pain management medications? If so, what meds, how much and how often?
- Since things don't seem to be on track, what are the vets' recommendations for treating this issue?
Sorry for all the questions but the more info you can provide the better we can help. I look forward to learning more!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for your reply. I tried to include a photo of her, but it has been years since I have used a forum like this and I can't figure it out!
- What kind of breed is she? How is her weight?
She is likely some kind of corgi mix, but very mixed. She is a rez dog. She has slightly shorter legs with bowed front legs. Long-ish back, too. Her weight is excellent.
- Did she see a credentialed canine rehabilitation therapist? It sounds like it based on her acupuncture. What else did they do besides acupuncture?
She hasn't seen a canine rehab therapist. We saw a veterinarian who does TCM/acupuncture. She has been treating my dogs for years and I trust her, but her specialty isn't PT/rehab.
- How many acupuncture sessions has she had? Generally it can take 4-6 sessions before you see a difference.
She only had 3, maybe 4.
- Is she on any pain management medications? If so, what meds, how much and how often?
She isn't on any meds or supplements.
- Since things don't seem to be on track, what are the vets' recommendations for treating this issue?
Honestly, nobody has any ideas. They did x-rays and exam and there just isn't any indication what's wrong based on what they could find besides the hip dysplasia, but I got the impression that was mild.
And just to add more quesrions....how long are her walks? Does she get several "shorter" walks a day, maybe about fifteen minutes with some rest stops? Or does she go on longer walks?
Also, it is harder for a rear legger ro go up stairs and to jump up on beds as it requires so much push off with the remaining leg.
Do lots of massages up and down her spine, her neck and shoulder area. Any signs of tension or does she just relax?
And good for uoi for sping all you can to keep her strong and fit. Glad all her check ups aren finding any issues.
Will look forward to uour response to Jerry's input and our questions.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
She walks once or twice a week for 10-15 minutes at a time. It's not much. She's so uncomfortable that we don't do it much. She just spends time in our yard.
You just reminded me that I should search/ask on here about ramps and stairs! I got her some soft steps to get on the bed and she refuses to try them.
She only really likes her shoulders and neck massaged. She gets very tense and suspicious when I touch her lower back/hips.
You are doing a good job of trying to manage her "situation". Clearly a well loved dog.
This stood out to me. May be something to make all the professionals aware
Ohhh....just saw her photo. Love it!!! She is adorable and a very pretty gal!!!
She gets very tense and suspicious when I touch her lower back/hips
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!
yclaray said
Lame. There's a watermark and I am clearly rusty at using forums, but here is a photo from our walk yesterday. She's amazing and adorable.
Honestly, nobody has any ideas. They did x-rays and exam and there just isn't any indication what's wrong based on what they could find besides the hip dysplasia, but I got the impression that was mild.
Sounds like the time to see a credentialed canine rehab therapist. The best part is the Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit ! I can help you find one near you if you'd like, just let me know your location here or via Private Message (the envelope icon to the top right of this reply).
She is a gorgeous pup. Everything you are describing sounds like untreated pain, which can be resolved with more targeted therapy provided by a CCRT or CCRP practitioner. Also, pain management medications may be necessary as well. This isn't unusual but should definitely be addressed soon to help her feel better.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am in Rochester, Minnesota. I used to take my other dogs to a rehab specialist very nearby in Byron. She was great. She left and I don't know if there is someone new there who is any good. Let me know what you find. Thanks!
Oh OK. They look like a great clinic:
https://www.mea.....bilitation
Looks like they have one CCRT on staff whose been there since 2016.
This place looks excellent, but they're 1.5 hours away...eek! It's quite a haul but honestly they look like the best in the state. And for a situation like this, it would be worth your while to see them if at all possible so you can get to the bottom of the issue quickly
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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