Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Happy Saturday morning, Everyone! I wanted to give a RikRak update and then discuss a decision I think I’m making and get your input. Last time I posted my RikRak was suffering a horrible rash on his tummy. It is completely healed and he is doing great! Since he got over that he has made leaps and bounds – pun intended – in his adapting to his wheelchair . He is so much better with it now!! I have been taking him to physical therapy since mid May. The place I take him to is about 100 miles from home, so I take him first thing Monday morning and pick him up at noon on Fridays. The therapists deserve all the credit for getting him acclimated to the wheelchair . I had hoped the use of his remaining front leg would return during this time, but it hasn’t. Sometimes it seems to be trying to fire up, but he can’t walk with it like I had hoped. Yesterday his doctor told me he fears his body may be failing him. I’m quite the slow thinker, so I didn’t know how to respond to that at the time. The vet told me that he does so good when they work with him, has a great attitude and works hard; but when he isn’t being worked with he is just laying there. Well, first off, if we’re not playing, all my other dogs just lay around as well. So that puzzled me. After sleeping on it and thinking about his words for almost 24 hours now, I am thinking about this coming week being his last week of physical therapy. Perhaps at this stage it’s more important that he is home with everyone who loves him and now knows how to work with him in the wheelchair and keep him motivated. I hope y’all can share your thoughts with me, because I’ve got until Monday morning to toss around every thought in my head!! Thanks to Everyone!
Hi Leslye,
First, that is fantastic news that the rash has cleared up. Did they ever diagnose it? Just wondering, I may be have missed that update.
Yay for adapting to wheels!!!! You'll have to share a pic with us.
I am thinking about this coming week being his last week of physical therapy. Perhaps at this stage it’s more important that he is home with everyone who loves him and now knows how to work with him in the wheelchair and keep him motivated.
Have you talked to the PT about this? For most people, the goal with PT work is to have the expert get the animal back to a better place physically, and teach us to do those exercises at home so that we can help them stay in good shape. Then, follow up with a monthly check-in to make sure he's on track.
I would ask the PT: do you think RikRak has plateaued? Is this as good as he will get? And how can I help keep him comfortable and in the best shape he can be in at this current stage in his life?
I do agree that being at home with the pack is good for his spirits, and yours too.
Hope this helps!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yep, ditto Jerry.
Okay, just gonna a jump in with both feet! I think you're spot on avout the way you are thinking!
leslye said
.... I am thinking about this coming week being his last week of physical therapy. Perhaps at this stage it’s more important that he is home with everyone who loves him and now knows how to work with him in the wheelchair and keep him motivated.
You and RikRak have mastered the wheelchair , you can still do some of the PT yourselves at home😎
Yes, dogs do lay around a lot and spend a big portion of their day sleeping. But in RikRak's case, it could also mean that he misses being home with his pack!
I vet of you asked RikRak what he wanted it would be to be with you, his pack and enjoy all the bliss of home sweet home!! It will definitely add quality to his spirit and goodness knows how that pawsitivty could even help heal in ways we can't even imagine!!😎
P,ease update us when you decide.
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!
Thank you both for your replies! And, Jerry, thank you for putting my question and story in the correct place! I am going to take those questions to the doctor tomorrow and, when I get answers, I will certainly let you know. I think it would be a wonderful idea for him to get monthly visits and be able to check in with the doctor and staff. That way, if he digresses, they will know and we can start up again for a week or two. Thank you again for responding to my question, and it does make me feel much better to see that we are thinking the same way! Wish us luck! I have a video of RikRak cruising in the wheelchair . We even added music to it. I will see if I am smart enough to post it!!
Happy to help! Yeah definitely talk to the doc and let us know how it goes.
For the video, we would love to see him rolling along! It's easiest to share if you upload the video to YouTube first, then copy the video URL and paste it into your Forum post here. Make sense? Let me know if you'd like help!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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