Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello everyone! Having another nervous breakdown! We are 11 days post op which I know isn't a lot but Cosmo is regressing a little bit. He came home Friday the 22nd and was doing great till about Wednesday. He has started to complain of pain in his hind legs no where near his front amputation. It seems like the pain is getting worse or atleast not getting better. He's having a hard time getting up himself and standing up. Once we stand him up he will take about three steps until he will just drop to a sit then lay. I can't tell if his legs are failing him or if it's due to pain. I'm panicking we had leg X-rays done on Thursday and they were clear. Now I'm worrying is it a spinal thing?! Or is it just pain and fear. He acts up more at home then at the vet so I'm worried because I don't want the vet to miss anything due to lack of symptom while there. We have him on tramadol gabapentin and started methocarbamol a muscle relaxer to see if that would relieve his back pain. Ugh has anyone had this problem or have seen this before. My husband doesn't handle the stress of this well so he's starting to make me feel guilty that I did this and he wants to put him down! I can't do that it's only 11 days post op he's discouraged because he's regressing a little and he's convinced he's not going to get better. So I just need information, reassurance love and support. And I have gotten so much from all of you already I know that you will put me at ease! Xoxo
I'm sorry Cosmo is having a hard time with his hind legs. It might just be muscle strain... is he doing too much? It's still so early in the recovery period. Maybe he's still getting used to his new balance structure? Have you tried massaging his hind legs? They might be tight and stressed. My girl was a rear amp so I don't know much about front amps so hopefully others will weigh in soon.
Remember, the first couple of weeks it's really important to really limit the movement... just potty walks and that's about it! Hugs and hang in there.
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
avdb23 said
We are 11 days post op...He has started to complain of pain in his hind legs no where near his front amputation.
The first few weeks can be a roller coaster indeed! Please consider consulting with a certified rehab vet/tech or download Loving Life On Three Legs for lots of professional tips about the amount and type of exercise recommended for new tripawds. There are many at home exercises, stretches and massage you can do to help Cosmo rebuild strength and remain fit and strong.
It sounds like he may be overdoing it. We always recommend a rehab consultation, and the Tripawds Foundation will reimburse you for your first visit with the Maggie Moo Fund for Tripawd Rehab!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Okay...DEEP BREATHS......B R E A T H E.....B R E A T H E..........and I'm serious, take some deep breaths in and exhale slowly. I'm certainly not there and have not seen Cosmo. You know your dog. However, based on what you've said, to think of "putting him down" at this point is not something you should even think about considering. That's not to say there isn't some unforseen and "hidden cause" that could possibly warrant such an action, but it just doesn't seem remotely likely at this point!!
Every human being has there own way of handling fear and uncertainty. I'm sure your husband is handling it in a way that works for him. You are handling it in a "let's figure the cause of thisnout and get on with enjoying Cosmo as he enjoys his pain free life!" And a reminder to voth of you, that piece of crap disease makes us .ake decisions for our dogs and cats that are "forced choices". You, like everyone here, decided to give Cosmo the best possible chance to get extended quality time fullmof more loving and spoiling. Amputation is the only option we have. Yes, things can happen. Itsq a risk, but itsq a risk we all here were willing to make to st least TRY! No, you didn't do this to Cosmo, that piece of crap disease did. You are going through all this rough period FOR Cosmo!
I've gone back over yoir posts to look for any "clues" that didn't stand out before.
This back leg issue started a couple of weeks before the amputation. Here is your quote on January 19th:
"I am worried about his little back legs I think from them not being used in a week or two they are weak and the muscles are a little tight because he does whimper a bit when you touch them. We did have FULL body xrays done last week to ensure the cancer was no where else before we proceeded with surgery and thankfully he came back completely clean."
I think you said Cosmo had a full body scan at that time, and also more xrays just a couple of days okay with everything looking good. I think you also daid it comes and goes. It's not all the time.
I know it's been mentioned before, but I would DEFINITELY see a Rehab Specialist, or an Orthopedic Specialist, or just anyone who can look at this situation with a new set of eyes and maybe from a different perspective.
Certainly if Cos.o did some damge to his back, or legs prior to the surgery, the amputation will clearly magnify the situation!
You need to take video also showing the entire situation from when you toich him lightly, to taking three steps and then laying down.
PLEASE try and get another opinion from the options mentioned.
Stay connected and keep us in the loop. We care so deeply about you and this precious pup!
Love and 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!
I agree...also, try some gentle massage of his back and his back legs. I swear this is the best thing for Murphy! He moans and groans and rolls around when we do it. I think it helps relieve the tight muscles. Cosmo is walking, hopping, differently than before, therefore using different muscles than before. So those muscles are getting a different work-out, they're sore and achy.
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Do you have a harness for him? Maybe he just needs a bit of help getting around for a bit. My hubby reacted the same way your is. Everyone handles this differently. You can use a towel or reusable grocery bag cut up the sides. Has he fallen, he may be scared of losing his balance. Ty wanted me pressed right against him on his amp side when he walked. I joked with him, I was his extra leg. Hope he gets to feeling better soon. Remember 11 days is still early. Most folks here had at least 2 weeks or more pass till they really thought they had done the right thing. Hang in there. Lori, Ty & Gang
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
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