Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Ok, I probably don't actually have a question, I think I'm just worried and venting. 😉
My Tippsterdoodle has slowed down significantly this week. He doesn't want to walk. He's whining all the time. 🙁 I just game him some Rimadyl, which we have on hand in case his back end starts hurting from the bit of arthritis back there. I don't want to rely on Rimadyl - I want him to enjoy a clear head (even though he doesn't know the difference) and I worry about those side effects too.
I don't know what to do - I know massage, padding, ice/heat (never know which) - but worried I maybe should get x-ray? Then again, there's not much I can do with x-ray results anyway.
We had chemo #2 last Monday - a week ago tomorrow. He threw up the next morning so he went back to the clinic for a shot and came home with some pills. He was mellow all week. Now he just seems in pain - which I'm assuming is not related to the chemo.
I feel awful I haven't looked at carpeting yet. 🙁 I pulled out our living room carpeting a couple years ago and we're on a concrete slab. I'm looking at carpeting and in the meantime have covered the area with non slip runners and yoga mats. He's done some wrestling with his little brother - having a blast - but now he's just whining and doesn't want to move around.
And we had a doggie visitor last weekend - we were pet sitting for a friend - a pretty big adolescent powerhouse - and Tipper was jostled around quite a bit. haSo, there could be lots of causes. Would chemo still be affecting him this much on day #6? I can't find my notes from the doctor for what days to anticipate what. He seems to be having movement issues - hesitant to take a step, hesitant getting off the bed or going outside. Could that be because he still feels sick from chemo?
He's not particularly fond of his harness for just hanging around, but it's going to be on for a while. He just jumped up on the couch with me and seems to be chilling out. Maybe Rimadyl is kicking in and he'll have a good nap.
This vid is from 3 weeks ago. This week, and especially today, he doesn't even want to move. 
First, don't be so hard on yourself. If you are putting down traction for him and you are aware that he is in some kind of pain that shows that you are very much a great dog parent. Now, I hope I can help with some insight here:
There is clearly something going on and two possibilies are:
- Pain from too much of the wrong kinds of activity
- Nausea and pain from the chemotherapy
The good news is both of these can be remedied! First understand that pain management is not about doping our dogs up, it's about helping them to feel better. Not all pain medication makes us dopey and if you manage its use conscientiously, you won't have side effects (usually). For example, iburpophen doesn't make us dopey right?
Something else to remember: Rimadyl takes time to kick in. In long-term pain management strategies you want to give it regularly under a vet's supervision. It also does not affect the nervous system or make dogs dopey.
There are many ways to manage pain without a ton of drugs but a pet parent must be willing to commit to investigating the possible solution and carrying them out as prescribed. Medication is only one route, there is also acupuncture and massage and PT. However until you take him to a pain management specialist or rehabilitation therapy vet, it may be difficult to diagnose. Please read this article for more details OK?
http://tripawds.....care-tips/
Oh and about the chemo ... what kind did he have? Some chemo drugs won't have possible side effects until 7-10 days out. So yes it's possible he may be experiencing that. Please dig up your vet's directions/instructions to see what they had to say.
I hope this helps. Let us know.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks.
Lots to think about here. We see our vet for blood work in a couple of days, so we can get a referral for pain or PT specialist.
The clinic lays out all of the costs for the surgery and chemo, but there are so many other associated costs I didn't anticipate. Thank goodness for Care Credit. I won't be losing the house over Tipper's medical bills, but it will be tight.
I know the chemo side effects can last over a week. He did well for the first treatment, so I'm worried this time around. I don't want him to be miserable for half of his time through these treatments. 🙁 He's on carboplatin.
The Arbor Pointe Pain center is actually a stone's throw from where I live. It doesn't look like they have a rehab PT there. More to learn, always.
HI - I wasn't able to view your video. Is tipper a front or rear tripawd? Murphy is a front tripawd and sometimes has days that he's stiff or sore ...like his back or back legs seem stiff when he's walking. On those days we give him a rimadyl & he usually seems better the next day. Not having carpet is ok, as long as you've gotten something down on the floor for him. Are you in Michigan?
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
Hi - like Donna, I'm wondering which leg Tipper had amputated. My Dobe, Nitro is a front amp who experienced a lot of pain shortly after surgery. We were lucky enough to have access to a vet that does chiropratic/accupuncture care. Nitro's neck and back were way out of alignment due to his new hopping gait, which was the cause of his pain. He now gets a chiropractic adjustment every 4 weeks, and its made a world of difference! My husband was skeptical at first, but went along with it to humor me; now he's a true believer! Good luck in your quest to figure this out.
Paula and NItro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
Tipper is a front amp. I'm realizing that we can't skimp on rehab and that it definitely needs to be addressed.
Dr. Petty at Arbor Pointe is only a few miles from us. I feel grateful for that. It looks like they have a rehab pt program there as well. From what I can tell from the website, they want a referral from the primary care vet, whom we will see on Thurs for Tipper's Cbc anyway. .
He does seem to be doing much better today, meeting me at the door and getting excited to eat, play with his ball, and wrastle a bit with our little Logan. Could be chemo wearing off, could be that he's rested up a bit. Regardless, his gait makes me a bit uncomfortable and I know we need to get a consult. Hoping the Maggie grant is still available once we get things into place.
Just catching up...and just intime to see Tipper is doing better today! YAY!!!
When reading your post, my initial non-vet and unprofessional opinion, is that Tipper may have been overdoing it with his doggie visitor. All it takes is a bump, or using muscles he's not used to using, to give him a strain and that makes it painful to move. Being a bit lethargic and having an upset tummy would be a chemo side effect, more so thsn the stiffness and seemingly too sore to move around.
Tipper jas a wonderful advocate in you, that's for sure! Sooo glad he's feeling better today! No overdoing sweet Tippsterdoodle!!
Hugs to all!
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!
I thought that maybe Tipper was a front amp. Murphy had issues with back pain not long after his surgery. I think it's fairly common with them trying to get used to their new gait. We figured out that he likes to lay on his side and we massage his back, then he starts stretching back and curling backwards into a "C" and that seems to help quite a bit. He moans and groans the whole time lol
You aren't too far from us! We live Downriver, in Woodhaven 
Murphy had his surgery out in Lansing at MSU.
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
tipper said
The Arbor Pointe Pain center is actually a stone's throw from where I live. It doesn't look like they have a rehab PT there. More to learn, always.
Oh my GOSH you do? YES Arbor Pointe absolutely does rehab there, Dr. Petty is one of the most well-known rehab vets on the planet, you are so lucky! They are by referral only so get in touch with them and find out how to get the ball rolling, you wont' be sorry.
Here is Dr. Petty's new book that just came out, it's a fantastic read:
Learn How to Manage Your Dog’s Pain with Dr. Petty’s New Guide
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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