Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Its been a little over 2 weeks and Chloe still cant figure out how to walk. But now we have run into another issue she has an ulcer in her eye so we had to come to the Cornell Veterinary School this morning to get her looked at. I am hoping they can give us some insights on her walking while we are here. Chloe is a tough cookie she never seems in pain but I hope she can get through all of this and figure out the walking.
I'm so sorry about the extra issue! Try to keep in mind, it's still early. I know it's hard to be patient and it seems like this is lasting furever. But try to put yourself in her paws, if you lost a leg as an elderly person. We expect a lot of things from our dogs that we would never ask ourselves to do. She will get there.
Can you post a video of her trying to get around? You can upload it to YouTube and then share the URL here so we can see it.
Let us know what Cornell says. She couldn't have better care for the eye issue. We are keeping our paws crossed for good news.
Cornell was kind of negative I felt. They think we should remove her eye or put her down. I cant believe all of a sudden after the broken leg she now has this eye issue. We are trying drops and anti biotics and need to go back to Cornell on Tuesday. When we have her home she was eating, drinking, she had some treats and went to the bathroom. She seems to have a will to live so Im praying these eye drops help her. I thought if we got past the leg issue we would be in the clear for a bit this was very disheartening to happen so soon.
Oh that's terrible I'm sorry for that experience! Remember, they aren't rehab therapists nor do they know her well enough to see what you are seeing. How long did they give the eye drops to possibly work?
We are trying the eye drops until Tuesday. But Im going to ask them what happens if we do this longer. From what I read online many publications say these corneal ulcers can heal but the time frames differ but say up to a month. With Chloes broken leg I felt we needed to act on fixing it quickly but with her eye I want to try to take more time letting it heal if we can. She doesnt exhibit signs of pain so I want to see if the drops work. Chloes eyes do seem more open lately but the murkiness is still there so we cant tell if they are working or not yet. Shes still not walking either she doesnt seem to know what to do with her back legs, she moves her front paw around but keeps her back legs in a sitting position. But the other day I noticed her on all three legs kind of squatting low where I felt like she was trying to get her bearings to walk.
That sounds like a good idea, see how long it can take, especially keeping in mind that she's a senior gal with a senior body that needs more time to heal.
When do you guys see the rehab therapist again? Next time you see her looking like she wants to walk, try to catch it on video so the therapy team can see it. I'd love to also.
Goodness knows Chloe is a very well loved girl. To be able to have a dog by your side for 18 years is a true blessing. It's a testament to the care you have given her
Just curious when the Vets made their statement talking about end of life. Were they referencing her eye or were they saying it was because she wasn't mobile or were they identifying other issues?
Also curious prior to the amputation how was her mobility? And was she showing any signs of maybe a little bit of Dementia or confusion?
Try massaging up and down her spine her neck her shoulder etc. See if she shows any sign of tension. Also pinch her rear paws and see if she pulls back and shows that she still has feeling.
What are her pain meds like now? The dose, the frequency and how much does she weigh?
We know it's exceptionally hard with a senior to determine when a dog is in there Sunset years what is just a natural progression to being a senior versus when and if improvements can take place.
Hanf in there. And update when you can.
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!
The end of life consideration was bc Chloe has a heart condition and these tremors that could mean a neurological issue. However, after she broke her leg she saw a cardiologist and is now on heart meds and they think her heart sounds better. I think between her not being able to figure out the walking and those things now with this eye issue all together they want us to consider quality of life which I do think we are we were just trying to give her a chance since shes still eating and drinking normally. Her mobility before the amputation was ok but she was sleeping more. She may have limped a little bit at times though. We did the massaging you recommended and she definitely has feeling and when she pees she knows to use her back legs to squat down. I also think bc we have her sedated still bc of the eye issues it prevents her from being as clear to try walking. Our plan is to see how the drops work for her eyes over the short term then re evaluate what to do. Thank you for the support its really helpful in this difficult time
Hi Victoria,
Thanks for filling us in. I tried calling today but got your voice mail. Karen is on the helpline tomorrow if you want to talk.
All of us have our paws crossed that she has a good strong recovery this week. Keep us posted.
We went back to Cornell on Tuesday and got good news Chloes eyes are healing! I was so happy. The downside is Chloe still doesnt walk but we have had to keep her sedated a bit bc of her eyes so I do think that impacts her and now Im not sure how well she can see. Her wheel chair is coming soon so I am hoping that will help her I will keep you posted. Thanks again for the support! I hope Chloe will walk sometime soon.
Okay, a little bit of good news is still good news! Glad her eyes are healing. 👏👏
I have no doubt if she is having to be sedated that would be interfering with her ability to walk.
Your Devotion to Chloe is beautiful to observe. I know she appreciates all of the tender care she is receiving.
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!
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