Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Help! Spanky was coming along great post amp, today we are 3 weeks out. He had surprised us with how fast he bounced back, and we had to make him rest for the first 2 weeks. The vet had given him a green light to get back to normal activities with lots of little rests inbetween. Tonight when we got home from work and Spanky walked out of his crate and fell down. Then he stumbled all the way to the door. I carried him down the stairs (which he previously had no issues going up/down) and he urinated then walked a few feet and layed down in the grass. My husband had to carry him back inside and placed him on the couch where he loves to relax. He wouldnt move from that spot, not even to get a drink of water. He doesnt appear to be in any pain or discomfort, and we thought that maybe he had layed on his good leg's side in his crate and that it had gone numb, like pins and needles. After calling the Vet ER, which were basically no help, I looked around on here and saw a thread that mentioned herniated disks and sore muscles. I am calling his vet first thing in the morning and taking him in if he is not back to normal by then. He was scheduled this Friday for his final post-op visit anyhow. He is eating and drinking water, and even had some peanut butter and ice chips....so we are trying to be optimistic that it's just something temporary and not another hurdle to overcome. If anyone has experienced anything similiar to this, I could use a little advice to calm my nerves before we see the vet tomorrow morning. By the way, Spanky's vet nominated him for Pet of the Month, and he currently has his own bulletin board with his story and picture on it in their office! He is still a little celebrity, eventhough he is under the weather! Thanks to everyone for their support.
Sherri & Spanky
I hope it is just Spanky over did it. There was another dog on here who was limping and it was a pulled tendon. Try not to worry. It may just be a speed bump in this already bumpy road. My Titan was done Monday I have been a nervous wreck so I totally understand. You guys will be in our prayers.
Love and good well wishes
Titan and Heidi
Did Spanky spend the day in the crate while you were at work? Is the crate tall enough so that he can stand with his neck/head in upright position?
Just a guess... maybe he didn't have enough headroom to circle around in the crate to find his favourite spot to lie down. (he needs extra headroom now to hop in the crate).
The fact that Spanky is still a young pup and not a cancer patient, there is higher chance that he overworked the muscles/tendons without knowing his physical limitations than anything else.
I suppose you still keep him on leash while going out for a hop so that he can go at a steady pace?
Which leg(s) was weak did you notice? He is left front leg amputee ... his right hind should be doing more work than the left hind.
It is good that he will be seeing the vet tomorrow; but for the time being, massage both sides of muscles along the spine, his hips, thighs, his paws, wrist, ankles, elbow, the area around right shoulder blade, and also his neck muscles as he thrust his neck upwards in order to hop. (practically the whole body!)
Don't worry, it might just be silly goofy things he did which tired himself out.
Please keep us posted!
Thank you for the advice and kind words. This morning he is still limping and just not his happy self. I stayed up all night, a nervous wreck! We are on the way to the vet to find out what's wrong with him. I will post later when I have a better idea whats wrong with him. Fingers crossed!
Sherri & Spanky
This morning at the vet they did a very thorough examination and did an xray with several views. The good news is that his shoulder is not dislocated, but there is an area of some concern where his cartilage might have a flap. The orthopedic surgeon is going to take a look at the xrays next week and let us know what his opinion is. Mostly likely, Spanky was running and slipped on the tile and tore a ligament or tendon and just needs time to heal. Once again he is on strict bed rest, poor pup! He is taking antibiotics again and some pain/anti-inflammatory meds. We have been carrying him everywhere....which is pretty difficult since he weighed in at 36.5 pounds today! Other than this setback, he has been doing excellent. The vet told me not to be too discouraged, that these things happen and it's totally normal to have issues like this in a new tripawd. Still, I can't help but be nervous and overly concerned after everything we have been through with him. He is at work with me today, resting on his pillow next to my desk. I will keep everyone posted on how he is doing. Thanks again for the support, it's always appreciated!
Hugs,
Sherri & Spanky
Right there with you Spanky. If Radar only weighed 36 lbs my husband would be carrying him everywhere too (Radar weighs 93lbs). Hang in there, rest and get stronger.
Connie & Radar
Oh wow, we are so glad to hear that you were able to get to the vet and find out a little more. We hope that some good heavy resting and sleeping in will help him feel better.
Try not to be discouraged, things happen but we dogs always have a way of bouncing back.
We're thinking of you. Keep us posted.
Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Good morning! Just a quick update on Spanky: Yesterday afternoon he was feeling better (I guess the meds helped!) and he was hopping around my office greeting patients! I had to make him lay down on his pillow and rest...but you could tell that he wanted to be social, which is a good sign! When we got home last night he hopped right up on the couch to relax, then onto his pillow to eat dinner. This morning he was limping a little, seemed a little sore and his musles in the leg were a bit tight. We massaged him and gave him breakfast and he ate every single bite! I am hoping that this was just a pulled muscle or tendon, but I guess only time will tell! It seems that this type of injury is common in tripawds, we just weren't prepared to see him unable to walk. I am so happy that he is recovering again. Slow and steady wins the race! How is everyone else feeling? Have a great weekend!
Sherri & Spanky
Great news Spanky. So glad you are feeling better.
Radar is hanging in there. Taking a bit longer because of his rear leg injury but we know he will get there.
Oh wonderful news! Yes, slow and steady.
It does sound like he might just be sore. I mean hopping up on the couch is a big deal, that's pretty high up. He'll get used to it eventually, but for now, it's a stretch for him to get up there. Massage is a great thing to help him feel better.
I'm doing great over here, thanks for asking. Just sitting outside while my Mamma makes us lunch.
Keep us posted. Give Spanky a big hug from us.
Love,
Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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