Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I am the owner of a sweet, little dog named Roadie who is 2 1/2 yrs old. We adopted him from the local
shelter, and he is a Jack Russell/Rat Terrier mix.
About five weeks ago we saw him limping, upon inspection it just appeared that he had maybe stepped
on something to injure his paw. We cleaned it , put antibiotic cream on it, and hoped it would heal up.
This was not to be the case, and we began to quickly see the foot start to rot. The pads of the toes
were rotting. We took him to the Emergency clinic, and we were told that it was a snake bite by a
very elderly vet. We were also told that the rear, left leg would have to be amputated. It was
devastating news, but we would do what we had to save our dog.
We took him the next morning to see the local vet, he agreed that the leg would have to be amputated,
and a snake bite was still the diagnosis.
Well just before surgery I was called, and told that it wasn't a snake bite, that it was heart worm, and
then he threw in some foreign name to me of vasculitis. I really had no idea what he was talking about.
He also told me post surgery, that the infected leg had laid on the other rear leg, and that there was
infection there as well. He told me that after he cut the toe nails, he saw very little blood flow.
At this point he gave me a 50/50 chance that the other rear leg would survive after the amputation.
I took the chance, and prayed for the best.
Since the amputation, I am watching the other foot slowly do the same, and it is heartbreaking.
We are on our third tube of cream, and many different medications, and the other foot is not getting
any better.
He has now formed a huge sore at his rear near the amputation that is horrifying to see.
I'm lost, I don't really know what I am dealing with here!!
My dog seems lost as well. He doesn't come when I call, he just sits like a zombie staring at the
wall. I read about how other dogs in some fashion go back to normal. My Roadie doesn't seem
to have any life in him at all, and it breaks my heart. He eats, but rarely drinks.
I can deal with the amputation, but what about his other foot? Is he ever going to show any signs
of life or happiness again?
In addition, he has also tested positive to heartworm.
Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.
So sorry to hear about Roadie, but we're glad you found us. Thanks for joining the club nobody wants to join. You will find lots of amputation recovery advice in Jerry's Required Reading List, and for much more help and tips with immediate answers to the most common questions consider downloading the new Tripawds e-book.
Without pictures, or more information we can't be certain (we are not vets) but the sore area around the incision is most likely a post-amputation seroma and perfectly normal. Some discharge is even to be expected. Roadie's "zombie" state is most likey due to his pain medication. Best wishes and please keep us posted on his progess
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for the welcome to your site, I chose this one because it truly seems the most
informative.
I looked at the pictures of the seranoma, and it just may be that. Roadie goes back to
the vet on November 8th, so I guess I will know then.
He had his surgery on October 13th, and they still have not taken the stitches out on his
last visit which was the 28th.
I've been trying to find out information about 'vaculitis' on the internet, but can't seem to
find much in terms of a future prognosis.
It seems that the other injured foot is the main focus.
Welcome Roadie and family! We are sorry to hear about your difficult journey...trust me, we all understand.
Please keep us updated on Roadie's recovery. Every patient is unique, as is their recovery.
We are all keeping our paws crossed for a smooth recovery going forward for your Roadie. Post pics if you can. We would love to see him!!
Give him a smooch for us!
Hugs from Honeygurl's pack
Dx Osteosarcoma 3/31/10. Amputation 7/21/10. Honey put up a valiant fight and lost her battle 9/22/10. Missing her and treasuring 9 years with our Honeygurl.
Oh, poor Roadie. This has been an arduous time.
Hoping things turn around for him and that his other foot may be treated. I don't know anything really about vasculitis. Rather than waiting until the 8th of November, you may want to talk to the vet at the clinic and get more information with respect to prognosis, treatment options, etc. so you have a better understanding of what you're dealing with, etc. etc.
So sorry this has been so rough for you and Roadie. I can well imagine your helplessness.
Sending positive healing wishes.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
I have to say it might just be the pain meds that have him in his emotional state. My boy was totally loopy on the pills and just stared and didn't seem to have any notice of the day.
I am so sorry to hear about the situation Roadie is in. Please let us know how he is faring.
Elizabeth and Sammy
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
Thank you all for your concern, it truly does help to know that you are not alone.
I never imagined myself to be thrown into this world, its a frightening place really.
It's been 3 weeks since his surgery, and today was the first day that he actually came
to me when I called him. I can't tell you how elated I was to finally see this happen.
Yet he is not out of the woods, his other paw is badly damaged and not healing.
On the 28th , the doctor put him on "pentoxifylline" which is a human drug for
vasculitis. Is it helping? The foot remains the same, but perhaps I am just being
impatient.
Have you ever heard of a dog with no back legs? I am told it is inhumane. So I
am faced with the everyday nightmare that this other foot will not heal, and he will
have to be put down.
In terms of the vet telling us about vasculitis, I am getting very vague answers as
to the future of a dog with this condition. The vets reply "one day at a time."
That is not very comforting to say the least.
And what about heartworm?
Please pray for my very sick dog.
Thank you.
What a lot of worry for you. I'm so sorry for your distress. This is a lot to take.
Is Roadie being treated for the heartworm? Can they treat it?
Again, sending you a multitude of positive thoughts.
Carmen
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Hi Carmen:
It is alot, and very stressful for Roadie's owner.
I'm sure very stressful for him as well.
The doctor says he's not even going to touch the heartworm yet.
We have to deal with the injured back paw first.
If it does not thrive or heal, we are at a dead end is the impression that
I got from him. I personally don't see it magically healing, even though I
pray a miracle happens.
The pads on the paw are not going to just reform themselves.
He's not walking on it at all, understandably.
Not treating the heartworm right now makes sense. Roadie's got enough to deal with for sure.
Hang in there the best you can. I really feel for you and Roadie.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Thank you for your concern Carmen, Roadie says thank you to.
I'll know more on the 8th , I guess. Until then it's just a waiting game.
It just makes me wonder how this 'vasculitis' could do so much damage
in such a young dog. I do however believe that the vasculitis and the
heartworm go hand in hand.
I just wish I knew more about the disease.
Thanks again.
Hello,
I'm sorry I don't have any info on Roadie's issues.
One thing we have all faced here is the question of quality of life. All you can do is your best for Roadie, and make decisions for him with love and his best interest at heart.
You might want to post your questions in the 'Ask A Vet' forum here. Dr. Pam doesn't always see posts in this forum, but she is good about checking the Ask a Vet forum. She might be able to provide some insight for you.
Wishing the best for you and Roadie.
Karen
Sorry to hear about Roadie. Poor pup. I can tell you that my Opie had to keep his stitches in for quite some time. He had a very big seroma and it eventually drained (which looks horrible, but is actually a good thing). I think it was about four weeks before his stitches came out. He was a bit down after the surgery for awhile and it was due to pain meds and general all-around recovery. He perked up. Roadie will too.
I have no experience with heartworm. It does not occur where I live (at least not yet). I hope Roadie's other foot begins to heal. You will know what is best to do for Roadie. Take each minute one at a time. They do make "rear wheels" for dogs. I have seen a couple of dogs with useless back legs and they run around like crazy and their tailend rolls right along behind them.
So, try not to let other people tell you what is cruel, inhumane, etc., for your boy. You know him best. Try not to succumb to peer pressure one way or the other.
Hang in there. We have our paws crossed for Roadie.
Opie's mom
Welcome to the family, boy, just when you think you've heard it all, here comes a story like this. Sounds like you have your hands full. I am going to talk to you in the way I would address this, with the info you have given. I'm not a vet but have grown up and still live on a farm, so animals have been my life, I don't know about the issues you are dealing with, but have you considered getting a second opinion. It sounds to me like this needs an aggressive treatment, and not waiting until the 8th. Maybe your doing all you can already. Please understand I am not trying to scare you or put you or your dog under any more stress, but my way of dealing with a serious issue is keep talking to somebody until you get an answer that you think is going to help if your not getting the answers or results that you think are right. If you are comfortable with your vet than thats good, but I can see where both backs out of commission can cause some problems in a short time, and you have already had to make a couple tough calls, so lets try to avoid being in that situation for awhile. Gus didn't get along with tramadol, and I noticed a difference right away when I took him off. At that point he was on Rimidyl and Gabapentin. All of us here have been down your road and completely understand the anxiety you are feeling, and if I can offer one piece of advice it would be take a deep breath, you've had alot to absorb in a short time, and the ride isn't over yet. Try to act as normal as possible around your buddy, they can sense your tension, if you can remain calm around him that will be a big help, that guys probably wired pretty good already, so the more at ease you are the better. You have come to a great place for help and support. This family understand the feeling and emotion your dealing with and will help you in any way possible, so don't be afraid to ask questions. I really hope you can get a handle on his problems, keep us updated, good luck, Paws up, Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
I'm with Dan on this one. Do not hesitate for another minute, get a second opinion. without a second opinion, Trouble would have lived out her remaining few months in pain and medicated. With a second opinion, and a new focus, she has been cancer free for 23 months. I'm the biggest supporter of second opinions.
Dan is also right on with his advice about the pain meds. It makes some of them just totally not themselves. Fortunately, most don't have to be on meds for a very long time.
Sending lots of good thoughts for a speedy and uneventful recovery.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
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