Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Helllo fellow tripawd pawrents - Boy, has this forum been interesting! This will be my first post in any of the tripawds forums, and I'm hoping that I can glean some more enlightenment for caring for my tripawd.
My sheepdog, Sylvia, is now 2 months and 20 days post-amputation. We really took it easy with her during her recovery, following the surgeon's instructions religiously and taking time to get her to the point where she rarely needed a sling or harness. She's kind of a shrimp for her breed (about 62 lbs.). She'd been healing wonderfully and handling chemo with no side effects (except hair loss). By Christmas, she was able to run around the backyard, chasing the ball and outrunning those of us with just two legs. She could easily handle the steps from our back porch down to the yard. I had begun to take her for walks, starting with about 1/2 block, then gradually about a block and a half. Then I noticed that her remaining rear leg was buckling fairly frequently and she seemed slower about lying or sitting down, and getting up.
At her last chemo treatment (Jan. 10), I told the vet that she seemed to be having issues with her leg or back. Her surgeon examined her and told us that she had what appeared to be a slipped disk in her back. He prescribed 4 weeks of strict crate rest, and prednisone, and gave me a prescription for Tramadol, in case she had more pain. So, you can imagine that, reading over the posts, I've become pretty frightened that I've allowed the prednisone without knowing the side effects. I really, really trust Sylvia's oncologst and surgeon, and I did make sure that the prednisone was not to be a long-term solution. I'm hoping that beyond the temporary extra thirst and frequent peeing, it hasn't done long-term damage.
I've been wondering about physical therapy, chiropractic, accupuncture, or other means of caring for her back. She is a really bouncy dog and it's been a horrible 3 weeks trying to keep her quiet, after she'd been doing much more, physically. I was skeptical that I'd even be able to get her in a crate, but that was easier that I'd expected. However, half the time she's in the crate, she's sitting up instead of lying down and is all hunched over. Outside of the crate, she'll be quiet for a while, the pop up suddenly and hop around the house. I feel like we're forever pulling on her collar or harness to get her to settle down. The bottom line is that I'm not seeing an improvement in her buckling leg. I'm so very worried about permanent damage to her back. I'm thinking that the time in the crate actually doesn't seem to be helping.
The advice about getting more excercise feels more appropriate to me. We'll be going for Sylvia's last chemo treatment on Monday, Jan. 31 and I plan to discuss optional treatments for the back problem. It seems logical to me - and I wish I'd pursued it long ago - that physical therapy to strengthen her back and remaining leg muscles would've been a good idea.
I really appreciate having these forums to exchange info. and I hope it will help me address Sylvia's setback with her doctors on Monday.
Sylvia and dog-mom Karen
Sweet Silly Sylvie, the Old English Sheepdog
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma 11/04/2010 at almost 7 years of age * Left hind leg amputated 11/09/2010 * Chemo on 12/10, 12/17, 01/10, 01/31
Sweet Sylvie's earthly journey ended on Nov. 3, 2011, one day short of a year since her diagnosis and 6 days short of her one-year ampuversary. Her family celebrates her life as a sheepdog – ever the puppy, ever silly, ever sweet – and are grateful for our 7 years together.
Thanks for the update! We have moved your post here to a new topic so it doesn't get buried in Patou's thread where you originally posted. (Future posts will not require moderation, only yopur first one.)
Core strengthening exercises are a must for Tripawd rehab, walks only build endurance, not strength. Here are a few more posts and videos you may find helpful...
Canine Rehab Exercises and Stretches
Three Part Video Interview with California Animal Rehab
Buja Board Exercises help Strengthen Core Muscles
Fortis Vists the Acupuncturist
Hope this helps! Please keep us posted here or in Sylvia's blog.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I have no experience with the things you are describing, but wanted to welcome you and Sylvia to our family and share with you what I try to live by (at times it is really hard - I know!). Try, try try not to worry until you know exactly what you are dealing with. This is not an easy journey, there will be bumps in the road that try to knock you off track. Worry isn't good for you and it isn't good for Sylvia. She knows when you are upset.
Wishing you the very best results on Monday.
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.
Hi Karen and Sylvia,
Welcome to Tripawds.
How old is Sylvia and what kind of cancer are you dealing with? Hopefully your vet has ruled out the possibility of mets causing the problem? It's hard not to worry about mets when dealing with any issues in our cancer dogs.
My pug Maggie was a rear amp- she had mast cell cancer- and once she got her strength and balance back she really never had mobility issues. However it did take her 6 months or more before she could stand for very long without the back leg wobbling. But your description sounds like Sylvia was doing well, then had a set back.
Maggie was on pred (or a derivative) for about 6 or 7 months during her chemo treatment (standard at the time for treatment of mast cell cancer). She did not have any real side effects at the time. I kept a log book during her treatment and never noted any excessive urination or drinking. Much later she developed kidney issues- but it was more than 3 years after she finished treatment. I asked her oncologist if they were related and she did not think so- Mag was almost 11 when she was diagnosed with the kidney issues so it could have been her age. Maggie could not take tramadol- she really got agitated and wouldn't sleep for hours. On the other hand my quad pug Obie was on the same dose of tramadol for two weeks because of a serious eye injury and had absolutely no side effects.
Hopefully you will get some good guidance on Monday and can get Sylvia on the road to recovery.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Thank you all! I really see what everybody posts about feeling like family, with so many of us looking out for one another and for the dogs we love!
For Karen and her pugs: Sylvia is a rescue, but from the best we can determine she just turned 7 years old. Her cancer is osteosarcoma. Regarding mets - Of course we had x-rays and ultrasound prior to her amputation, November 9, and everything was clear at that time. We haven't had any more films taken during this chemo period, but since Monday is her final treatment (cross your fingers), they will be doing the x-rays, etc. then to see where we stand (so to speak!). There was no discussion of her problem being caused by any metastasis, but we'll find out for sure the day after tomorrow. It sure feels better to know that not everyone has the really bad side effects from the pred.
Shanna and Trouble - Your advice is so right . . . Worrying (something that I've managed to get to a fine art throughout my life!) doesn't achieve anything, and dogs can be so perceptive. Funny tho - When I'm upset my Silly Sylvie (never the brightest bulb in the socket) is pretty clueless, but my four-pawed, healthy English Shepherd is so attuned to my moods that she's the one most affected by negativity and worry. In fact, she seems to be trying to provide a calming influence when the Sylvia gets too wound up.
And Jerry - Thank you so much for the info. on core-strengthening excercises and other appropriate posts, videos, etc.
The Tripawds Family is awesome!
- Sylvia and Karen
Sweet Silly Sylvie, the Old English Sheepdog
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma 11/04/2010 at almost 7 years of age * Left hind leg amputated 11/09/2010 * Chemo on 12/10, 12/17, 01/10, 01/31
Sweet Sylvie's earthly journey ended on Nov. 3, 2011, one day short of a year since her diagnosis and 6 days short of her one-year ampuversary. Her family celebrates her life as a sheepdog – ever the puppy, ever silly, ever sweet – and are grateful for our 7 years together.
Hello again,
Don't quote me but I believe that Prednisone will 'waste' muscle tone? Someone know for sure? My advice is for very, very short stints of walking and PT work. And days of rest in between longer walks for my Tripawd is a must. And long walks for her are approx. 1/2 hour in length. I don't throw balls for her anymore, I'm too afraid of her injuring her remaining rear leg. She is a quiet dog by nature, thankfully.
You could try an x-pen to keep her confined if that is necessary vs a crate? Would give her a little more room to move around and not be cramped in a crate? Just some thoughts...
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Sylvia and Karen,
Sounds exactly like what Patou and I are going thru. His buckling is still an issue and we are about a week past our 2nd round of chemo. However he will stand perfectly but when he takes about 3-4 steps the buckling begins. He is 6 weeks post amputation.
I have wondered about the back issue but like you, I am afraid to suggest to my vet any prednisone use. So for now he has limited mobility on his own but with the new harness (a BIG thank you to Brett and Pattie for sending me Fortis' Blue Dog Harness!!!!) he almost runs with my help. As a matter of fact now that he realizes that he has "new legs" with the harness he will wait for me to assist him and then just takes off in a big run to the truck to hop in with my help so he can "go with mom to see the sheep and pigs!" And let me tell you that assisting a now #124 pound dog is a BIG assist!!!! He and I are both breathless whenever I help him. It is amazing that dogs learn not only there limitations but just how much they CAN do. I will be following Sylvia's progress to help clue me in as to what I should do for Patou. And vica versa will be just fine with me too. Good luck with Sylvia and hope her progress continues.
Janet and Patou
Hello Karen and Sylvia,
I want to welcome you here! I don't have experience with the leg issue, my boy is a front amp and hasn't had to deal with this thank goodness. I just let him do what he will and rest when he wants to.
I hear that accupunture is a great tool, I will be getting Sammy into that soon.
We wish you much luck and look forward to reading about Sylvia.
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.
Dear Sylvia and dog-mom Karen
I have no direct experience with physical therapy, chiropractic or accupuncture, except what I read here. My girl JD was a front amp with arthritis. You have some links to check out and stories to read from folks who have 'been there done that'
I will just offer a big welcome and look forward to updates on your' shrimp' Sylvia.
Deborah
Mom to Spirit JD and the quadpaws Serena and Maya
JD
One Tough Girl
(1999-2010)
-Diagnosed with osteosarcoma of her left front leg –
-Amputation July 23 2010 –
-The cancer didn't get her, but she is gone-
-She fought the cancer and loved life till bloat brought her down August 29th, 2010-
Now she watches over her mom and two new sisters, the Quad-Paws Serena and Maya
Hello again,
Tracy is correct- long term use of pred can do the muscle wasting thing. I don't think 4 weeks on it is too much of a problem- that might be a question for Dr. Pam in the Ask A Vet forum. I personally have been on short term doses of pred for joint issues and have tolerated it fine. In fact it makes me feel really strong and reduces pain and swelling. I have not been on it for more than a few weeks at a time. Maggie being on it so long did worry me, and I asked about it. At the time I felt it was a necessary evil to fight her cancer. She was tired some of the time, but she was also doing chemo. During that time she steadily increased her strength as well. I think the dose plays a huge role in the side effects you get.
As with all the choices on meds you have to weight the good and bad and make the best decision you can for Sylvia's situation. One of the things I learned with Maggie is to ask lots of questions. At first the vet might be put off- but mine know me well now. I want to know all the options and what might happen with each. When the oncologist first told me that Maggie needed an amputation one of my questions was "what happens if I do nothing?". She seemed a little puzzled at first, but then she realized that I just wanted to know as much as I could before deciding to move forward.
Good luck tomorrow, I'll be looking for an update.
Karen and the pugapalooza
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