Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Mae, how is she doing?
I know how hard it must be to help a dog like her get into a car, so I really like Sally's idea to get the vet to come to you. Is there any way your current vet can? If not, I would look for one in your area. I came up with a lot by searching for "San Diego CA mobile vet" so try that OK?
There is a lot you can do for her, it's just getting her into the proper care right now to make it happen. She is in pain and needs to be seen asap OK? Please keep us posted, we're thinking of you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Mae, I'm so sorry to read your baby Kelila is having problems. I have two Great Danes, my Atlas is now 15 months post amp of his front left leg. My other Dane is a female and I just thought I would share something that we just went through. Our Sophie, who is not a tripawd starting peeing her bed out of the blue. At first I thought it just an accident but after the third time I took her to the vet and found out that female spayed dogs can get what they call "middle age incontinence" - we put her on a drug called Incurin and it has really cleared up the problem. It's basically a hormone replacement. Maybe that is what Kelila is dealing with?? Does she pee the bed when she's sleeping or does she squat and pee on her beds? The first would be symptoms of the middle age incontinence. Other wise I would echo Jerry's advice on looking for alternative vets. We went through a couple until we found a great doc that comes to our home when needed and it has made a world of difference for our tripawd Atlas. I'm hoping Kelila is doing better and our Dane family is sending you all healing thoughts and energy.
Patricia & Mighty Atlas
UPDATE!!!
First, I would like to thank everyone for your continue support.
I know we are eager to know what is really going on with Kelila. She was originally have an appt yesterday 7/26 but we cancelled. I feel that it is best for her just be home and relax. She hates going to the clinic and I'm afraid that it will make her more stressful. We have relatives and friends that came over who gave us support. Kelila was excited to see everybody and even tried to get up again. During dinner, we had a talked and decided that she is still fighting so we have to do the the same thing. I looked for vet mobile as per the recommendation of everyone here. Most of them closed on Sundays. So I decided to call our vet and rescheduled her appt. which is today. My brother came over and helped us getting her in the car and in the vet. The doctor checked her right away and did xray to see her lungs. She is still CLEAR! What a relief! She had some bloodwork done but we'll get the result tomorrow. The doctor had her put in the grass to see how she is doing.
And guess what???? She was diagnosed with "Older or Middle-aged Vestibular Disease. The vestibular system is composed of portions of the brain and ear and is responsible for maintaining our sense of balance. When something goes wrong with the vestibular system, it feels like the world is spinning. This syndrome is not a life threatening. Time is a major factor in old dog vestibular syndrome. Recovery time depends on the afflicted dog. Rest and quiet are required during this recovery time, and it's important to keep the dog in a well lighted room. She was given a prednisone to take. You can google for more info.
She is resting and we are continuing giving her a 5star treatment. We are hoping for a better result of her bloodwork tomorrow.
Has anyone have heard this on a three legged pup?
Mae, kelila and hera
Hi Mae,
It sounds like things are quite positive and you will be able to get through this bump with a little medication and TLC for Kelila.....and yes, I have definitely heard, seen, and experienced this with a few dogs in the past. My own first black Lab actually had more of a stroke, which caused severe dizziness and rapid eye movement for almost 16 hours......she was 13 at the time this happened. With a few medications, she got past this with not having another problem like it. I worked in my vet's animal hospital for many years, and have seen several older dogs with this condition.......one in particular that I remember was a very sweet older Vizsla girl, she was 9 or 10 when she developed vestibular disease, but still did well overall, and lived to be 14 years old. She always walked kind of sideways with her head turned, and was not quite sure where she was headed when she first stood up, but ultimately got to her destination......she was so very resilient and precious.
BTW, neither my dog, nor Kayla the Vizsla were Tripawds, just 3 legs with a spare.......
I feel very certain that sweet Kelila can get through this and maintain a great quality to her life. Keep us updated on her, and let us know about her blood work.
Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly
OH GOSH YES!!! Yes, my senior Bodie had bouts of it too!!! Why in the world I didn't think of that! Yes, it was fine o ne minute and stumbling and falling and walking around like an inebriated sloppy drunk dog the next minute.
Fortunaely it didn't happen on a weekend and I was able t o get him in right away...fluids, steriod shot and then home dosing of Prednisone turned things around!
So actually, this is good news!! 
As Bonnie said,she should recover in time just fine or pretty darn close to it!!
I know you feel great relief and I know Kelila is lapping up the royal treatment!!!
Yes, PLEASE keep us updated and give her huge hug for us...and ahuge hug to yoi!!! GOOD JOB TEAM!!
Sally and 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!
Oh I'm happy to hear she got seen and you're onto a diagnosis. Yes, we've seen some Tripawds with vestibular disease, here are some search results for you:
http://tripawds.....;include=1
Did the vet say why prednisone is supposed to help?
Please keep us posted on how she's doing. The more information you can add here about her condition, the more you can help others some day who are facing this same situation. I hope things continue improving, keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Prednisone was given to reduce the swelling of her middle ear that involved with balance. We got the lab result back. Sad to say, she needs to stop her Prednisone. Her liver enzyme is high so now she was given a Milk Thistle to take for two weeks and then another bloodwork to check her liver again. I was a little sad because our hope to help her a little bit was the Prednisone. I know she will get better but it will take more time. As of today, there's still no change with mobility. But we are happy that she will eat(hand feed) and drink.
We'll keep watching her. Hopefully , she feels better soon.
-Mae
Ohhh OK that makes sense. Sorry the treatment has to be delayed though. In the meantime, what kind of tips did the vet have to help her with balance?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I was told to keep her on a well-lighted area. She can't maintain any kind of balance if she can't see. To ensure that she rests and has plenty of quiet time throughout the recovery. Keeping her feet firmly on the ground with its eyes on the horizon helps it regain its balance. Lifting and moving her through the air disrupts her sense of orientation.
And don't give up until she's had an honest chance to get better.
-Mae
Mae, thanks for sharing their tips with us, this is all such good information to know. I agree, don't give up! We've seen many dogs bounce back from tough conditions like this. We're cheering you on so keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Mae,
I am so sorry your family is going through this. I, too, just had this diagnosis with my great dane Harlie (7.5 years old) just 4 weeks ago. My advice to you is exactly the advice I got on this forum from so many other wonderful people. You know your dog better than anyone else. You know if she will handle the surgery well both emotionally and physically. I did so much reading on this website to help ease my pain in making that decision with many sleepless nights. I know physically Harlie would've done great having the surgery but emotionally not well at all. But i know her all too well and made the decision based on what I know would be best for her...the love of my life. I did make the decision not to amputate and let her live out the rest of her life running on 4 legs the best she can. If you choose this path too, please make sure she has the correct pain med schedule. Harlie is now on 100mg deramaxx, 300 mg gabapentin up to 3x's a day, 100mg tramadol 2x's a day and is doing good so far on this amount at her small 105lbs. You will need to watch your dane and know when to up the meds and consult with your vet. I also researched all natural supplements to give her that may also ease the pain but of course you must check with your vet and oncologist before giving her anything else in addition to the pain meds. My heart goes out to you. It's never an easy decision. I truly beat myself up for 2 weeks before coming to a final decision and making peace with that decision. Harlie and I will say many slobbery prayers for you all.
XO,
Rachel & Harlie
Hi Rachel and Harlie,
Kelila had surgery last February and she recovered really well. What we are worrying right now is the Vestibular Disease that she's dealing for two weeks now. There's no signs of improvement. In fact, it gotten worse. We are going to see the vet again tomorrow to get check.
How's Harlie doing now?
I'm so sorry to hear about Kelila's condition, please keep us posted on how things are going. We've had some folks here who've dealt with vestibular disease and are always looking for treatment options. We will be thinking of you!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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