Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone. Max is now 14 years old and starting to feel the effects of more than 8 years on three legs. He's a front leg amputee and is having a lot of balance problems ever since an inner ear infection a couple months ago. Twice in the past two weeks I've looked over to see him doing what looks like like struggling to get up,so I grab grab a treat to see if e can really get up up and he does as soon as I open the jar. But both times now he gets up there is half-flattened poop under him. I'm not sure if he's pooping While Laying down or falling down onto his poop. Once inside and once outside outside on the porch.. And he's always been really good about pooping outside. Any ideas? He still seems otherwise happy, but just falling over a fair amount.
Angel Max ***
2000-2014 ***
I miss my boy so much
Is Max on any kind of pain and or joint med? He sounds like he's having some senior dog issues. Fourteen? Holy cow, that's impressive!
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Eight years on three legs? Impressive!!! I know when Shelby first got home from her amputation, I would find little poops under her bed, etc.... like the size of a hershey kiss. The vet thought perhaps she was not fully eliminating when she was outside since she was new to being a tripawd but I doubt that is your case. I would ask the same questions, any meds (new meds), senior dog issues, maybe balance is due to lingering affects from the infection.
Alison & Shelby
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Meg it is GREAT to hear from you and Max the Miracle Dog! Hey everypawdy, look at the date that Meg joined us, May 2009! She's an old-timer just like her sweet Max! For those of you who don't know their story, this great post Meg wrote for us tells more about Max.
To me this does sound like a senior dog thing, it's not at all uncommon. The balance issues can be helped with some gentle PT exercises (as a prosthetician I'm sure you know this already). Members with senior dogs can shed more insight on this than I can, but based on the books I've read about senior dogs, it does sound like a common issue. Older dogs have many of the same issues that older humans do, this is one of them.
If you haven't already, do pick up a copy of the book Good Old Dog, it will really shed some light on things to expect now that Max is at such an advanced age. What a hero! Got any new pix?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yeah, Max is an old man now. He's been been tripawd as long as I've known him. He used to run up and down stairs like nobody's business, but these these days he does good to go up the two steps on our porch. He still seems happy,just wobbly. I do have new pics, but I don't know how to add them. Right now he's sleeping. Still rotten as ever, though. The other day we had people over and he stole the top bun odd of somebody's burger when he wasn't looking! Edward doesn't seem seem to understand him getting old. He runs by and Max falls over. Edward still tries to get him to play. I love my old man.
Angel Max ***
2000-2014 ***
I miss my boy so much
Online
YAAAAY MAX!! I'm going to go back and read your story in a bit. Right now my co puter is avinb "issues", but I just wanted to address the pooping thing.
I had the privilge of having Lydia in my life for fifteen years. During that last year she had a very hard time getting u amd down...--could ove fairly well once she gt "limbered up".
I also wold fin poop .....it appeared tht two things were happening...she no longer had much "warning"...or wasn't quite as "aware" that she jad to go. Also, because it was difficult for her to get up, I think it just became "easier" on her to go without trying to get up. And, like you I'm sure, it did not bother me in tne least to clean up whatever I needed to do. I loved every aspect of that sweet dog and caring for her every need was a privilege and an hnor.
There are no "indignities" to old age when you are cared for with such love as you obviously do for Max. CONGRATULATIONS on an incredible journey andmay it ccontinue to be full of love and joy for a long time to come!
Can't wait to go read avout this voy!
FOURTEEN YEARS YOUNG AND AB,E TO STEAL HAMBURGER BUNS LIGHTENNG FAST!!! That was must for warm-ups...he's gong for the bjrger next!!
Mich love and lots of hugs!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Awww we love Max too, and would love to see new pix!
Here's how to add images. If you have any on FB all you need to do is right click on them, save image URL, then return here, click on the "Tree" icon in your editing toolbar (not avail. on mobiles) and paste the URL.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Tonight he's bad again. He won't even get up for a treat. When he tried he fell. Pooped laying down down again this afternoon. Just now he was crying from the kitchen because he wanted to be in the living room with us. I think my boy is close to the end
Angel Max ***
2000-2014 ***
I miss my boy so much
Meg I would have him evaluated just to be sure. From what I understand about dogs in the advanced years, this is pretty normal. It could also indicate pain of some sort. Try not to think the worst just yet. Check out Bailey's blog for some real insight about taking care of aging animals.
{{{{hugs}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I plan to take him in again tomorrow. Get blood work redone. Get the vets opinion. I don't mind the pooping. It's no big deal. But when he can't get up for a treat,I know he's hurting.
Angel Max ***
2000-2014 ***
I miss my boy so much
Awww, sweet Max..such a gentle soul clearly not liking being separated from hs family......everybody's just gonna have to camp out in the kitchen!
Doesn't sound like he's in any actual pain, maybe "u comfortable" because he can't get up like he wants.
I'm sure you've tried Meloxicam (Metacam), Rimadyl, etc? Is he too large to be listed up and then can he stand and walk once he's up?? Will he tolerate a sling or harness? Have you tried Acupu cture? Adequan injections? All things that "cold" possiblynhelp this sweet "old man" Perhaps a cart or doggy wheelchair
(yeah they make those)
Is he engaged? Sparkle still i his "old man eyes"?
Fourteen years of loving and spoiling is a woncerfullu fulfilled life. It's yor love that got him this far to begin with!
Just continue to stay focused in the mo ent with Max. Remember, he's not worrying avout anything, just vusy livingin the moments...and figuring ot how he can get everyone to move into the kitchen with him!
Just co tinue to spoil and love and take it day by day...perhapse toorrow will be vetter.
Sending yo lots of love and extra hugs for Max.
Sally and Happy Hannah
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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