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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
My tripawd Astrid has been missing her front leg since she was 6 months old, and I noticed last week that she was walking with a slight limp. We took her to the vet and they said she has osteoarthritis in both legs, most notably on her left side. They gave us some pain meds (don't have them with me so I'm not sure the brand) and said to follow up in a week. I am nearing her followup, and she has shown no improvement despite applying heat, letting her rest and giving her a pain reliever.
They said we could look at hydrotherapy or acupuncture and I've seen in other threads that both can do wonders, however I know she is in pain despite no whining and for the most part acting happy. I'm concerned for her, but I want her to go back on walks and be able to go upstairs without worrying about her hurting herself further.
I also noticed two days ago that she is eating much slower than normal and chewing her food when she normally just inhales it as fast as possible. I do not know if this is related or something else and I will bring it up to the vet, I just worry that she will be in pain for the next 4+ years of her life and I don't want that at all.
I also live in the UK now if that makes a difference.
Honestly I just want some advice on what to ask the doctor or medicine I should know about as this is all a new problem set that I am not familiar with, and in looking online there is so much jargon or medicine that I am becoming increasingly overwhelmed and panicking when I know I shouldn't...
Hi Astrid and family, welcome. Your future posts won't need approval so post away. Astrid looks like a gorgeous pup. What breed is she?
You are such a great parent to take her to the vet about the limp. Good job! For now, if the pain medication isn't working then please let your vet know asap OK? It could be a matter of fine-tuning the meds or trying another to help alleviate the aches and pains. Do let your vet know about her slow eating. That could be a dental issue or it could be related to this situation.
Where in the UK are you? You posted on a day when we blogged about an awesome vet in West Sussex who is on a crusade to end the suffering of osteoarthritis in pets. Check it out:
Feline and Canine Arthritis Management is in our Hands
As you'll learn in our interview with Hannah, there are many things you can do to help Astrid feel better. From acupuncture to massage to hydrothereapy, there are many modallities to help her be free of the pain of OA. pain management drugs are just a starting point. Ask your vet for a referral to a canine physical therapy specialist and if they cannot give you one then I recommend contacting Hannah to see who she might recommend in your area. We also have a few members in the UK who will chime in too once they see your post.
See:
https://www.can.....co.uk/#cam
Please keep us informed about her progress OK? You are on the right track, try not to feel defeated. You can lean on us!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Our Tripawd Chuy has severe arthritis in all 3 legs in all of the joints. You can read about what we are doing here: http://tripawds.....yleopathy/
I'm not sure if you have these meds in the UK, but you can ask your vet about them and see what they can do.
Hope Astrid feels better soon.
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
1 Guest(s)