Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone,
My beautiful Elsa was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in her back leg in January 2012 and subsequently we went ahead with a full limb amputation. 5 months down the line and she has been doing really well, recent x-rays show no visible metastatic spread and she is alert and happy and still full of life. However recently she has started to lose her balance and can no longer use her remaining back leg very much at all; sometimes she can do a few hops but then sits down or just drags herself. This has happened quite suddenly as only a couple of weeks ago she was hopping around, going for paddles in the river and loving her little walks. We are so worried about her, she has done so well until now and she has had such a tough life that we just want to do the right thing for her and for her to be happy and healthy.
She is about 11 years old we think (we don't know for certain as she was a stray we took in), weighs 21kg and is a cross breed (Labrador-Collie). She has a bit of arthritis which we treat with a daily dose of Metacam.
We have been in and out of the vets so much recently for her tests and I think we are going to have to pay them another visit next week! Has anyone else had a similar experience with their dog losing the use of their good leg?
Thanks!
Welcome, sorry to hear about Elsa's trouble. Your future forum posts wil not require moderation.
Have you consulted with a certified rehab vet yet? After our many interviews with the doctors at CARE, we highly recommend seeing a specialist about such issues. Good luck, please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to you and Elsa. Sorry you had to find us here. Many folks here have had good luck with acupuncture and/or massage. Maybe that would help? Maybe she's just "tweaked" her spine or something like that?
I hope it is something easily fixed! All the best,
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
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