Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We started Atlas on acupuncture 5 weeks after amputation and continued approximately every 10 days until 3 weeks ago. Dr. Williams went on vacation and we had some other medical issues with our other dogs that took up our budget. Since we started the acupuncture so early, we weren't really sure if it was doing anything for him. Well, at three weeks without it, the answer was EXTREMELY clear. It has a huge impact on our Mighty Atlas. Thought I would share our findings: and P.S. - the video is after just one round yesterday and after 10 minutes of squirrel chasing (you can see him keep eying the tree for those evil squirrels).
Before acupuncture:
- Back legs collapsing under weight – goes into a sit if standing more than a minute
- Difficulty getting up
- Ataxia far worse (back legs kicking out intensely even when laying down)
- Unbalanced wobbly gate – slipping and sliding even when standing still
- Low energy level
- Gloomy depressed look on face
- Low stamina – only able to go about 30 yards before stopping
- Seems painful to touch – flinching when getting pet
- Crashing / falling - unable to jump on 24 inch high bed without crashing (Atlas stands 38 inches at withers)
After acupuncture:
- Back legs standing strong – only going into a sit if commanded, otherwise chooses to stand and engage in visiting peeps for head scratches. Also back to standing up out of excitement for his food bowl at meal time.
- Getting up with ease (in two seconds - maybe less if you open the cheese drawer in the fridge)
- Ataxia is manageable (minimal back leg involuntary movement and none when laying down)
- Good steady balance – able to stand still and stare into the kitchen for a long time
- Good energy level – engaging in play and everyday house activities with family
- Happy smiley goofy face
- Good stamina – able to go the length of 3 acre pasture and back – even engaged in ball play with sissy Sophie
- No longer flinching when touched/petted – relaxing and going to sleep when stroked
- No more falls or crashes – clears the bed and then some
http://youtu.be.....pmwVxlEguA
Amazing results. Loved the video of Atlas. He is doing so awesome
Hugs
Michelle & Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Watched that awesome video with a huge grin 
-love Atlas!!
Joan and Lily
Our beautiful Lily was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front leg on 12/14/11 at age 8 and had amp on 12/16/11. She completed 5 rounds of carbo. She was so brave and kicked cancer's butt daily! She lived life fully for 4 years, 3 months, and 15 days after her amp. My angel is a warrior princess. I miss her so much.
For a dog with some mobility problems (beyond the amp) he sure gets around well. And he really looks strong too.
Mighty Atlas!!!
Karen
We are firm believers in it--and this just adds more evidence! <3
It has been two weeks since our last treatment, and we can certainly tell.
"Let us think the unthinkable, let us do the undoable, let us prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all."
-Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
"May I recommend serenity to you? A life that is burdened with expectations is a heavy life. Its fruit is sorrow and disappointment. Learn to be one with the joy of the moment."
-Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
Atlas is amazing!! I really have to see if there is someone in our area that does that.
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
tjmcbipper said
So the benefits fall off rather quickly if stopped?
For us, there has been a perceptible decline in the last ten days or so...it has been a couple--three weeks since our last treatment. Correlation is not causation, and every case is different. This down spell could be unrelated, certainly. But we improved/maintained when we were going regularly. That I can also say.
"Let us think the unthinkable, let us do the undoable, let us prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all."
-Douglas Adams, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
"May I recommend serenity to you? A life that is burdened with expectations is a heavy life. Its fruit is sorrow and disappointment. Learn to be one with the joy of the moment."
-Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
The short answer to your question TJ is yes, but as Dr. Williams explains it, it is a bit more complex and like Megan said, every case is different. For us, this is the first time Atlas has ever had acupuncture and he is 7 years old and we started at a time when he just had a limb removed, so we were not even getting started at zero base line. We started somewhere around minus 100 because Atlas has a preexisting condition known as wobblers disease. Dr. Williams plan is to bring Atlas up to a normal 'chi' or 'qi' then use electro acupuncture to give him a big dose, then we go to every two weeks then every three and then eventually a maintenance program of once a month. Plus, if you have a vet who is certified in eastern protocol they will educate you in the whole of the treatment to get the maximum benefits. Which is why we are going to incorporate the herbs/stasis breakers this time around. We are so amazed by the results with Atlas we are even talking about treating our other Dane; Sophie.
Isn't it great to find something that really WORKS, with a great vet to help lead the charge!! Atlas' strength is what struck me, too, in watching that great video. I have a friend whose Doberman appears to have wobblers and I showed her one of your other videos of Atlas, and she was amazed. And there's nothing like that #6 after acupuncture happy smiley goofey face to know what a great job you're doing for Atlas!
Liz and Roxie Roo Roo
So true Liz. Glad our videos helped someone. That has been my incentive as i was never one for pictures or videos but if it weren't for people making videos of their large dogs surviving amputation Atlas might not be here today. It really made all the difference for us being able to see giant breeds run around on three legs - we are still so grateful - we figure its our way of paying it forward for the next family with a giant doggie.
Well, Dr. Williams hooked Atlas up to electricity today. Was very cool. Could see the little needles vibrate. I thought for sure Atlas would jump up and freak out. Nope, it seemed to intensify his relaxation and he kept closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep. Like those people who get more enjoyment from a deeper tissue massage. He really loved it. He had just dry needle acupuncture for like 15-20 minutes then he hooked him up to electricity for 15 minutes. Atlas just lays there and enjoys the whole process greatly. Haven't noticed any real big difference today, but will continue to monitor.
That's wnderful that he was so relaxed! What a "testimony" from Atlas. He's cleary in the hands of someone who knows how to treat him right!
Those videos are also quite the "testimony" Your pups are magificent in every si gle sense of tne word! I could watch their beauty and grace...and great zest for life, all day lomg!
Think I'm gonna go get hooked up to that "electrice machine" myself! Sounds great!
Lots of love to all tne pack!
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!
oh that's neat. Isn't it cool how Atlas is so receptive to the acupuncture sessions? We've been told by vets that the reason it works so well on animals is that they don't have any preconcieved ideas about it in their heads, they just go with the flow and accept whatever happens. By doing so, the acupuncture can do its thing.
I'm so happy this is working, we are big believers in its benefits. Go Atlas!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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