Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hey there Tripawds community.
I know, I haven't posted in awhile and it feels like I only do when things are desperate - so please forgive me. My Bella is not doing so well. She can't hold herself up or support herself on her legs at all. We just tried to take her out with a harness to see if she could go and she can't seem to get any baring on her legs, so no go. We have not changed her meds, but when I spoke with her vet (who is back in town later today), she said I could give her a bit more Tramadol and Gabapenton. She's already on Prednisone, so we're not giving her more of that. I had to spoon feed her this morning and I've been giving her water using a turkey baster. She has an appetite, but just can't get up. Touching her limbs do not bring her pain, so I'm concerned its something internal.
She did stumble trying to get up the deck stairs yesterday morning and actually clipped the bridge of her nose a bit. She bore weight on her front right limb, but didn't seem to not be able to move around right afterwards. Does anyone know of what would cause this acute reaction? Yesterday afternoon is when she went down hill. She could barely get her baring to hoist herself up and then just stopped trying. My barometer is tail wagging and she isn't even doing that. I just don't know what to do. We are hoping the vet will stop in later today. Is it time? How do I know? I hate to see her like this.
I'm sorry to hear that Bella is struggling and I know how stressful it is when you can't be sure what is causing the problem.
Now I am not a vet (and nor am I dealing with Cancer) but for what it's worth this sounds as though it could be MANY things, and many of them not related to the Cancer. My Meg suddenly started falling over at around six months post amp. Freaked me right out, but a visit to the rehab vet confirmed that she has pulled a muscle behind her shoulder blade (she's a front amp), and couldn't support her weight. This had also led to tenderness down her spine, especially at the base. With painkillers, rest and careful management, she recovered completely in a few weeks. Back problems are VERY common with tripawds, because the altered gait can lead to tension in the spine. You would not be able to diagnose this, or a pulled shoulder muscle either, by touching Bella's limbs.
I looked through a few of your past posts, as I don't think we have 'chatted' before, and I see that Bella had what sounds like quite a similar problem about a month ago. Could this be a recurrence? Something similar? A muscle tweak, or a strained tendon? Have you taken her to see a rehab vet? Might you be able to? Is there anyone near you? For Meg, acupuncture and laser have been extremely helpful in easing any tension that builds up in her spine. Core strength exercises are also really important, for building up strength and easing pressure on the shoulders, neck and back.
Obviously, you are not going to be doing these today. You need to get Bella through this dip, and a vet visit is certainly warranted, but please try not to panic (easy to say, I know). The lack of a tail wag could also be related to tension in the lower spine.
Stay tuned, I'm sure others will have insight as well. And please keep us updated. We'll be thinking of you.
Deep breaths!
Big hug,
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Thank you so much. This is such a helpful response. The vet is coming over at about 5pm so we'll hopefully know more. I just rubbed her back thighs and she did a long stretch, so that's a good sign too.
Oh good. I'm sure that will help put your mind at rest. And yes, I think that stretch after you'd rubbed her thighs is a VERY positive sign.
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Clare gave you excellent advice! And yes stretching those legs is a very positive sign! Sending tons of positive energy and good healing thoughts! Keep us posted on the vet visit. How wonderful your vet makes home visits! Ours does too and it's a priceless perk and worth every extra penny! Hugs to both you and beautiful Bella!
I hope Bella feels better very soon! Please let us know what the vet says.
Tracy & Zatoichi
Tracy & Warrior Angel Zatoichi 💓
Zato was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in October 2016. He triumphed through radiation and amputation with dignity and grace. After living a life of love and happiness, Zato earned his angel wings on February 19, 2018. Read his story here.
Yes, ditto Clare...ditto...ditto...ditto!! Clare covered all the possibilities we have all seen around here very well! 🙂
Joing in late today so the Vet should vr there avout now (Virginia time).
Update when you can.
Lots of hugs!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Molly the vet is my hero. She was off today visiting friends in a neighboring state and stopped at the hospital on the way home and came over. She wouldn't let us pay her, so we gave her fresh vegetables. Bella's reflexes, heart, and lungs are just fine. She hadn't peed since the day before so Molly showed us how to express her bladder. Sure enough, it worked and I could tell instantly Bella felt better. Dr. Molly does think she may have tweaked a muscle and more when she stumbled on the steps, so thank you Megstamum for the insights you shared. After the vet left, I was in the kitchen cooking up some fresh ground beef for the puppy's sup and Bella knows that sound and smell. She was trying to hoist herself up to get to the food and whining because she could quite make is. My husband went to her and calmed her down and soon a small bowl of dinner was served. I'm praying we are on the upside of this and my Bella is going to get her mojo back. She's a tough old gal and I see so much spirit in her eyes. Meanwhile my cats feel ignored. Gotta go spread the love. Thank you and I'll keep you all posted.
Oh good!!! So glad ro hear this sounds like a curable "disease" called "tweakitis"!!! 🙂 🙂 It WILL take a lot of patience and a lot of basically doing nothing vut potty...And even then with help. What happe s sometimes is they start to show improvement after several days of rest and resume a vit more "normal" activity and BAM, it happens all lver again! So Miss Bella made need supper brought to her in bed for at least another week!!
And goodness..soooo glad she had her vladder expressed! WOW! That could jave led tp a lot of complications if I she went much longer without peeing!
Slooooow and steady Miss Bella!!! We want to get this fixed once and for all!! 🙂
A d yes, youu have a wonderful Vet!! Clearly Bella is very special to her!! 🙂 Is Bella on Metacam or Rimadly and/or some Tramadol for several days ro help woth the inflammation and the pain?
Update when you can!
Hugs and love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
SO glad the vet came by and didn't see any immediate cause for alarm. Izzy has been through some rough patches with mobility ... being a front amp is somewhat tougher as dogs bear most of their weight on the front end ... and I very predictably freaked out every time. When Izzy gets stumbly or has a tough time getting up, I often use a sling to help her along. It makes a HUGE difference, especially on stairs. Of course, when she was recovering from her knee repair (on a different limb post-amputation), the sling was an all-day, every-day thing and really helped with that very long healing process.
Paws crossed that Bella continues to improve!!
Hugs,
Amy & Izzy, too
Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.
That is such a relief! Your vet is our hero too, what a great person to come over like that.
I hope that Bella feels better soon. And please, no need to ask forgiveness for not being here and posting in a while. We are here for you always whether it's a scary situation like this or happy events (like those we reallly hope you will enjoy with Bella this week and many more ahead!).
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Quick update. Bella is leaning up on her front right paw and wagging her tail like crazy. We have to watch her (taking shifts) as she really wants to mobilize herself but we don't want her to further strain her limbs/muscles. I left my watch for a minute and opened the refrigerator (always a sign of some possibility of food) and the sound made her get upright. Her hind legs weren't ready and she started to move into a split. We caught her in time, but her head is not where her body is right now. In her mind she wants to get around and I see it in her eyes. I feel so bad. We are taking a day at a time, but she seems to be getting better each day. She is taking Gabapenton, Tramadol and Prednisone so it's quite the cocktail. She's a moaner, so it's so sweet to hear her moan when I give her schnuffies around her ears - especially the side she can't paw over - because I know she's loving the affection and feeling a bit better. Keeping the faith and so grateful for you all!
SOOOOO GLAD TO READ THIS UPDATE!!! That Bella is o e feisty gal!!! The fact that she is feeling well enough thst she WANTS to get up and go to the refrigerator for a snack is a real good sign!!
Patience Miss zbella, patience!!
Give her some extra schnuffies for us, okay?
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
YAAAAAY for Bella! YAAAAAY for you! I am so pleased she is clearly starting to feel better. Love the image of her moaning as you give her schnuffies. Lots of rest for you, Bella, and I'm afraid you'll have to settle for meals on wheels for a while, no self-service!
I left my watch for a minute and opened the refrigerator (always a sign of some possibility of food) and the sound made her get upright.
This made me laugh. I remember when I cut Meg's food down, as I wanted her to lose a bit of weight. She'd snaffle it in half a second, give me a look, then go and bark at the refrigerator 
Thinking of you and Bella, and eagerly awaiting the next pawsitive update!
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Brenda and Bella,
I was so happy to read this update, it sounds like Bella is feeling better (and definitely Believes she is better). Sounds like you'll have to watch that girl like a hawk she is so determined! I'm so glad that you got some answers and meds, what a scary thing. Scratch that girl's ear for me. Feel better Bella. ❤️Amy & Rusty
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