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!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Denali had her first appointment with the oncologist today – it wasn't supposed to be until next week, but they had a cancellation and I jumped in and got her in there!!
The vet was concerned that Denali is not walking proper and just doing a bunny hop. He did a quick physical exam on her and then sent her to meet with an orthopedic vet for a better consultation. They said her right hip was causing her pain and her hip on her amputated leg was also causing her pain. They were concerned about Denali having another mass, hip dysplasia, or arthritis. Her x-rays showed that her hips are not deep set (which we already knew) and she has very mild arthritis (again, nothing new) and judging from everything there is NO reason she should be bunny hopping and it's all a mental thing with Denali.
I also told about Denali's coughing. She developed a cough on either Friday or Saturday. They did another chest x-ray and that came back "unremarkable" – very clean again – so there is no reason for her to be coughing like she is!
The oncologist said he sees hundreds of dogs, but none acting like Denali. I always knew she was special 
-- she also got her stitches out a day early.
On a side note – while we were there we met another Tripawd Pyrenees named Gracie – what are the chances?! Gracie also has a rear amputation due to cancer and lives probably 10-15 minutes away from me. Gracie's mom and I exchanged information so we'll be in touch and who knows – maybe there will be a Pyrenees Tripawd meet up 
.
~~~~ Denali ~~~~
June 9, 2010 OSA suspected
June 17, 2010, July 14, 2010 Clear X-rays – no mets
July 1, 2010 Amputation
July 9, 2010 OSA Confirmed
November 23, 2010 Cancer took you from me - Never forgotten, Always Loved - Forever
Supporting the Fighters, Admiring the Survivors, Honoring the Taken, And never, ever giving up Hope
Oh my gosh, what a visit! Overall, it sounds like it was pretty pawsitive.
Not that you asked for it, but my suggestion would be to take those x-rays and make an appointment with a certified canine rehab specialist. Many Triapwds need help with gait after surgery, Denali sounds like one of them.
As for the cough....lots of us have scared our pawrents with coughing. We've been told by docs that it could be allergies. Sounds like that might be something to consider.
I can't wait to see Denali and Gracie together!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Trouble bunny hops all the time. I had no idea it was a symptom. It did present after the arthritis began to be an issue.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Jake also did a bunny hop the whole time after his surgery. He had his front leg amputated. He also coughed and panted, usually in the evenings... even though his lungs were clear on the x-rays... Could be from being under anesthesia so long... the endotracheal tube irritating his throat, catching a cold, etc... Who knows? 
I put Jake on high doses of glucosamine/chondroitin to help out with any soreness in his old joints that might have been more strained because of having to distribute his weight on his remaining 3 legs.
That is so cool that you found another pyrenees tripawd living so close to you. You will definitely have to take pictures of Denali and Gracie's playdates and post them here!!!
Sending you and Denali a big fat hug!!!
Angel Jake and Wolfie's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
1 Guest(s)
