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
We unfortunately have hit that road where we are forced to make a decision, by The beginning of this week. We have with Snoop 2 days where he appears more comfortable, and then the third there's just sadness and pain. We are having to help him get up and down supporting him outside with his harness. Thursday and Wednesday were good...today is not a good one. Were crying when we get up and were not comfortable. We are on tramadol.,gabapentin , and predisone. I am asking how much can this poor boy take. The vet says 3-4 weeks to see, but I'm beginning to think we won't be able to make it there.
I am so emotionally sad, I can't imagine that this is where we were brought to. I feel cheated, Snoop was robbed of time. This whole journey just stinks.
Esther and her Snoop
Esther...having compmissues...so may cut off....u still jave my #? I'm going to look fornyours now...be right back
glad that hemis havjng better days now...that's good
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!
Okay...back on again.....
When you're seekng your beloved Snoop hurt and having a bad day I know it feels like your world has ended. It's really, really hard to focus on the fact that he's actually having some good days!, I'm glad you posted today...this is when the support of the community can support your while you are emotionally drained.
I kmow you are such a strong woman it's jardto reachmout and let your "less strong" days surface. This journey can take us to our knees one day and have us giddy with joy the next!! This is definitely a "knee" day! Let us help support you.
Now, Snoop is free of that stupid piece of crap disease....all tests show that. And that is such great news!!
The vet is certain this is...gosh.... now I've forgotten.....slipped disc....bulging disc.....anyway..nothing related to anything terminal, right? And you are confident in your vet and don't need a second opinion, right? (Of course, you know everyone here loves the second opinion route!)
Back pain hurts! One wrong move and it feels like nerve endings are in fire, that's for sure! It "sounds" like the vet is "somewhat" optimistic this can get better, right? Every muscle is probably extra tensed simply because he "anticipates" if he moves it might hurt. Back pain is no fun and can take it's slow time healing. But bed rest is so much part of the solution.
Are the "not good" days lessening at all? Are the "not good" days having shorter bursts of,pain when they do happen? Are you starting to see a trend to "good days" popping up now? Of course, the pain meds themselves can make him a little whiny and unsteady, but I know he needs them. Can the vet increase the steroid to keep the inflammation down even more?
I feel soooooo badky that you and Snoop are having to go through this! It stinks and itmis sooooo unfair for any dog...but especialky our tripawd heroes to have additional issues....just sucks!,
Check jn with Snoop....see what his vibes are telling you. But check-in on a "good day"! No one can think clearly on a miserable day! Snoop is such a fighter!
The entire tripawd nation is sending you all the healing energy in the entire Universe!! We are all cheering for Snoop with every fiber of our being!!! And all the Angels (one in particular) better quit eating ice cream long enough to pay attention to what's going in down nere and take care of Snoop!!! The healing power of love coming to ya'!!
LOVE AND HEALING ENERGY TO YA'
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 Esther,
I am so sorry to read this. I so wish I had some words of wisdom or comfort for you.This is such a hard place to be and it reminds me of when I was there w/Shelby... never knowing what to do. But trust in Snoops and that he will tell you what to do. I didn't believe it until Shelby truly let me know where she stood in ALL of this. I pray that this isn't the end of your journey and I know that you have done and always will the best and the most right by Snoops! He is a valiant fighter and we are ALL pulling for you.
I don't have as much to add as Sally or others will but as always, I want you to know I am thinking about you and sending you all the love in the world!
Hugs!
Alison & her Shelby fur-ever in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Esther, {{{{{{hugs}}}}}. I'm with Sally, check in with Snoop on a good day when all of you can think more clearly. You know him better than anyone else, you can have a conversation with him to find out what he wants. I know it's SO hard to see him hurting like this but wow if it's not the cancer that's doing this and they know what it is, then I'm inclined to go with your vet's suggestion to give it a little more time. Have you asked your vet about whether it's time to start seriously looking at whether or not his quality of life is suffering?
Many times we're just so not used to seeing our animals in such pain that we question if we're doing the right thing, wondering if it's being cruel to wait it out. What I can tell you is that oftentimes these amazing animals do bounce back after giving it time, we've seen it happen here in this community before. I know it's hard to see that right now.
Do what you feel is in his best interest. We will understand and support you no matter what. Vent, cry, yell, whatever it takes, let us help you through this to the best decision for his quality of life. {{{{hugs}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I just read what I wrote earlier and need to start from the beginning time line for feed back. I think I'm having a tough time assessing this well.
Snoop started to show signs of rear left leg pain around the beginning of June.we went to vet and Treated him with Tramadol and seemed more comfortable.we also increased his piroxicam to daily at that time.
Started noticing then he began almost dropping himself down to lie. Started to cry when getting up.
So this was our next visit to vet. At that time X-rays were done they showed no tumor just the inflammation of v5-6 and some calsification, slight.
So we went home on tramadol, predisone. His X-rays from hips down showed nothing else. Our vet felt that this was not a tumor or metasisis.
Seemed to improve slightly, then rolled back
So now we went on gabapentin an upped his predisone, along with tramadol. Were also on Pepcid to help tummy.
So we have some days where it seems we are more comfortable and like today a lot if crying going on when we get up and start walking. We are using the ruff wear harness
to help him.
All along oncologist has been involved.
We are told only sure way to know exactly is an MRI, we wouldn't due disk surgery, we were told how difficult, worse than amp. If it showed something the X-rays can't see being a tumor, we couldn't do anything.
With all this I've never experience back problems but friends said and vet long recoup.
We show no signs of a consistent improvement.
It's difficult watching him hurt, pant the way he does, and with these meds seems they all can cause that. It's terrible, the crying kills me.
This whole process is gut wrenching,
Good news He's eating, drinking well, assisting with pooping for support, his urination is good.
Back again...
Also Snoops is on strict R &R, only up for outside business. And he's being such a trooper with it all.
Esther and her Snoop
OK Esther, I got it now. So unless you do the MRI, you won't know for sure but it's likely that the only thing a MRI would show would be a condition that requires surgery, which is not something you would put Snoops through, right? If that is the case, then the current treatment would remain the same?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh Esther, I am sorry you guys have had such a rough month. This journey does stink. The up and down of emotions can be so draining. I hope that this week brings Snoop some relief. Is this something that maybe acupuncture would help? Is there a type of muscle relaxer they could try? I am just thinking of the 2 times I have had a pinche sciatic nerve, the pain was pretty intense. When I would roll over, get up, sit down. Muscle relaxers did the trick in a few days both times. So maybe Snopp's nerves are being compressed in his disks and they can help him also. Love from, Lori and Ty
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Hi Esther
Prayers and pawsitive thoughts for more good days than bad for Snoop soon.
I know back pain can be overwhelming so this road for Snoop may be a bit of a rollercoaster until you can get a handle on it.
Give him a snuggle for me.
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
Oh Esther I'm just so sad to read that snoops problems continue. I really have no advice but to follow your gut. If the MRI won't give you any news that you can do anything about I guess I wouldn't do it. This just sucks. He's such a good boy and for this problem to come up just SUCKS. I'm thinking about you and your family and sending lots of hugs.
Xoxo
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
I am so sorry to hear about Snoop. This just sucks. This journey is never easy. My advice go with your gut. I am thinking of you & Don at this time.
Hugs
Michelle & Angel 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."
Oh esther. I'm sorry snoop is still having a rough time. I think of you guys often. Hoping for the best for you guys. Hoping you find some answers and comfort 
big hugs. .
Lori and the fam
So sorry Esther -- just typed a long long reply on tablet and lost it but have to leave and will try to retype later. Dang technology,
Short version-- ditto what everyone else said. Also ask about adding Robaxin (muscle relaxant) and increasing the Gaba.
More to come...meanwhile, big hugs from us. hang in there!
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
I know it's so hard to see our four-legged family members in pain, Esther, and I agree with Sally and Rene... The vet said hang in there for 3 to 4 weeks, and try to focus on Snoop still having good days. If it gets to be 5 bad days in a row, that's a different story, but from what I remember with Lexie it was 1 step forward and 2 steps back... That was par for the course for us during her first couple weeks of rest after her disc diagnosis, but eventually the better days did outweigh the bad.
Also, have you consulted with a certified PT vet -- not just a licensed PT, but a DVM who is also a PT? Here is a link where you can search: https://www.reh.....rals.lasso Even if there isn't one in your town it may be worth driving an hour or two for another opinion.
Our PT vet added Robaxin/Methocarbamol (the latter of which is the generic form, $10 at Costco) to Lexie's Gaba, Tramadol, Yunnan Baiyo, Sucralafate/Carafate (sp?) and Pepcid protocol. The Robaxin, a muscle relaxant, really seems to be helping Lexie...I'd definitely inquire about it. Also, the PT vet said I could increase Lexie's Gaba on her especially bad days -- either doubling up, or giving more frequently, so that may be worth asking about as well. On some days that made the difference between her feeling comfortable and yelping and showing pain.
Given the mandatory rest, wonder if a bit of Diazepam (doggy valium) might be worth asking about as well -- even if just for night time?
I would also ask the PT vet about continuing cold laser therapy or increasing frequency during the mandatory rest period.
And since Snoop needs to be homebound, maybe explore...
- The doggy brain games folks have recommended to others for during early amp recovery to keep his mind stimulated.
- A doggy stroller if it's financially viable and if you think Snoop will tolerate it -- or a size appropropriate wagon to let Snoop get around the neighborhood without having to do it himself.
- Getting a piece of sod and putting it in your front yard by your mailbox or any place visiting dogs come, and then grab your latex gloves and let Snoop read some pee-mail from his own back yard during his evening potty break.
- Recruiting some of Snoop's favorite humans over to visit -- friends, neighbors, etc.
- Some extra special treats...or a bit of home cooking? Special chicken breast or a bit of steak, etc. -- something special for variety.
Also, are you getting out of the house yourself for some stress relief? Visit friends, out to a movie, etc., to take your mind off things for a bit?
Anyway, just throwing out some ideas for whatever they're worth... Obviously you know Snoop best, so you need to do whatever you think makes sense -- and maybe another opinion from a PT DVM would help at this stage.
Meanwhile, we'll be thinking good thoughts for Snoop and you and your family!
Lots of gentle hugs,
Deb and Lexie
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
1 Guest(s)
