Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Ruthie has pain in both her front ankles and when you touch them she actually snares and cries...very disturbing. She has histiocytic sarcoma which concerns me (left rear amputation) but I can't believe this could have traveled to BOTH her front legs. I'm guessing pain from having to maneuver on those front feet all the time (we're 1 week shy of her 9 month ampuversary). Trying Rimadyl and Tramadol today and see if that helps. We see the vet on Thursday.
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is there visible swelling? Is Ruthie overweight? How long has this been going on? We're no vets, but hopefully the pain is from a temporary sprain, or stress from taking up the extra weight. Sorry we couldn't be more help, let us know what your vet says!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Pat,
Would she tolerate heat packs wrapped around her ankles for 20 minutes? It might help to ease the pain, too. Are her ankles swollen?
Tana
Sophie (1998 – 2010)
"Going Dog" def: living every day in the moment
"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."
–Unknown
Ruthie is quite skinny and I'm trying to get weight on her but she doesn't want to eat anything. I doubt she would tolerate heat packs since just touching them hurts. But she doesn't complain when walking, just hates to have them flexed. Guess I don't have much to add. I was just wondering if anyone had knowledge of cancer traveling to the ankle.
Can't help you with this, Pat. So sorry to hear Ruthie's having so many difficulties. Here's hoping it's just from all the weight on her front legs; our vet did tell us, with Catie, that being three-legged (and in her case, her front leg was amputated) it would be easy to over-stress, strain, her remaining limbs.
Good luck at the vet on Thursday!
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Can't say I've had this experience, is it possible she has arthritis and the added stress to the joints could be causing inflamation of the joints. Sure hope you get some solid answers from the vet. This sure is the sucky part of this journey, wondering if this crap is spreading. I feel for you and sorry Ruthie has to deal with the pain. Good luck, Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Pat, post what kind of cancer Ruthie has, I can't remember damn it....but it isn't osteosarcoma....
Are her ankles swollen? There is a small chance that she could have lung mets which then causes a condition called hypertrophic osteodystrophy (also called hypertrophic pulmonary osteodystrophy) which causes edema and painful joints. It is easily diagnosed with a chest xray. Hopefully it is just an overuse injury and the Rimadyl will help.
Pam
krispikritter said:
Pat, post what kind of cancer Ruthie has, I can't remember damn it....but it isn't osteosarcoma....
Ruthie has Histiocytic Sarcoma.
I hope it's just strain from being a Tripawd! Crossing our paws that the Vet appointment goes well for Ruthie!!!
Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.
So sorry to hear about Ruthie. I sure hope it's not what Pam said.
I agree with Gus, this is really sucky - the not knowing. If only they could just talk to us...
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Sending good thoughts for Ruthie. I'm voting for something that can be easily treated. There is NOTHING easy about this journey we cancer survivors are on. We need each other so very much. ((Hugs)) for Pat.
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.
So sorry to hear about Ruthie's pain. I also don't have an answer to your question. My dog Etta also has histiocytic sarcoma. She is just shy a few days of her 2 month ampuversary. Her front limb was removed but she also has a torn cruciate in her back right. She has been getting acupuncture and physical therapy which has helped her arthritis a lot. Two things that have also helped a lot with this are ice and this ointment called "traumeel" (i think thats how it is spelled... sort of like a hollistic ben-gay) the physical therapist rubs it into her knee after icing and she has immeadiate relief... I will keep good thoughts for you guys...
julie
Our angel "Etta" amputation on 4-15-10 lost her front limb. initially dx'd with neurofibrosarcoma. However, after surgery they discovered histiocytic sarcoma a very aggressive cancer. After two full rounds of chemo our special angel lost her battle on 6-21-10. the sweetest and most gentle soul. Our lives are forever blessed for having known her...
Thanks for the clarification Pam, we always learn something new here thanks to you.
Ruthie, we hope you feel better! Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
tazziedog said:
Are her ankles swollen? There is a small chance that she could have lung mets which then causes a condition called hypertrophic osteodystrophy (also called hypertrophic pulmonary osteodystrophy) which causes edema and painful joints. It is easily diagnosed with a chest xray. Hopefully it is just an overuse injury and the Rimadyl will help.
Pam
I'm answering this for Pat...the day of the massage...YES her ankles were swollen and she DOES have lung mets...
I decided to get fresh eyes on this so I took Ruthie to her regular vet who found the cancer and referred us to the specialists. He actually could bend both her front ankles with absolute no sign of pain (I was in total disbelief) and he thinks the pain is coming from her lower back. He recommended a local canine accupunturist who has gotten good results and gave us Metacam (which he prefers to Rimadyl). I'm going to give her the rest of the week off before deciding on xrays. Thanks for all your imput!
Ruthie had cruciate ligament surgery when she was only about 1-1/2 and has a steel plate with screws in her remaining rear leg which turns out to be a blessing since it gives her better stability.
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