Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I'm just beside myself. We think she strained herself trying to hop through the snow Thursday night. My husband saw this and carried her home from their walk. Friday she had difficulty when standing up but did ok throughout the day. It seemed to get worse by Friday night and Bret carried her in and out. She could squat to pee. This morning she squatted to pee but that was about it. Got her to the vets office and told him what we suspected.
He examined her and said she had no ACL tear and her hips were not dislocated. I asked about doing xrays and but we all know she has arthritis. He didn't feel it was necessary since the treatment was going to be the same. I thought he might switch her to prednisone but he said, since she's already on metacam, she would be in trouble during the 4 day wash out period. He put her on tramadol and increased the metacam slightly.
I asked him if he thought she would come back from this or if this is as good as it gets. He said if he didn't feel she could come back from this he wouldn't let us take her home, that this would be goodbye. That made me feel better BUT she can't move on her own. After the first dose of tramadol and a few hours later, she attempted to get up when she heard Bret fixing food in the kitchen (that's a lab for ya). She went a few feet and her back end gave out. It appears to be her left leg which is the hip that had significant arthritis at the time of her amp. I put a sling under her and she hopped into the kitchen.
I notice that her stance in the back is much wider than before these symptoms. Does that mean anything? Maybe she's just trying to stand in a comfortable position?
Vet gave us enough meds for 5 days, to see how she does. The way she is now, I don't know if she'll make it 5 days. She hasn't peed since this morning. She hasn't pooped either.
I'm so $#%@^ angry. We have fought so hard to give her quality and now something that appears totally unrelated to the cancer, is getting her down. For the past, almost 14 months, she didn't know she was sick. Now she knows something is wrong and I don't want to let her down.
Thanks for listening. I just needed to get it out. Rene, thanks for your support in the chat room .
Amy & Libby
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Hi Amy
Hope things are getting even a wee bit better for Libby. This experience is exactly what scares me for Tuck.....I am almost paranoid about going for walks when the sidewalks are icy and snowy - which has meant not too many walks for my handsome boy this long cold winter - but they have to go out in the snow to do their business.
I think you should take comfort in what your vet said.....he thinks Libby will recover from this....pain meds and relaxation will likely be the key to this. My guess is that her stance is totally related to finding a comfortable position.....I know the few times I have had a "back ache" I'm sure that my stance changed too.
I'm glad to hear that she is still interested in food....so she still have the amazing Lab will going for her.
Many hugs to all of you,
Linda and Tucker
Thank you, Linda. I'm just so scared for her.
Amy & Libby
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Amy,
I'm so sorry this has happened to Libby. Poor girl!
If she is in pain...from her back, hips or legs...I think that her stance would definitely change to compensate.
I don't remember...does Libby go for PT or acupuncture? If not, maybe you could consult with a rehab specialist and/or see about using acupuncture or ultrasound for pain relief and healing. Also, when Willow tore her knee ligament before she died, the rehab specialist recommended a homeopathic remedy called Traumeel (pills), which is used for injuries and muscle and joint pain. Maybe you could ask your vet about it. I'm 99.9% sure it can be used along with the Tramadol and. Metacam.
I hope she's feeling better soon!
Hugs,
Carol
So sorry for this little set back for Libby...give new meds some time. Darn damn snow this winter....We are all here for you....
Give Libby a hug for me, and {{hugs}} for you too.....
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Aww, poor Libby!! I agree, take solace in the what the vet said, he thinks she'll get through this. The darn snow and ice has wreaked havoc all over the place this winter! I also echo Willows mom too on the rehab/acupuncture, might be something to consider. Sounds like Libby isn't giving up yet either. Those labs sure love to sneak a bite don't they!! Hope she starts feeling better soon!
{{Hugs}}
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
She can only stand up if we help her with a sling. This is tearing us up. She still hasn't peed since this morning which is really troubling. I think she is holding it because she would be mortified if she peed in the house. She is such a creature of habit that if she can't pee in the squatting position, outside, I don't know if she would even go.
There is a rehabilitation center at the emergency vet hospital here in town. At this point, she's can't even stand by herself though. Ugh.
I should add....she's still acting normal. She's not down or not eating. She just can't move on her own.
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Hi Amy
It really does sound like an injury....would she let you help her outside with the sling so that she can pee?
I know she is having trouble crouching to pee but if she has to really go she might if you go out with her and sort of wait her out..
I know....I'm rambling...just trying to problem solve with you....come on Libby....go out with Mom and Dad and go pee...you will feel so much better.
Linda and Tucker
Poor baby. Good news is she's still acting normal. Is she drinking normal? Can you try giving her some warm broth to see if that will stimulate her need to pee? There are a couple people in chat right now if you want to come over there
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Clearly I'm no vet, but I think it sounds like an injury too. And I would take GREAT comfort in what your vet told you. Maybe Libby just needs a couple/few days to work this out. Maybe some nice massages in that area? I was thinking a rehab facility might help also. I know this is so hard. None of us want to see our dogs/cats in any type of discomfort, so I know how scared you and Bret feel right now. We'll be thinking about Libby, and sending positive thoughts her way! She's got the whole Tripawds Nation pulling for her!!
Oh Libby 
I don't know anything about big dogs and injuries, etc. but I agree it sounds like an injury to me and I have to believe it is.
Amy please know I am thinking about you guys and sending you lots of love and hugs.
We love you,
Erica & Jill
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
Amy,
Linda may be right...if you can hang outside with Libby for a little while she just might pee, maybe carry her out and set her down and support her with the sling. It may take her a few minutes to get her balance and figure out how she's going to move into a position to do it. She may be holding it as long as possible, and when she can't hold it anymore she may just go wherever she is. She'll probably be upset if it happens inside. but you'll reassure her and it will be okay.
Hugs for all of you!
Carol
We have taken her out a few times. She won't pee with the sling on and if you let go, she just lays down. I bring her bowls of water and she drinks every time. We ate dinner in the living room (neither of us have much of an appetite) just to be near her. She's used to being right at the dinner table with us, so we went to her instead. We gave her one of her old meat bones because we figured she was bored and she even chewed on it for awhile. I take some comfort in the fact she is acting herself.
I will head to chat. Thank you all so very much.
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
When Murphy's hip went out the last time, it was a good 24 hours before he just couldn't stand it and went. He lasted from the time we had him xrayed in the afternoon, the entire night and all the way to the surgeon's office (over three hours away) before he went. When Libby can't stand it anymore, she will go. It sure does sound like she pulled something out on her walk. Please keep us posted. We will be thinking of all of you tonight.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
Amy,
I am so sorry to hear this about Libby. I hope things clear up. I am thinking about you guys
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."
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