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.
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This is my first post to the forum. I am a 7 1/2 year old German Shephard/St. Bernard. I am 103 +/- pounds. In January 2009 I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in my front right leg. My parents had my leg amputated on March 30th. Immediately after the surgery I was getting around wel, got my appetite back and was feeling pretty good (considering how I'd felt before). I used to run every night with my dad, now I am happy to walk/hop around the backyard or go for rides. It (the hopping) takes alot out of me and I tire very easily. My four legged sisters (1 dog and 1 cat), have been taking it easy on me and although the squirrels know that I'm slower now, they still let me give them a good chase around the tree.
A couple weeks ago I got an eye infection in both eyes, it is making me miserable. The medicine doesn't seem to be working. I also tripped in a rut at a friends yard. The doctor thinks I just "strained" something as I have no broken bones. But I can hardly walk anymore and I'm having a difficult time standing up (mostly just get up for bathroom break, dinner or to go for a ride). The doctor said that I would most likely get arthritis (says "we can do an x-ray" to see if it has already started). They told mom she could give me pain meds (Previcox) every other day if she felt it was needed and to give me Glucosamine/Chondroitin.
Any suggestions out there for Mom and Dad: massage?, warm/cold wrap? helping me stand up and don't forget my eyes. I'm so miserable right now that I'm whining alot, I don't like anyone to touch my legs or feet and I won't eat without "special treats" in my food.
By the way: Jerry, you are an amazing wonder and I wish I could move with the ease that you show.
Oh, don't get discouraged. Don't know about the eyes, but surely given some rest and time the effects of the tripping will heal. Sometimes it is difficult to to remain positive, but remember some days will just be better than others. I've not experienced any of the issues of the large dogs, so hopefully someone else will jump in here soon.
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.
Oh Sindur, you sound so wonderful and cuddly, we just want to reach out and give you a big ol' bear hug. What an amazing dog you are! Sometime soon post us some photos here, we'd love to see what you look like. Thanks for joining us here, we hope we can help.
Congratulations on the recovery from amputation. We see a lot of big dogs here like you, even bigger ones close to 200 pounds, that do fine after surgery. Yes, life gets a little more laid back, but hey, we are just happy to be out of pain and soaking up every minute of our beautiful life again, aren't we?
We are so sorry to hear about your eye infection and the resulting sprain. Dang! Just when you were getting the hang of things eh? Hmmm…well, let's start with the infection….what exactly is the diagnosis? Does your vet know what's wrong or is h/she guessing? Have you gotten a second opinion from a doggie opthamalogist? (yes, they do exist). Do it now. The eye issue is affecting your overall health, so I really suggest getting that taken care of asap. Are you near a university vet school? Don't waste any time OK? We want you to be able to see well again so you don't take another spill.
Speaking of the spill, if you're not walking, that's a big problem. I wouldn't settle on a “just arthritis” diagnosis either, but how long as it been? Too many vets dismiss pain like this and waste our time when we could've had things diagnosed a lot sooner by going to a specialist for a second opinion.
A lot of us here have experienced immediate pain relief by having acupuncture treatments done. When my knee was bugging me (I wasn't always moving around with ease you know!) and my Mom and Dad thought I needed a knee surgery, I had acupuncture done and wow, I felt SO much better! Try it, you'll be surprised. Check our Resources Page under “Holistic and Alternative Medicine” to help you find a certified vet acupuncturist in your area.
But for immediate pain relief needs, here's some info from our Health Tips Page:
When to Use Heat and Ice Treatments
After amputation surgery, a cold compress can be used to help reduce swelling. For hip and joint problems, heat helps blood circulate to soothe sore areas. The Hot-n-Cold Pain Relief Pack from Bella’s Pain Relief Products is a safe, non-toxic ice pack or heating pad that stays put on your pet. See our Bella’s Product Review for more information. Indications for use of hot and cold therapy to treat pain should be the same as in sports medicine:
- If there is swelling and pain use ice.
- If there is no swelling, but stiffness is present use heat.
- If this is an acute injury (within first 6 weeks) use ice.
- When in doubt, use ice.
Sindur, I hope you feel better soon, and are out chasing squirrels under the tree. We will be thinking of you, promise you'll keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Did your vet treat the eyes with any meds yet? This time of year dogs can get allergies that can cause red, squinty eyes. German Shepherd-type dogs can get an inflammatory eye disease called Pannus that needs steroid eye drops to control it. You could also have dry eye or uveitis so a good eye exam is important!
It is true that the big dogs have a bit less endurance after amputation. Our dog Tazzie is a 190# Mastiff and had her right front leg amputated 8/26/08. She recently needed her first acupuncture treatment due to muscle tightness in her back and that one treatment helped a lot! She also takes an NSAID (meloxicam) daily as well as a glucosamine supplement and fish oil which also helps the joints.
Sometimes this cancer can go to the other legs or to the spine so if your dog suddenly seems painful and reluctant to move I would at least take xrays.
Please send us a photo...
Pam and Tazzie
Thank you for the support and suggestions so far. My vet has given me BNP Opth (Neomycin/Polymyxin Sulfate/Bacitracin Zink) ointment. I like when mom puts cool moisture and lightly massages my eyes, but I don't like when she tugs to put the ointment on. The vet told her this morning to bring me back in again. It may be grass allergies. So she's going to have them look at my feet and legs again. My remaining front foot is swollen and one of my back legs is also swollen. I whimper and whine when she sits near me, I know she's just trying to help, she wants to massage my feet (oh I'm so spoiled), but I'm also timid and sore.
Mom and Dad are considering getting me one of those nifty harnesses to help me stand. They've had to use a towel the last couple of days because I can't seem to get my grip and my feet planted to bear my weight as I stand.
We live about an hour away from a veterinary university. Are they much better equiped to handle dogs with cancer? We have many vets to choose from in our area.
P.S. Will post pictures soon. It's been said that I look like a big cuddly teddy bear and a lion.
Possible answer to Sindur's problems: went to the vet 3 times in the last 3 1/2 weeks. Finally on the third trip, the vet ran some blood tests to try and find out why all of the swelling. Blood albumin (protein) was slightly low. Next day: New blood tests and urine test two hours after eating revealed nothing wrong with kidneys or liver, everything functioning. Specialist consulted; suggested Heartworm and Rickettsia tests (fortunately my vet happened to have an in-house (office) test because this is now Saturday). Tested positive, ran a second test to rule out a false positive. Got another positive result to Anaplasma, a tick borne disease. Vet (and mom) were very surprised as incidence of Rickettsials are relatively low in our area.
Receiving a 21-day antibiotic treatment along with pain meds (Tramadol and Previcox). Still putting ointment on my eyes, but they are getting better. Front leg is still swollen, back legs and feet are better and I'm getting up and about (but not chasing the squirrels yet).
Glad you got some answers. Best wishes with the treatments. Thanks for the update!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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