Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Mel and Boinks,
sorry to hear you have a bit of regression. We are also going through some regression, though not as cement like as Boinks. Horacia is still not getting up on her own (if anything, she is more reluctant) and seems more tired. She still goes her 3 or 4 rounds a day around the yard with a lot of encouragement and help when we go (no help needed coming back). She is better emotionally now, so I hope it gets better even if slowly.
But she is now 3 and a half weeks past amputation so double as much as Boinks.
Our experience was, that she had terrible muscle pain in her back legs and didn't want to move one bit. Which is still the case. Today when helping her to get up, her back legs are trembling and it goes away after a minute or two of helping her keep her balance and her weight. After a couple of hops it gets better (kind of oiled).
Around day 10-12 she also began having swollen feet... my vet here said it could be that her heart needed some support, as it is a terrible effort for our giants to move these masses in the new fashion.
Rehab souds great! Whish I had something of the kind near!
Lots of good wishes and energy from one big girl to another!
Cecilia & Horacia
Spirit Horacia, Castaño, Olympia + human family Cecilia, Georg and Julia - - - Hori first diagnosed 8/6/09, ampu 8/12/09, run over the bridge 9/10/09 – We miss you every day dear girl!
Cecillia, you give great advice, we are so glad you are here. Thank you. Hugs to Horacia.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Lots of encouragement and good thoughts coming to you from us. We will be thinking of you on Tuesday, hoping the vet can locate the cause so you can begin to fight it.
The therapy sounds like a great idea if the vet agrees.
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.
We too will send good wishes for a turn around for Boinks. We hope the vet can give you some good answers.
Seanne and Angel Wrigley
More happy thoughts here for you. We look forward to hearing about Boinks bouncing back!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Boinks is certainly well loved both by you and all of us out here in tripawd support land. Looking forward to the update after the vet. We send lots of positive thoughts and love. Brody and Pat
We're rooting for you Boinks - hopefully the vet can find what's bothering you.
Hugs
Connie & Radar
Dear Boinks: You have such a sweet face we hope you feel better soon.
Romeo had a very rough night his first night home. When we brought him back I remember the surgeon saying, "Sometimes the bigger the dog the longer the recovery." In my un-expert opinion I agree this all sounds very worrisome---not eating, whimpering,
messing herself. Is she still on pain meds? My heart goes out to you. I really hope the vet can give you some answers. Forgive me if I
this sounds too strong, but I would really push them to figure out what's going on. They really need to help her. She really seems to be in distress. The rehab center sounds good. I remember our vet mentioned that some dogs benefit from physical therapy.
We'll be sending light and love to Boinks! And to her family as well. She is lucky to have you. And she does seem to have quite the Tripawds fan club!
Take care, Eve and Romeo
Hang in there Boinks--it's just a little while more. Help those doctors find out what's going on so you can go outside and play soon. Sending prayers and strength your way..
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Sorry I haven't gotten back sooner to the questions. Boinks isn't on any pain meds, so that is safely ruled out.
We had to take her to the emergency vet last night because her surgical site became very swollen yesterday. They believe it is a seroma and are doing surgery this evening to put in a drain. Hopefully she can come home tomorrow. We are currently waiting for a call from the surgeon to give us an update on how the surgery went and to go over any other concerns. Her vital signs are all good and she had no fever, so it's hard to say right now why she isn't eating or doing well.
They are also concerned about her poor progress and have suggested trying rehab. We are fortunate to have two highly recommended rehab clinics nearby. I talked to the pet rehab clinic here in Durham today and we plan to take Boinks next week for an initial consultation. The man I spoke with was very calming and I feel hopeful that they can help us get Boinka back on track. They have some interesting services like underwater treadmills and such, so if anyone has experience with using these, feedback would be much appreciated. Here's a link to the services at the place we are going. http://www.anim.....vices.html
He also mentioned the Walkabout Harnesses and the rear harness looks very helpful for getting her up on her back legs, in addition to a front end harness. The towels we were using, I just feel they were pressing uncomfortably on her tummy, so that may have been having an effect on her.
Thanks everyone for your kind words and support. You've really been a lifeline through all of this.
Mel
Mel,
I hope all went well with Boinks surgery. I would think it's a very good sign that there's no fever.
Rehab might be just what she needs to get up and moving and to strengthen her muscles. I saw their website and it looks like offer a lot of different options. Wouldn't it be fun and rewarding to work at an animal rehab center?
I'll be thinking of Boinks, and I hope she is able to come home soon.
Michelle
Mel, no appologies necessary for not being around lately, it's so important to be there for Boinks. She's #1 priority.
I'm so sorry she had to go in for a nasty seroma . Your vet sounds like he is on top of things, but have you considered a 2nd opinion? It can help you feel better, even if it's just to confirm what your current vet is thinking.
As far as rehab and therapy, Chuy is your boy.
Keep us posted, and let us know how things are going. All paws are crossed for Boinks.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Tazzie rehabbed on an underwater treadmill after each of her knee surgeries before she was a tripawd. It helped her build up muscle tone and I think that it contributed to her quick healing from those surgeries.
It is possible that the developing seroma has affected her attitide and appetite and once it is drained she may feel better!
Pam and Tazzie
Just got off the phone with the vet hospital. They can't find anything wrong with her, but they agree that she is failing to thrive and is getting bad off. They're starting to talk euthanasia at this point. At the moment, I feel like I made bad choices and that my worst fears about what could happen have happened. I feel like I killed her will to live. So, I guess bad day.
Hi Mel, I can totally relate to what you are going through...
Please, whatever happens and whatever decisions you have to take, never forget that you did what you did for love and that Boinks chances are better with the road you chose when going through with ampu.
Without it, her time was more than limited and filled with pain.
Lots of hugs to your big girl and don't stop looking for miracles!
Cecilia & Spirit Hori
Spirit Horacia, Castaño, Olympia + human family Cecilia, Georg and Julia - - - Hori first diagnosed 8/6/09, ampu 8/12/09, run over the bridge 9/10/09 – We miss you every day dear girl!
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