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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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello...
Back from the vet. Turns out Arbi has severe arthritis in the knee of the remaining leg. ☹️. She is having a flareup because of the over use after the surgery. That is why she will not use the leg. It is painful. The Dr. changed her pain meds to meloxicam along with the Gabapentin. Pepcid for stomach protection. We are also starting injections of Adequan and see if the will work.
I am just so sad about my girl... the last thing I want to do is have her be living in pain, unable to move. I can only 🙏 that the treatment works and she can get back to enjoying her life. With such a good start to her recovery, I certainly didn't expect this.
I have to let her leg rest.. so we are back to carrying her for potty breaks.. and using the sling. I just want her to be comfortable.. and right now.. she's resting. hugs...❤️🐾
How awesome they got her in at the last minute. I'm glad they changed her meds up, that should really help. And Adequan works great for most dogs.
Don't be sad, this will help! Now you know, now you have a plan. Pain control is the first step. Other modalities are super helpful too. Many Tripawds have arthritis and get along well when their activity is managed carefully (just as you are doing for her, great job!).
I also encourage to you to book that rehab therapy appointment. Remember, Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first visit. These experts can pinpoint what exacerbates the arthritis and how to help her live her best life. They can give you so much more hope than a GP vet, so please let us know if we can help you find one OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
ABSOLUTELY ARBI WILL GET THROUGH THIS!!!
We DO see this where arthritis is not "noticed" per se, and then when the arthritic leg is the remaing leg, it can definitely show up.
As Jerry said, you and your Vet are doing exactly what needs to be done to get this leg better and to treat the arthritis that flared up. And the Rehab Specialist. can do wonders too and show you proper streets, range of motion, etc in a way that is helpful.
Hard to be patient, but this can definitely be treated, improved and the meds will help with all that, as well as the Adequan injectioms.. The Meloxicam is good for arthritic inflammation and pain. Yep, used for old arthritic bone on bone joints in hoomandtoo (as someone who knows)
You two, ake auch a good team. And your tripawd family will be cheering her on too!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too !
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!
Hello..
I took Arbi back to the vet early afternoon. She had gotten worse. Her leg was just dangling. Jutting out at strange angles when she moved. I thought it might have gotten dislocated. I wasn't. She has no control of that leg at this time. When I take her to do potty.. the leg just drags backwards as I help her with the sling. They ran their tests and cannot find any reason for this to have happened to her. She had her pain meds... drinking water.. eating very little.. She is not acting like herself... I am gonna read up on the side affects of the new med she started today. My poor girl.. And on top of it.. she has an eye infection too.. at least it's only one eye. We have meds for that too. I am ready to take her to the rehab therapy place.. I would love a referral... I am worried.. I hope she has improvement tomorrow. ❤️🙏🐾
Jeane I'm sooo sorry! I know you must be worried. I'm so bummed that this is happening. She does sound like she is in pain. What are the new meds she started? Hopefully they will kick in soon. And what is the vet's plan for helping her?
PM me your location for the referral. I have to step away for several hours but I'll be back tonight OK? Stay strong my friend!!!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello
Arbi and I cuddled throughout the night. She was up and down. She's resting right now.. no change.. she's not very alert. She ate a couple of meatballs this morning. Drank some water. Her leg is still just hanging there. Right now.. this feels like hospice for her.😪. She lets me know when she has to go outside. Then back inside. This is not what I want for my girl. Not rushing into anything. It's a watch and wait. Hugs.. ❤️🐾❤️
Hello.. I just saw your post... I sent a pm to you. I am just sitting with her moment by moment. She's comfortable. keeping the house peaceful... lavender in the diffuser. 🐾❤️
Oh Jeane, thisnjas to ge so hard, and even harder to hang in there and try and determine exactly what is going on.
Have a coiple of questions when you get time.
:What is the amount of Gaba ahe is on, frequency and what is her weight. Gaba can sometimes have a vit of a sedation effect at first, but the adjustment period only last a couple of days, if at all.
What 'tests' were done?
FWIW, one thing stands out to me would be a disc issue. I know with a four legged dog, the way the leg "dangles", or "drags" and goes out to the side can indicate a disc issue. They can come on quickly. If you pinch inbetween her toes, does she react?
Again, hang in there as this may take a few more tests, meds, etc to identify the issue and properly treat it. Keep her whatever to get figured out. Maybe even a new set of eyes from another Vet or, as you are already checking into, a Rehab Specialist. Total rest and meds seem to be keeping her comfy while we're trying to unravel what's going on, so that's good.
Sending love and hugs and healing light
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. Just one more crazy thing. I'm completely uninformed on this, so just passing on a link someone shared with me about essential oils. I think it was more about side effects with cats, but just sending it anyway IF there is any value in it. https://be.chew.....d-to-know/
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!
Hello...
She's on the same amount of Gabapentin as before. 100 mg @ 12 hours.. he said I could give it every 8 if necessary. She's 15 lbs. If it is a disk problem, which I kinda considered.. no.. she does not react when I pinch her toes. So that would mean another surgery. I will look up orthopedic vets here. See if I can get an appt. I just don't want to torture her. This is honestly so heartbreaking to see. I know that you all understand.
As to what tests.. I did not ask.. I was just happy that the leg wasn't broken or out of joint.
Thank you for the link about essential oils. I know there are some you should not use around animals. I turned it off, the lavender.. just in case.
I will keep you posted on how she is doing and what I can find out. Thank you for all the prayers, all the love and support... ❤️🐾❤️
To repeat, not a Vet, not foc9ng Vet advice, etc. Just offering some FWIW insight on a possible disc ossue.
IF...IF...IF...it is a disc issue, surgery is not always the best route anyway. Success rate varies, MRIs are needed to determine exactly what's going on, lots of expense of lots of recovery time, confinement, etc
What CAN be done is a conservative approach with anti inflammatories or steroids like Prednisone, possible some acupuncture too. Dexamethasone (?) or steroid injection can also be used. Again, NOT A VET AND NOT GIVING VET ADVICE,.....just from personal
A regular Vet can often tell of there is a disc issue ?obviously harder with one rear leg) by gait, so etimes hunched back, if incontinence is I evolved with urine or if poop accidents happen, the Vet can tell how far down the spine the dis may be located, even which side is more "damaged" than the other.
If there is no sensation when pinching inbetween the toes that "could"emphasis "could" ..be another indication of disc issue, neurologic, etc.
pain management is bery important IF. IF. IF it is a disc issue and, as you are already doing, keeping her quiet.
Arbii is not incontinent and has potty control, so that's good!
So yeah, talk with your Vet and see what tests were done and express your thoughts about a disc issue.
Sending extra hugs. This can get figured out and so hang in there, okay??
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Jeane I'm so sorry I was driving all day and just got to my mom's house. I am checking the PM now but meanwhile, I would definitely give her the Gaba every 8 hours if your vet approved it. While it probably won't solve the mobility issue itself, it will help her feel better and that's the first step to overcoming a situation like this. You should also ask about a muscle relaxer like Methocarbomol to complement the Gabapentin. They each work differently.
It's so hard to say what could be going on. I do like that you are searching for an ortho vet but I think you should ask your regular vet for a referral. It could also be a neurology thing and your vet will be able to tell you which specialist they think you should take her to.
This sucks, and I'm so sorry. If it's any consolation, it's not the only time this has ever happened to someone. I wish it never did! Tough recoveries sometimes happen and with time and treatment things do get better. Stay strong, Arbi needs you to set that tone.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello... Thank you both so much for the positive and upbeat message. !!! I know we are not the only ones to go though a tough situation. It is just so heartbreaking as you all know.!
I called my vet for a referral. They mentioned the specialty center can call them as well. I will ask for the Methocarbomol for her as well. They are good with prescriptions.
I am just waiting for the specialty vet place to open.
Arbi had a good night.. slept though... so I know she's getting her rest. My daughter reminded me of the fact meds make dogs a little lethargic and not take that as a bad sign. It's when I see her panting I feel horrible for her. I know there are times she must be feeling pain.. I wonder how much damage I am doing taking her out to go potty... So many thoughts...I know you all know how this feels. She is still eating and drinking.. which is good because all these meds require food.
I will stay strong for Arbi. Dogs are such amazing creatures... When I had Arbi in the vet's the other day for them to check her out... several people came in with their dogs.. each and every one of the pups came over to me and offered me their love. It was truly an amazing experience.
Thank you both from the bottom of my heart...❤️🐾❤️
Rest in itself is theraputic, so glad she slept well.
Don't know if she'll put up with it, but you could put some puppy pee pads under her on her for now. . If she feels the need to pee she may just go ahead and do it in the bed rather than you having to lift her up to take her outside.
Does the panting seem to start before her next dose of Gsba is due? Or maybe even right after her dose while the Gaba is still waiting to kick in? Maybe the dose timing could be adjusted IF that's the case
Don't know if you actually had a chance to speak with the vet or not, but just wondering what their thoughts were on the possibility of a disc issue and what "tests" were done. The Specialty Clinic probably will be the best resource for answers on that anyway. And be sure snd advocate as strongly as you can you need an appt asap!!!
And eating and drinking absolutely are good signs! And your daughter is spot-on about some pain meds making the pups feel a little lethargic. Again, rest is a good thing......for BOTH of you!!!
BTW You are doing everything 100% perfectly in the care of our be. Promise!
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!
I just called the specialty place. They can get her in on Sunday. They will call for her records. They also have an emergency center open. I am going to get dressed and take her there now. Then she will be seen much sooner by a neurologist. Please send 🙏🙏🙏.
Jeane and Arbi ❤️🐾❤️
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