Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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The past month has been a challenge for Fortis. On two separate occasions he has lost all use of his remaining rear leg. Both times were the result of him trying to stand without my help. Once when trying to jump up and chase a rabbit that I didn't see and the other when I was preparing his food. I did hear him cry out once. I felt horrible for not paying close enough attention. Other than the one yelp he hasen't appeared to be in pain although I know that he is because he won't put any weight on the leg.
In both cases I immediately put him on tramadol (100mg/twice daily) and deramaxx (100mg/daily). The strange thing is that both times within two to three days he was totally back to where he was before the incident and off meds. That is with about 30% use of the rear leg I would estimate. It really scares the fire out of me. The last episode was about 10 days ago. He's doing fine now and it's as though nothing ever happened. But of course I'm on edge. The remaining 30% usage is really important!
In any case today was his 4 month ampuversay. He had a great day full of treats and lots of hugs! On tuesday he was treated to a chiropractic and acupuncture treatment to help him celebrate. Man did he have a blast. Fortis absolutely loved it. I haven't seen him this happy in a long time. I'm not sure if it will help with the leg or not but we are going to continue with more treatments if for no other reason than how much he seemed to enjoy it. That is if my back doesn't give out first. Picking him up is a real chore for this old man. The vet didn't seem to think there were any spinal mets which was a big relief. Sorry for rambling on.
Thanks for all the support. You guys are really awesome. 
fortis'Dad
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You're not rambling on at all, we're just glad to hear that Fortis is overall doing well for a big boy, and still loving life as only he knows how.
Hoppy Ampuversary Fortis, may there be many many more!
Glad to hear you're doing the chiro and acupuncture, we know it'll really help you get around and continue feeling good. Keep it up!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm glad Fortis is doing better now (and Happy Ampuversay!!!) I know you probably don't want to give tramadol on a regular basis, but I'm not familiar with deramaxx. Is this something he can take regularly to prevent his leg problem? I hope the other treatments do the trick. Maybe you should treat yourself to a chiropractic treatment or massage therapy (sounds like you deserve it)
Sadie is my 9yr old Rott/Shepherd mix. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right scapula 1/28/10. Our brave girl had her amputation 2/13/10 and her last chemotherapy on 6/6/10. Unfortunately, a tumor appeared in her back right leg and on 10/7/2010 Sadie's earthly journey came to an end. On 10/24/2010 we adopted Ranger, a handsome Rott/Lab mix tripawd (got hit by a car) I think Sadie sent him to us.
http://ranger.t.....pawds.com/
That was a ramble???? That was a well packed informative post! Happy 4 months!
Off subject - where did Fortis' name come from? I love it! I would love to meet him in person, every time I look at him I get a big grin! He just looks like a big 150lb goof! I have a soft spot for goofs! You need a video!
I think many of us can relate to being on edge. It sucks. There are days when I just want to shut my eyes when Comet walks so I don't see how bad her back legs are. (She's had both TPLO back knee surgeries) But then again, if there is a peanut butter cookie to be given out, she can pop up and trot pretty fast!
My vet said that there have been studies that acupuncture actually helps and he is anti-holistic. Have you tried any supplements? I hate to admit this out-loud but I'm not a holistic type person BUT - I started giving Comet some joint supplements that I had bought last year and never really used. It may be coincidental but I can see improvement in her. It took about 10 days but I see there is improvement. She is swimming, too. The swimming really helps instantly. It's a good shot of adrenalin, I would guess.
Thank you for updating us! I know it's hard but look at the bright side - picking Fortis up is like having your own Bow Flex machine at home! You may get ripped muscles! oo-la-la!
Comet's mom
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.
Happy 4 month ampuversary, Fortis! I know dad worries about you, but it sounds like you're doing pretty well. One of the key factors Trouble's vet is concerned with regarding her mobility is weight. It is harder for older dogs to get around, but having even a few extra pounds adds to any mobility issues, so unless he is already ultra lean, you may want to take a few pounds off to see if that helps.
Glucosamine really helped Trouble initially, but in the last month doesn't seem to be as effective - maybe, again, because of the pounds. I, too control the pain with Tramadol when needed. It takes the edge off, and allows her to move. It is a narcotic, and I'm not sure I would use that as a primary, every day painkiller. They do have to be weaned off it.
I've read lots of good things about accupuncture. Keep us informed about his treatments, I'm really curious. I've considered it for Trouble, but would have to go to Houston, I think. To my knowledge there is nothing in our area.
BTW, weren't you one of the ones bragging about being 20 years from our 50+ club? What's the problem with a young whipper-snapper, hunk picking up one little dog?
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.
Happy ampuversary, sounds like we need to celebrate, Gus will use anything to get a treat!!!! but I can't let him know about the acupuncture or chiropractic treatment, he'll start buggin' me for the same thing. We'll have a treat in Fortis' honor, I think this is a deli ham day, have a great day, paws up to Fortis, Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
A belated happy ampuversary, Fortis! It sounds like you've had your ups and downs over the past month but you've had some happy, happy days and are doing better now. Here's hoping for many more ups!
Watch out for that back of yours, Forstis's dad! Maybe you could get a little acupuncture yourself. 🙂
Keep well!
Carmen, Catie and Riley
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
congrats on your ampuversary fortis!!! here's to many more!!! my older sister is going to try to get some accupuncture for her back and hips...if it helps her, i might try to be next in line. hope you keep feeling better - just leave those goofie old bunny rabbits alone!!
gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Happy 4 month ampuversary Fortis! That's really pawesome! You sound like you're doing pretty well even if you gave your dad a bit of a scare (you tripawds sure do know how to get us pawrents worried.) Wow that sounds great about the acupuncture and chiropractic treatments. Maybe your dad ought to join you to do some of that preventative treatment - afterall, he's about 20 years younger from our 50+ Club! (Thanks Trouble's mom for reminding him of that. 
)
Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
Happy Ampuversary, Fortis! We'll be celebrating in your honor tonight for sure! We hope you have many, many more ampuversaries ahead!
Hugs,
Holly, Zuzu and Susan
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
Happy 4 month ampuversary Fortis ! Tasha will be more than happy to have an extra goodie in your honor. Hoping for many more ampuversaries for you !
Jo Ann & Tasha
Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.
Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….
I was going to suggest that for Fortis' next ampuversary that Fortis and Dad could both use a chiropractor/acupuncturist. However, after reading he is 20 years from qualifing for the 50+ club I decided to tell him to suck it up. (Obviously, I am a member of the older but wiser club.)
Glad to hear Fortis is doing well.
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
I'm at least 20 years from this unspeakable decade. If possible though I would really appreciate an age waiver. I'm really mature for my age and feel I have a lot to contribute to this club. After all I watched every minute of Watergate!
Here is a word problem for you guys: Is Fortis' Dad eligible for admittance into the 50+ club?
The "Watergate Scandal" aired on TV the summer of 1973. Fortis' Dad watched virtually every minute of all 319 televised hours of the scandal on live TV. He was confined to his grandparent's house due to suffering from mononucleosis and thus missing the entire baseball season. The average age of infection in the U.S. is 13-18 years of age.
Extra Credit: Is he old enough to warrant a trip to the chiropractor/acupuncturist 
cometdog said: Off subject – where did Fortis' name come from? I love it! I would love to meet him in person, every time I look at him I get a big grin! He just looks like a big 150lb goof! I have a soft spot for goofs!
Fortis' name is Fortissima Del Colosseo.
Thank you guys for all the kind words. This community is really great.
Fortis'Dad
Oh happy hoppy ampuversary Fortis....I am so glad you are feeling a bit better you big lunk. Magic has now had three massage/body works thing and the last two times mom got one right after (this gal was a PT and human body worker for 30 years before going to horses and now dogs...she is great)....He isn't wild about getting up and laying on the opposite side, but he has ALWAYS objected when someone tried to get him to do that...when he finally does turn over for the last side and legs and neck and all? He is asleep by the time she is done...he has been getting an hour and a half...he was really po'd when I made him get up and move so she could set up her table for ME!!!
I am trying to figure out the math problem...you said 20 years from unspeakable decade....is that the one that starts with the upside down 9? or is it the 50's....my brain is very tired because I'm NOT 20 years from there (from where? what were we talking about?)
but I'm with the suck it up group and not far from the ripped abs one...well maybe a little farther!!
You guys celebrate celebrate .... we send big hugs and skritches
I think he's old enough to join both clubs, that means I can join also!!!Yea, I know about the back thing too, I've been pretty lucky, Gus is one strong dog and I haven't had to do any lifting with him, except for getting him into the van since he's quite opinionated about where he does and doesn't want to go. And just remember, he wasn't a crook !!!!!
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
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