Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My sweet 8 mo old lab, darby, had her hind leg amputated due to a bad break. The surgery was two weeks ago. After that she walked fine. Five days ago she started to slow down...now we are to the point where she is too weak to stand. She can move, but not hold herself up. The vet said the only thing that he thinks it could be is tick paralysis. Anyone else had this issue? its just so weird to me that these happened so closely together. We have no answers and it'd so sad seeing such a out going puppy not able to do anything. Thank u, haley
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Hi Haley, welcome. We've moved your topic hear from the Tripawd Talk Radio forum.
Tick paralysis sounds like an awful coincidence. What vet suggested this? Your surgeon, or a specialist? With it being so early along on Darby's recovery roller coaster, the weakness may be temporary. Has she just recently kicked the pain meds? Is she getting to much exercise? Is weight an issue? Sorry for so many questions but the more we know the better members can help with your situations.
We're not vets, but many have been through what you're experiencing. Rear leggers can take longer to build muscle strength. You may want to consult with a certified vet rehab therapist, like those at California Animal Rehab. Hydrotherapy can help greatly, as can regular rehab exercises, massaging, and stretches. Walking doesn't build strength, only stamina.
He hope things look up for Darby soon. Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so sorry to hear about your puppy. What caused the break in the first place? Admin is right, it could just need strengthening. Or it could be a cruciate ligament tear.
I'm curious why the diagnosis of tick paralysis be made? I've never hear of it but I don't have ticks where I live.
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.
I've not had experience with this post-amputation, but I've had first-hand experience with the demon that is tick paralysis.
Why did your vet think this might be the problem? Did you remove a tick from Darby? If this started about 5 days ago and Darby is alive, it likely is not tick paralysis, unless you removed a tick. Tick paralysis is progressive and eventually paralyzes the muscles controlling the respiratory system. Five days is a long time for a dog to have tick paralysis and still be around.
When our dog had this several years ago, we'd scheduled a home euthanasia because we thought she'd had a stroke. We watched the paralysis run its classic course: hind limbs first, then spine, then front limbs. Over the course of a couple of days, she lost the ability to lift her head and to swallow. Her bark became hoarse (classic). She choked on water that she tried to drink, as her esophagus was paralyzed. If your dog's symptoms are not progressing like this, it likely does not have tick paralysis. (I found the offending tick hours before the vet was to come euthanize our dog.)
I think the others are right and Darby just needs some time. This is a major surgery, and not every dog recovers at the same rate. If you look around here, you will find several who tanked hard after surgery and needed a lot of extra TLC to be up and at 'em again. Hopefully that's all Darby needs.
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
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