Tough Day
The last 96 hours have been a little challenging. My first thought was he caught his wrist in a squirrel hole in the backyard. Starting Friday he was increasingly stubborn, growly and un-motivated to perform the basic function of pooping. Sat and Sunday were weird but I figured his wrist hurt so I found myself carrying Teo to the poop spot and back to the house.
Saw the vet today and it appears that he is suffering form a chronic shoulder hyper-extension. He has developed pretty impressive shoulder muscles on the remaining arm – causing him some pain that is not managed by the Novox. As he tries to shift more weight to his rear, it means he needs to extend his front limb – causing more pain. Rest. Ice, Meds….. and hope things heal up a little.
We went from being slow and pokey on Friday to 5 steps and a collapsing rest — 5 more steps and an collapsing rest in the span of less than 4 days. Needless to say, making it to the poop zone is challenging at best.
If any vets online have ideas – please message me. Our vet ran bloodwork, MRI and 2 separate vets did an ortho exam. He is on 75mg Novox 2x/day and now 50mg Tramadol 2x/day.
Chris.
6 comments so far
8:13 pm - 10-1-2013
Hi Chris!
Sorry Teo (who is extremely handsome) is having such a rough time!
I’m sure you’re doing everything possible but I guess it’s o e of those things that maybe a harness could help so he can kind of “rest” it and give it time to heal…maybe? Don’t know if massage would help or acupuncture, maybe?
You might want to post this under “Ask A Vet” section and get a more “Teo specific” reply from an expert.
Just wanted you to know we’re here for yoj and keeping all paws crossed for your beautiful Teo. Hang in there!
Higs to all,
Sally and Happy Hannah
9:09 pm - 10-1-2013
thanks for the reply. It’s been such a great spring and summer ….so a fall bummer hits hard.
I’m working on getting him into acupuncture … and he has a full chest harness; it was his ski harness so when I put it on he gets amp’ed up and then falls flat on his face with front limb issues. it hurts me more than it hurts him i’m sure.
12:35 pm - 10-2-2013
So sorry to hear he’s having a rough time. It’s rough when one of the remaining limbs has a problem. My guy is 3 month’s post-ampuation and started having spine pain. His chiropractor is coming to treat him tonight. It’s resolved somewhat on it’s own with a few days of Tramadol but I still want his chiro to see him. Best of luck and hope he’s out enjoying the great outdoors soon!
1:02 pm - 10-2-2013
What a beautiful boy! I know what you mean when you say it probably hurts you more than it hurts him. They have such spirit! We hope Teo’s arm feels better soon….lots of rest and relaxation to be had.
5:24 pm - 10-2-2013
Oh no! This is tough. Yeah – acupuncture? Massage therapy? Pool therapy? A canine rehab specialist? Certainly a sling!!! Good luck.
~ Katy & Jackson
10:40 pm - 10-2-2013
Chris, I’m so sorry to hear this. Front leg amputees are at risk of this kind of situation but R&R will help tremendously and if at all possible get him to a certified canine rehab vet (CCRP or CCRT) who can prescribe just what he needs to feel better. A combination of pain meds, massage and acupuncture will do wonders. Please feel free to PM me if you need referrals in your area.
We are sending our best wishes for a speedy recovery. Keep us posted.