Greetings!
I am in the process of adopting a tripod Pomeranian mix from a rescue. He’s only about 8 pounds and one of his rear legs doesn’t work. He pulls it up to his belly when he hops around. He’s kind of a grouchy, but sweet little dog (about 6 years old they guess) and likes to be held, petted and such but if he’s not getting petted he goes straight back to his bed/crate. He doesn’t really like to walk around or play at all which doesn’t seem like the typical personality of a dog in his prime. I am concerned that he may be in some pain from the injury that is inhibiting all but the most necessary activities for him.
The rescue says the veterinary evaluation showed that ‘an old injury’ caused the leg to not be functional anymore. No further information that I have although I have asked for the veterinary reports and xrays. I think he came originally from Animal Control so maybe no one knows what originally happened. Their vet said there was not anything that could fix the injury and since he seems to get around with it like that they just let it be.
Once he arrives I want to have a thorough evaluation of the leg (and everything else, he is supposed to have a grade 2 heart murmur) done.
My question for the forum is: what questions should I ask the vet/specialists? What type of info am I looking for? How do I know if it is pain that is inhibiting his activity or if he’s just ‘normally’ like this (which would be fine with me as long as he’s feeling ok).
I want this little guy to have the best, most pain-free life possible!
Thanks for any guidance!
Welcome and thank you for sharing Wookie’s story. Your future blog posts and pages will publish immediately without requiring moderation.
You will find MUCH more help and feedback in the discussion forums or by searching the member blogs. Start here for help finding the many Tripawds Resources an assistance programs.
Regarding Questions to Ask: Check the many FAQs in the Tripawds News blog, especially this important two-part series…
Top 10 Questions to Ask Vet Before Amputation Surgery for Dogs and Cats
Can’t wait to get into the forums! I combed the Top 10 Questions referenced above yesterday – lots of great info, Thanks,
You’ll also find MANY helpful pain management articles and videos. Search the blogs for more or get fast answers to common concerns in the Tripawds Library.
Hi and welcome! You’re in a very similar situation to our Nellie.. Here’s what I can suggest:
Yes, that does sound like he is in some kind of pain. Your instinct is spot on. My first suggestion would be to take the medical records and x-rays to a veterinary orthopedic surgeon, just to get an idea of what might be fixable, or not, with surgery. It’s possible that a prosthetic might be the way to go. That’s a huge thing to ask, because you don’t want to jump into amputation if it’s not necessary.
Depending on what the surgeon says, a visit with a rehab therapist is always beneficial. They can pinpoint the pain source and come up with ways to treat it now, and help the pup get stronger so that it doesn’t come up again if this is something that can’t be treated with surgery.
Hope to see you in the discussion Forums!
I would suggest that if you are not completely satisfied with the care the vet is offering, find another vet for a second opinion. The suggestions above are all great! My neighbor has just adopted a kitten, about 4 months old, who lost one of his back legs. We are looking for as much information as possible to be sure the little guy is getting the best possible care, which is how I found this site. Thank you for sharing your story, and thank you for the suggestions. They helped me, too!
I would suggest that if you are not completely satisfied with the care the vet is offering, find another vet for a second opinion. The suggestions above are all great! My neighbor has just adopted a kitten, about 4 months old, who lost one of his back legs. We are looking for as much information as possible to be sure the little guy is getting the best possible care, which is how I found this site. Thank you for sharing your story, and thank you for the suggestions. They helped me, too!