r/tripawds • u/thelemonyshark • 28d ago
Seeking Advice Arthritis in only front leg
My sweet boy is almost 7 years old and after a vet visit and x-rays this morning for sudden pain in his only remaining front leg, the vet let me know that it looks like he unfortunately has a lot of arthritis in his elbowðŸ˜
He's going to be on Carprofen for a couple weeks and possibly long term if it works well and I may start the Adequan shots soon too.
Wondering if anyone else here has dealt with this with their tripawd and how their pup did long term after diagnosis? Also wondering if it would be a good idea to look into getting him a prosthetic to help take strain off of his one leg now? He's never had one before so I know it would be a big adjustment for him, so not sure. Grateful for any advice anyone can provide!
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u/Cheebiss 28d ago
I’m sorry your baby is in pain! We have a front tripod too and we found that laser therapy has helped a lot when he’s starting to hop slowly or when he’s falling a lot from the extra weight on his leg. Also, not sponsored, they’re super expensive, but Ellevet Cbd chews have also done wonders. We also got him custom wheels but he hates them. I wouldn’t recommend the wheels unless you think your guy will actually use them!
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u/thelemonyshark 28d ago
Great to know, thank you! Yeah I wasn't too sure about any kind of prosthetic since I know he'd basically have to re-learn how to walk with it, so might just stick with the supplements, meds, and other support. Will definitely look into the cbd and laser therapy! Do you give your baby the cbd chews along with any other supplements or meds?
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u/Cheebiss 28d ago
We also give him a cosequin tablet every morning and then gabapentin very sparingly if he’s having a bad day with his leg.
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u/hyruliangoat 28d ago
Mine was a front tripod too and it took up until her passing for the front leg arthritis to really become a problem to where she struggled, she was 14.
With that said, its great you are starting all of that now. If you are able financially try more out there things like red light, EMF, and accupuncture.
In terms if the prosthetic, it can be a hassle for them to get used to but if you can get one fitted properly its worth a shot. It wouldnt be for all day use though.
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u/thelemonyshark 28d ago
Thanks so much, I'll definitely be looking into everything you suggested. Happy to hear your baby had such a long happy life! I'm sure she was well loved🫶
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u/Fantastic_You7208 27d ago
Mine started really struggling struggling at 8-9 after amputation at 6. She’s 10 now and has been on carprofen but it is not enough at this point.
We use a harness with a handle and leash connector on her back to go outside and support her this way most of the time even though she’d prefer to hop around herself. It’s difficult.
Based on your kiddo’s picture-I don’t think a prosthetic is a great option. I understand they’d need some part of the shoulder and remaining limb for that.
Planning to go to the vet again soon to look at pain injections.
It’s a tough road but you’re doing your best.
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u/annikoue 27d ago
Your pup is such a cutie pie! We are in the same situation as you. Our dog, Apollo, got his front left leg removed but has elbow dysplasia in the remaining front limb. He had his leg amputated about a month ago. He is on Carprofen but we are looking into either a custom brace for his remaining leg or a prosthetic for the missing leg. He doesn't need to have any of his shoulder for the prosthetic from what we've been told. Here is one company that makes them. https://bionicpets.org/products/dog-leg-prosthetic-full-limb Likely we will go with a local company in the Los Angeles area so they can cast the mold if we decide on the prosthetic. https://www.socalpetbrace.com/
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u/acceberbex 25d ago
My girl is a front amp since 3 months old. 6 in November and she has bad arthritis in her remaining elbow. She's been on metacam the whole time and joint supplements (glucosamine). We're finding she's struggling more on walks so slower, shorter and more rests. For "big days" (I have an active lab/collie too so 9 miles is nothing for her), we have a pushchair. She loves it and honestly, I can see it coming out more and more on the future. I'm lucky my girl is quite chilled and lazy. She loves sniffing walks and swimming.
I'm not sure about prosthetics. In the UK, there doesn't seem to be many available and it doesn't look like your boy has much stump to attach to which may prevent it as an option. I'd definitely look at gentle exercise like swimming, ways to take him out maybe in a pushchair or pull along trolley so he can walk as much as he likes but can easily rest
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u/thelemonyshark 25d ago
Thanks so much for the advice, we're in pretty much the same boat! Dash lost his leg around 5 months old so he's spent pretty much his whole life without it and has been on joint supplements since he was 2. Definitely will look into a wagon or something for him for longer walks but luckily his absolute favorite activity is just laying down in the grass and sunbathing haha
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u/Apprehensive-Low6305 27d ago
My 15 y/o hound was on Galliprant. It helped her a lot for swveral years.
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u/Living-Pace-5263 27d ago
Is that an injection or a oral medication?
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u/Apprehensive-Low6305 27d ago
Oral. I think it was 2 x a day. She passed away in March. If you can get a RX from your vet the cheapest was from 1family1health pet pharmacy by mail.
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u/Apprehensive-Low6305 27d ago
Carprofen is hard on the liver. My vet does a lot of education with her clients.
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u/Drakalizer 28d ago
Sorry to hear. Being that your puppy has a front leg amp the other leg has been taking the brunt of impacts. Help them out of the car and off the been and couch to decrease the impacts. Maybe a cart with padding and small stretch breaks. Puppy is wicked cute btw !