Here’s our second and final interview with animal rehabilitation therapist Leslie Gallagher McMahon, CCMT, CCRT of Two Hands Four Paws Canine Massage and Rehabilitation.

Rear Leggers versus Front Leggers

Leslie feels that rear leg amputees have it a little bit easier than front leg Tripawds. Although rear leg amputees also have pain resulting from living on three legs, rear leggers seem to recover from surgery a bit faster because it’s easier for them to get their balance. Also, because dogs carry sixty percent of their weight on their front legs, they can still use their bodies almost exactly as nature intended them to.

Pain Relief Tips

Many pawrents don’t know when to use heat and when to use cold on their Tripawd. Here’s some tips:

  • Use cold within 48 hours to 3 days after the injury or surgery. Ice reduces swelling and inflammation.
  • When an injury is no longer acute, switch back and forth between ice and heat.
  • Apply ice for five minutes, heat for 5 minutes, then ice for 5 minutes. Always end with ice.
  • Keep a towel between the ice pack and fur
  • Test heat before application

We recommend getting two Bella’s Pain Relief Packs, which can be used either cold or hot, to allow you to easily rotate between ice and heat.

Big Dog Therapy Tips

For giant breeds, try swimming sessions starting at five minutes each, gradually working up to ten minutes. While ideally water should be at 85 degrees, for some dogs like Labs and Golden Retrievers who naturally love to swim, she feels it’s fine to allow them to get into a lake or river and do some swimming. Just remember:

Read part one of our 2 Hands 4 Paws dog interview now!

Please be aware that we are not veterinarians. The information presented here is not meant to be construed as medical advice or guidance, nor should it be substituted for professional veterinary assistance. Always discuss any remedies and treatments you wish to pursue with your veterinarian.


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