Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat. Explore 17+ years of forum archives for stories and answers to questions about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery. Enjoy fresh discussion and connect with members in the new Tripawds Support Circle.
Join The Tripawds Community
Register your free account to join the Tripawds Support Circle. Connecting with members and getting the support you need is now easier than ever with the Circle app!
Easy Photo Upload
Private Messaging
Subscribe to Topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Forums Locked: Search archives for answers & join Tripawds Support Circle to keep discussion going!

Hi, I have an adorable foster named Elliott. He had an amputation 2 weeks ago on his right rear leg, and now is going to have FHO on his left rear leg. I'm just wondering how he is going to get around for the first week or two. He is part border collie and VERY active, so keeping him confined post-amputation was difficult. Now we add the surgery on the other rear leg, I'm confused.
Is the idea to get them to use the other leg asap? I know that is true of 4 legged dogs, but is it too much weight to bear for a 3 legged dog? Because Elliott is a rescue, I don't have a lot of interaction with the vet, just the staff, and they have never seen an FHO on an amputee so they haven't been super helpful (no fault of their own).
Any advice/suggestions? I'm looking at getting wheels if needed, or a sling, but don't want to impede his recovery...
Thank you- Nicole and Elliott
Welcome Nicole and Elliott,
Please consider registering as a member so your posts won't have to wait for approval.
We have several members who's pups had to have surgery on one of their remaining legs. Murphy's story is one you have to read as he had a total hip replacement after losing a rear leg.
Tripawd Max Does Swimmingly Well, Even After Hip Replacements
When a Tripawd Needs Another Leg Surgery
ACL/CCL Surgery for Ajax … tips from Tripawds who have had ACL surgery welcome
You are wonderful for fostering Elliot. Why did he lose his leg- an accident since he needs surgery on his other leg?
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Maggie's Story Amputation and Chemo
Find me now on Tripawds Circle
Welcome, please consider registering to take full advantage of these forums and your posts will not require moderation.
You will find fast answers to the most common care and recovery questions in the Tripawds e-books . Be sure to bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List too!
Confinement is key to a speedy, effective recovery. And getting a wheelchair or offering too much assistance can indeed impede recovery. Rebuilding strength is indeed important, but all in good time. You don't want to do too much too soon. Focus on building core strength and balance work first. (Walks do not build strength, only endurance!)
This News blog article provides some insight on caring for tripawds who need another leg surgery...
When a Tripawd Needs Another Leg Surgery
Search these forums and the blogs for more helpful feedback from members.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
1 Guest(s)
