Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Hello all,
I am a new member here, because I just had my 8.5 year old Rottweiler's back left leg amputated last Wednesday. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma the Sunday before :/ The good news is, the oncologist believes I caught it early! Mischa was still weight bearing and frolicking on all fours, just off-loading her weight, which was not normal for her. I work for a vet on the weekends, so I took her to work with me for radiology to be completed...and there it was 🙁 we go back for staple removal and recheck on Wednesday, and I am hoping to start her first round of chemo on Friday. I am so truly astounded by her resilience and adaptability, and I hope with all of my heart that I get more time with her with this amputation and chemo therapy.
My question for the forum is...do any of you all have recommendations for a brace for Mischa's remaining back leg? She is doing well getting around, but I would like to help keep her leg straight and keep it from turning in and out while she is learning to balance herself. I feel like she might strain it easily if we aren't careful...so, I'd like to brace it! I've Googled a lot and plan to ask the surgeon at our recheck on Wednesday, but I figured you all might be considerably knowledgeable!
Mischa and I truly appreciate any and all help in advance!
Joy and Mischa
Howdy and welcome!!
I have a Meesha too! Is yours as crazy as mine? My Meesha is a quadpaw (lab/pit), but I worry all the time that she will need braces because of her rambunctiousness and constantly injuring herself.
I'd be interested about what you find out about the brace. I know I've seen them, but I don't hear many folks use them for their fur-babies.
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Just love Mischa's avatar picture btw!
I also have no experience with the brace. You may want ro consult with a Rehab Specialist though. My "unprofessional quess would be the Specialist would suggest core building exercises, perhaps some physical therapy, as opposed to a brace.at rhis point. Again, I have no clue...just a suggestion to check with Rehab.
Glad that pretty girl.is doing so well this early! 🙂
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Pam,
Haha my Mischa is actually pretty stinking lazy 
her brother (a 6 year old Rottie) is the rambunctious one! Mischa is just super awkward on her remaining back leg, that I have deemed her "peg leg". She twists and turns, and I'm just nervous she is going to injury herself from doing that.
I haven't learned much more about the brace, other than the recommendation from my regular vet for a carpal brace...which I've found on Amazon, but they are a bit expensive.
If I end buying one, I will let you know how it works
Sally,
Thank you for the kind words She is quite a photogenic dog! Haha
Also, thank you for the recommendation and support! I have asked the surgeon, and they said the same thing...ask the rehab center 🙂
Stay tuned for more!
-Joy and Mischa
Hi Joy,
Just wondering if you have found out anything about a brace. Our dog, Bella, also had her rear leg amputated (4.5 weeks ago), and I am concerned about her injuring that remaining back leg, too. She sometimes sort of "sinks" on that leg when she is walking, but never when she is running. She also twists and turns a lot on it.
I had never heard of a brace so I would love to know what you found out. Haven't had a chance to ask our vet about either a brace or rehab exercises.
Hope all is going well with you and your sweet Mischa!
-Jan & Bella
Regarding braces:
They are especially helpful for dogs missing a front leg. That wrist joint takes a lot of beating. See our OrthoPets interviews for more info about how braces can help. Rear legged Tripawds can also benefit . . .
But, a brace is not not the answer for overweight dogs, and dogs who need core strengthening. A brace could compound the problem because without losing weight or getting stronger abdominals, there's still a ton of force coming down on that leg. The answer is helping your dog to lose weight and get fit while wearing that brace.
Also keep in mind that no brace should never be used without the direct supervision of a certified rehabilitation therapist. A poorly fitting or off-the-shelf brace can do more harm than good. Most family vets are not well-versed in canine rehab therapy. To find a practitioner near you visit the Canine Rehab Institute Directory.
Just wondering if you have found out anything about a brace. Our dog, Bella, also had her rear leg amputated (4.5 weeks ago), and I am concerned about her injuring that remaining back leg, too.
Just gave you some tips about a brace here:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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