Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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I live in Cuenca, Ecuador (I am an expat from Maryland) where anything like a prosthesis for a dog would be impossible to acquire. I adopted a 3 year old Schnauzer from a hell hole of a refuge. A year ago his foot was run over by a car and the owners didn't care for it properly. As a result it became gangrenous and they put the dog in an animal rescue rather than take it to a good vet. A vet hired by the animal refuge did a partial amputation of the front left leg. Gandalf's stump is healed but it does get "beat up" and there is bloody spotting when we walk. I made my own little sock for him that is padded and I tie this on his stump when we walk. My vet gave me antibiotic cream and I wash and dry and apply the cream every time we walk. The padded sock does prevent bleeding. He seems very happy and outgoing and could outrun me if I gave him the opportunity. If anyone has suggestions
I would like to hear them. It is impossible to take him to the United States to get fitted for a prosthesis. The regs to bring in a dog from outside the US are just prohibitive. Sadly, Ecuador is behind the times when it comes to animals and animal welfare.
Leslie
6:54 pm
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
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Hi Leslie
I'm so glad you decided to join the Forums! Your future posts won't need approval so post away!
It's wonderful that you are there, making a difference for animals. Change starts with one person, the animals of Ecuador are so blessed to have you advocating for them.
I'll share what we discussed in your PM, so future members in similar situations have the benefit of seeing it too:
Does your dog have a partial amputation? How much limb is left? If there is a lot, a prosthetic can work. Sometimes when there is a lot of limb left, the leg can get banged around and not heal properly. It sounds like that's what's going on. See:
Partial vs. Full Leg Amputation for Pets, What’s Better?
Here are some articles we've written to check out that will help answer your questions:
It's OK that a prosthetic isnt' an option for your pup, most dogs do fine without one. Is there any way you are able to do an amputation re-do? I know that's a lot to deal with for you and Gandalf (great name!), but oftentimes in these situations it's the best way to solve this issue.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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