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...I'm new to this group. We rescued our 3 legged dog about 2 years ago. She was about 4 days post amputation of her right front leg. We don't have much info on her as she was rescued from a shelter in California as she was to be euthanized. She was flown here by "dog is my co-pilot" with her useless ulcerated leg, and the wonderful Lifesavers Animal Rescue had her evaluated and had the leg amputated, and then chose us to adopt her. The op report said the injury to the leg was an "avulsion"....whatever happened the leg was torn away from the shoulder.
she does great, but I've always wondered how much walking she should do at one time without putting too much stress on her good front leg.ive heard that dogs carry 70 percent of their weight on their front legs..if that's true, then that seems like a lot for one leg to bear.
we think she is 4-5 yrs old, and she is a schnauzer cross. By the way, she runs like the wind!
i'd appreciate any information. Thanks.
Hi and welcome! Your future posts won't need approval so post away.
You're awesome for being so conscientious about her activity. And your gut instinct is correct: since 60 percent of a dog's weight is in the front, that is a lot of weight on the remaining limb. One of the most common issues front-leg amputees will experience over time is a weakening of the carpal joint.
To prolong any signs of arthritis, you'll want to take short, more frequent walks of no more than 20 minutes at a time. That's what rehab vets have told us and it's worked well for our Wyatt Ray .
Strengthening her core muscles will also go a long way toward preventing injuries. Our Tripawds Gear blog has lots of tips about that, as does our e-book, Loving Life On Three Legs .
What kinds of exercise activities do you to together currently? And what's her name? She's so lucky to have found you!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for the helpful information! Her name is Abby and she leash walks every morning down our lane to get the paper...about 600 yards. Probably doesn't even take 10 minutes. We have 13 acres, so she explores and smells frequently with my husband, who is outside much of the time.
That sounds like an idyllic life for a tripawd!! Abby is so lucky 🙂 My was one of the more sensible tripawds and he would tell me when he was tired by sitting down or taking himself back to the car but I was also always vigilant about the time on the clock and his domineer, was he panting, his speed, his stability etc to make sure he didn't over do.
What temperament is Abby? Is she a charge about loon or a more tranquil plodder? Sudden and jarring movement on her good leg may potentially cause some damage (though I've seen plenty of tripawds flying after balls and Frisbees with not a care in the world!) so if she's a loon you might want to try to 'manage' her exercise more. Though if she is just mooching about her territory I suspect after 2 years she has now built up stamina and muscles to support her tripawd stance.
If your worried she's not getting enough stimulation rather than physical exercises i've seen some great videos on here and on you tube to give you agility course ideas, balanace beams and weaving that you can make at home to challenge her mentally as well as physically. The exercises are designed to work the correct muscles to give them power and strength without impact that might cause an injury.
Also you could maybe consider some joint supplements to help aid her natural building blocks? I used Serquin for my boy years before he became a tripawd. Who know if it made a difference but he was a larger GSD and when it came to amputation we were really fortunate as he had no signs of dysplasia or arthritis which may have hinder him as a tripawd. The supplements could have contributed to this (at the very least they did him no harm that im aware of)
Would be great to see some pics of Abby, after 2 years I'm sure you can give all of us some hints and tips rather than the other way round!!
Karis and Zuki with wings
xx
Zuki Wuggafer 30/09/06 - 11/11/16. Right hind tripawd due to Osteosarcoma. He had a strong 5 and half months as a tripawd but unfortunately a secondary issue with his spine ended our battle. He loved life, loved our family and was the best dog I could ever ask for. Truly my first love, forever in my thoughts and heart.
Read our story: http://zuki.tripawds.com/
Wow Abby has 13 acres to explore? Lucky dawg! You're right, her leash walks are short and sound fine. My instinct says all that exploring / free range fun could catch up with her eventually. Even if it's not walking at a brisk pace, it takes many steps / hops to patrol her backyard wonderland.
I would use care to ensure she has lots of breaks when she's outside. If there's a way you can put up a large x-pen so she can watch your hubby and enjoy the outdoors, I'd lean toward that.
What a lucky girl to find her way to you!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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