Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all, I wonder if you could tell me what kibble you buy? I am going to change What Barney eats due to diagnosis of osteosarcoma and front leg amp. We are in the UK and I have tried to look what is available with low sugar and carbs and higher quality protein and I didn't get much help in the big store I went to. Also what rehabilitation did you do if any? I have looked into hydrotherapy which sounds good.
many thanks
Barney and Naomi x
Hi Naomi,
I didn't realise you were in the UK too. Whereabouts are you? In terms of kibble, Orijen is available here, both online and in some vets/stores, and their Whole Prey range is high in quality protein and low in carbs. Might be worth a try?
We see a rehab vet in Buckinghamshire. I don't know whether that's anywhere near you. We did underwater treadmill initially and she taught me exercises to do at home to build up Meg's core strength. I found it very helpful. We still go around once a month for acupuncture, laser etc when needed, as Meg sometimes gets knots and tension in her spine. She is now a year post amp and we do a short core strength session every other day at home.
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Hi clare
We live on the Wirral near Liverpool. Barney had his op done last week at Fitzpatrick in Surrey so we where near Bucks. I have been to a big livery that has a big pet factory too but they didn't really know! I'll have a look at your recommendation thanks Clare. Barneys brother Bob has hip problems and so goes to hydrotherapy and he also has laser too. I have phoned them and they have been really helpful. They are in Crewe so I'm going to take Barns to get all the advice you were given hopefully 👍 Does meg have wheels? With Barney having front leg amp I'm going to get him some wheels made so we can go on longer walks as he was use to 4-5 a day. He was a very very active doggie so I want to try and make him feel like that again.
thanks again Clare for your help
Barney and Naomi xxx
Well that sounds perfect. If there's somewhere you already know and have a relationship with. That's absolutely ideal.
Meg doesn't have wheels, no. I did buy her a stroller recently. Like Barney she was extremely active pre amp, and has continued to be very active, chasing squirrels, swimming etc., but we don't walk nearly as far as we used to. Meg would for sure, but I worry about her remaining joints. I thought the stroller would give us more options.
I don't know much about wheels. I have heard that it's not usually advised to use them until you get to the point where you have to, but others will know more and certainly your rehab vet/physio should be able to advise.
Good luck with it. Barney is goooooorgeous. And he's lucky to have such a devoted Mum.
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
I agree that Orijen is a great food, pretty much top of the line. You may also want to scan the Tripawds Nutrition blog for ideas. Some I know you can get in the UK, others I'm not sure about.
As for wheels, Clare is correct. You really don't want to get a set until there is an actual problem, but you do want to make sure you do all you can to keep him strong and active. A front-leg carpal brace can also help preserve his remaining front leg joint. We highly recommend core-strengthening exercises and balance games to keep Tripawds fit. Your rehabilitation therapists can guide you, and our e-book Loving Life On Three Legs as well as the Tripawds Gear blog also has great tips.
Here's an article about wheels:
When and How a Dog Wheelchair Can Help a Tripawd
That would be so neat if you and Clare could meet up!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My boys have been switched over to the Honest Kitchen base mix and right now I have chicken livers/gizzards, ground beef, cod, peas and kale in the crockpot to mix with it along with blueberries and a little bit of cooked oatmeal. Once the honest kitchen is used up, it'll be homemade only.
I have three cats and two dogs; and I am switching over to cooking all of their food. It's actually pretty easy with a crockpot, I just throw it all cooked into my vitamix blender then put it in containers and into the freezer it goes. I do have vitamins to mix with the cats food and I'll have vitamins for the dogs eventually too (honest kitchen has vitamins in their base mix already). We've had a long battle with pet food here and I just got tired of either throwing out kibble or someone throwing it up etc. Plus I feel better knowing exactly what I'm feeding them.
Both my Jake and Roscoe were front leg amps. If he's getting tired maybe try a wagon or a stroller that he can lay in?
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Jerry wrote that orjijen is a fine food,, ( I've never tried it) MY dog has been eating Instinct raw boost grain free . ( kibble and freeze dried raw) I'ts the most expensive food at petsmart,. who doesnt carry the ultra premium brands.. thoughts on this food? should I change? thank you for all the help, it is appreciated
Check out The Whole Dog Journal list of excellent dog foods, as well as The Dog Food Advisor. Both of these do a good job of evaluating the most nutrional, safest foods and why, as well as identifying the worst.
Another good source is The Dog Cancer Guide by Dr Dressler.
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!
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