Wow he's doing great! Crush is ready to rock and roll

All of your questions are valid and so important to ask. The short answer to your question is that every dog is different. The distances one dog can go are going to be drastically different from another. Breed type, age, conditioning, it all affects their overall mobility especially after losing a leg. Generally, we say to take things slowly and especially when his staples are still in. This is the time to play interactive brain games together because tiring the mind is just as effective as tiring the body.

Once his staples come out, the general rule is to add activity in very, very slowly. Remember that even though he's the same dog, his body is working exponentially harder to do what it used to do. So what you want to do is reintroduce a fraction of his previous activity level, each week. As you know, dogs will keep going until they drop. It's our job to regulate their activity so that doesn't happen. If he ever sits down on a walk, or wants to take breaks, you know you've done too much. Time to cut back to the previous level and start over again from there.

The absolute best way to find out what he is capable of is to have him evaluated by a canine rehabilitation therapist. These experts know how to evaluate dogs for strengths and weaknesses. They can show you how to build him back up safely, and prevent him from getting injured. And that's why Tripawds Foundation is so gung ho about rehab therapy that we will even pay for your first rehab visit ! It's so educational and is one of the best steps you can take to avoid injury.  It's not uncommon for new Tripawds to get injured during the first few months after losing a leg, mainly because their humans just didn't know what their dog should and shouldn't be doing after surgery (and count yours truly into that group when our Jerry was recovering). So please, take advantage of the program so you can help Crush keep kicking butt and doing what he loves.

Wonderful news that he's loving the brain games! Yes they are so motivating especially at a time like this. Let us know what new ones he solves.

Oh and if you want to message me your location I will see what I can do to help find a therapist for you ok?

mackies said
This is sot of an add on question to this post, not sure if this is allowed. 

But does going to rehab prevent A LOT of injuries? or are injuries still common in tripawds? I know this is an impossible question to answer, but I didn't realize that injuries in tripawds were common. This makes me even more worried.

  

Of course you can ask away. I'm not a rehab therapist but I've talked to many, and will continue to interview them because we continuously see so many advancements in how rehab therapy helps Tripawds live better. 

First, don't worry. ALL dogs are different in how they adapt to three legs. Yes, Tripawds are more prone to injuries because their bodies are compensating for limb loss. They move awkwardly because they have to, and over time there is a price to pay for that. Spree's story is a good example of a dog who had all the best care in the world, and activity moderation, but she still felt the effects of being three legged.

For some the effects are more, some less. What is an injury risk to one dog may not be to another. Breed type, fitness level, age, and weight all play into injury risk. And perhaps the biggest factor is how well the parent moderates their activity level. A three-legged dog left unchecked to frequently play explosive activities like frisbee or Chuck-it throwing all their life, will be at higher risk than one who plays shorter and gentler games. Tripawds are at higher risk of cruciate rupture when their activity isn't moderated, or they put on too much weight. A cat left to roam the neighborhood, jumping from fences and trees, is at higher risk.

So it's hard to say if your dog is at risk because we aren't there on a daily basis. But one reason why we encourage rehab therapy so often is because they are the experts who can assess a Tripawd's risk. And when a pet parent has that information they need to make good decisions about their Tripawd's activity, weight, etc., then they are doing everything possible to ensure an injury-free, happy life! 

Make sense? 

I know you are worried, and sad. I would feel the same way. Our dog's mood definitely affects ours both in good ways and sad ways. It does sound like he's in a good recovery mode, just taking a little longer. But that makes sense with his size and age. It's common to see larger dogs be on a longer recovery timeline. That he's playing brain games, even if half-heartedly, is positive! What a lucky dog to have so many (those are terrific games, I know which ones you are referring to). As for not finishing the bone, well, pain meds definitely dull the appetite so that's not uncommon at all. He started on it, which again, is a good sign. 

My guess is that if you can take him on a car ride, or have some of his favorite human pals come over for a short visit, that would lift his spirits (and yours too!). And I'm super glad you found a physio place! Reach out to them for an appointment soon, many are booked for weeks. Keep me posted!

Stay strong, he will be back to his old self before you know it.