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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Thanks Jerry...Zeus is sleeping now...but I'm up really enjoying your website and all is has to offer. I spoke with Zeus' Vet and we'll check things out on Monday when we go in for x-rays for the chest. I may just have her do xrays of the hind legs too just to be on the safe side. But you know what? Sometimes I wonder if Zeus "works me"...For example, he looks at me with pathetic, "help me" eyes when we're going somewhere so I lift him into the car...but when Chuck (my mate) is around, he jumps right in the back of the SUV...NO PROBLEMS...Then tonight, when I got home from work, he seemed a little off and uncomfortable, but wow - when I pulled out the green beans that he loves and shook the bag...he comes tearing down the stairs~
So...is this a case of a dog working his mom because he knows he can? I bet he looks at Buddy (my other guy) and says, "hey, watch this...I can get her to do anything!" Hopefully that's the case 😉
How are you feeling?
Sweet dreams Jerry...
Heather
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
I do think Zeus knows how to work his human! Don't let him. Be the strong pack leader it sounds like you are. But, more than playing you, I think he may be showing off for the man of the pack. Remember, we pack animals don't like to show our weakness. If we do that in the wild, we get thrown out of the pack, or eaten. So ... I'd say don't baby him. but don't let him overdo it either.
Thanks for the happy thoughts. I'm feeling well ... resting after my tripawd party with Eisen. We had a blast playing at his home in Pagosa Springs and the next day at Williams Creek Reservoir where we were camped out for a few days. Photos and a movie of that to come ... as soon as my people get caught up.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thare are some great helpful advice. Bailey had her amputation yesterday. This was the leg which had the knee surgery about 5 years ago. We did go into this sugery for the amputation with the knowledge that there is a partial tear in her other knee. We really hope this leg will be able to hold up (especially as she heals from yesterdays surgery) and hope she will not have to endure anymore. However, if she does, I have been looking at "wheels" to help her out during this healing process. But now I am going to look into other options.
Debbie said:
I have been looking at "wheels" to help her out during this healing process. But now I am going to look into other options.
Debbie, we recently learned about this company, OrthoPets, that makes custom knee braces for dogs. They are in the $350 range.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
It looks like "wheels" will be in Bailey's very near future. The company Bailey's Surgeon suggested is doggon wheels. I am not advertising for any company. But there were some things I too liked that this company offered, one being a rental policy.
At first Bailey's Doc thought that one would be needed during her recovery period from the repair work on her (remaining) knee. So a "rental" would have been the way to go. As this would be better for the repair recovery, and it would also be easier on my back instead of using the "towel method" for the 6 week recop. period.
Bailey is now 24 days post amputaion of her left hind leg. We knew the condition of the other knee however couldn't do that repair before the amputation. Her Doc is thinking about 2 months after the amputation to do the repair surgery on the knee. Or if needed the repair would need to be done sooner.
The past two days Bailey has been falling. And she just doesn't want to walk as far. I am wondering if this knee is no longer able to support. She is now not even able to get up with out help. Even after the amputation surgery she was able to get up and had her balance.
I am back to useing the towel to help her even though it is obvious she doesn't like this. She will not urinate when I support her with the towel and will fall when I don't. I am looking at the wheel-chair to help Bailey do what she likes to do, walk, "pee" on her own and so on. As well as hold off on another surgery for as long as possible, to give her the needed time to recover from the amputation surgery.
Hopefully the "wheels" will also give her the support she needs, as well as support the other leg/knee. If anyone else has a wheel-chair for their dog to use any helpful advice would be welcomed. Thank you.
Hi Debbie,
We're really sorry to hear this, but it does sound like a cart will definitely help. We've met lots of dogs who use carts, and they do just great!
Did you see this post from our Angel Exchange? Our friend Sammy passed away and his Mamma generously offered to donate his cart, via Doggone Wheels. I don't know if it's still available or not, you may want to drop her a line.
P.S. Did you see Bailey's story on the blog?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I have also seen walken wheels on handicappedpets.com.
Hope you find some help for Bailey soon....take care & keep us posted.
PS: in a perfect world wouldn't it be nice if insurance covered such items? 
KIM&BUSTER
Kim & Angel Buster
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
–Anatole France
O yes, insurance would be a great help, for all of us. Thank you for all the ideas and I have checked into them. Bailey is still very happy. I just take a wagon on walks so if she gets tired she can ride then it is Buttons turn to walk. I learned about the use of a wagon from this site. I don't make a big deal even if she does fall especially while she "pees". However you all know what my insides are doing. Mean while, thankfuly we already had many floor type games before surgery so the fact that we play them now is not a change in her life. I will be interested to see how she will adjust to the wheels. Just in case, a refund policy from a company is important.
Thanks to abc for posting this in Montana's mobility update.
The following links will take you to websites of organizations that offer certification/education for veterinarians who are interested in offering acupuncture and at least the first two can help you find an acupuncturist in your area:
The third link is for an international organization. Any of the above should provide you with information on the subject.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi, everyone,
My "Roo" has a bowed back leg and malformed hip joint w/arthritis detected at 1 year of age, probably because he lost his other back leg at just 2 months old. We've been told he'll most certainly tear his ACL on that leg sometime in the future, when playing or just getting up. We were also told by our area's most esteemed orthopod that surgery will not be an option at that time, because he needs 3 good legs to heal while the other recouperates.
Back wheels will have to be on 'stand-bye' if/when that happens, so he can get around while recouperating, or else he'll have to be put down. (his physical therapist recommends Eddie's Wheels) We've spent thousands of dollars on x-rays and various diagnostics, to ensure we do the best we can for our special boy. Since he's so young (not yet 2 years old), perhaps with joint/cartiledge supplements, swimming, physical therapy, etc., we'll prolong what might be the expected.
Good luck to everyone experiencing this condition.
Therapy Dog Tripod said:
... we'll prolong what might be the expected.
Swimming will be the best exercise for Roo. If he's not a strong swimmer, you can consider the K9 Float Coat life preserver for dogs. For his "partial" ACL tear, we gave Jerry SynFlex glucosamine supplement for pets, took him for dog acupuncture, gave him massage, and used the Bella's hot/cold pack for his pain.
Best wishes and bless you for taking such good care of Roo.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Roo and family. Bailey has now turned 11 years old. She tore her ACL on her now missing leg when she was 5. Her recovery went very well. But yes she did have the other 3 legs. Last July she lost that leg to cancer and we knew that her other hind leg had a partial tear and would most likely need surgery. Well, long story shortened…. you can always use the “towel” method to help during the recovery. But not knowing the size of Roo this could be hard on your back. We also faced this knowledge. Our surgeon was so far from even the hint of putting Bailey “down” if and when this surgery would be needed. He maintains that if/when this surgery is needed she will manage and will do very well. Bailey is a Golden and our surgeon is the one who did say that this could be hard on my back for the 6 weeks healing. So he suggested a wheel chair . We went right away to “Doggon' Wheels” (Bailey's surgeon suggested this company as he said he knew they have been around a long time and some other favorable words). We waisted no time in ordering a wheel chair for her. From a personal experience this is an excellent company! THIS COMPANY DOES OFFER RENTALS! The rental option might be something you would like to look into. http://www.doggon.com
Now about swimming, it is a mission of mine to educate dog owners to use life jackets or “PFD” for ALL dogs! Bailey has always used her life jacket even though she is a Golden and considered a “swimming dog”. It is just all around safer for them. Anyway, for a dog with 3 legs, well, from Bailey's experience having 3 legs didn't make any difference with her swimming. Due to saftey (such as being easier for a boater to see her) she continues to use her PFD, it is just smart. Swimming is a non weight bearing exercise, it would be great if you could take Roo swimming. Think everyone agrees. If Roo has never swam before there are may ways of how to get Roo use to the water and started swimming (and again the PFD would be a great help). You are off to a good start by coming to this web site. Ask questions, look for the answers and educate yourself. We even went to different surgeons to ask their opinions. Hugs to Roo.
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