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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Hi! I adopted a pup that was dumped. I've had her since October and she's great but, I am worried about her back/remaining back leg. The vet thinks she's about 3 and that she was a chain dog and the leg was lost after being caught in the chain. She has most of her leg above the hock and uses it to climb and also as balance sometimes. She's a Pitbull and about 70lbs. Now to the question, I run with both of my other dogs and she keeps trying to join in. She loves playing catch and going on walks but, I am worried about the stress on her other leg and back. Has anyone used the dog wheel chairs or prosthetics ?
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
Good for you adopting a Tripawd! What is her name?
You are right to be concerned about her back and leg, you have to think long term when you have a young Tripawd. What she wants to do now and what she can do now are not necessarily the best thing for her. I do know that some Tripawds here did do some running but that type of impact will take a toll.
Most healthy Tripawds do not need wheelchairs to get around, its a matter of tailoring activity to fit their needs. Here are some Blog Posts about when wheelchairs are needed or useful.
As far as prosthetics - they usually require planning pre-amputaion surgery. Since your girl has some of her leg left it might still be an option. Here are some blog posts about prosthetics.
A great place to start would be with a physical therapy appointment, we have a program where your first visit is free! They could asses your girl and give you advice and tips on proper exercises and activities to keep her strong and healthy.
I now have a small pug mix rear amp who is 2 years old, Elly lost her right rear leg after being hit by a car at 7 months old. I got her at 10 months old and she was full of puppy energy! We spend time everyday on balance and core strength through food puzzles, games and obedience training. The puzzles and games really tire her out. We do walk everyday but I keep it relatively short and as much on grass as I can.
We would love to see some photos!
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Awwww...So glad this sweet Pittie has a furever home with you!!! To know @ove AND joy, ro be free of chains a d able to run and romp unhindered, SPECTACULAR!!! 🙂
Would love to see pics of her a d her pack!
You can also check out Loving Life in Three Legs. Great advice. Do you have her on any joint supplements?
Playing and running should be okay. The impact of jumping up and down (like frisbee catching) isn't good though.
Is it possible to intersperse running with a lot of "stopping and smelling the roses" to ensure she doesn't overdo? It's nkt about how far or how fast dogs can run, but the looooove taking their time enjoying all the scents of nature!
Also, you may find joining an Agility class is fun for her AND you! They can modify the course with certain exercises if necessary.
And yes, there are all sorts of doggy strollers that people use when they go on walk/runs. They say the dogs love them!! When they get tired, they just hop in and enjoy being pushed around like Royalty! When they rest, they hop out and continue their jog
Looking forward ro hearing more about your sweet girl!
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Welcome!
Karen provided some great links for you regarding prosthetics and wheelchairs. It is true, a prosthetic must be planned for far in advance of the amputation. You also want to be sure not to use a wheelchair too soon. Please consider taking advantage of the Maggie Moo Fund for Tripawd Rehab, or downloading Loving Life On Three Legs for more professional tips to keep tripawds fit and strong at home.
Don't miss our Orthopets video interviews for more information about prosthetics , and the many posts about wheelchairs for Tripawds.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I considered a prosthetic for my Meg, but was told by Orthopets that they need to have two working joints to enable them to use the prosthetic. As she needed to be amputated above the elbow, it wasn't an option for her. I agree that seeing a rehab vet would be a really good idea. It sounds as though you are well clued up as to the potential stressors etc., which is great. A rehab vet would be able to give you specific advice tailored to your situation and to show you some alternative ways to keep her fit, strong and mentally stimulated without over-stressing her joints.
All best to you both!
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...
At 70 pounds a doggie stroller
should work. Of course, this means you get upper body work pushing the stroller!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
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