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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11 days post front leg amp due to osteosarcoma for our boy Ringo (sweet 7 year old labradoodle). He is able to hop all around for a short time now. But we are increasingly worried if we've done the right thing as he did have an ACL repair on his right rear leg years ago, and he really struggles and seems like his back legs are bothering him, especially the ACL one. I wonder if we underestimated the effects this would have on him. I know he may take longer to strengthen and heal because of this, but wonder if it's ever really going to get there or if I'm subjecting him to chronic pain in his rear legs now. Vet said just keep him on Deramaxx and give him time. Anyone else have any experience like this? Or a dog that just seemed to take a really long time to get some stamina? He can do a few feet well, but then he's done.
PS I appreciate this forum. But I HATE needing it 😥😥
My dog Tazzie had both of her ACLs repaired prior to her amputation (RF leg). She was a pretty big dog and she did fine, although it took her a little longer and she never was quite as active as before amputation.
Pam
Yes, there have been other dogs who have taken time to rebound after surgery. But my first question is, have you considered having him evaluated by a canine rehab therapist? This is one of the key ingredients to a good recovery for every Tripawd but especially a dog with a history like Ringo's.
You can learn all about rehab therapy here:
All About Rehab Therapy for Tripawds
And the best part is the Tripawds Foundation may even pay for your first rehab visit !
Getting to see one of these professionals is so valuable. You'll stop guessing your decision and have the tools to help him get back to the life he loves most. The sooner the better, don't wait OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi there, just wanted to absolutely ditto the above. A rehab vet has been invaluable for us. My Meg lost her RF leg due to orthopaedic issues but in her case there are also problems with her remaining front leg. We did use an underwater treadmill post amp to help build strength in her remaining legs but still more important, in my view, are the core strength exercises. Our rehab vet showed us what to do and we still do these regularly at home more than two years post amp. Building stamina is about building core strength as much as anything and this will help protect Ringo from straining his remaining legs/back etc.
Meg, Clare and Angel 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...
Just want to add to the chorus of support for your guy Ringo. You absolutely made the right decision.
As hard as it is to be patient, it is soooooo important to remember that Ringo is recovering from MAJOR surgery, all while trying to adjust to a new gait on three legs. Eleven days out is still really early, big dog or little dog, but especially for the bigger pups!! Walking on three legs is exhausting at first. Glad Ringo is smart enough to know he still needs rest and has no interest in pushing his limits at this point. Smart boy!
I know you mentioned Deramaxx, but is Ringo still on Tramadol and/or Gabapentin? My Happy Hannah needed some form of pain meds through the third week of her recovery. Some need them even a bit longer, some a bit less.
I've read where it takes approximately two weeks for dogs to recover from the surgery itself, and then about one month to start figuring the gait out while muscles adjust, etc.
I absolutely agree that Rehab will be ahuge plis once he gets past recovering. In the meantime, try gently massaging up and down his spine, his neck and shoulder area and gently massaging his legs. Even if you can get just one Rehab consult, they should give you plenty of home exercises.
Your Vet is right, "give him time" for all the reasons we've outlined.
STAY CONNECTED. Update us when you can. Hopefully we've given you a little peace of mind.😎
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. It's not unusual at all to second guess our decision this early on. It took me a good three weeks before I could finally say I did this FOR my Happy Hannah and not TO her. And in her case, she much preferred being a couch potato getting tummy rubs as opposed to going on walks anyway!
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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