Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Our dog Sky is recovering very well 12 days after a back right amp due to mast cell tumor. She is getting around just fine and we are looking forward to this weekend when the stitches come out and she can ditch the e-collar (cone head). My questions is this: Has anyone had experience with their dog developing back problems after a back leg amp? My wife and I both noticed that since the amp she has developed a little bit of a "curve" in her back as she tries to center the remaining back leg under her. She isn't unstable and it doesn't seem to be bothering her at all but we are worried that over time she could develop chronic back problems....are we just being overly sensitive and crazy?????
So glad Sky is doing great! Woncerful update, especially so early on.
You are ot over-sensitive OR crazy! You are diligent and care avout Sky!! Of course' you are on a website where we thinks it's perfectly ormal to chop a dog's leg off!
Smene sles will javd to give you the link, but there are lots of videos here of dogs walking a little "wonkh" as they adjust balance, muscles, etc. Your description sounds fairly normal as they regain balance and try and "center" tat leg. There are various massage, stretching links n here also, as weel as core strngth building that may help.
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Why don't you post a video? That way others can take a look too.....AND....we get to have a vido of the stunning Sky!!
Take care!
Sally and Happy Hannah
Really appreicate the update and glad all is well!
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!
Glad to hear Sky is doing well. Since they have to relearn how to use their body and develop a different balance point Sky probably is experiencing some soreness. Many pawrents decide to have massage therapy and acupuncture done and others do hydro therapy of some sort. Being from a rural area I didn't have those options so I did massage on Shooter's back opposite shoulder (he was a front amp) and would do that every night until the muscle spasms quit. I also purchased a Back On Track dog blanket that I would have him wear after his massage for about an hour. This was on therecommendation of Maggie th Cow dog's Mom and I feel it really helped.
You might check out some of the info on here about exercises to improve strength and flexibility.
Keep us updated.
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Yay for making such great progress!
Are you crazy? Nooooo. You're observant and cautious, that's good. Most Tripawds will develop a slight curvature to compensate for the missing limb. Our own Wyatt Ray is a rear leg amp and he has one. While Tripawds are at greater risk of orthopedic issues , that doesn't necessarily mean they will all get them.
The good news is there's a lot you can do about preventing issues. You can help prevent spinal issues by keeping her lean, which prevents extra stress from hurting her frame. And working on core muscle exercises as we discuss in Loving Life on Three Legs. If you notice she is in any kind of pain, see a certified rehab vet for help developing a program that can alleviate the aches and pains and prevent future ones from happening.
I hope this helps. Always feel free to ask any questions you'd like here, you are definitely not crazy.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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