Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I am new to this site and feel so fortunate to have a place to go for my question.
In 2007, we inherited our little SamiRose (10-lb. Maltese). Three months later, she was diagnosed with SARDS (blindness), although we have always felt that she could somewhat see, even if just like a big patch of a surface (backyard grass area, etc.). 4/15/20 she had surgery to amputate her left front leg. Now we have a blind AND tripawd baby. Because of her very limited sight, her recovery from surgery was very slow. 4 weeks ago, her left eye all of a sudden turned gray and we believe she is now totally blind. With that, her recovery seems to have taken two steps backwards. She has lost all confidence in walking and seems to drag her two back legs as she hops along. I've tried to put her normal harness on to walk her, but she is all over the place (and straight ahead is not one of those places). I feel there is no control, and I must walk her so that she can regain the strength in her back legs or they will become weak and unusable. I have exhausted every website looking for just the right harness for both issues -- a blind dog who needs to be guided as well as for a new tripawd learning to walk and use all three legs now.
If anyone has ever had this same experience or heard of anyone else, I sure would appreciate any information about what to use. Thank you so much.
Hi Sami and family, welcome. You are so amazing to help your sweet girl the way you have, I'm betting that between your love and guidance and her sparkle, she will get back to doing the things she loves soon!
Now, being that it hasn't quite been a month, that really isn't that long of a time for a blind, senior Tripawd to get back on her feet. Have you had her evaluated by a canine rehabilitation therapist? We really encourage every member to take their new Tripawd because these experts can help you learn how to help her get stronger and stay injury-free. The best part is the Tripawds Foundation may pay for your first rehab visit with her so please consider going OK? This will really benefit you both. We can help you find a therapist near you if you're not sure where to look or don't think you have one nearby (we can usually find one for most people).
Meanwhile, yes, other people have had blind Tripawds! Here are some examples:
Nova the Queen was a blind Great Dane who lost her sight after becoming a Tripawd
and Cora the Miracle Dog was born blind and lost her leg as a puppy.
While Merry Myrtle is not a Tripawd, she lost her vision a while back and her mom Sally is one of our long-time members who raised two Tripawds. She will have some great tips for you and I'm sure will comment here soon.
As for harnesses, have you see the Ruffwear Webmaster or the Flagline harness ?
Let me know what you think. I hope this helps! Stay tuned for feedback from others.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Jerry, thank you so much for your reply and recommendations. I just ordered the Flagline harness . After speaking with the Ruff Wear rep, he agreed it was the right one for SamiRose. Walking has not been easy, since Sami's recent blindness is adding to her lack of confidence. Before she went (what I call) "more blind," she was doing fine learning how to walk with just 3 feet. But that added darkness really threw her for a loop. So I'm anxious to see how the harness works out. I am also awaiting a return call from someone in my area who may or may not be able to help us with therapy, but at the least I'm sure she will be able to provide me with some much-needed insight. Thanks again for your reply and for your kind and loving demeanor for my little one.
You are so welcome Robin. Good luck and let us know how things turn out.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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