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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JD is almost six months post amp and I didn't really pay attention to the way we walked when I took him on leash walks until recently. His back leg on the same side of his front amp has been bugging him he refused to go for a walk yesterday and he's just not as active. I asked the vet to take a look today and she didn't notice anything (other than he has an infection some where and is now on antibiotics a whole other story). I told her when he walks he uses is front leg and then the back too at the same time and she called it bunny walking and said its not normal to walk like that. Does anyone else's dog walk like that is there something I should be concerned with? I"m booking him in for physio and underwater treadmill treatments to hopefully strengthen the muscles, not sure what else I can do I"d take him swimming but the lakes are no contaminated with algae.
My Daisy is a front amp also (left front). She has dysplasia and arthritis in her hips. She does the bunny hop when walking and she walked like that before the amp. Dogs with hip dysplasia will walk like that. Does JD have hip dysplasia?
Also, did he possibly tweak the back leg that is bugging him? Maybe he has just pulled a muscle or something. You didn't find anything in his paw? Daisy is forever getting little pea gravel (they use it at the dog park) in her foot pads and that will make her reluctant to walk.
Good luck with the physio!
Marla and Daisy
My Two Tripawds...Biscuit 
and Spirit Daisy 
Sam walked like that before, to a degree. Post amp, that is the only way he walks. He is arthrtic and dysplastic, as well.
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Gosh, almost six months since amputatin! Good job JD and mom!
Maybe check some of the Youtube videos of tripawds. It seems I've recalled seeing the "bunny hop" style vut I can't recall the specifics.
Maybe acupuncture?
Sorry not much help! Know that I'm thinking of you and maybe so e others can chime in along with Marla and Daisy
((((((((hugs))))))))))
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
The vet has checked his hips and news (x-rays not done) but couldn't find anything wrong with them. I know the rehab assist and when she did a quick exam she thinks its tight muscles so hopefully after his therapy tomorrow I will be able to help him. We had started acupuncture when prior to being diagnosed with cancer for his back and only did it once as we were focusing on the cancer. We may try laser therapy to see if that helps. He's doing so well these set backs are upsetting. To top it off he was exposed to a puppy that five days later tested positive for Parvo so for almost two weeks I was stressing he would catch Parvo and not they aren't sure if that is what infection he may have or is fighting off.
Okay, we're all voting for tight muscles over here! And tripawd votes count!
Any bump in tne road is always upsetting n this journey....vut, remember, most of the time that's all it turns ot to be....just a bump that can be smoothed out pretty quickly!
Keep js posted and hang in there! We're with ya'!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Jodi I'm sorry to hear about this but it sounds like he's getting great rehab care. It's not unusual for a Tripawd to develop an altered gait like this. Your rehab therapist can show you how to help change it and get him back on the right track. I'll bet this is a minor setback that's a result of maybe too much activity? It's easy to let our dogs overdo things, especially when they're doing so well.
Rehab therapy is a fantastic idea. You might want to check out our rehab ebook, Loving Life on Three Legs, which is all about what to look for to make sure you're getting good rehab care, life after amputation recovery and things you can do at home to help him stay strong and avoid muscle cramps or stiffness.
We hope he feels better soon, please keep us posted and stay pawsitive!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I learned a ton at the rehab session my only regret is not going sooner. The vet taught me tons of massage techniques and range of motion. His muscles were tight but not as bad as they thought. His left back which is the opposite side of the amp (right front is amputated) was the tightest. He did some swimming and water treadmill as well. The facility is quite new and I'm so glad it exists, I can't remember all the techniques but we are going again next week. He was way more perky after and I think the antibiotics are helping as well. This boy stresses me out.
Aww I'm so glad it was a good session. Yes, rehab therapy can benefit any dog, even one who appears to get around well. It's just like how humans just feel better when exercise and stretching are part of the day.
What is the name of the facility? If you have time it would be great to put a referral in our Veterinary Referrals discussion forum.
Let us know if he's sore at all, some dogs will be the first few days after therapy.
Try not to let things stress you out, you are doing the best you can do and learning all you can. That is awesome.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I just found this site. We have a tripawd chihuahua. He bunny hops, but only when he's walking slow. When he runs full out, you really can't tell he's moving on just three legs. His amputation wasn't due to cancer. It was done 7 years ago this week.
zprface said
I just found this site. We have a tripawd chihuahua...
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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm glad you found such a great rehab place. Cora doesn't bunny hop, but her back left leg is tight too. she is also a front leg amp.
Topher
Vet Assistant (in school to be a licensed vet technician)
1.5 years Oncology department, moved to rehab & sportsmed December 2024
Tripawd Angel, Cora the Determined <3
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