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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Hi guys! We’re new to the Tripawd community, and thankful for any helpful suggestions. Cowboy is rescue, and we were told he was hit by a car and lost his rear leg in may. Interestingly, they only amputated about 3/4 of the leg.. below the knee but right above then and ankle bone. Although he gets around like a champ, but we would like to find a more long term solution as he often tries to use the remaining leg.
So far have been turned down by two prosthetic specialists so far due to the fact the amputation site is in such a unique location. We are at a loss because he refuses his wheelchair , and ends up almost injuring himself trying to flip himself out of it. We would like to explore all of Cowboys options before looking at a potential full amputation. Our hope is to find a custom designed prosthetic, partnered with some physical therapy.
Thank you for reading our story. Any and all suggestions on how to find Cowboy a new boot would be greatly appreciated!!
~Lani
Hi Lani and Cowboy, welcome!
Cowboy you are ADORABLE!
So who were the specialists that turned you down? Were they vets or prosthetic manufacturers? When they turned you down did they have any suggestions besides an amputation correction?
Also, have you worked with a rehab therapist to train Cowboy to use his wheelchair ? Did you know that Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit ?
You are absolutely right to try to save the leg and go for the prosthetics route. But to do that you'll want to work with an orthopedic vet familiar with prosthetics , and a rehab team who collaborates with that vet. Where in CA are you located? Any chance you are in Northern CA? One of our favorite prosthetic experts and boarded surgeons is at UC Davis, Dr. Denis Marcelin Little. Here are some interviews we've done with him.
FAQs About Artificial Limbs for Pets on Tripawd Talk Radio
Let’s Talk About Amputation and Pet Prosthetics with Dr. Denis Marcellin-Little
Oh what a cute dog! Can you share a picture of his partial leg? If I'm picturing your description correctly, it does sound like it could be a challenging amputation to set up with a prosthetic. I am not expert though - I'm just a tripawd dog mom who wishes her rear amputee was a candidate for a prosthesis! I hope you are able to find the right specialist to fit Cowboy for a prosthesis.
1 Guest(s)
