Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So my little guy has been a tripawd for about a year now, and even since his surgery when he walks he tilts his whole body down. His head is practically on the floor- when we take him for a walk and he pants his tongue (which is huge.) does hit the ground his little head is so low! I am worried about how this will affect him in the future. Anyone else having this issue? I just wish he would stand up straight!!!
Have you tried a rehab therapist? They might be able to tell you why he walks as he does, and if improvement is needed, may be able to give you some exercises to help.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Absolutely agree with Otis Mom, a visit to a rehab therapist should be very beneficial and shed light into why he is behaving that way.
I don't remember having heard of any other dog doing that here ...
Is he happy and in good form generally ?
Does he get to play with other dogs ?
Normally that "head down" posture means they are not the happiest of bunnies but in his case maybe it is to do with alignment of his body ...
Sending you a big hug and cuddles to your boy, hoping he will be better soon 
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
Hi and welcome!
Tell us more about your pup: what's his name? Breed type? Why did he lose his leg?
I agree a visit with a rehab therapist is definitely in order, preferably a clinic with an experienced pain management vet as well. His tongue hanging out and panting could be an indicator that he's in a lot of pain. The best part is that the Tripawds Foundation will pay for your first consult. See:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Tell us more about your pup when you can. It's hard work being a tripawd. He may be completely out of "alignment" from the get go and rehab can definitely he@p with that!
Also, in the meantime, maybe some massage up and down his spi e, all arou d his neck area a couple of ti es a day until you can get him evaluated. Does he show signs of pain, tightness, tense muscles, etc? Arthritis may have creeped in also.
Hirw long are his walks?
If you don't have access to a rehab specialist in your area, perhaps you could at least get a phone consult.
Please keep us updated.
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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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