Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Elsa had her op to remove her rear, right leg 6 weeks ago and is doing really well 
As I usually take her for a walk, I haven't had the chance to properly look at the way that she hops.
However, today my husband held her lead when we were out so I had a chance to watch her from behind.
I was amazed at how she's adapted her movement to her new situation - she does 2 hops in the 'ordinary' place (as she used to when she had 4 legs) followed by 2 hops in the centre. I first thought that I was imagining it but she constantly and consistently repeats it. Thinking about it, it must make her more stable, mustn't it?
Has anyone else noticed this at all with their dogs?
I did notice how Shelby adjusted her gait (also a rear amp). She wasn't using her leg for a few months prior to her surgery (or she did off and on) but I did notice how she was able to really adjust and make it work for her. Dogs are so amazing!
What I also noticed was Shelby's new stance - she would stand w/her front paws a little wider set and her remaining rear leg in the middle... I called it her "get ready to rumble" stance but I guess she really did look like a "Tripod"...
Thank you for sharing! I am glad Elsa is doing so well!
Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart (and little Jasper too)
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
That's great that your Elsa is doing so well. It's a relief isn't it?
You might find this research interesting:
http://tripawds.....d-dog-hop/
Kerren
Good link Pam!
Alison! The "get ready to rumble" look?? LOVE IT!! That Shelby and her little quirks..love them all!
It's so weird. In retrospect, I never really focused on Happy Hannah's gait. She just seemed so "fluid". I don't know...as large as she was (still IS in my world), she just seemed to "flow"
With wild boy Frankie however, he seems to "pound" the ground more. He uses that front leg of his like a "muscle machine". It's very evident that 60% of his weight is now carried on that one front leg. And yes, his jumping and playing rough antics make me gasp in fear sometimes!! He also tends to "curve" his body more if he's just doing a deliberate slow -paced "hop".
Well Andrea, I've not really added anything to help! Just want to say Imw so very, very glad Elsa is enjoying life! That's what it's all about!!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
I love that like! That's exactly how Murphy walks! It is funny, isn't it, how they automatically balance themselves with that leg? Sometimes you don't realize that they're doing it, but they just do 
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
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