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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My Whippet who is almost 10 just a front leg amputation 1 month ago. She doing great now, really wanting to move, but I notice her head is really bobbing up and down. I realize this is natural, but wont it cause problems? Also, do they need physio, I do massage and stretches with her. Short 2o min. walks now. My vet has no suggestions and I'm grateful for this site to et feed back. It can be a lonely feat.
Thanks
Pauline
Hi Pauline, welcome! You are definitely not alone here 🙂 Why did your pup lose a leg? And what is her name?
Yes, Tripawds do have an unusual gait. And you are correct, over time the way in which they compensate for the missing limb takes a toll on the body. But there are plenty of things we can do about it and good for you for being aware of massage and stretching! Physio is suuuuuuper helpful for Tripawds! We think it's so important that the Tripawds Foundation may pay for your first rehab visit . Check out all of the Tripawds who have been helped by our physio reimbursement program..
If you have trouble finding a therapist we can help search for you. And if by some chance there are none near you, this downloadable Tripawds exercise course is a great alternative.
We can't wait to hear more about your pup!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Whippets are such beautiful dogs. Would love to see pictures. Here's a link for adding images . And yes, we would love to hear more about your Tripawd Rockstar!
Front leggers do need to do some "head bobbing " to keep their momentum and balance, as I'm sure you've noticed, they need to walk at a fast pace. When doing more of sprint, the head bobbing isn't quite as pronounced as when going at a fast walking pace.
Jerry gave some great links and input on keeping our tripawds in top top shape.
I'm owned by an adopted front leg wild and crazy Coonhound. Not sure how long he's been a tripawd befor I adopted yim, but guessing in total it's been five to six years. He's also had a surgery on both back legs two years apart. So his head bobbing has become really exaggerated now after being on that front leg all this time and while compensating for two rear legs that have a lot of wear on them too.
I highly recommending getting a Rehab consult if at all possible. They can give you some simple at home things you can do to help keep your pup's core muscles strong.
Look forward to reading more about your girl.
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!
Thanks for replying
my dogs name is Palace. she was a show dog and champion, I raised her from a pup. She raced a little..(just for fun) and at 7 was diagnosed with a sarcoma on her elbow. She had surgery to remove the lump and was told I bought her some time..They did not get good margins, 2 years later it came back with a vengeance. The growth was huge. Options were surgery with a skin graft, the tumour was very large, but she was in no pain. And most likely would not get it all...again. When amputation was suggested I felt it was a drastic terrible thing to do. I’m so glad I found your site because that’s what helped make my decision. I had lost her mom in the same month I was dealing with her. So overwhelming! I didn’t want to leave it and watch a painful death, of course.The surgery went well but I was very shocked by it all, she’d many tears watching her recover. Seeing her in pain and struggle was very difficult.
But now she’s doing amazing! I will look at the links and post some pics. I have her son as well 🙂
5hanks so much for letting us get to know your beautiful Palace more. She's quite lucky to jave uou as jer hooman, as is her brother. It's uplifting to hear how well she's recovered and enjoying lofe kn three. The resilience of tripawd dogs is magical!!
I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. I know you have a beautiful Guardian Angel watching g ober uou snd Palace now.❤
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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