Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I have a Dalmatian, Victoria, with a front leg amputation. I got her about 2 years ago and after a period of time, it became necessary to get her a cart. I decided to go with Eddie's Wheels front leg amputee cart because it would allow her to continue to use her other front leg and sit and do her business while in the cart. I made this decision against my vet's recommendation because they do not guarantee a fit.
Nevertheless, I since they are the only ones that make this type of cart, I spent $500 and got them the measurements. To make a long story short, a second set of measurements were requested.  There was a series of miscommunications and they were not accurate. Turns out that the first set were more accurate. The cart arrived and did not fit. Specifically, it was too narrow and Victoria had to be squeezed into it. I also thought that it was too tall for her, but since we couldn't get her in it and using it, I couldn't be sure. After a lot of calls and emails, they agreed to fix the width of the cart free of charge and paid for shipping ($75.00 each way).Â
I received the modified cart, and while the width was better, it became clear that the cart was too high for her. I tried to get assistance with it, but I was told that without a minute long video of her using the cart, they could not tell for sure how the fit was. It was impossible for me to provide this because of the height of the cart and Victoria's unwillingness to move much when it was on her.Â
All of this to say that I got so frustrated with the situation, that I gave up trying to get assistance from the company. In the meantime, Victoria's muscular & skeletal issues have continued to get worse and I have spent a lot of time trying to make my own adjustments to the cart, to no avail.Â
Further complicating this situation is the fact that Victoria has to navigate 14 steep steps to get into my apartment. Obviously, she cannot do this in the cart anyway, but it has caused some issues with strained muscles in her shoulder. This situation with the stairs, I cannot  change and I cannot move.
End result, Victoria will not walk very far (either because of strained muscles or exhaustion), so she is not getting the exercise that she needs to continue to be completely mobile.  I have tried water therapy for strengthening, but 1) it's REALLY expensive 2) she got scared when they tried to get her to swim (bc of her body position in the water). Â
As an owner, I feel terrible about the various circumstances that are causing her to lose her mobility and my inability to solve the issues with the cart; to the point where I wonder if she would be better off with someone else.
Is there anyone else out there that has had difficulty with adjustments of a cart for a front leg amputee? Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions, support?Â
Hi there and welcome. Your future posts won't need approval so post away. Come to the Tripawds Chat right now if you can, I'll be there for another 20 minutes.
First, know that you are indeed the best parent for Victoria. The love and care you've put into her since she lost your leg is outstanding. These problems you're facing with the cart are not insurmountable. Here are my thoughts.
Did the cart happen because a vet recommended it? I'm just curious, what were the reasons for putting her in one? In this article about wheelchairs and Tripawds, we discuss the importance of working with a therapist before getting a cart. If a cart is necessary, a therapist can provide accurate measurements. With the cart you have, a certified rehab therapist can see what the exact problem is (as well as find ways to encourage her to get into the cart). She may not even need one in the first place if a therapist feels that her physical challenges can be addressed. Did the previous therapist ever work with her in this way?
Did the rehab therapist try any other kind of therapy with her, aside from water therapy? If not, find another certified rehab therapy center. Water therapy is beneficial but a good practice will over other modalities like acupuncture, massage, passive range of motion exercise, etc. And water usually comes later in the patient's therapy.Â
Finally keep in mind that longer walks do not build strength, they build endurance. You need her to be strong before she can build endurance. Our Tripawds Gear blog has lots of tips for doing so as well as our e-book Loving Life On Three Legs .
I hope this helps. Stay tuned from others who will no doubt have great tips. And keep us posted, we would love to see Victoria be happy and healthy on three.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi there, Victoria and family! (Can I just say that Victoria is the best name for a Dalmation EVER!) Welcome!
I'm sorry to hear that you are having these issues and you have certainly left no stone unturned in trying to find a solution.
Can I ask what it was that led you to decide that a cart was necessary? Was it a general reduction in mobility? A particular injury or issue?
I don't have experience with a cart, but I do have experience with building the strength of a front leg tripawd. For us, core strengthening exercises have been key. We did also do some hydrotherapy initially, but i think it is the exercise we do at home, using a wobble cushion etc. that is really crucial. We do a short set of core strength exercises every other day. We also see a rehab vet. Have you taken Victoria to see one? They would certainly be best placed to advise, both on building her strength and on the cart issue. What's more the Tripawds foundation may even pay for your first visit, through The Maggie Moo Fund for Tripawd Rehab.
Please don't lose heart. After all you have done to try and help Victoria, I am certain that there is a solution to be found.Â
With all best wishes,
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Jerry,Â
Thanks for responding so quickly. Victoria's case is a bit unusual. I got her as a foster in 2014 - 3 weeks after her amputation. She had been hit by a car in Georgia and rescued by a cop. She was transported to Miami where I live. She was heart worm positive and had a whole host of other medical issues that prevented her from doing any sort of real physical exercise for several months after I got her, but she was young (only about a year old) and was active when she finally was able to do activity. She also had A LOT of behavioral issues that prevented me from taking her almost anywhere - as she was aggressive to both people and other dogs. She is unilaterally deaf, so letting her run free is not an option. Even in an enclosed area, she simply would not run. As time went on, she refused to walk pretty much anywhere, except short walks. Â I also noticed changes in her gait and that she was in fact, sort of "crab legging" almost sideways when she walked. At this point I took her to a specialized rehab vet here in Miami. She is the ONLY one in this area; however, she is quite good.Â
Her assessment was that Victoria had a strained groin muscle and possibly a torn meniscus. I took her to one of the best ortho vets in the area and was told that she had not torn anything, just that her groin had been strained. With that, I returned to the rehab vet and she had laser treatments and water therapy on a treadmill to help her strengthen other muscles. We also tried swimming, but she was not having any of that. Of course, during this whole time, I was still dealing with her behavioral issues and any interaction with people was challenging.Â
She seemed to recover well and she would walk farther, but then get too exhausted to return home. I ended up carrying her MANY times back home. Her behavioral issues continued and I tried training, but after a couple of incidents with other dogs, we were asked not to return. I could not find a trainer that was willing to work with her.Â
Her behavior further limited how far we could walk, because we live in a fairly urban area. Eventually her back legs started to lose muscle mass and she became weaker. Of course, add to that the 14 steps that she had to navigate at least 3 times a day, and more problems occurred. I noticed that her spine was beginning to curve sideways, in addition to lengthwise and that her range of motion in her front leg became more limited. At this point, we returned to the rehab vet.Â
One of the vet's concerns is the stairs that she has to go up and down and how that could be causing problems. Also, the fact that she simply refused to walk anywhere other the short distance to the grass to go potty. She then recommended a cart to help her walk, in  hopes that it would allow her to be more active. We did more water therapy to get her strength back up, but my financial resources limited how much we could do.Â
The vet and her staff took the measurements, something that they do all the time, and when I submitted them, they were immediately questioned by the staff at Eddie's. Because of my schedule, it took months to get back to the vet for the second measurements and turns out those were not as accurate. In actuality, the first set of measurements were correct.Â
Anyway, that is where the difficulty I explained above started.Â
Her behavioral issues have improved significantly, although she is still very dog aggressive. However, if properly introduced, she does get along with other dogs.Â
She is not AS freaked out about the cart as she was initially. She wags her tail when she is in it, but will only move if coaxed with treats (something that the Eddie's staff told me I SHOULD NOT do). The cart is simply to high, which causes a lot of instability. She has flipped over head first a couple of times, which is quite scary. Â I have tried every way I know how to adjust it down without situating her to where her trachea is hitting the pushbar. Even now, she is still sitting to low, in my opinion.Â
I have been trying to get her used to using the cart inside and I filmed her yesterday. I can't figure out how to attach it to this.Â
Anyway, hopefully this answers some questions you had.Â
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie,Â
Thanks for the encouragement. See my response to Jerry above for more details about how we got to the cart. I am still getting used to this forum and how to do certain things. I want to post a picture of Victoria on my user name but can't figure it out.
Anyway, Victoria is quite the sensation. If you like, you can check out her story on FB and Instagram under "Victoria the Wonderdal".Â
Her front leg mobility has degraded quite a bit, to the point where she will often stand on her hind legs. Her shoulder has become weak and the muscles around it are spastic. She strained her shoulder from slipping on the stairs and the vet put her on pain meds and the difference in her ability to walk was amazing, so I have no doubt that some of what is inhibiting her from walking and other activity is pain.Â
I give her massages nearly every night and try to work on the spastic muscles that the vet pointed out, but it obviously causes her of pain when I do it. She is better about allowing me to work on her now, after a few weeks.Â
So, that is where we are. As I told Jerry above, I wanted to post a video or photos of the cart situation, but I can't figure out how to do it.
Maybe I will be able to figure it out with time.Â
Thanks again for the encouragement.Â
Victoria and her "Foeva" mom, Molly
Whew, wow Victoria is so fortunate to have found you. Thanks for clarifying everything, sometimes it's hard to get a good picture without all the details.
As someone who has a dog with behavioral issues similar to Victoria's, I get where you're coming from. Our Wyatt Ray has his challenges with other dogs and things like dog parks and group training classes are challenging at best. I can relate to your feeling of exhaustion and will tell you that things can get better. Plus, my sister had a very uh, "special" Dalmatian once so I understand a bit about the breed. You definitely sound like the right parent for her. And no, you don't have to go broke trying to make her fit and mentally and physically healthy.
First, I started following Victoria on IG when you found us. I'm so glad you came here, because we can provide far more help than via social media.
Here are instructions for adding images to our Forums, but they don't include Instagram directions. At this very minute Admin is trying to figure out how we can allow IG images and videos here so stay tuned. Meanwhile...
I did see the photo of her in the cart. It does look like she's standing on her tip toes.Â
Now, I encourage you to contact our friend Bernard Lima-Chavez. He is an expert in Miami and passion is helping deaf dogs. He may be able to connect you with trainers who can help with her behavioral challenges. Right now I know he's slammed preparing for a big annual conference for work, but he will get back to you. Here he is on Instagram. Let him know Tripawds sent you OK?Â
Keep trying to work with Eddie's. They are one of the best companies out there and as long as you can get the video to them (tell them it's on IG), they should be able to work on solving the sizing issues of the cart.
Meanwhile, there are so many exercises you can do at home with Victoria. The links I gave you above have tons of tips. Also, keep in mind that shorter, more frequent walks are best. Any time a dog sits down on a walk, they've gone too far. The walk should be drastically shortened in the future until the dog is recovered by at least a few days. Dogs will wear themselves out if we don't monitor their activity. For a Tripawd, that's crucial.
Also, ask your therapist for homework assignments, things you can do to help her at home. Have they provided any?
OK, I don't want to overwhelm you so I'll sign off now. Let me know what you think and give that pretty girl smooches and ear-scratches from us. Hang in there!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Admin Guy just posted instructions for uploading video and photos from Instagram.
Meanwhile I thought I'd go back and look at adorable Victoria.
https://www.ins.....ewonderdal
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I've been following along, but didn't really have much "expertise" to offer but knew our Jerry, as well as Clare,could offer valuable insight.
What I can do thiugh, is give you a HUGE STANDING OVATION for lovig this sweet Soul Victoria and giving her such impeccable care and devotion! 🙂
Talk about a dog picking her perfect furever home...WOW!!! I shudder to think what woukd happen had you not brought her into your heart.
You may have already mentioned it or you've probably already tried it....a harness to help with those stairs.
There are also.lots of mjnd puzzle games you can try since she really, really needs to try and recupo a bit while revisiting the best way to revuild her CORE muscles.
Reallw looking forward to celebrating more upcoming VICTORIES for the LOVELY VICTORIA....And pictures!
Give yourself a big hug from all of us! You are Victoris's Earth Angel! 🙂
Love and 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!
You are a great dog mom Molly!
I've dealt with many of the issues that Victoria has...but not in one dog!Â
I've had small dogs for the past 20 years or so, pugs and now a pug mix. Elly is my pug mix rear amp Tripawd, she was hit by a car when she was 7 months old and lost her right rear leg. I adopted her at 10 months old, she is now getting close to 2.5 years old. She is erratic when meeting other dogs, terrified of most people, afraid of loud noises and has some separation anxiety issues. She has a little bit of chihuahua in her which could contribute to some issues, but I think the trauma of the car accident, 2 surgeries before I got her, and being re-homed multiple times at a young age (I was her fourth home) are bigger issues.
We have taken multiple classes over the last year and I really think they have helped her confidence. I'm wondering if you can find a trainer who does one-on-one training? The one class I'm taking now that could be great for her is Nose Work. It is an individual 'sport', in our classes only one dog is in the room at a time. It is something you could easily do at home- I practice with Elly everyday. One of the good things about it is it challenges her mind and tires her out without stress on her body. Of course you need to get her mobility issues corrected, but you could even just hide treats in a small area and have Victoria 'find it'.
Another thought- have you looked into a stroller or wagon? You could take her out and let her ride, walk a little, then ride some more. I did that with Elly when I first got her. She was healed from her amputation but not strong at all. I still use the stroller for her when I want to walk farther than is good for her.
Hang in there! You are doing amazing work with your girl- I'm sure you will see progress.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Â
        Maggie's Story          Amputation and Chemo
Will be back later to post but know that you are not alone with your experience with Eddie's Wheels. We ended up having to be very firm with them as we had a very similar, costly,( and frustrating) experience. ( We ended up getting FAR more use out of a garden cart but many folks on this site now have access to doggy strollers which we would have loved back in the day:) Our experience was a few years ago so hopefully things are better now but...if you would like additional information, please feel free to PM us. And Victoria is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!
Just saw the pictures of the DELIGHTFUL AND PRECIOUS MISS VICTORIA!!! 🙂 And knowing her backstory makes her even that more delightful and precious!! 🙂
I find myself looking at her pictures and just grinning ear to ear 🙂 Such a sweetheart! I'm just sooooo glad, so very glad, you are giving her such a great furever home full of joy and love snd security:-) 🙂
And ditto the doggy strollers. We've seen many cases here where the dogs seem to understand instantly all the benefits of making friends with their strollers! Dogs learn quickly they can get in when they're tired, and out when they're ready to walk a bit more. It gets them outside where they can enjoy all the various scents and sights on a "walk" without ever getting tired.
Lots of 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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