Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Today is day 12 post-op... Jake seemed full of life when I got home... Hopping around the kitchen, watching what we were making for supper, eating his own dinner, etc. What a difference just one day made.
But I am noticing something that's kind of worrying me (well, everything is worrying me! 
) I'm noticing that Jake's other front leg, his pastern (wrist area) seems to be bending alot more than usual, almost starting to look a bit like his hind legs... probably due to all the extra weight it's supporting now. Has anyone else noticed this in their over 80 pound senior dogs, so soon after their surgery? I'm wondering if anyone has tried to use some sort of splint or support, to help stabilize this area, while their muscles develop and adjust? If so, what did you use and where did you get it? I ordered some supplements but they're only arriving on Friday... My biggest fear is that he breaks or injures his good leg... and then how will he get around??
Jake's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
YAY! We are in the over-80-pound-senior-dogs team! Oslo's weight is 124 pounds.
I too noticed some changes in Oslo's front leg posture. I think it is normal because he has to adjust to his new body. I noticed a slight bending around wrist area. His whole leg is also a bit more under his belly so that it is more centered now. I try to not worry too much since he is only 2 months post-op and has to learn so much . I know swimming will help his muscles to develop. In fact, I am pretty jealous of your swimming pool! 
You may help him a lot with stairs by using a harness. I think the "downstairs" hopping is hard on Oslo's front leg…and pretty scary too! A few weeks ago, someone talked about a support made to help stabilize front legs. I do not know if it worked though.
Did anyone try wheel carts on big dogs? That is the only option I can picture if Oslo ever injures his front leg and can not go take a walk.
oslomoka said:
Did anyone try wheel carts on big dogs?
Many have mentioned Eddie's Wheels here in the forums, but check out Xena and her Big Dog Stroller!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi
I have this also with my beagle , Koda. I got him a Thera paw brace and everyone that knows him swears he has more confidence when running and I will say that his leg does seem to bow as much. Check out this thread
/forums/hopping-around/calling-all-front-leg-tripawds/?value=koda&type=1&include=1&search=1
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