Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I have recently (2 months ago) adopted Henry. Henry was found by a couple hikers last Thanksgiving Day weekend with his leg in a steel trap. He must have been there for a while since the leg was badly infected and needed to be removed quickly, so quickly that they had to cut the humorous bone and leave the shoulder in tact. Henry was taken in by the local beagle rescue here in NC. While he was in his foster home he was diagnosed with servere hip dysplasia in both hips. He had his first operation in February and the second in May. He is pretty well healed up now but has a great deal of difficulty standing and getting around. I could use some help determining a course of action. I have considered a rehab facility, wheelchairs, PT, and the list goes on. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Dan and Henry
Hi Dan & Henry! I too adopted a dog Chuy who is a front leg amputee. Chuy had FHO surgery in May on his left rear leg. We had the option of He is missing his left front leg. You can find his story in the Share your story forum. Chuy has been going through Physical therapy here at home and with a PT for canines. It took him 3 weeks before he started to walk on his leg again, but he's doing great now. He's even started to chase our dog Gretchen around the yard. Here is the link to see him in action at the PT's and in our little pool at home.
It's amazing what PT can do! You may want to consider it for Henry. The therapist will know if they can help him right away and they will also be able to tell you how quickly Henry is progressing. It does take co-operation on your part by working with him at home too. Be prepared to spend about 1 hour a day total. We do 2 sessions a day with Chuy, it takes us about 1/2 hr. a session to get him in the pool, swim and get him out. Your PT may use an underwater treadmill, (Chuy has done that too) or another form of therapy like an exercise ball stand up.
It can't hurt to make an appointment to talk to one and see what they have to say. Just make sure to bring Henry with you!
Also try using some glucosamine supplements and fish oil to help with the dysplasia. Sometimes it will help ease the pain. Keep us posted on what you decide to do and how Henry is doing.
Eleanor & Chuy
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
Hi Dan, thanks for registering and becoming a member. Wow, Henry was so lucky to have been found and adopted by you. You sound like a great, loving pawrent who will give him a great life.
So, is it the hip displaysia operation that he had? What exactly did they do?
Rehabiliation sounds like it's definitely something that's needed. While it hasn't been that long since his surgery, therapy can help him to heal a lot faster. Maybe you might want to wait on wheelcarts, and only go there as a last resort.You'll be amazed at how well he can heal up with some good post-surgery care.
How old is he? What advice did the surgeon give you regarding follow up care? And where exactly are you located? We can try to help find you some therapy centers nearby.
Henry looks like a cutie!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
chuy said:
Hi Dan & Henry! I too adopted a dog Chuy who is a front leg amputee. Chuy had FHO surgery in May on his left rear leg.
Eleanor & Chuy
Ah, we were thinking of you Chuy when we read Henry's story. Thanks for offering your wisdom!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
That first link take the off & it will bring you to his story page 2.
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
chuy said:
That first link take the off & it will bring you to his story page 2.
Hey Eleanor, we fixed the links for you. Keep in mind that it's always better to paste the URL into your post by using the linking tool in your editing options. Just highlight the text you want to contain the link, then click the chain icon in the bar across the top of your editing menu. A window will open up and you'll see the area where you can paste the URL in. Hope this makes sense! If not, here's a short tutorial on adding links.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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