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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Hyperextended 3rd leg
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Member Since:
11 February 2013
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2 August 2013 - 7:07 pm
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So Max had his front left limb amputated 6 months ago, and we were recently told to buy him a brace to give him front support. They gave me a name, but the person that makes them is pretty pricey @(500). The orthopedic surgeon suggested that bc Max is a big guy(not fat) all his weight is coming down on front leg and could create issues down the road.

Anyone else needed a brace/support for this type of situation? Recommendations?

Columbia, MO
Member Since:
10 December 2011
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3 August 2013 - 6:25 am
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My Daisy is also a front amp.  She's about 80 lbs. and I too worry about the pounding that one front leg must endure.  I never let her jump out of the car or off the couch because of that (although that can get hard on the back LOL).  I read somewhere that dogs carry something like 2/3 of their weight on the front limbs.

I haven't heard of a front leg brace before.  I would be curious too in case Daisy would need something like that in the future.

Hopefully others have some experience and can chime in.

Marla and Daisy

My Two Tripawds...Biscuit and Spirit Daisy

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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3 August 2013 - 8:10 am
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Max & Family,

Who recommended a brace?  Yes, Tripawds do put more weight on the front limbs, which over time can lead to arthritis. Tripawds will experience arthritis and joint stress a little more than their four-legged counterparts, and there are a lot of things you can do to minimize the effects of these conditions. I believe there have been one or two dogs here who wanted to try a front leg brace but I don't know of any who actually did it and have used them successfully. The reason orthotics can be pricey is because they are custom made for each dog; a poorly fitting orthotic is worse than none at all and can do more damage.

I recommend visiting a certified canine rehab practitioner, who can tell you exactly how to help Max so that he doesn't put so much stress on his limbs. I also recommend our Tripawds ebook, Loving Life on Three Legs, which discusses these issues and how to prevent them.

 

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
24 April 2013
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4 August 2013 - 8:29 am
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My Atlas is also a front left limb amp and he weighs in at 130 lbs now, and I totally understand your concern.  We just watch that leg pound every time he moves and we feel like we should be doing something to protect it but Jerry is right, for the most part the answer seems to be physical therapy to help with strength and balance.  We have been to 2 different physical therapist - one recommended a 'support' and one did not.  I asked his team of Oncologists and surgeons at University of Georgia if I should wrap his leg like I used to do with my horses and they said they did not believe a compression bandage would do anything for a dog as they distribute their weight differently than a horse.  Again, they recommended physical therapy for strength building and recommended having his leg examined thoroughly every time he sees a vet for anything.

Someone here told me about a company called Dogleggs and I ordered Atlas the doglegg for amputees.  It was $170 and they (Debbie) makes it custom to your size measurements.  The first product they sent us didn't fit properly so they took it back and are making some tweaks to it.  Super nice folks and really easy to work with.  But it's not a brace so much as protection.  Especially for his elbow which is taking a real beating - he had a hygroma starting.

Atlas-1.jpgImage Enlarger

Member Since:
11 February 2013
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4 August 2013 - 6:37 pm
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Hey guys! The orthopedic surgeon at NCSU recommended the brace, and doggleggs was the company they suggested.

I should probably read the book Jerry! I didn't even know about doggy rehab until I spoke with someone at doggleggs. Max in general moves fine, he is just a big guy. Incredibly fit, happy guy, but a big golden. I can tell he tires out quickly when walking, but assumed it was bc he lost a limb. The orthopedic guy said the brace would be preventative to help combat potential arthritis in the future.

We have a rehab center here, I think I will check it out (and read the book), I am all about making max comfy and happy. But I would rather spend the money on something that will work. Battling cancer ain't cheap!

On The Road


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4 August 2013 - 7:26 pm
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The orthopedic surgeon at NCSU recommended the brace, and doggleggs was the company they suggested.

We are always learning something new from members! If a surgeon recommended one then that's something we should know more about here. I'd love to write an article about this topic, would you mind Private Messaging me with the name of the surgeon? It would be good to have an "official" point of view about when braces are helpful. You can private message using the "PM" button above my comment here.
 
I had no idea that Dogleggs made orthopedic products like this. Your surgeon must have been talking about their Carpal support product?
 
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In fact, one of the most respected rehab practitioners in North America talks about this product. It's so good to know this information, thanks for bringing it up. Here's what Debbie Saunders says:
"I recommend the carpal supports for any dog with carpal ligamentous instability to offer a moderate amount of support.  They are easily worn and accepted by the dogs and offer an alternative to the dog with carpal or wrist issues.  I also recommend the supports for athletic dogs that have had a carpal or wrist problem or are prone to a sprain.  They allow the normal amount of movement of the wrist, while preventing excessive mobility.  They are easily worn in sports such as agility, obedience, flyball, schutzhund, sledding and more.  They are one of my favorite dog products!"
 
Debbie Gross Saunders, MSPT, OCS, CCRP

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
24 April 2013
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7 August 2013 - 2:43 pm
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Jerry, you're the best!  Would love to hear more on this topic if you get further info.

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