Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello! Just wondering if anyone had any advice, experience, or recommendations with braces to help support the remaining paw?
Kawi is a 8 year old 80lb German Shep mix and has been a tripawd for almost a year now. He has never had any issues getting around, runs just as fast, climbs stairs 6 at a time, swims, and all of that fun stuff. Well lately, he seems to keep tweaking something on his remaining front leg. It always gets better after a week or so but I would like to prevent him from injuring it again or tearing something important. Is there any brace someone has used and it worked or helped. I know I shouldnt have to spend a fortune on a custom brace, just something to provide some extra support.
I did find
http://www.therapaw.com/ on the forum but didn't seem to find any reviews.
Thank you!
whatthefett said
...any advice, experience, or recommendations with braces to help support the remaining paw?
Yes! Please review our Orthopets video interviews to learn the benefits of braces and other orthotic devices for Tripawds. Then consider contacting Ortopets directly, and tell them Tripawds sent you. They do awesome work and will work with you and your vet to produce a custom fit brace (and a rehab routine) that will work much better than anything off the shelf.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I did review those! and they look great but I was hoping to start off with something a little more simple and go from there.
Kawi is sooo handsome!
Sorry he's having this issue. Geez, a rattlesnake bite and then amputation is all a fella' should ever have to deal with!
I know it's hard to make him slow down and recover after one of those "tweaks". Sounds like he's playing full out and not interested in anything less!
Just curious if that "growth" thing on his paw ever gave him anymore trouble.
Glad he's having a well loved and happy life with you!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Kawi is so lucky to have you!
The issue with an off-the-shelf orthotic is that if you really don't know why he's tweaking his leg, adding a brace without the guidance of a vet rehab therapist or ortho vet can, and often does, do more harm than good. I wouldn't attempt to use one until you know why this is happening and what you can do to avoid it. Oftentimes it's just a matter of scaling back certain kinds of physical activities and adding in others.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you guys for your help!
The few times he has hurt himself we have no idea how he does it or where exactly it is hurting him. I think the last time he hurt his ankle joint more because his paw had a good scuff on upper part of it.
I have changed his activities a lot. I let him swim a lot more now to get some exercise, just have to make sure he doesn't run around too much and slip! Also, I tend to avoid walking him on a leash. Walking is more laborious for him and seems to do more impact on his leg than him trotting around. He is such an active dog for his age and he really has no idea his leg is missing!
I'll do some more research and hopefully find the right solution!
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