Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Looking for tips to help my tripod, rear leg amputee due to accident. He is a big boy, amputated at one year of age and is now almost 4 years. Weighs 80 pounds now and vet wants him at "make the neighbors question if you feed him enough", 70 pounds. Recently tried to get up on a bed that is way too high and came out of room walking a few steps and sitting. Not wanting to put much weight on it, but not having a choice. I am waiting for my Webmaster Plus harness to arrive, but would love any tips for assisting him until then. I have him on leash walks only for now, just for potty breaks, and otherwise he is sleeping mostly and walking but not happily when he has to. Outside he totally overcomes it and wants to keep walking but I won't let him. On Novox 75 mg 2x a day. Vet had seen him prior to this a week ago because I thought he was favoring the leg. Vet said no instability and seemed like just soreness, wait a few days and see how it goes. He was doing great, almost 100% and then he tried to get on that bed and really injured himself! That room is off limits to him with door closed, but once in awhile it doesn't quite shut all the way and he can bump it open. Help or suggestions anyone?
Hi there! Welcome, your future posts won't need approval so post away. What's your pup's name? Got any photos of your cutie?
I'm sorry he bumped the door open again and hurt himself. I would definitely get that fixed somehow. Is there any way to put a latch on the outside? We see many injuries that happen this way, so prevention is key.
That's awesome your vet is so attentive about your dog's weight. Since 1 pound of fat on a dog is equivalent to 5 on a human, it's critical that your pup loses the weight asap. It will help him so much in the long term and enable him to lead a pain free life. In the meanwhile, keep doing what you're doing. He shouldn't be doing anything but going outside on leashed potty walks a few times a day. Let your vet guide you with the timeframe for recovery and also consider getting your dog to a rehab therapist. If you go, Tripawds Foundation will pay for the first consult.
Before his harness arrives you can help him by using a grocery bag sling, if he'll let you. Otherwise, just keep him confined, off of slick surfaces and furniture, and focus on fun indoor brain games that can help alleviate his boredom.
Let us know what the vet says OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi there, sorry to hear about this situation. It must be pretty frustrating for both of you. Just wondering if it might be possible to get him some laser and/or acupuncture on his sore leg (and likely his back too). My Meg is a front leg amputee and pulled a muscle behind her shoulder blade (from overdoing it, basically). As well as rest and anti-inflammatories, she had laser treatment and acupuncture. The positive effect was obvious and immediate and Meg clearly felt a lot more comfortable.
Heres hoping for speedy recovery and no more bed hopping....
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...
I agree with Clare. Our Murphy was also a rear amp due to being hit by a car. Two months later he had a total hip replacement on his remaining leg. We did many weeks of rehab work, and it helped him tremendously. He would also have "tuneups" with laser and acupuncture when he would overdo and get sore. In all, he was on limited outdoor exercise (leashed walks only) for seven months. He sure was a happy pup once we got the OK to turn him loose.
Kathi and the Turbotail April Angel...and the Labradork
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
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