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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Which is more challenging for the dog with regard to mobility and strength.. missing a front or hind leg?
Most people think the front leg is more challenging because 75% of their weight is on the front legs. My bullmastiff had his right front amputated about 8 weeks ago and he is doing fantastic. He definately had an adjustment period for figuring out his weight.
Heidi
Gracie had her left back leg amputated. She is an English Bulldog & very top heavy. So, for her, I am glad it was a back leg. However, most dogs prior to their amputation aren't putting weight on their leg. So, in a way, they have already been adjusting to life without it. Even if Gracie had a front leg amputated, I feel she would of done great. She amazes me everyday. She is truly my HERO!
Before & After Pics...
Thank you! Love the photos. What a gorgeous dog!!
I met a wonderful dog yesterday at the humane society and he's missing his hind leg. The shelter staff have no idea of the reason he lost the leg, since he was brought in by the county that way. He's a year and a half old and is the sweetest thing. I called my vet to understand the likelihood that it was cancer-related and was told that the odds strongly favored a traumatic injury rather than cancer because of the age and the dog's circumstances.
Here's his photo...
Here's whatcha do. Go to your photo bucket.Copy the image link under the photo you want.G
Here is your image. Since you had the image code above right. You just didn't put it in the image editor. Cute doggie by the way : )
Thanks for fixing the photo Gracie! What a happy lookin' pup.
nwillner: detailed instructions for embedding photos in forum posts can be found here in the Tech Support forum . Thank you for sharing the picture.
To answer your original question. We believe it is more difficult for front-leg tripawds since they do carry more weight up front. They'll also have a harder time going up stairs, while rear leg amputees may have a harder time going down. Thanks for asking!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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Our vet told us at the beginning that it was easier for front leg amputees (Lalla was a rearie) but from what I've seen and read here on the forums, I think Rene's got a point. The main thing is to maintain your dog's weight for easier mobility.
Thanks. Right now he's emaciated. He's only 35 lbs, when his frame would support a minimum of about 50-55 lbs. My focus right now is to put weight on him, but I will definitely do it carefully!
I officially adopted him on Saturday. His name is Samson and he's precious. Here's a video that I took of him playing with his new sister, Isabelle:
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