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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Hi we are just after loads of advice as we don't want to be doing the wrong things and hurting him or damaging him
History is we had him 2 days ago he is about 18 moths old small and very slight 3 legged dog (rear leg missing) rescued form Greece, he had his leg amputated 2 months ago because of a deformity where he was basically dragging his leg around and because of this his front leg (elbow) does stick out to compensate he walks with a kind of wiggle like he is going to fall over which he doesn't and does seem to have had enough walking after a 30 minutes. He does seem to like walking with a collar rather than a harness and we have tried him off the lead yet as we are just letting him settle in first.
Advice please
Hi and welcome. Thanks for adopting this sweet dog. What's his name?
Here's what we know from veterinary rehabilitation (physio) therapists tell us. When it comes to walking, a healthy, fit Tripawd that is strong and fully recovered should walk only about 10-15 minutes, about 2-3 times daily. Some dogs will go a bit longer, some a bit less. It just depends on the age, breed type, and fitness level.
By taking him out for 30 minutes at a time, it's a lot more than any dog is capable of doing after just two months of recovering from amputation surgery. Scale back right away, to just a few minutes per walk, and remember that anytime a dog sits down on a walk it's a sign that they have done too much. If that happens, go back to the length of walking you were doing previously and slowly scale back up over the next week. If it keeps happening, something else may be going on.
Where are you located? If you can work with a rehabilitation therapist, the Tripawds Foundation may pay for your first rehab visit ! Please take advantage of the program. I'm happy to help find a therapist if you cannot locate one.
And if by chance there is no therapist near you, Dr. Waterhouse's at-home rear limb Tripawd rehab program is an excellent way to go. You'll learn how to get him strong so he can go on longer walks without tiring himself out.
Also, check out our e-book, Loving Life On Three Legs , for ideas about exercise. Keep in mind that interactive brain games are excellent ways to help your dog stay busy and happy. And they tire the mind out, which is just as effective as tiring his body.
Meanwhile you may want to consider dog strollers so that he can get out and about with you. They're an excellent tool to help him be part of the family.
Keep his activity very slow and easy. He's still building strength. And remember that a 3-legged dog can do great but they do need us to manage their activity more closely so that they can avoid pain as they age. Here's a few great stories about raising a 3-legged dog:
How to Raise a Tripawd Puppy: Nyaya’s Story
Osteoarthritis in Tripawds Happens, Even to the Best
Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Thanks
His name is Sebastian and we are in Hampshire in the UK I will look up some veterinary rehabilitation (physio) therapists.
He is a very ballsy dog and comes with a brave big heart my real concern is it's not just a straight forward amputation as he has dragged his leg for a long time and he has this funny strange waddle like he is drunk and I'm hoping with him being so young it rectifies it a bit and it won't cause too much trouble for him.
Hi Sebastian and family! Yes you are right, with physio it should really help him with mobility issues that come up. That funky walk can be corrected with professional guidance. Over time it really pays off with a long lived, strong Tripawd.
Keep us posted and let us know if you want any help finding physio therapists. If you can, report back and let us know how it goes OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sebastion hit the jackpot when he found his furever home with you.
Yes, as Jerry said, having him evaluated with a Rehabili Specialist can help keep him on the right track. Another suggestion would be to have him evaluated by an Orthopedic Surgeon. I only say that just to confirm that his front leg isn't having any "elbow issues". To also eliminate any possible hip issues, all of which could be contributing to wobbly gait, etc. All that said, the Rehab Specialist could probably pinpoint t everything I just wrote, so def make that your first step.
Thank you so much for adopting Sebastian. He sounds like quite an adorable character😎
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
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