Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi, our golden retriever Duke will be 11 years old in November (lost his rear left leg in car accident) and we've started to notice some weakness in his back leg - he doesn't run as fast, he needs help going upstairs more often than before and on walks it looks like his back leg is turning outward some instead of straight. For sure, he's still very mobile and by no means in poor shape. That said, with his age we've begun to think that there is something we should be doing to help him gain more strength and stamina. Maybe his future means a sling or rear wheels, but until that time should we consider things like physical therapy, chiropractic care, water therapy, acupuncture, etc...? We also think he needs to lose about 7 pounds - which should help.
I would love some advice on what to do. Thanks!
A good place to start might be a rehab consult. We got one for Fallon (age 11, front leg amp for osteosarcoma) not long after her surgery (which was last October). It gave us a good starting point, she was thoroughly assessed and we were given exercises, massage instruction and approaches to help support Fallon's mobility. They recommended a custom brace for her remaining front leg to help support a joint that swelled easily.
Our eval was reimbursed through Tripawds through the Maggie Moo Rehan Reimbursement Program--you need to see a certified rehab practitioner and write a little blurb about the experience. I highly recommend this! It's one of the best things we did to get Fallon off on the right foot (which she still has 
). We continued for a bit in underwater treadmill therapy because she seemed to enjoy it, and was increasing her endurance. We may start again soon.
Fallon 8/28/06--9/6/18. My Heart.
Fallon's left front leg was amputated due to osteosarcoma on 10/11/17.
Nothing But Love in Her Heart - dawn3g.tripawds.com
What great advice! Do you have a link to Maggie Moo Rehan Reimbursement Program? I hope there's a certified rehab practitioner in our city.
Yes! Should have thought to include it before: http://tripawds.....bursement/
Fallon 8/28/06--9/6/18. My Heart.
Fallon's left front leg was amputated due to osteosarcoma on 10/11/17.
Nothing But Love in Her Heart - dawn3g.tripawds.com
Hi there,
Ditto Dawn. A rehab consult sounds like a very good idea. We've also found it very helpful and were taught core strength exercises to do at home, which help greatly with strength and stamina and Meg continues to have regular acupuncture and laser to ease any knotting in her spine. A rehab vet will also be able to advise re weight, and whether Duke could do with losing some. If so, that alone is likely to make a tremendous difference to his mobility. Good luck, and please remember to update us!
All best,
Meg, Clare and Angel 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...
Yep, I agree! When we took Murphy to the chiropractor, who was also a rehab vet, she was able to do a full exam and gave us exercises to do with him at home. That helped Murphy quite a bit to build up his core and increased his flexibility. I was really glad we went. We had to drive about 45 minutes to get to the one we went to, but it was totally worth it!
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Love Duke's avatar picture! A very handsome happy fella'!
Can only add DITTO to all the great advice! If uou haven't already done so, maybe check into some Rimadyl, joint supplements, etc. Arthritis often pops up in Tripawds.
Look forward to hearing more about your sweet boy!
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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