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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Hello Fellow Tripawd Lovers! We've had our sweet, sensitive, rambunctious, rock solid 3-legged pitbull Reggie for more than 6 years. We discovered him two weeks after his operation (he involuntarily chases things that grab his attention + his previous companions put him in the bed of their moving pickup = bad combo). We've never known him with four legs, and he doesn't seem to remember that right rear one either... except when he feels a powerful itch. And that's why I'm writing!
We are more than happy to scratch him up and down whenever he's in need, but he's a powerful dog, and, well, you've seen how they can go to town, right? My fingernails can't do what those claws and muscles can do. I'm wondering if anyone out there has seen or made a device that would allow him to scratch himself to the degree that would really give him relief? I'm thinking part cat scratcher, part industrial street sweeper brush!
Any resources or ideas? Reggie would sure appreciate it!
Cheers,
Rhiannon
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I've been wondering the same thing for my boy. He just became a rear leg amputee ~3 wks ago. So far it hasn't been a big deal.
I wonder if those corner wall mounted comb things for cats might work for your dog. Just a little training so he knows how to use it 
Like this: Cat corner grooming comb
Tanya & Fawkes
We use an old back scratcher that we got from the dollar store. Wyatt Ray loves it!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello, I am new to the website and to owning a tripod. Branson our 6 month old Golden Retriever / Yellow Lab had his left rear leg amputated 4 weeks ago. I was looking for an answer about him squatting down when walking and seen this post and thought I would add my suggestion. My husband and I were talking about a post with that plastic outdoor carpet on it. Use a 4x4 or 4x6 post and wrap it. Then he could walk around it as needed. If we make one I will update how it worked. So far Branson has not had any itches we could not help him scratch.
Now on to finding out why my guy drops his butt down when he walks. Is it pain, adjusting to walking with 3 legs, balance issues, just his new way...... Did he hurt his good leg by overdoing activities, oh so many questions.
Curious to hear from other rear leggers if once they have healed do they again use the good leg for scratching? I feel so bad that his neck and head seem so itchy, shaking his head and doing the full body shake a lot. My husband and I scratch him up and down, but as others have said, you never think you're doing enough.
BRANSON'S MOM.....just saw your post. Great idea for the "scratching post"! Well done! As far as Branson dropping his butt when walking, he certainly could have iverdone it before he had a chance to build up muscles. The first thirty days take time for adjustments to the new mobility issues. Do you have a REHAB SPECIALIST in your srea?? They can definitely help show you how to build Branson's CORE strength. He may need to step back a bit and take things slowly. Branson can have walks, vit it's better to have several short walks, rather than k eor two long walks. Let us know how things are going!
JESSE'S MOM.....My Happy Hannah was ablevle to use her remaining rear leg for scratching. If I recall, she preferred layi g down when scratching. Also, watch for Jesse moving her "amp site" as though she's trying to scratch. Sometimes they'll give you that clue they have an itch. But yeah, all over scratches/masssges are something the dogs really enjoy.
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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