Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I originally posted this in another post as a reply, but perhaps it is better as a new thread. Any help gladly welcomed!
My greyhound was amputated after breaking a hind leg badly, 7 weeks ago. We had ups and downs, but for the last couple of weeks he was doing brilliantly and i really thought we were all on the up. he was running freely and comfortably, but not excessively madly…and back to real cheeky personality. But for the last few days he has been yelping intermittently and limping and wobbly. Took him to vet, put him on Carpreve and said he thinks it is the remaining hind just been strained a little. But it is now clear there is also pain in the front leg/shoulder on the side of the stump. he is low and not himself, though eating and toileting normally. When he lies down and gets up he is stiff and wobbly. But if he is motivated…ie with one of the other dogs…he can go happily for a short walk and seems to get stronger as he goes, though he is more tired afterwards than he was last week. We will be back at the vets next week, but is this a normal downer at this point in recover? In the past he has had downers bt this seems to be lasting longer…is it or can it be just a sign of the new stresses and strains he is putting on his body as he learns to operate as a tripawd? Would really appreciate some advice! Thanks in advance…Joanna
I am also unsure whether walking...clearly not too much...is good or bad! I could put him in the car and take him somewhere nce, but will this encourage him to strain himself further? Has anyone else had similar experiences?
Joanna, thanks for starting a new topic here, I know it'll help others chime in.
To add to my previous thoughts...there is such a thing as too much walking, especially within the first couple of months after surgery. When a tripawd is completely healed, rehab vets recommend no more than 20 minutes at a time. A series of shorter walks throughout the day is better than one long walk. Here's a post that talks more about what kinds of things you can do instead of walking:
Why Longer Walks Won’t Strengthen a Tripawd’s Leg Muscles
Hope this helps.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
No, we aren't doing long walks. But tonight (I'm in the UK, and yes, am on Tripawds UK site!) we just took all 5 dogs up the lane...out for less than 15 mins, and Spud was a lot better...the stiffness seemed to ease a lot with a little walking. We let him find his pace, he was quite happy bobbing along at quite a fast walk...hope this is the start of a new revival! He was alert and happy out as well, a good sign...came in and ate some food left over from feeds earlier. So, fingers crossed! I think yo are very right when you say it is a roller coaster ride...it is all balance. Finding what he can and can't do...and what he wants to do too. Psychologically,. going out with the others is a boost to him...and he has his Ruffwear on so if there are any signs of tiredness we can give extra support.
Wooo hoo! Welcome from across the pond!
Ok, so long walks aren't the issue. That's one thing you can rule out.
Well, I hope he's getting his spunk back too! What vets have told us is that if a Tripawd (or any dog) shows signs of being overworked, to stop all activity completely for a day or two, then slowly get him back to the previous level, but only increasing the activity a little each day. If he still shows signs, to drop back the activity to previous levels, then start over.
Post some pics when you get a chance, we'd love to see what your pup looks like! What's his name?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sorry, posting again! Just been looking at the games suggested on the link you gave me. I would love to try some of these with Spud, but has anyone successfully tried them with a greyhound? They are not (well, mine aren't!( really food motivated...and fun to them comes more in the form of galloping...obviously not appropriate. I think some of this would be great fr Spud, but the only way I can see him going through a tunnel or round cones is with me dragging him...not a good idea. Any tips? Sorry, i will stop asking questions soon and try to add some helpful stuff for others...just having hit this glitch is all a bit consuming...I'm sure you all understand!
We didn't have this problem, but others have mentioned their tripawds overdoing it while still getting used to the new normal. Maybe he just overdid it a bit and tweaked something?
Hopefully others who've been in this boat will chime in.
All the best and hopefully he bounces back quickly.
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Oh my gosh you never ever need to apologize for asking questions, that's why we are here! Ask away, ask often, it's why Tripawds was created.
I personally have never tried these games with a Greyhound but we do have greyhound members here who can offer their insight. Also, you may want to ask about how to motivate a non-food-motivated dog on the California Animal Rehab Facebook page. The fine folks at FitPAWS canine conditioning gear might also be able to help.They are the great group of rehab experts we often consult here, and I'm sure they will be happy to offer you their suggestions. Come back here and let us know what they tell you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks so much! I hope it is OK to post on here as well as the UK site?
Fingers crossed, Spud is seeming a little happier...as posted, had a nice little walk, then took him in the car to take my son to work...he settled immediately to the chews and dried tripe i always leave in there for him ...he hasn't done that for a few days...seems so much happier...hope it continues! Still stiff after lying down, but signs of brighter times i think...I will try to get a photo of him on here...not very technically minded, but will try!
Pleased to meet you anyway, all on here! Thanks for the warm welcome!
Joanna and Spud. xx
Joanna of course it's OK to post in both places. The more info you (and these forums) have, the better.
Mmmm....dried tripe will perk up any dawg! 
I hope the good times keep coming! Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
OK- I had to post because my Tri-pug Maggie's nick-name was Spud! I think I called her that more than her name.
Maggie was also a rear amp- it took her at least 6 months to get back doing half the distance she could before surgery- and that became the outside range she walked. Being little we had a stroller for her so she could alternate walking and riding and not get too over worked.
Then again she was a pug... lap surfing was a favorite past time 
She didn't quite have the energy level of a Greyhound.
If he likes the chews and dried tripe in the car how about using them for some of the games or exercises?
Welcome to the site! Looking forward to some pictures, Here is how you add images to your post.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Hi Karen
Thanks for answering...hard I think to explain how Spud got his name, but will try...there's a rugby player here called Matthew TAIT...who, in the club, was called Taity at first, then Spud...is that just an english thing, calling potatoes taties and spuds? Anyway, he was young,. fast and gorgeous...so when i got my greyhound he just had to be Spud! he is a very pretty blue and white...big but fine...fine coat, fine head...and perhaps the cause of his problems, fine legs.
Might try the tripe...but I don't think it would grab him enough to make him try something he's not sure about...trouble with greyhounds is what motivates them is something moving very fast that they can chase...not good for a newly tripawd greyboy!
Anyway, he had a reasonably good night, only a couple of yelps when he got up to go outside...as he had lain still for so long in the same position I expected a little trouble when he got up...was wobbly for the first few steps then OK. So, still hoping for gradually better today. Hope all is well over there for all of you! It's good to meet you. I think people who love animals are...well, people who love animals, wherever we live. And, by that fact, worth getting to know!
xxx
Well not good at all. far from being a better day, today has been horrible and I am getting really worried. I took Spud back to the vets this morning as he was yelping again and not walking well at all. The vet checked him all over, nothing really to see...nowhere when pressed or flexed seems to be the problem...but he does have a slight temperature that my vet thinks could indicate an infection. can this really be the cause of all this pain and poor walking?
We came home armed with antibiotics and tramadol to add to the carpreve, but there is no change. He is still yelping on and off even lying down...and very uncomfortable walking. I called the vet again who said to give him an extra does of Tramadol...three times daily instead of twice...but an hour and half after the second dose no change. He did eat his dinner, which is odd. I have also noticed that the front leg on the stump side is pinker than usual and bigger...not really soft swelling, but big above and around the joint. I mentioned this to the vet but they just said it could be where the infection is or result of strain...I am at a loss. Last night he was so much better...only to be worse than ever today.
Anyone shed any light on this? So horrible...
Gets more bizarre. Just been out in the car with him for an hour and a half...not a single yelp. Perfectly happy. Then got home and wanted to go for a wander round the stable yard. Limping, but not yelping and quite happy. What is all this?
I can't blame you for being worried, this does sound scary. I'm so sorry! Did your vet do any labwork to find out if there is an infection? What did s/he say when you pointed out the unusual area on his stump?
Did your vet give you any kind of time frame before deciding on the next steps?
{{{{hugs}}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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