Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello all,
Max is now 3 months PO from his hind leg amputation. He's doing really well and the last obstacle seems to be stairs. He's 10 years old, 85 lbs and also had a TPLO repair on his remaining hind leg (2 weeks prior to the amputation). The assist we do is hands on his hips which really seems like more stabilizing than anything to get him up the 4 steps back up to the house. Inside the house there is a flight of stairs split by a landing. I need to use a blanket or sling to assist him up that many stairs at once. We don't use these stairs a lot though. Getting up on the couch is the same deal, he won't do it unless we put hands on hips and give a slight boost. He will stare at me until I help him 🙂
Off this topic, he has some post clipping alopecia on his back but it's getting there. The other areas of fur grew back in already.
Any experiences with stairs and time frames? I wonder if he'll ever be able to get up the stairs unassisted.
Thank in advance!
Have you seen a rehab vet since the amputation? They would be a good resource for conditioning your dog for these challenges. At 10, your dog may need more time to build strength and stamina after his amputation than a younger dog might.
Rear amp tripawds lose half of their propulsion ability with the loss of their leg. That's a big piece of climbing stairs and getting onto the couch. The other piece is abdominal strength. I have a young rear-amp tripawd and I find it fascinating to watch her get onto something high, like the couch or a chair. Her back leg pushes up, but there comes a point where her abs have to take over and pull her up.
Hi Cherie,
I'm so glad he is doing pretty well overall!
Yes, as @mischief said, rear amputee dogs lose 1/2 of their propulsion power to get up onto things. It's one reason why we recommend the Ruffwear Flagline harness or Ruffwear Webmaster . The top handle allows you to assist when needed, and it's easier on both of you.
Our Wyatt Ray , also a rear-legger, needed assistance in this area most of the time. On the plus side, he quit counter surfing! 😉
And yes, x2, a rehab therapist can tell you where he can build strength and how you can help him get there. The Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit too so you've got nothing to lose. Let me know if you want help finding a practice.
jerry said
And yes, x2, a rehab therapist can tell you where he can build strength and how you can help him get there. The Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit too so you've got nothing to lose. Let me know if you want help finding a practice.
Thanks, yes I am looking for a place to take him here in Omaha. I don't know how to tell who is good or not. I'd appreciate the help.
Sure thing! So it looks like the VCA 80 Dodge Animal Hospital offers rehab. They appear to have only one practitioner but she is also a vet so that is a huge plus!
Otherwise the closest therapists are in Ames, or at K-State, quite a drive. I would try the VCA and see what you think. Let us know!
Just wanted to pop iin and say how wonderful it is to jear how well Max is doing! He is sich an inspawration for anyone facing the type of hurdle he did. Of course, having exquisite care from his hoomans helps greatly.
Love the visual of Max staring at uou until you give him that extra boost he needs to get up on the couch. Smart boy😎. Well loved 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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