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, I joined 18 months ago when my 10 yr old greyhound lost a hind leg to osteosarcoma. He lost his battle with the cancer last fall. I found the tips here very helpful.
I have a new tripawd on his way to me. I am adopting James, a 2 yr old galgo (Spanish greyhound) who was rescued off the streets in August with a severe infection in his paw that resulted in amputation of a hind leg a little over 2 months ago. He was skin and bone when picked up, which probably explains the weakness I saw in his balance in a video taken in late October. When he arrives mid-December he will be about 3 months post-op.
I am expecting he is still a little weak and am looking for basic suggestions. He will be arriving to snow in a BC mountain town. He is unlikely to be well house or leash trained and may be scared of all the unknowns.The rescue folks in Spain say he is very social and a gentleman, which is a positive.
Any thoughts would be gratefully received.
Welcome back Deborah! I'm sorry about Finn. If you'd like to post a tribute in Coping with Loss we would love to celebrate his life with you.
First, I would take it slow with him. Just let him settle in before attempting any kind of strengthening and stretching routines. First, start by Tripawd-proofing your house. If you have slick floors, use traction to keep him steady. If you have stairs, block them off until he's stronger. Look for ways he might get in trouble like that, and put up barriers to keep him safe as he gets adjusted.
Then, consider booking an appointment with a physio therapist. There are some good ones in BC! We can refer you to some if you want to PM me your location. If you are more rural and can't get to a physio, consider doing a virtual consultation. Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first visit too! Our physio course for hind limb amputee dogs is also helpful.
Start of slooooooow with his walks. Just a few minutes each, a few times a day, and build up from there. Watch for signs of fatigue like sitting down. That would indicate he's done too much, and you should slow down more. Our e-book, Loving Life On Three Legs , has lots of tips like that.
Congratulations on adopting this sweetheart! We can't wait to learn all about James.
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