Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I've been reading the posts about rear leg amputees and the remaining leg. My dog, Sue, is 5 months from surgery. Her back leg appears to be getting weaker. She is walking shorter and shorter distances. My vet has recommended that a cart will be needed in the future. I'm not sure I can provide for a dog in a cart living in an apartment although I am on the first floor. From what I can tell in reading the posts, a rehab therapist seems to be the next thing to do. I can apply for the grant for help with the consultation. I hate the thought of having to rehome my dog because of my inability to care for a dog with a cart. It would break my heart. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Hi Joyce, good to hear from you!
Yes, a consult with the rehabilitation specialist is definitely the path to take. If you need help as far as filling out the form for financial assistance from the tripod foundation, I'm sure Renee will be glad to help you.
The Specialist can help identify any challenges Sue maybe having an correct them with a program that specifically helps her. I'm guessing the vet has ruled out any cruciate knee issues, we can or torn ligaments, etc. Also, do you have her on any anti-inflammatory like Rimadyl or Carprofen?
How is Sue as far as weighit? It's always best to keep tripawds on the lean side as just a couple of pounds extra can put a lot of strain on a remaining leg. Also, what is her activity level like as far as walks? It is suggested just several short walks a day, as opposed to longer walks
I think you'll find some good results from a rehabilitation specialist.
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!
Joyce, yes, do see a rehab therapist asap. The Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit so please let me know if you'd like help finding one.
Not all dogs need a cart, in fact most Tripawds can go years without a cart, so please don't focus on that comment your vet made. Dogs also don't stay in the cart all day long, or inside the home, so even if yours does need one at some point, it's just a tool for getting around outside. We lived in an RV when our Wyatt Ray had his cart, and it was just a way to expand his outside world. At home it was not needed.
Typically what is needed for better mobility is 1) pain relief, if a dog is hurting from the lack of mobility, 2) a series of exercises to strengthen the core and back muscles, which hold up the legs. You can learn to do these on your own so Sue can have better mobility. and 3) weight loss is also the #1 thing you can do for better mobility so if she has any extra weight at all this will make a difference. A rehab therapist can guide you on that too.
Check out these stories about Tripawds who went to rehab and let us know if you have any questions!
So many questions! She is 2 pounds overweight, and I know this doesn't help so she is on a diet. The vet hasn't said anything about ligaments or knee issues other than she is an older dog and may have arthritis. I don't have her on any anti-inflammatory. The vet hasn't said anything about doing that. I'm looking forward to the rehabilitation consult as I think she may know more about this than my vet. Suebee's walks have been getting shorter and shorter, but we had a good walk today. I stop when she needs to stop. I think, since she is only 5 weeks from surgery, that her back leg was strong from being on 4 paws at first and now we are facing the tripawd issues of all the weight being on one leg. My vet did have a good suggestion for car rides, which Sue loves. The sling hammock helps but is slippery. He suggested an outdoor type of mat that has texture to it. I found a good one at Home Depot and her car rides are much less slippery. I've also put in more carpets in the apartment to give her more security and she seems happier (and hopefully healthier)!
Jerry, Thanks for the info about Wyatt Ray and how his cart was used for the outdoors. I had no idea what getting a cart would mean. I can't tell you how often this site has allayed my fears and informed me about what was happening with my dog. Absolutely pawesome!
Hi Joyce.
Jerry provided a link to information about the rehab reimbursement above and here is an excerpt from the page detailing certifications accepted:
*Practitioners with the designations of CCRT, CCRP, CERP, and VMRT have received certification in veterinary rehabilitation training. Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation also have received board certification in sports medicine and rehabilitation. In the UK, practitioners with the designations of ACPAT, NAVP, and IRVAP also have veterinary physiotherapy training.
I have a little rear amp Pug mix who lost her leg when she was 7 months old, we just passed her 9 year ampuversary!
Elly did fine on three for many years with us doing exercises, playing food games and puzzles and doing trick and obedience training. We also do a sport called Nose Work. I always intended to take her to a rehab vet but because of her fear and anxiety issues I put it off. Unfortunately Elly had a weird accident about 2 years ago and injured her one back leg. My vet diagnosed a strained iliopsoas muscle which was confirmed by the rehab vet. She had treatment for a few weeks and we got an at home exercise program. Elly slowly improved and got some of her strength back. We now go for an annual checkup and the vet adjusts exercises as well as meds and supplements.
Is Sue scooting or licking her butt more than usual? Ever since Elly injured her leg she has been unable to properly express her anal glands. When I first discovered the problem they were impacted but thankfully not infected. When they are full or impacted they are very uncomfortable and actually inhibit her mobility. We have to go to the vet every 4 weeks so a tech can express the glands.
Our rehab vet suggested the muscle supplement Myos. It helps build muscle and it really has helped Elly. You can ask your vet and hopefully a rehab vet about it. There is a version available over the counter.
Elly now gets chiropractic adjustments every 4 weeks. It does seem to have helped with the anal gland issue although the gland on her amp side is still always full. She moves much smoother after every adjustment.
She is on a bunch of supplements and one med that help with her mobility.
I also have a stroller for Elly so she can come along when we go on all our walks, she rides part time and walks part time. We walk about 3 miles a day which is way to far for her but she loves getting out.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls and Boy
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Again, I need to ask if the grant will allow the qualification of CCAT. This is listed on the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians as one of their qualifications but will it be accepted by Tripawds for the grant?
- AARV members with designations of CCAT, CCRP, CCRT, CCRV, CCRVN, CCRVT CERP, or CVMRT have completed postgraduate education program specific to rehabilitation therapy training, which typically exceeds 120 hours of coursework.
In case it isn't accepted, I have identified another vet with the CCRT qualification.
I found a rehab specialist with a CCRT qualification and have an appointment for Suebee this Wednesday. It sounds like a very thorough exam as to her condition which will be a relief. They are thinking underwater treadmill and laser treatments as well as in-home exercises to strengthen the leg. I am going to apply for the grant. Thanks for all the help and support. I hope this goes well for Suebee.
Joyce_1 said
Again, I need to ask if the grant will allow the qualification of CCAT. This is listed on the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians as one of their qualifications but will it be accepted by Tripawds for the grant?
Hi Joyce,
Sorry for the delay answering. Yes it does qualify. It's a brand new credential by NC State, and one that is equally as good as the others we mention. I need to update our Rehab Grant information, thanks for pointing it out.
Glad you found a therapist! Be sure to jot down your questions before you go. Have an idea of what you want your goals to be for Suebee. For example:
- what are some of the things she did before, but cannot do now (or do as well as before amputation), that you would want rehab to improve?
- Do you want the therapists to do most of the rehab work for her, or do you want to play an active role in helping her do the exercises at home?
- Think about how much money you can dedicate to therapy each month. The more upfront you are about your budget, the better the therapists can design a program that you and Suebee are happy with, and that works well.
She's such a happy, social girl. I'm going to bet she will do great! I can't wait to hear how the visit goes.
As always, Jerry's ppwt was very I informative. I particularly like the guidance ahe gave you as far as goals, etc.
I went to stress that a lot can be gained from the first appointment and you should be shown many ways to do rehab at home. .FWIW, Not every dog takee ro water treadmill. My Fankie sure didn't.
Cant remember where I saw this, but here is a list or things you can so at home. Of course, the Specialist needs to show you the proper way to do each where required as far as number of repetitions, how to start slowly and then build up, etc.
- Static stands
- ROM exercises
- Cavaletti a. (basically dog steps over poles at elbow height and avout 12 inches apart....they can show you how to do a DIY at home
- Laser therapy
- Sit-to-stands
- Circle walks
- 1Backward walks.
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!
Opps.. hit reply too soon!
Really glad to hear how well Sue is doing. It seems like you are doing well also and have adjusted to realizing you got this!
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!
Jeanne, My dog has food allergies and can only eat Hill's Z/D. No treats of any kind.
Virginia, I don't feel like I am adjusting well. I have my own disability - major depression and anxiety - and I have gone through several times of crisis dealing with this. Rehoming Suebee may have to be an option as I can only deal with so much. Again, it would break my heart. I have a therapist and a social worker who is helping me. Please remember that Suebee was my service dog, helping me and now I have to adjust not only to her situation but to the fact that I no longer have her support. I don't have this at all, but I am trying to do what I can to help her and help myself.
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