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. Everyone,,,,,, my 6 yr old big girl Maddie was diagnosed last week with osteosarcoma. SHe would be a left front leg amputation. I am going to talk to my own vet today to get his opinion., I Maddie has severe hip dysplasia but she seems to get around fine ,,,anyone have experience with hip dysplasia and front leg amputation ???
Hi there! Thanks for registering to join, your future posts won't require approval so post away.
I'm so sorry about the diagnosis, many of here know how hard it is to hear those words. But rest assured you've come to a great place of support, the community here is pawsome and you can lean on us.
Our Jerry had mild hip displaysia and was a front-leg amp, he did fine. Each dog is different however so it pays to have an orthopedic specialist take a look and assess your dog's candidacy to be on 3 legs. Six is quite young, I'm going to bet that your vet will give her/his blessing. As long as you keep her weight down and monitor her activity so she doesn't hurt herself, things should be in her favor. If there is any uncertainty, a second or even third opinion can bring real piece of mind.
What kind of breed is she? We'd love to hear more.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So sorry about the diagnosis. Agree with Jerry...at 6 I would hope you would get a green light, and don't hesitate to get another opinion. I wish I had done that sooner in our journey. Lexie, also a front amp but much older (joined Club Tripawd at 13), had hip dysplasia. Several things helped us:
-Physical therapy. Even if you can't afford to do it weekly, spring for several sessions whenever the surgeon and PT vet think your dog will be ready to start. Ask if you can shoot video of some of the moves with your phone if that will help you remember what to do at home.
-The PT vet will give you handouts for exercises to take home. Practice at home, and when you go back, demonstrate in front of the PT vet to see if you're doing them correctly.
-Ask the PT vet to teach you how to massage your dog.
-If you can afford it and if there is a facility try water treadmill therapy. Even monthly will help, but more often is ideal.
-Glycoflex III (a supplement)
Also, use the advanced search function for hip dysplasia and see what you find. Also search for conditioning posts and look for 'donuts,' balls and inflatable devices you can order and use at home.
Hindisght 20/20 I would have started Lexie earlier on physical therapy if I had known what a difference it would make to both of us. Good luck, and please keep us posted!
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
My Daryl, ( amped due to injury before we got him) was recently diagnosed with bad hip dysplasia. He is taking Metacam and Dasuquan. We are managing him on this protocol for now. He gets around quite well. Very active. Check out the harnesses that are available. These help a lot. Keep us posted. Lori, TY, Chan, Lucy and Daryl
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
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