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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My 6yo border collie had a broken wrist after trauma in 2014. I adopted her this year with a previous fusion surgery with a plate. Unfortunately she has broken the plate and ultimately did a lot of damage to the bones that the option to try and fix it is very unlikely to work. We have decided amputation is best for her.
So here’s the big decision I have to make. I asked about leaving a portion of her forearm to make her eligible for a prosthetic. I don’t think she really needs it right now. She’s getting around really well on 3 legs. But the vet is saying it’s risky but he’ll do it. I’m just wanting it the be an option as she gets older. With it being a front I’m worried about having to compensate with her other leg will result in complications. She’s very active, always running.
does anyone have an suggestions on whether to leave some or to take it all?
I have till Thursday to make my decision on how much they take.
Welcome and best wishes for your pup! What's her name?
Have you consulted with a board certified orthopedic surgeon, preferably one who has previously fitted veterinary prosthetics ? Click any of the prosthetics links for various video interviews, podcasts, and articles discussing the importance of planning ahead prior to surgery whenever considering the use of prosthetics for Tripawds. For best results, two residual joints are required. Also consider contacting Orthopets and watching our Orthopets video interviews for more information from the experts.
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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I haven't used them and we don't have a ton of members here who went that route since most are dealing with cancer.
From what I've seen on this site dogs with a partial front amp have had ongoing trouble banging and scraping the stump. Since there is no pad to protect the end of the leg then it is prone to injury.
If you do want to get a prosthetic why not do it now? In my mind using a prosthetic would potentially help the dog in the long run by saving wear and tear on the other joints that long time Tripawds usually experience. I know there is a lot of rehab and practice needed to get the pup to use it properly.
Good job looking into all your options before surgery!
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
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