Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all.
Just joined and am looking for advice on prosthetics .
I have a lab boxer pit mix missing a front leg and am wondering (really dreaming) about the quality of life improvement a prosthetic could give.
I foster failed and adopted her two years ago. She was found as a stray with three legs and a severe skin infection, which we've since healed and gotten under control. Estimated to be around 7 years old. She weighs around 65 pounds. Very pittie in the body, so even keeping her skinny she's stocky and muscular.
She has a baby stroller I've modified for her to ride in on walks to the park. She gets tired so quickly from hopping and all the weight on her front leg causes it to bow out.
I'm an avid hiker and she gets very upset being left behind when all her other siblings head out with me.
She's a take any where type of dog so I hate she misses out on adventures.
Wondering if it's worth it and willing to hear any advice.
She does have a nub left so I've read that would make her a better candidate for it.
Thank you!
-mariah (and tripawd Teela)
mxsk4 said
...looking for advice on prosthetics .
How much of the appendage remains? Without two moving joints, a prothstetic device is likely no longer a viable option for support. Successful use of prosthetics really must be discussed with a certified orthopedic surgeon versed in the matter prior to amputation. See the many prosthetics articles, videos and podcasts in the Tripawds News blog for much more information about prosthetics , and start here for help finding the many other Tripawds Resources.
Check out the Maggie Moo Fund from the tripawds Foundation and consider consulting with a CCRT or CCRP for evaluation and starter exercises to keep Teela fit and strong. Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Mariah,
What did you end up doing?
I am in a similar situation - Calvin is missing his front right leg, but has a small nub. I am looking into full limb prosthetics (from BionicPets), but it's this body jacket thing that would not accommodate/have flexibility for that nub, so I am concerned that it isn't a good solution. I have just reached out to another place - OrthoPets - so hopefully they have a different approach. I have also considered a front wheel cart, but I have a feeling my dog would not like it (we tried a quad cart, just to get a feel for it, and he did not like it).
-Sarah
Hi Sarah, welcome to you and Calvin. Your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
Unfortunately Mariah hasn't posted again since August. You can try sending her a PM and see if she responds.
Otherwise- please consider starting your own thread for Calvin. Tell us all about him and why the amp.
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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