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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
I have a fabulous 11mth old Border Collie Mix foster that I ended up adopting that had his rear right leg amputated in August due to an abusive injury sustained by his previous owner. The kneecap was moved to behind his leg and he had several fractures to the right hip. He had his surgery in August but is still having issues keeping his good rear leg under him when he moves too quick. I have hardwood floors so I will be getting him some sort of bootie / non slip sock to assist his mobility around the house.Â
My concern is the curving of his spine while standing / hopping. He has "changed" his walking pattern to make up for the missing leg by using his tail for balance. Will the curving of the spine eventually be an additional issue to deal with? He is a VERY active young boy and does not seem to be bothered by his gait, but his mom is!. Is there a brace or some type of spinal assist product available? He is very active and does not require a wheelchair unless it is an item that could help with this problem.Â
Recommendations anyone?
Thanks -
Welcome to the "family" of Tripawds 🙂 Bless you for saving this cute pup!!! With a Tripawd, IMO, it's going to be important to do some regular PT work with him...especially at his age and hopefully long life ahead of him, it will be all that more important. I would look up some old posts - the most recent one just happened this past Saturday on Live Chats here with Dr. Waldman! There was another chat with her last winter some time and there's video's on here from CARE. I imagine Mr. Admin will come on and direct you better than I have so you don't have to search 🙂
You can also check my dog's blog for some PT work video's. Some regular strength training will help greatly!Â
Good luck!
Â
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
PS As my dog got stronger, she depended less on her tail for balance...so work on strengthen your pup...
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
I agree with Maggie's mom, and I will add that I believe for a young tripawd it is never too early to begin glucosamine supplements. They have a lot of wear on those remaining joints. I'm not a vet, so check with your vet before beginning any supplement on a young dog.
And, welcome to the tripawds family. You have chosen (or maybe Brody has chosen) a great family member. Bless you for taking a chance on a tripawd. You will not be disappointed. They enrich your lives in ways you can never imagine.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Welcome Brody & Co.
We are so glad that you found a good home Brody. Our Tripawds Spokesdawg Wyatt Ray came from a similar situation, which is why he is also a rear-leg amputee.
To answer your human's questions, we strongly suggest putting down non-slip surfaces in the house, as well as trying out different traction booties. Hardwood floors are tricky for any dog with mobility challenges, but especially for a Tripawd. The less accidentally falling, the better for joints and hips. Here are some links that might help:
- Our Gear Store has some information about Ruff Wear booties and PAWz booties
- The Tripawds Amazon Blog has great info about Power Paws Traction Socks
- And the Tripawds News Blog shares some info about no-slip floor ideas
- Finally, here's a great conversation about non-slip flooring in our Discussion Forums
As for spinal issues in Tripawds. If you ask a rehab vet, they will tell you that any dog will have skeletal issues at they age, but Tripawds will especially. Maintaining a healthy weight (slimmer than a quadpawd), doing core strengthening exercises and using care not to overdo things will go a long way toward easing those challenges. Here's a great conversation about rehab and links to our Ask a Rehab Vet with Dr. Waldman, as well as some videos with tips and information.
It hasn't been that long for Brody to recover, and take it from Maggie, with rehab and time, he will get much stronger. As for his new gait, part of that is just the Tripawd hop, and that's what makes us so darn adorable! 😉
Hope this helps. Welcome to the community, we're so hoppy you joined us.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
1 Guest(s)
