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,
Finnan, our 5 yo yellow English Labrador retriever, had his right pelvic limb amputated 5 weeks ago. Unlike many here we were fortunate that we didn’t have to deal with cancer treatment. But in early August Finn’s foot became painful and swelled without any known injury or cause. It quickly progressed and became purple and bloody and then 5 days later…necrotic. Infection was presumed and everything was tried to save the foot. Seven days after symptoms began his leg was amputated (femur disarticulated) to prevent further spread of the bacterial infection causing necrotizing fasciitis as these infections unchecked will result in sepsis. He is off antibiotics and his incision has healed. His recovery has been fairly smooth and he seems to be adjusting to three legs well. If anything he is too active. He started rehab therapy next week. We are slowing working on reducing his weight down from the hefty 85 lbs to something more supportable by his remaining limbs.
I would appreciate any advice from humans who have large high energy dogs and saving humans with bad backs. Best method to prevent slipping on hard floors? Ramps for getting dogs in and out of SUVs. Steps or small boosts for getting up onto beds?
Thank you!
Welcome, Leanna. Your future posts will not require approval.
That sounds like a very scary thing to happen to your dog! My tripawd, Loki, lost her leg at just 3 months old after being hit by a car. She's more medium sized (about 40lbs), but she is a high energy dog. She's almost 2.5 years old now and she's half Siberian Husky. Running and trying to jump my 6' fence is one of her favorite activities. It's amazing how high she can launch herself... luckily it's not quite high enough. Enough about my dog...
I have a thread going about training my dogs to use a ramp in and out of my SUV here: https://tripawd.....ng-a-ramp/
A good way to burn energy without physical exertion is to use puzzle toys/feeders (aka "brain games"). Burning mental energy will physically tire your dog out. I have quite a collection of interactive feeders that my dogs enjoy if you need suggestions, but there are plenty of options available. The ones made for Outward Hound by Nina Ottoson are great.
Your dog is still going to want to run and be active. My advice is to try to keep running and active play to short sessions and make sure he gets some rest in between.
There are lots of options for providing traction on slippery floors. The easiest solution is often to add throw rugs or yoga mats to your home. Boots are great for infrequent use, but they tend not to breathe so they aren't great for every day use.
Hi Finnan and Leanna, welcome to the club nopawdy wants to join! You are both on a really great recovery path it sounds like. Rehab is key to a really fit life on three, and so is being lean so YAY for being so aware of the importance of both.
Have you seen our Tripawds Recovery Shopping List ? Or the Tripawds e-book Loving Life On Three Legs ? We have lots of tips there.
Basically for slippery floors, traction is key. You really want to have as many carpet runners and throw rugs as possible to help him not slide around and give him confidence. Dr. Buzby's Toe Grips are another really great invention and so helpful!
Pet stairs are also really great, and a Ruffwear Webmaster or Flagline harness are also indispensable for getting in and out of vehicles if he is ramp-shy.
You're in a great area for care, and we have a lot of Northern CA members!
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