Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Fortis says thanks to you all and yes he got lots of special Texas sized treats and of course the usual hugs and kisses.
cometdog said: Fortis who? 
but we need sooner updates, mister!
Sorry for not posting updates sooner regarding Fortis' injured leg. 
I didn't want to detour any pawrents from making what I still feel was the best choice for us, amputation. It may not have worked out as planed but life rarely does. Yes I'm very sad and full of regret at times but Fortis' is doing all that he can to help us help him. Just like Sadie, Fortis says it all with his big smile and crazy wagging tail. He's still loving life! 
And that's plenty good for this pawrent!
Tazzie said: So what is the story on your other hind leg? I sort of remember something there – was it one of those TPLO's or whatever they are called? How do you get around to do your stuff outside? Is your Dad getting even stronger by helping you with a sling?
It appears Fortis injured his knee (CCL) shortly after his surgery. It's been almost 6 weeks since the injury and it has only gotten worse. Our Vet feels all we can do at this point is keep him comfortable and as happy as possible. It's not something that is likely to improve and he is not a candidate for surgery. We are on our 5Th harness (trying them all) and yes the family is getting a work out. His chest and front legs are very strong. He just needs his pelvic area lifted/supported. Once you have him standing (this can be a challenge) and get his harness on all you need do is lift his pelvis up and off he goes! Now he's a big dog so this is not as easy as it may sound. I'm sure the neighbours are getting an eye full. Fortis can sit just fine so when taking a poop (7pm-8pm each night) which is almost in a sitting position he needs his pelvis supported so as not to sit in it! Not a pretty sight. I thought about taking a video for you guys but decided otherwise. It can be tough for him when peeing as well if to much pressure is applied, but as long as his leg remains locked things seem to flow just fine. Sometimes he looks a bit 
though.
jakesmom said: have you thought about trying out one of those wheelchairs for dogs? I know that they're expensive, but maybe someone has one that they aren't using anymore?
Thanks Jakesmom, I have looked into the wheelchairs/carts for dogs. Does anybody here have any experience with one?
Happy Easter Everyone,
Fortis' Pack
Gosh Fortis and family, you are such troopers! What great attitudes you have.
Happy Easter Fortis! Keep smiling and wagging your crazy tail!
T.
Wow Brett and Fortis....what a great attitude you both have! I just had an idea....have you possibly looked into http://www.woundwear.com braces for his knee? Maybe that would help him? It's used for those that aren't opting for surgery...maybe it would help his remaining rear leg?
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Just got back in from poop duty. A tad late tonight but all is well. I just wanted to say thanks once again. What a great support group! 
Tracy, I will look into the site you mentioned on knee braces. Thanks a bunch for the heads up. If anybody here has any info on the use of these braces or the wheelchair /carts mentioned by Jacksmon I would truly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Fortis & Brett
http://tripawds.....38;ret=all
Hey Fortis and Brett
Jerry had a write-up on Doggon Wheels just the other day, see the above link. Make sure to check out the videos of Popeye (go to his website - it is simply amazing). Popeye is a dog from Taiwan that was paralyzed at the back end. He gets around fine with his cart, as you will see.
However, there is an issue of scale. Popeye weighs in at 30 lbs and has not had use of his hind legs since he was a young pup. Still, I guess it is more common for people to use them for older dogs who become arthritic. Maybe you will see something that might be helpful to Fortis or to your backs.
T.
You're pawesome Tazzie, thank you!
Meanwhile, Hoppy Ampuversary Fortis! Can't believe it's been 2 months already. Wow!
Hey get ready, we'll be in Texas soon and want to meet you! Let's have a Texas Tripawds Pawty the first week of May! What do you think?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
HEY! An ampuversary date buddy! Happy day, Fortis, you are quite handsome (jack wants me to make it very clear that I, Laura, am saying you are handsome)! Sorry to hear about your bum leg, mister...sometimes we get a little excited and make things difficult for ourselves, huh? It's OK though. At the dog park (and recently at really random times) Jack will lift his leg to mark the weeds, bushes, and trees. For a few short seconds, he is a bipawd. It can be done! Keep on being awesome, and we look forward to OUR next ampuversary!
<3 Laura and Jackers
I have seen many dogs do just fine with carts (even giant dogs) but I have never seen a tripawd use a cart, but I think it could be modified. There are several companies that make these carts and all you have to do is send measurements, but most do custom work so if you explain your situation I'm sure that they could help.
A knee brace might not do much for such a large dog but it couldn't hurt. Did Fortis completely rupture his ACL (also called CCL)? If so he might actually do okay with surgery. I wouldn't do a TPLO since it involves metal implants but a lateral suture stabilization should work okay. Tazzie had both of her knees fixed this way and she weighed 185#, although her surgeries were done before her amputation. I know it is still an expensive surgery (about $1500 to $2000) and may not be something that you want to pursue when you are also facing the cancer problem but the option is there.
Pam
Hey Brett,
So glad to see that Fortis is at 2 months and that he continues to amaze all with his "Fortis-tude"!! We all know that the spirit of our dogs along with love & care equals a dog that will thrive, even in the worst of challenges!
Keep up the good fight, take care,
Ginny & Angel Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
Thanks for all the info on carts.
tazziedog said: I have seen many dogs do just fine with carts (even giant dogs) but I have never seen a tripawd use a cart, but I think it could be modified. There are several companies that make these carts and all you have to do is send measurements, but most do custom work so if you explain your situation I'm sure that they could help.
I found a company that makes modified carts for (amputees) tripawds. http://www.k9-c.....arts.php
I will consider this as an option.
tazziedog said: Did Fortis completely rupture his ACL (also called CCL)? If so he might actually do okay with surgery. I wouldn't do a TPLO since it involves metal implants but a lateral suture stabilization should work okay. Tazzie had both of her knees fixed this way and she weighed 185#, although her surgeries were done before her amputation. I know it is still an expensive surgery (about $1500 to $2000) and may not be something that you want to pursue when you are also facing the cancer problem but the option is there.
Pam, to be honest with you I have no idea if he has completely ruptured his ACL. If I had to guess based on my experience with humans with blown ACL's I would say no! Our Vet only made a diagnoses based on our description and his observation of Fortis' movement. No drawer test was performed. It seems soft tissue in nature and treatment prescribed is deramaxx and tramadol (very small dose). Fortis has been on deramaxx and rimadyl in the past and has seemed to handle ok. As far as surgery goes, I don't think my vet would perform the surgery on Fortis even if I requested it. The cost is not the issue. We have discussed surgery and he just doesn't feel it would be a good idea for Fortis considering the recovery time and the cancer.
To say that I am confused as well as very very sad would be an understatement. Well it's that time again, poop time, Fortis and I have business to tend to.
Fortis & Brett
jerry said: Hey get ready, we'll be in Texas soon and want to meet you! Let's have a Texas Tripawds Pawty the first week of May! What do you think?
Hi Jerry, We are playing it day by day here. That said, if able we would love to meet you and other Texas Tripawds. I think you mentioned somewhere around canyon lake. That's just a stones throw from us. I will keep an eye out for updates on the pawty!!!
Thanks,
Fortis & Brett
Brett,
Thanks so much for the link to K9 Carts, we didn't know about them. I'm going to be sure to write about amputee carts very soon.
Meanwhile, about that CCL/ACL….you know, there was a time long after my amp when my pawrents thought I had torn mine, based on a rough diagnosis that my vet gave me. So I went to see an acupuncturist, and it did WONDERS! My body was just so messed up from throwing my weight around all weird, that it really needed some proper chi flow and the acupuncture just gave me so much more energy after that. I stopped hurting and my knee didn't bother me nearly as much. Maybe it's a first step to try on Fortis?
About the other harnesses…which ones have you tried? I'm curious because I want to make sure we're not missing any here that could be helpful for big dawgs. Have you seen the Get-A-Grip? That one gives the best belly support we've seen.
And yes, let's definitely try to meet up. We're talking about it now in the Tripawds Parties forum. We understand what you're going through, and of course hope that we do get the chance to meet your amazing, beautiful boy.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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