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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Hi! My Lexie (pictured in my avatar) had her front right leg amputated 6/11 due to Osteosarcoma. She's eating normally and resting well but I don't know what to do to build her strength up. There are no rehab centers near where we live. I don't know what to expect. It breaks my heart to see her "hop" about 10 feet and just be exhausted. I don't know how much is too much, should I let her build up on her own?
Hello and welcome! We're so glad you asked this great question. I'll bet there's not a single person here who knew exactly what to do when their cat or dog lost a limb so you came to the right place.
First, keep in mind that she's only been a Tripawd for a few days, that's not a long time and with her new body adjusting to moving around differently it's going to take time. You can do LOTS of things to help, and you will need to help her build up strength. Here are some articles to get you started:
Doggie Rehab Therapy Tips to Help Tripawds Stay Strong
Do Dogs Need Strong Core Muscles?
Tripawd Rehab Tips for Pawrents
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Your Lexie is a sweet heart! I love her avatar photo! What a pretty girl!!
Welcome to the family! You are not alone, okay? We understand all too well the ups and downs of this journey!
This is major surgery and it is still very early in recovery. She basically just needs to eat, potty and rest. And, of course, soak up all that loving and spoiling that she can get out of you!! And I know that is limitless!,
Vets say it generally takes a good two weeks to recover from the surgery itself. And it takes a full month to get to sdjust to all the mobility issures, muscle changes, etc. Right now she's using muscles that haven't been used this way j n the last. Everything about her body is realigning..and it is very tiring!
There was a great exercise Jerry told us about recently to help us relate to dogs adjusting to three legs. Get down on all fours and start mpving on all fours. Now hold up one of your "legs" and try moving. It's a lot harder! Obviously it is not any apple to apple comparison, but you get the point.
Give her some good gentle massages up and down her spine snd some good gentle leg stretches before she gets up. It will make both of you feel good.
Take lots of pictures! Stay in the mome t, in the prese t with Lexie. And remember, she isn't worrying about a thing! She's just enjoying being with you!
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))++)
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Good gravy, this post made me think back when I had knee surgery many, many years ago. Even after getting over the surgery, it was physical therapy for six weeks just to learn to walk again, and I didn't lose a leg.
With that said, just be patient and take your clues from Lexie. Dogs aren't typically lazy like us humans. She'll turn a corner soon and you'll be wondering what tha heck you were worrying about to start with. They never cease to amaze me.
You got this!
pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Thanks for the info. I didn't think about a massage, she loves those. I'll definitely check out the links. Lexie is our "cutie pie" and Jazzie is our "pretty pretty". Lexie just smiles and can read her emotions pretty good. Jazzie on the other hand is our DEVA! I tried to add a picture but I'm just not getting the instructions. I'll keep trying!
tjohn55574 said
I tried to add a picture but I'm just not getting the instructions.
Photos must be hosted online somewhere to share them in a forum post. If you do not already share photos online somewhere, you can start a free Tripawds blog and upload them to your Media Library. Then...
- Copy Image URL / File Location (View image and right/ctrl click on it).
- Paste URL into Image URL field if using the Insert Image button.
- Or paste URL on a line by itself if using the text editor and we can add it for you if it doesn't auto-embed.
Hope this helps!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
http://spoiledr.....G_1242.mov pre surgery
http://spoiledr.....1336-1.mov post surgery
http://spoiledr.....G_0237.jpg both girls
Awww . . . these are great!!!! Love that "silly" girl!!!
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
We're beginning to see some of our "silly" girl again! One day at a time!
Delightful pictures!! Thanks for sharing!
Michelle, Angel Sassy's mom is owned by three Rotties! Yeah, she sleeps in the floor a lot
Day by day, bit by bit, they get their sparkle back. Hang in there!
Hugs to the girls!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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