Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi There!
Molly my 130lbs (pre amputation) almost 9 year old Saint Bernard had her front right paw amputated on May 26th. She came back home on May 29th and since then has learned to get around. We have been keeping her pretty quiet still - no walks but she does venture our in our backyard (without running). We have 3 short stairs to get down from our deck which she has no difficulty going up or down. However, over the past few days, we have noticed over that her front paw seems to be larger - it's not filled with fluid but it does look enlarged. From what we can tell it doesn't seem to bother her - she still hops around (not as much as she did when she had 4 paws) but we are concerned that there may be something wrong or that she is carrying too much weight on one paw. Has anybody ever had this problem? Also, I was curious if anybody here has considered trying something to help a larger dog compensate for the loss of the limb and carry the weight.
I appreciate your help.
Great questions!
Swelling in a remaining front paw can happen for many reasons, we've had this question come up before. Usually when it's this close to the amputation, it's just an edema or swelling, which typically isn't serious (see this post). If she is not limping or showing pain signals , and there's no sign of infection or a wound on her paw, it's probably nothing to worry about but definitely worth mentioning to your vet.
Over time a front-leg Tripawd's remaining front paw can get really muscular from working it so much more than before. Since she hasn't had time to work out those muscles yet, it's probably just some minor swelling.
As for compensating for the loss of a limb: weight loss is the #1 thing you can do for any Tripawd but especially a front-legger. What's her weight like? Remember that even if we think our dog's weight is fine, a Tripawd should be even thinner than we think a four-legged dog of the same size and breed should look like.
Next most important thing you can do is to start working on her with core-strengthening exercises and balance work. This allows her to learn more even weight distribution and balance, plus it's FUN to do with your doggie! Our Tripawds e-books have lots of info as well as the Tripawds Gear blog , just search for "exercise" there.
Does this all make sense? Let me know.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I don't have anything to add to the discussion, as my guy is a hind amputation. But just wanted to say hi, as we have a Saint also, who also had a amputation on the same day as your girl. (He is now 130lbs post amp and he is 8yrs old.) It was his hind left leg due to OSA. He has recovered so well and we are so happy with his progress. Our thoughts are with you guys, getting these big guys on track can be a challenge! It was a rollercoaster, but happy to be in a lull for now, living each day as it comes and hoping we get a lot of time with our guy.
carriew said
I don't have anything to add to the discussion, as my guy is a hind amputation. But just wanted to say hi, as we have a Saint also, who also had a amputation on the same day as your girl. (He is now 130lbs post amp and he is 8yrs old.) It was his hind left leg due to OSA. He has recovered so well and we are so happy with his progress. Our thoughts are with you guys, getting these big guys on track can be a challenge! It was a rollercoaster, but happy to be in a lull for now, living each day as it comes and hoping we get a lot of time with our guy.
Carriew - thanks for reaching out! So glad to hear that your guy is doing well! Molly too has shown impressive progress - I took her for her first walk 2 days ago (to the corner of our street and back which should take 2 min) and she did great! Have you started to take yours out a little yet? How is he managing with food and getting up?
Physical Therapy is often more the way to go than trying to compensate for a missing front limb. Due to the way they hop, most carts don't help much unless you lift them up so they're not using their remaining front leg at all.
Warm compresses on the front leg for 5 minutes a couple of times a day might help with the swelling. I use microwavable rice heating pads on my dogs. this is the exact one I use: http://amzn.com.....B000KBNPQ0 You can also make the same thing with a tube sock and rice.
The number one thing you want to condition is the abdominal muscles. Weight shifting exercise is great. Stand behind her and place your hands on either hip. Gently sway her hips to one side and then the other. Just enough until you feel her have to compensate for the shift. it is a small movement. Do 5 times on each side and do this every time you come back in from going outside. Next, add front to back. Stand facing her side that is missing the limb. Place one hand on her chest and one hand between her tush and her hocks. Rock front to back. Again very gently and repeat 5 times front and back. Very quickly, you'll work up to 10 times in each direction. These take no time and you'll find most dogs enjoy it once they learn what is expected of them.
And then there are cookie crunches. Take a high value treat and while she standing, without moving her feet, have her turn her head towards her tail on both sides. Reward the slightest try. many dogs don't like doing this at first but it helps a lot. Once they realize they can do it, they start doing it on their own. Also practice this while laying down on a firm surface. Do 3 to 5 in a row on each side. Again, work up to 10. That may take some time.
Finally, walk figure 8's. With a dog as large as yours, I'd say make each circle about 10 feet in diameter and then work your way down to 4 or 5 feet. Don't overdue it but just 1 minutes of this once or twice a day will really help with balance and strength.
A week or two of this and you'll see some good changes and can start moving on to more advanced work with unstable surfaces.
Oh, I forgot there is one more thing. ENCOURAGE DIGGING. All front leg tripawds need to be encouraged to dig. It helps work the wrist and prevents hyperextenion of the wrist. If your dog doesn't like digging, Hide a treat in a blanket and encourage them to dig. If they still won't participate, you get to bug them. Get a scrunchie or a piece of tape. When your dog is laying down, place the offensive object on their snout. Cheer them on while they rub their nose. If you can add a queue to this, even better. But you want them to bend the wrist and swipe their nose. Work up to doing this 5 times in a row and do it daily.
Don't forget to get the books as they discuss a lot more about physical therapy, proper weight, how often and how long should walks be, and other things about life on three legs.
Great insight as always Ingrid, thanks!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Jerry, I agree with you that Ingrid's conditioning exercises look excellent. Could they be added to a separate forum so they are easy to find when searching?
I don't have much to add for Molly other than cold, as in wrapped up ice packs, is good for inflammation. If there is any arthritis in the wrist it could be inflaming due to over use. I have arthritis and my physiotherapist puts ice on my joints and a heat pack on my belly because I complain so much. The ice helps the pain and the heat keeps me happy.
Kerren and Tripawd Mona
kazann said
Jerry, I agree with you that Ingrid's conditioning exercises look excellent. Could they be added to a separate forum so they are easy to find when searching?
No but I can sure turn them into a blog post for the Tripawds Gear blog . Thanks for the inspawration.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I had wanted to make a video with Nixon before he passed on his physical therapy routine but the weather and lighting did not co-operate on my days off. I have been asked to do this for bone cancer dogs actually. I may have to contact our member in Chapel Hill and see if I can borrow her tripawd to make the video. Or maybe a road trip to Sally and borrow Frankie! Cookie just started PT and she still is learning the exercises and is very emotional about it all.
Ingrid, the fact that you are here continuing carrying on Nixon's legacy by helping others speaks volumes about your character, your compassion, your heart...snd your love for Nixon
Holding you in our hearts...
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!
I grid...just saw your comment about "borrowing" Frankie...anytime kiddo!!
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!
I just saw this post now, but wanted to add that my 140 pound Leonberger had a front leg amputated the 2nd week of June and she had swelling in the whole other leg, not the paw. This went away in a few days, and she is really getting around well now. Funny thing is, she seems to get around better at a run than a hop, and we wondered whether then momentum helped her. Have you had this happen as well with a little healing time?
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