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
My girl Maisy (11.5+ 85 pound lab-rot-american bulldog) is about 2.5 weeks post surgery (rear leg amputation). She had a really smooth recovery, but now we are hoping to gain strength and would like to see her getting around easier and more. She is having a little difficulty getting up and with stamina. She seems really stiff and somewhat uncomfortable when she moved, and I worry her remaining back leg might be hurting her (there was some indication that her knee might have minor injury before the amputation of the other leg with the tumor). Her gait seems off at times, like her back leg is tucked under too far.
She just took her first real spill on a slippery floor (there are a few spots we can't put rugs because of doors, etc.). She didn't seem to be hurt or that defeated after, but I hate to see that happen...
I also think she is having a little trouble figuring out pooping (thought squatting to pee she has mastered).
We finally got her a vest today (stitches came out Monday), so hoping she will get used to that and allow us to help her more.
How do I gauge what is normal progression?
Thank for the update on Maisy. Overall, sounds like she's doing well, especially for a bit of a "mature" gal.
It "generally" takes about two weeks-ish to recover from the surgery itself, and about one month to work out all the mobility adjustments to the new life on three. I'm going to assume she hasn overdone ot during these couple of weeks? Rest, potty breaks and more resr? No jumping or running? No stairs?
A couple of suggestions. If at all possible, get her assessed by a Certified Rehabilitation Specialist. The Tripawd Foundation will even pay for the first visit up to $200 ( that generally covers it). You will be amazed at how beneficial to Maisy that can be! The Rehab Specialist will show you exercises to do to build her CORE strength (tummy muscles, etc). They will assess her gait and see what's going on with that knee. It may be that she will need harness help with getting up for a while.
As far as the spill on floors that can't be covered, a suggestion would be to get PAWZ (very inexpensive) for her to wear at least on that remaining back leg for traction . They're sort of like a rubber balloon. You don't want to leave them on too long at a time though.
Another thing that comes to mind is to give her lots and lots of massage before and after getting up. Go up and down her spine, her shoulder, her neck, etc. Does she show any tension in any of these areas? It's very common for dogs to tweak their muscles as they adjust to their new gait.
Ask your Bet about putting her in Rimadyl (or something comparable). Also ask about a low dose pain meds. Dogs sometimes need pain meds beyond the two week mark.
Do check out the Rehab option though.
Keep us posted.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Sally gave you excellent suggestions. Since every dog is different, an expert can evaluate her and let you know the best ways to aid in her strengthening process. And yep, the Tripawds Foundation may pay for your first rehab visit so you've got nothing to lose! We hope you'll take advantage of the program.
Also, just take things slowly. There is no rush to get her back to her new normal, but again, an expert can help you know what steps to take to get her there.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi maisy and mom, i was just thinking about you guys! Thanks for the update!
It sounds like over all maisy is doing well. Roane took a few weeks to get the hang of her new gate and build up the good leg. I imagine the extra strain on it and learning to hop made it a little sore. I second what Sally and Renee have said above, she might benifit from a little q&a with your vet or a rehab. Is maisy on any meds? Every dog is different but Low dose Rimadyl did wonders for our old girl. Sometimes taking the edge off helps them get the correct range of movement. The vest should be great for helping her up.
Hang in there seasoned girls are stubborn and with you cheering her on i know she will get there.
Hugs to you both!
Hugs ❤ Bev, nurse Moe cat, Autumn's Angel Roane & Angel dog Gypsy 🐾
My sweet soulmate Roane was diagnosed with osteo in June of 2019. Had a rear leg amp on July 2nd & crossed the rainbow bridge to be with her sister Gypsy on the first day of Autumn Sept 23 2019.
In regards to the slippery floor I put yoga mats down for traction and if they do fall it’s softer than tile.
tabbyscat said
In regards to the slippery floor I put yoga mats down for traction and if they do fall it’s softer than tile.
Thanks for joining us @tabbyscat! Please consider starting a new topic so we can follow along with your journey.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
1 Guest(s)
