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
Day 5, first full day without the fentonal patch. She did start whining about 1 pm so did give her a tramadol. that settled her down and she slept. First day back to work for me after her surgery, which I work from home so it went ok for Sassy. She has everything figured out though. If she doesn't want to get up after laying for a long time I go get the car. Then she gets a ride. LOL, She laid in the yard for an hour so i went and back the car out of the garage she would not get up until i drove over to get her. Silly goose. I love her to death.
She is doing really well though. Walking, staying balanced. Only fallen a couple of times since she had her amputation and that was trying to get up to my bed, I try to help her but she is determined to do it herself which I do not want her to get hurt. Still using her support to help her up & down the steps which I will do for awhile.
I do have a question though will their remaining legs strenghten to make up for the missing one? I know she misses getting up on my bed on her own.
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Hi Michelle,
I'm glad she's doing better with each day! And that your first day back at work went without incident. Yay!
To answer your question: see this blog post about strengthening:
Why Longer Walks Won’t Strengthen a Tripawd’s Leg Muscles
How is she getting off the bed? If she is jumping down, I would use a step to assist in the descent. Rehab vets discourage any kind of jumping on and off furniture, into and out of trucks and high places like that, for four legged dogs but especially three-legged ones.
I encourage you to check out our Gear Blog for lots of ideas about strenghtening and staying fit. Remember, it's not necessarily about strengthening the leg muscles, but about building stronger core muscles to help her with balance and proprioception (awareness of the body in space), which in turn lead to a stronger body overall. It's exactly the same principle that helps humans stay strong too! Isn't that a hoot?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sounds like she's doing well. She should start to build up her stamina and, as Jerry said, core strength is important.
I forget... is she a front leg amp? If so, you'll notice her remaining front leg will start to turn in a bit and sort of center itself more.
Keep us posted!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Sassy is a rear leg amputee.
Jerry to answer your question my mattress & box springs are on the floor so she basically steps down off of it. No jumping allowed and I help her up steps & down them with a support. I pretty much spoil her but she is my baby and that is what I am here for.
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Oh good, no jumping is great!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
1 Guest(s)
