Hiya! Some thoughts for you:

Rufus only has a couple of chemo session left.  Is there a standard timeframe when he should go back to have a review?  Or do we just “wait and see”.

Generally the repeat x-rays are done every 6 months. It's optional of course, but if you think you'll sleep better at night knowing, then it's good to do them for your sanity.

Even now, nearly 10 weeks after surgery, he can only manage 10 – 15 minutes of walking activity before he wants to lie down (he doesn’t attempt to sit any more).  He will gladly hop into the surf to play or play tug-of-war with other dogs, just play time is a shortened event.  I am curious if this is normal after so much time?

Absolutely normal, and a sign that he's in pretty good shape if he's able to do that! Losing a limb causes other muscles to work much harder than they are used to doing. Try hopping around on all fours with one limb up in the air, like he is doing, and you'll see how much work it takes.

Rehab / physio therapists tell us that Tripawds should build up to that length of time walking, then take shorter more frequent walks rather than one or two long ones each day. Breaking his activity up into small segments is the best thing for a Tripawd. That's what we mean by moderating activity to keep a Tripawd injury-free. Remember, if he sits down (or lays down) on walk, that means he's gone too far. If that happens make sure he takes it easy for the next day or two so he can recuperate. Try to avoid that situation. You always want to leave him wanting more at the end of the walk, not letting him get to the point of exhaustion.

 As Rufus is an older large dog (dane/lab x),  I am considering a wheelchair so that he can go on longer walks. 

Always check in with your physio before putting any dog in a wheelchair . Have you talked to them about your interest in one? Keep in mind that putting him into wheels without a professional to hep can do more harm than good otherwise, because you really need to know 1) if he even needs one and 2) if the cart is properly sized. Even being off by a few centimeters can throw his whole body off. That's one reason why the Tripawds Foundation will reimburse for your first rehab visit , we want everyone to get their dog assessed after surgery by a professional. A wheelchair may or may not be the answer and a physio can tell you. 

Have you considered a dog stroller ? They make them for big dogs up to 100 pounds and maybe even larger. They're an awesome way to get your dog out into the world on long walks with you that he wouldn't otherwise be able to do. Let him walk a little, ride a little, and it's fun for everyone! I loved our stroller for Wyatt Ray (85 pound Shepherd).

It seems that wheelchairs are more available to back leg amputees and not front leg.  Is there a reason for this?  Are wheelchairs not a suitable for front leg amputees?  Any info on this topic would be appreciated as I am finding it difficult to find.

Both front and rear leggers can use them. But sizing one for a front-legger is tricky, which is why they are usually custom made. Again, another reason to see a physio, to help with that process.

I made some ramps to make it easier for Rufus to manage a few steps, but we found that he would rather hop up and down the steps!  Is this normal?  Should we encourage him to used the ramps.  I am just worried it will put too much pressure on his front leg?  

Oh you are so sweet! Well, most dogs will not do ramps easily. They can be trained to use ramps, but it can be a while before they feel comfortable using them. The reason is a phenomena in animals called "the visual cliff" which deals with their lack of depth perception. Dogs have a really hard time gauging depth, and when they are on a tall surface like a ramp, to some, not knowing exactly how far away they are from the floor is pretty scary. Our Wyatt Ray took a very long time before he would walk up stairs that were open in the back, it scared him seeing the ground behind the steps. And he never got used to jumping into a pool, but he would swim like a fish if he could wade into a pond. Strange but true! 😉 

How many stairs do you have? If it's only two to four for example, he should be OK as long as you have traction on them. And if you are ever concerned he is putting too much pressure on his front limb, ask your physio about a carpal (wrist) brace to see if he can benefit from one. 

Here's a post about training dogs to use ramps and stairs

https://gear.tr.....-training/

I hope this helps! keep us posted and always let us know if you have questions 🙂 Smooches to Rufus the Rock Star!

Aww you are so welcome! 

So yeah, Rufus has the same inclination to avoid ramps and jumping into pools, just like Wyatt did. I will tell you though that during the last months of Wyatt's life, we managed to get him into a pool for therapy, using hot dogs to lure him in. If you can find something that Rufus just HAS to have, it might be the trick to getting him to use the ramp.

What about a set of pet steps for the bed?

Yes your stairs will be tricky for him. My best advice is to block off the top and bottom of the staircase with baby gates. Then when you get him on the stairs to go up or down, always escort him with a harness handle like the one on the Flagline . That's how we discovered harnesses could be so helpful with Tripawds. Our Jerry had to navigate 18 steps just to go outside our 2nd floor home.

Regarding the physios, are they credentialed with the CCRT or CCRP certifications? Those are the practitioners you want to work with, they are up on the latest techniques and tools. If you want to PM me your location I'm happy to look for one of these therapists for you. Also, our friend Dr. Alex Avery is based in New Zealand, he may be able to help too. I can message him if you'd like.

You are very welcome.

Good to know about the physio. What a bummer that wheels aren't quite there yet in NZ. I think it just takes more folks like you asking for these kinds of things, to nudge them into getting the knowledge and equipment. Keep up the great advocacy!