Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi All,
I am new to this forum, thank you tripawds for all you do! Our 10 year old lab/pointer mix is three weeks out from amputation of his left, front leg due to bone cancer. Luckily it was the slower growing kind and our vet believes he will be cancer free for awhile.
He is almost back to his old self and begs for 'walkies'. We only take him a short distance up the street because he tires so easily. He has slight arthritis in his front right knee, but the vet assures us it is minor. We are concerned though when we watch him walk. It just seems so uncomfortable. He does a hopping, lopping walk now and has to stop continuously to lie down. Does anyone else have an older dog amputee? Could you give us some input on how your dog recuperated and how long it took before your dog could walk a full block or more? I know we should be patient, but I can't help but be worried. We started him on Cosequin and he is still on Tramadol for pain. We also put a ruff wear hiking bootie on his front paw every time her goes out the door. Any suggestions, comments and advice would be greatly appreciated!
Welcome to Tripawds, your future posts will not require moderation.
My little pug Maggie was a rear amp, who routinely walked two miles or more before her amp. After her amp it took 6 months for her to build back up to walking a mile. She sat down a lot the first few months. She was 7.5 at the time of her amp.
I didn't spend much time working on her strength. I believed her initial prognosis of 6 to 9 months so wasn't thinking long term- my mistake! Luckily the games we played served to strengthen her back leg and core and she was able to hop along for almost 4 years without joint or muscle problems.
You can check The Tripawds Gear Blog for some ideas on strengthening. Look for the links on exercise and training. You might also find some good tips in the Rehab videos Here.
Something else you might look into if it is available in your area is acupuncture or chiropractic care for Tucker. I never used it on Maggie (she did get massages) but recently I have started my 12 year old quad pug Tani on chiropractic. She has arthritis in her back and all 4 legs and was to the point when sometimes one of her back legs didn't work. In the past 2 months the 'dead leg' episodes have stopped and she is bouncing around and jogging at the park again. She is still a 12 year old dog, but is getting around so much better. I know several people here have used acupuncture with success.
Karen and the pugapalooza
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Welcome to you and Tucker.
Three weeks is still pretty soon. It takes them a little while to build their stamina back up.
For front leg amps, it's easier for them to go a little faster - they need to get some momentum going. Our girl Abby used to do much better at the off-leash beach, where we could both go our own pace. At the beach, she could easily for an hour (once her stamina was back - but she was a very young dog). In comparison, on-leash in our neighborhood, she could only do 20 min and that would include laying down to rest for a bit part way through.
Keep us posted on how he's doing!
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!
Hi Tucker! Thanks for joining us here. I'm sorry you got cancer ...paws crossed it stays away for a long long time.
I'm glad you made it through surgery and are on your way to recovery. I was a front leg Tripawd too and it took me at least two months before I could build up enough strength to go on two or three block walks. Every dog is different in how the recuperate, but the key is for your folks to be patient, and help you gain strength through fun games. These Gear blog posts might help give them some ideas.
Your folks might also want to wean you off the Tramadol, that can be making you a bit less energetic too. Most dogs are off it after two weeks.
We would love to hear more about you so don't be shy OK? Ask any questions, that's what we're here for.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to Tucker and the Tucker Pack,
Three weeks is still pretty soon, and being a front amp is a little harder than being a rear amp too. I think the point that he is excited about going for walkies is huge and even if it's to the end of the driveway and back, the fact that he has the desire means he feels good. It takes a while to get that stamina back so be patient. Sounds like he is doing great so just follow his lead and take things as they come. Maybe the long walks you might have used to do are gone, but you still have him and that the important thing and having him with short walks is awesome!
Nice to meet ya!
All our Best,
Suzie and TWP Rizzo
Jack Russell born in 2001. Mast cell cancer found Dec 2009 and right rear amputation. Five rounds of chemo done before all treatment stopped. Living life to the fullest!! Read my story at http://rizzo.tripawds.com
I agree with everything above. My lab Ajax was a rear lleg amp, and only 8 at the time, but he's 10 now, cancer free and doing great.
I do understand that a front leg amp is harder, but I think you should feel confident that he will continue to build up strength. At 3 weeks we were sure Ajax waas the best he was going to be, and we were super happy with it. But if you look up our posts (search "Ajax") you'll see that he continued to build strength and energy for about months before stabilizing. Of course, he is slowing down a little now that he is 10, but he's still doing awesome.
In terms of walking, the off leash comment above is exactly right based on my experience. Ajax still is much, much happier off leash - the hoppy pace is a little uneven and depends on momentum and I think the leash makes him try to match my pace instead of doing what he needs to do for himself.
As to how it looks - you will totally get used to it. It was hard for me, until I realized that it was my issue, not his. I thought he looked sad because his head was down, but it truly is justs a different gait.
In terms of recovery, especially since you have a lab and it's summer, I suggest you get him in the water for some swimming if at all possible. I think it made a huge difference in the speed of Ajax's recovery. We bought the Ruffwear lifejacket, but ended up not needing it in the pool, however, I think for a front amputee that it would be much better to have the coat on. The water will cheer him up and give him some non-weight bearing strengthening time.
Don't worry too much - I think it is fair to say that 3 weeks is way early to think the issues are permanent, even if he is 10 years old. You'll worry for a while, but we just celebrated Ajax's 2 year ampuversary and 10th birthday and I truly barely even notice he's a tripawd now.
Good luck!
Hi-We have an older dog amputee, Loa (11, lab mix) who had a front leg amputation also. We are about a month out from surgery and she can walk two to three blocks but is pretty tired when she gets home. Keep taking him for walks! It helps build the muscle in his three legs. Something else that has been good for Loa is going to the dog park. The vet said having her walk on uneven terrain will help build strength. She loves meeting new friends at the dog park--it is a very good place for her to be.
Best wishes to you and Tucker! He's really cute.
Lily (Melissa's daughter)
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