Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello!
I am back (and hopefully in the right forum) to prepare for some gear/material needs for my soon-to-be post-op pup, Willow. I was browsing the gear page and saw a bunch of different harnesses that are catered a little more towards amputees and was pretty set on the Ruffwear Flagline as I liked all the leash points and handle. Looking more into those, I came across the Front Range which might be better for us as she is a smaller dog around 17 lbs so I am not sure a handle would be needed as I do not mind picking her up and it seems like an easy on/off harness compared to what we have. Before learning about her upcoming surgery, we had a harness vest from Petsmart which feels a little tough to wear around her neck and chest (see here), and just started her on the Easy Walk harness. Harness advice is welcome!
Next, I wanted to check if the bed we have for her already will be good enough for recovery (Top Paw® Orthopedic Mattress Dog Bed). I was a little curious if the fabric might bug her wound area at all and if there's a better fabric to maybe cover the bed for a while that might be better during recovery.
I saw that there is a Rehab foundation through Tripawds which I would love to learn more about as I am definitely interested in taking her to at least an evaluation when she's feeling better. I am located in South Jersey and would love recommendations in the Gloucester County area if possible.
Are joint supplements or special diets to be expected after this surgery?
Any other tips post-op are very welcome as well! Thank you!
Hi Chris and Willow!
It's great that you have time to prepare.
Have you seen our Tripawds Recovery Shopping List article? You'll find that very helpful. Also, our e-books library contains many great articles and "best of" resources but you can find that info here too if it's not in your budget, which we totally get.
I would agree that for a smaller dog, if you don't need to pick her up very often, the Front Range is fine. We like the Flagline because of the handle, and how it allows us to assist a dog who needs it. But if she is small enough for you to pick up as usual, she'll probably do fine with the Front Range. I would avoid the Easy Walk, you don't want to modify her gait any more after she loses a leg (which is what those harnesses do).
Yes Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit with her. Book now so that she can get in right after surgery. Generally therapists like to see new patients no more than 10 days after surgery and there tends to be a long waiting list in many places. The therapist can also guide you on joint supplements and nutrition specific to her needs, but you can also poke around the Tripawds Nutrition blog 's best articles for some insight. Our Eating Healthy Forum also has some info on what other members have chosen for their dogs.
Hope this helps! Ask any questions you'd like, we are here for you and Willow.
Hello jerry!
The shopping list was VERY helpful! There was a lot on there I had not even thought or heard about like the fibery food and "spike" liquids. It's funny that the cone alternative was here too because my girlfriend and I saw very similar suits this weekend and thought they could be a good idea. Luckily we already have some potty pads from when we brought her home a month ago and did not return yet and we are taking care of the hard floor areas as we speak! The 6" advice on the raised feeder was also very helpful information as I was wondering what height would be appropriate.
I will have to look into rehab centers around where I live and start calling.
Thank you!
I have both harnesses. I think the handle is worth having even if you don't use it often. It will cost a few dollars more and it will take you an extra few seconds to get it on and off due to the extra straps.
The most common reason I use the handle is getting Loki in and out of my SUV. The handle means I can pick her up one handed to get her in/out, so my other hand is free to hold my keys or water bottle or whatever else I might need. She likes to jump out of the car, but I don't want her joints to take the impact of landing, so the handle lets me glide her down after she launches herself - again, one handed.
The other time it comes in handy is if I need to restrain her. Loki has an incredibly high prey drive. I have no doubt she'd get out of the Front Range harness to go after a bunny. The extra straps make the Flagline more secure. If we're out for a walk and a bunny goes hopping by, I grab the handle while Loki pulls and screams, but can't actually go anywhere.
My quad-pawd wears a Front Range as her regular harness. I also had a Front Range on Loki while she was still growing because I had a spare in the size she needed from when Tempest was a puppy. Once I knew she was done growing I got her the Frontline in the correct size - I didn't want to buy it twice. She's also a size that I'm comfortable picking up and carrying. Just my two cents on the topic. RuffWear makes great quality harnesses though - Tempest's harness is over 7 years old and going strong.
Hi,
I second Mischief's take on the handle. My current Tri is a Pug mix rear amp who lost a back leg to a car accident 8 years ago. I'm partial to the Ruffwear Web Master actually, Elly wears it whenever we leave the house. I can get her in and out of my truck with one hand and when we hit some obstacles on walks I can help her over. I also use the handle when we are taking classes or doing Nose Work. Although the Flagline harness has more adjustment points I can't get a good fit with it on Elly. Even though she is small (15 pounds) she has a big chest.
My new quad Pug Mix Callie wears the Front Range. It is a good fit for her but I don't like not having a handle. Callie has ridiculous prey drive and is reactive to everything that moves (we are making progress). She had never worn a harness when I adopted her and she is not a huge fan. I don't like using collars as a leash attachment point for my small dogs (for a few reasons) so I started Callie with a simple webbing harness and now she is fine with the Front Range but I plan to move up to a Webmaster or Flagline for her in the near future. Callie gets in my truck by herself jumping into the front seat floorboard and then seat and then into the back but I always lift her out.
If you are considering a recover suit you might try it on Willow before surgery. Quad Pug mix Callie was not fixed when I got her since she had a litter of pups when she came into rescue. I got a couple cone alternatives and a recovery suit- I assumed she would like the suit better than something around her neck but she didn't. She hated the suit- she didn't like something around her torso...which is also why I think she doesn't like the harness. Anyway- I don't remember if Willow is losing a front or back leg- but this recovery collar worked great for Callie, she didn't seem to mind it at all. It was thinner than the inflatable donut type collar I've used in the past. Even if she tolerated the suit being on she tends to run hot so I don't think I could use it except when it is cold.
Also experiment with the raised dish. My first rear amp Pug Maggie would not eat when I raised her dish 
. Mag was really stubborn and set in her ways- she would just stare at me when I raised her dish so I put it back on the floor. I have made raised bowl holders for my last two Pugs. Tani has a brain injury and as she got older she tended to face plant when she leaned forward. She was pretty little- the stand I made was only around 2.25 inches but it worked. My last Pug Obie needed a raised bowl when he got old, I used the same stand for him although he was bigger than Tani. I also tried a one piece bowl for him- it was sort of shaped like a chalice... but he knocked that one over.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls and Boy
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hi mischief,
I definitely appreciate your input about the harness handle. I was under the impression that it was more catered to medium-large dogs, but I think it might actually end up being something that I would miss not having. I currently live on the second floor of a condo building (no fence) so we have to go out on a harness every time for the bathroom. Given her current condition, I am carrying her down the steps since I can't lead her down and I'm not totally sure she can even use the steps yet. We also plan on taking her out to local dog parks to walk and maybe ease her into playing with some other dogs if that ends up being ok for her. With all that being said, a handle would probably come into use at some point! I do drive a normal sedan so not too high to jump into, but another good point you made, preserving those joints!
Hi krun15,
Willow will be losing her left rear leg. I think mischief and yourself have me leaning toward a Flagline since I do see her using a harness pretty often. Like I said in my last reply, I live in a condo (second floor) so the steps are a thing to think about.
I am going to order a raised dish set and harness shortly to start getting her used to them. She already has a raised bowl (about 3 inches off the ground), but per the advice of Jerry, I am going to get a taller one that will be much easier for her when the time comes.
I think the suit would be a good idea to try out first like you said in case that route doesn't work out and maybe have that cone you showed as a backup.
Appreciate the advice!
I definitely think you'll find the handle useful with the added information. Back legs are used for propulsion, so Willow will probably need help going upstairs for awhile while she builds muscle and stamina. Same with getting in your sedan.
I also agree with Karen about preferring to always use a harness vs clipping a leash to a collar.
Another reason for the Webmaster or Flagline harness is that there is a leash attachment point behind the handle. With small dogs it is not always easy to lean over and help them with the handle on the harness for longer periods but a leash attached to the back attachment point can help. My quad Pug boy had two knee surgeries and I used the Webmaster for him especially the first week when he wasn't weight bearing. It really saved my back! I also experimented with running the leash through the handle before hooking on the regular attachment so the 'lift' was more like using the handle. Might be useful when Willow is able to start doing the stairs again.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls and Boy
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hey krun15!
Just wanted to update you and the others about Willow. We are one week away from surgery and pre-op bloodwork is all done and good. She got a new raised dish set, an alternative collar which came last night (she's currently cuddling it and we will try and throw it on her tonight for a bit to try and get her used to it, and the Flagline harness ! I do appreciate the push to get that as I do already like the handle and extra security of the extra straps.
Wow you are all set! It's so nice that you have some time on your side to prepare her, and you, for the big day. Great job getting everything ready! 
Have you had any luck finding a therapist? Let me know if you'd like assistance with that.
It's great that you have some time to get her used to the new things, especially the harness.
And yay for good blood work!
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls and Boy
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hey jerry!
Appreciate the kind words as always. We will be doing our grocery shopping for her pumpkin etc. today as well. Our surgery place also offers rehab. I will ask about it tomorrow.
Hey krun15!
The harness is a bit of a pain to put on her since she likes to hide half her body against a wall pretty much all the time (defense behavior due to her leg), but once it is on, I feel good about it. She's also been getting exposure to her alternative cone since we've had it and doesn't seem to mind so that will be coming with us tomorrow.
Tomorrow is her big day! I'm nervous, but also relieved that her pain will be gone and after recovery, we can all start to work towards the goal we've had since adoption!
Oh that's wonderful your surgeon's practice has rehab too. The sooner you can get her in the better.
Good luck tomorrow, we are all sending Tripawd Power your way so keep us posted!
Jist want to jump in and send best wishes for a good sirg and great homecoming! You have sone an outstanding job of prepping your home for sweet Willow. She is soooo Licky to have you as her hooman!
Let is know when surgery done, okay? Guess they are keeping her overnight??
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!
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