Tripod Support

[Opals_mom]

I adopted a little 12 lb mix and she has since had a front leg amputated due to an injury she had when she was pulled from the shelter - not due to cancer. She is still VERY active but she's young and in thinking long-term I'm wondering if she should be wearing a brace or something to keep her remaining front limb in good condition.

 

I take her to the chiro every-so-often since she now sits weird now that she's down a limb and I'm guessing we'll be looking at arthritis developing in her good leg at some point. I have been told multiple times that it's tough on their bodies when a front leg is taken so I just want to make sure that we're doing everything we can at this point to keep her in good health as long as we can.

 

Is there anything I should be looking into? She is about 3.5 years old and about 6 months out from the amputation.

[Guest thedaemon]

Don't let it become overweight. That would put too much strain on it. I don't have any experience with an animal as such, but it seems up in the air if a brace is necessary. It seems to be on a case by case basis. Is it a nub that's left? I was reading that a short limb could be more bothersome than a full amputation. With that being said, a brace could work depending on the remaining limb.

 

Do you have any current photos of the little one?

[Guest RICHandJUDE]

My wife and I have something similar, but not the same. We adopted a Chihuahua last year. It was born wiith NO front legs. We went to a rehab hospital in Ohio to have special wheels made for her. We got the wheels made and fitted but she seldom uses them. She walks around the house like a human on her back two legs. I do worry that she could have some back problems later in life. We keep an eye on her and try to keep her weight at an optimum range. Good luck to you/

[Rickiesmom]

Tripawds.com has resources you could look into - it's an all breed dog (and cat) site.

[greysmom]

Therapaws has a couple products that might be helpful.

http://www.therapaw.com/carpalwraps-1.aspx

[a_daerr]

Keep the weight in check, chiro appointments, and definitely start a joint support supplement like Cosequin.

[Charlies_Dad]

Another vote for Tripawds.com. We reviewed info there when Charlie had his amp. Would love to see pics of your little pup.

 

 

My wife and I have something similar, but not the same. We adopted a Chihuahua last year. It was born wiith NO front legs. We went to a rehab hospital in Ohio to have special wheels made for her. We got the wheels made and fitted but she seldom uses them. She walks around the house like a human on her back two legs. I do worry that she could have some back problems later in life. We keep an eye on her and try to keep her weight at an optimum range. Good luck to you/

Wow! That is awesome you adopted this sweetie. Not to high jack the thread, would you be willing to share pics of your little one?

Edited April 7, 2016 by Charlies_Dad