How to Care for a Three-Legged (Tripod) Dog

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Sometimes a dog may have a limb amputated due to cancer, an accident or for another reason. And now, due to advances in veterinary techniques there are more three-legged dogs walking around than ever before. Dogs who lose a leg don't even realize it for the most part and just pick up where they left off. It's their humans who may need some adjusting! Here are some ways to make it easier on both of you.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Stay close to your dog for a few days after the surgery while he adjusts. After that it's a good idea to always monitor or assist your dog on stairs and be ready to give a boost in and out of cars (depending on the ease of access).

Step2

Exercise your tripod dog regularly; walking is good, but remember not to push since she'll be moving a little slower. Swimming (canine hydrotherapy) is the best exercise for a tripod dog.

Step3

Keep your dog's skin and pads clean and free of infection. If your dog has cracked pads (which tripods are more prone to), apply bag balm, Vaseline or other products that speed up healing.

Step4

Feed your tripod dog a healthy diet and maintain a proper weight. An overweight dog will have to work harder to support himself.

Step5

Keep your tripod dog’s nails trimmed. Long nails can inhibit movement.

Tips & Warnings

Put a sock on the "elbow" of the remaining leg to prevent calluses and pressure sores.
Give your tripod glucosamine, fish oils or other anti-inflammatory supplements.
For front-leg amputations, use a car seat harness with wide chest bands.
Invest in a "wheelchair" if necessary to help your tripod dog get around.
Some tripod dogs do better than others, depending on their size (smaller dogs usually have an easier time).
Keep your tripod dog from overdoing it with exercise. Too much activity can cause soreness and put undue stress on the joints, which can lead to arthritis. The whole body, especially the shoulder and hip joints are compensating for the missing limb.
As a tripod dog ages she may be more prone to arthritis. Be aware of the warning signs of pain such as decreased activity or trouble sitting, standing or jumping.
Tripod dogs may develop toe curvature in the senior years.

Comments

diggitydogg said

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on 9/16/2007 These are all great suggestions you make. There are special dog beds that are designed to distribute the weight evenly and ease pressure on the joints. Also, slippery floors can cause further wearing of the joints, so it's a good idea to put down mats and rugs if there isn't carpeting.

catlover said

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on 9/15/2007 Our tripod Labrador Retriever was also a rescue dog--her owners let her try to cope with a broken leg for two months before the neighbors finally called the sheriff.

I am wondering about a couple of things--possibly a low dose canine glucosamine supplement to help delay, at least, the arthritis, and a sweater or jacket for cool weather because of course there is no fur over the scar. We have cushions for her in her favorite resting rooms except the living room where she sleeps on the sofa. Would any special cushion be even better?

Another thing people with tripods might think about is an elevated feeding dish. My vet said this is a good idea to put less stress in her joints.

diggitydogg said

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on 5/30/2007 See...that's what we need. If only there were more people like you in the world!

blueeyegrl65 said

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on 5/29/2007 Hi! I really liked your article. I fostered then adopted Harley when he could fit into the palm of my hand. That was back in November. He was rescued when he was just 3 weeks old. The conditions were unspeakable. Anyway, he had an infected leg witch had to be removed. The first night I brought him home, I didnt know what else to do except cry for him and for the anger I felt towards the people who was responsable for it. Anyway, he is now about 8 months old and happy as can be. He had adapted pretty well, but still does at times forgets about the missing leg and trys to run up the stairs instead of taking his time, so he will stumble. Mommy is always there to help him. He runs around with the kids, and loves to fetch. He is the joy in our lives. I just pray to god that he has no memory of the pain and suffering he went through. God Bless!