How to Take Care of an Amputee Puppy
Puppies can recover from limb amputation with proper care. Three-legged dogs, sometimes affectionately called "tripods," can live full, active lives with minimal accommodation. Young puppies often bounce back from limb amputation even more quickly than adult dogs. Amputee puppies need limited exercise following surgery and may require the assistance of a support harness when climbing stairs or getting in and out of a vehicle.
Instructions
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Follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding care immediately following surgery. Your puppy will likely require crate rest. He will also need to wear a protective collar to prevent him from licking and chewing his incision.
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Provide pain relief for your convalescing puppy. If your veterinarian prescribed pain medication, administer it as directed. You can also use hot and cold packs near your puppy's surgical incision to help relieve pain. Although there are several hot and cold pack products on the market designed for canine pain relief, a bag of ice or a hot water bottle may also be used.
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Use a support harness to help your puppy with difficult situations as she relearns how to walk. These harnesses allow you to help support your puppy's weight when she is struggling. Climbing stairs is particularly difficult for new amputees. Your puppy may also need assistance when she's tired or just feeling discouraged.
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Exercise your puppy gently, in accordance with your veterinarian's suggestions. Amputee puppies find it easier to hop along at a quick pace than to walk slowly. For this reason, a short jog is better for your amputee puppy than a long walk.
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Train your puppy as you would any other dog. Use a clicker and treats to teach and reinforce behaviors. Three-legged puppies still need obedience training. There are very few things a four-legged dog can do that a canine amputee can't do.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider alternative therapies for a dog recovering from limb amputation. Canine massage may be helpful.
Don't let your puppy's amputated limb discourage you from taking obedience classes with her or enrolling in a canine sport. Many three-legged dogs can do rally obedience, flyball and even agility.
If you notice any signs of infection around your puppy's surgical incision, return to your veterinarian immediately.
Don't allow other pets to lick or bite your puppy's surgical incision. It's best to keep your pets separated until the amputee puppy's wound is healed.
Watch out for swelling of the elbow on the side opposite your puppy's amputation site. The disproportionate amount of weight placed on her remaining leg may cause a condition called elbow hygroma.
References
- Photo Credit puppy image by SKYDIVECOP from Fotolia.com
