three-legged dog

[newtron]

Our 2.5 year old boxer mix is getting her back leg amputated today. Her femur was shattered, and we just cannot afford to attempt to fix it. My wife and I are concerned because we love to hike and camp in the mountains, and we always take our dogs with us. As a young three-legged dog, will she be able to take part in these activities in the future? Does anyone have any experience with this type of thing?

[CHOPSUEY]

Can you not knock her up a wooden box/wheel thing that will allow her to get around? May be a bit perilous downhill though?

[madboutcats]

shes got youth on her side, i bet she'll surprise you and be up those hills before you. she'll have her balance back and it will be like shes still got all four legs. good luck to her.xx

[LoftyLottie]

I agree with madboutcats.

She will recover in no time and will quickly adjust. She will be no different to a dog with four legs and get about just as well!

Best wishes for her speedy recovery.

[kita1]

Just found this video on you tube. Searched for 'three legged boxer dog' and you find quite a few video's.

This dog seems very happy!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvoZNiE6XNU

[LoftyLottie]

How lovely Kita, that should certainly reassure newtron.

[madboutcats]

thats one happy dog, no worse for wear and i like LoftyLottie hope that reassures you both.

[Illyria54]

A friend of mine has a 3 legged Lurcher, (half Greyhound half Saluki) his back leg was amputated because of a tumour, he could still run as fast as if he had 4 legs, dogs adapt very quickly to losing a leg.Hope all goes well.

[alfieblue]

Had a friend who had three legged doggie. They adapt so well - and so quickly. She will be fine and will soon be able to take part in all your lovely activities that she enjoyed before, once she had healed.

Bless her, she will love life just the same with you all. best wishes to you all. :o)

[newtron]

Thank you! That's what I thought.

[lankeela]

I saw a three legged collie doing agility a few months back.
This morning there was a three legged lab cross with a family and at first you could not even tell it only had three legs.

You just need to get yourself a 'Jake The Peg' extra wooden leg, so you can enter the 'best six legs' class at your local companion dog show!

[paddywak]

My nephews cat lost a leg in snare, some 10 years ago when he was about 2, and within a very short time he was running around as if nothing was wrong and he's still going strong I have no doubt t all that before you know it your dog will be back to normal, all he'll need is a little extra love and attention till he gets back to normal

[alfieblue]

Newtron - Hope your girl came through operation ok. Keep us posted. :o)

[newtron]

We picked her up a day early because she was doing so well. She seems to be in good spirits. We should be able to get the staples taken out in a couple of weeks. It is sad to see her with only three legs, but I'm sure she'll be fine.

[kita1]

Glad to hear she is doing so well.

Your most difficult task now and for the next couple of weeks will be keeping her quiet!!!

At least the recovery period will probably be shorter than if you had let the vet try to fix the femour.

[mechee]

hiya... most 3 legged dogs lead normal lives.. i'd suggest a few extra breaks on hikes.. take care.

[lankeela]

While she is recuperating you could try taking her swimming, as this will help build up the muscles without putting any strain on her. Look for a canine hydrotherapy pool in your area, it only costs about �10 per session and you can book a course.

[LoftyLottie]

Oh Lankeela it would be nice if we had a swimming pool in our area, let alone a hydrotherapy pool. I just was thinking that I would love nothing better than to take my dog swimming with me, but she only swims in the river here.
How nice it must be to swim with your pet dog.

Good idea though Lankeela.

[radiogaga]

i knew a man who took pity on a three legged dog and took it home.
it managed fine, and ran and played about with the rest of them.
the only thing was when it lifted its leg to pee it sometimes fell over due to imbalance.!

[lankeela]

http://www.k9hydrotherapy.co.uk/poolfinder.htm l

There are others that are not listed, google Canine Hydrotherapy and have a look through.

[madboutcats]

glad to hear shes on the road to recovery, give her plenty of tlc and a big hug from me.