Tripods: Three-Legged Dogs

I well remember a dog walker once saying to me, “Dogs just live for their walks.” And it’s true, most dogs love their outings – both long, ambling leash walks and high-energy off-leash hikes. They love trotting over to the source of that good scent they just caught. They love digging. They love chasing squirrels. So if your vet just told you your dog needs a leg amputated, you may be wondering how he’ll cope.

Easy answer: Probably just fine.

How dogs lose their legs

Canine osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, is probably the most common reason why dogs lose their legs. Accidents of various kinds account for many of the rest. Osteosarcoma, it has to be said, is bad news, but try not to waste too much emotional energy on your dog’s lost leg. As a dog, Zippy doesn’t have body-image issues to contend with after an amputation, and for most otherwise healthy dogs the physical adjustment seems to come easily. The process may be a little slower for dogs who’ve lost a foreleg.

Dogs don’t have body-image issues after an amputation, and most otherwise healthy dogs seem to adjust without trouble.

The surgical site is going to look impressive, no two ways about it. Removal of a limb is a big-deal operation, with lots of stitches and a long, long scar. However, most dogs are up and walking without help within 12 to 24 hours after the surgery. Encourage your new tripod to get up and moving – that will not only help her heal but also get her the practice she needs to adjust her balance and gait. As I’ve mentioned in other contexts, modern vets know that good post-surgical pain control is associated with fewer complications and speedier recovery, so in taking your pain-controlled Dogalini for short walks you will not be torturing her!

Making your home tripod-friendly

Many three-legged dogs have no trouble with stairs, but supervise until you know your dog has re-learned how to negotiate them confidently and safely! If your stairs don’t already have nonslip surfacing, then add it to make going up and down safer and easier. For dogs that do need help with stairs, there are body harnesses with handles on the back that enable you to give an assist without picking the dog up.

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