Rehabilitation and therapy for dogs that have lost limbs.
 

Hello forummers,
Do any of you have experience with dogs that have lost limbs? I would really appreciate help and suggestions for the following:

1. How to teach the dog to walk on the 3 remaining legs without dragging the stump of the missing leg on the ground.

2. How to protect the stump from infection.

3. Any devices that can be made to help compensate for the missing limb.

4. How to build trust in a dog that has suffered traumatic injury.

5. How to toilet train a puppy that is missing a hind-leg..

Thanks!!

Re: Rehabilitation and therapy for dogs that have lost limbs.
 

Had a rescue which has 3 legs. The dogs will actually learn it themselves. I dun think they will drag the stump unless during the times when they stop walking then they lean on it. You have to take care of the stump properly and also let the dog/pup sleep on pillow. Building trust needs time so be patient. Toilet training is same as to a normal pup.

Re: Rehabilitation and therapy for dogs that have lost limbs.
 

thanks siew yen,
i'm really at quite a loss with this pup.. i've no experience with this situation before. i've seen tripod dogs live perfectly normal and active lives but i suppose this one is not used to her condition yet.. she drags the stump on the ground so the stump is raw and scabby..

she was rescued by rebecca and anne and their friends on sunday.. i've only been fostering her since last night. she doesn't make a sound or even move an inch in my presence..

should i put a sock on the stump? or wrap it up with a bandage?

Re: Rehabilitation and therapy for dogs that have lost limbs.
 

chances are the dog will bite the socks out unless you put an e-collar. Well you will be spending a lot of time with his pup in your hands. Did you make any arrangements with the rescuer on what the future is like for the pup?

In my opinion the rescuer should bear at least part of the responsibilties to take care of the pup also. Many just rescue and 'dump' it to someone then claim that they rescue a pup and in actual fact they did nothing..

Re: Rehabilitation and therapy for dogs that have lost limbs.
 

yes i feel this rescuer is genuine {good} she also plans to visit again tonight and i have let her know that she is welcome to visit anytime.. she had tried to catch this puppy for a few weeks. she has also brought her to a vet and got her vaccinated. as for future plans, the rescuer would like to spay her when she is old enough.. this will be in another month or two.. the plan is NOT to release her where she was found.. she mentioned the possibility of approaching one of the few no-kill shelters as a last resort and providing the funds for her lifelong care. in the meantime everything will be done to find her a home. there's got to be someone who can give this pup a loving home..

Three legged puppy & her kitten companion for adoption
 

Please check out Molly Sue's profile at http://www.petfinder.my/pets/4907/

She's a wonderful, super sweet, and gentle puppy that really really needs a permanent home. I know there aren't many people that want to adopt a puppy with a disability but let me say that a 3-legged dog is not disabled. She can run and walk and play like any other dog. Please help spread the word that Molly Sue needs a loving family. Thanks everyone!