There can be a number of reasons why an amputation may be recommended and/or necessary for your dog’s long term health. These can range from congenital birth defects to cancerous tumors to injuries involving nerve damage or non-healing wounds. Whatever the reason, the good news is that dogs adapt to their new three-legged life surprisingly well and quickly.
Dogs typically bear about 60% of their weight on their front limbs and 40% on their back limbs. Because more weight is borne through their front legs, those with an amputation of a hind limb have an easier time going forward. But regardless of which limb is removed, your used-to-be four-legged friend will need your help and support to optimize comfort, strength, and function for the rest of their life.
It should be relatively common sense that when a limb is removed, it puts more stress on the remaining limbs. Three legs now need to do the job of four during their daily activities. Even just standing will be more tiring as their body weight now needs to be distributed among the remaining limbs. And while dogs are great at adapting, it can also come with some trade-offs because other body parts now take on more weight and different stress than they’re used to. Some common secondary effects of compensations are rounding of the spine and pelvis, hyperextension of the carpus (dog’s wrist), turning a back leg out, and head bobbing or hopping.
Rehab for tripods is very important, and this is where we at Canine PT and Me can help. We can help decrease any pain and inflammation in joints and muscles that are bearing extra load with soft tissue work and laser treatments. In addition, we can work on postural changes and help them figure out balancing on three legs. We can also introduce exercises that will specifically target strength and stability in their remaining limbs and core to support their joints, reduce long-term strain, and keep them functional into old age. And finally, we can help with bracing any joints that may need a little extra support.
Please reach out with any questions on how we can help you support your tripod!