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Any help with advice on Three legged dogs

Hello all,
I have a client that has a three-legged Beagle. This Beagle is about 12 years old. She is a rescue and the owner has had her for nine years.
Lately, the dog has been a little slower and is having difficulty walking around. She knows its her age (the Beagle) but would like any advice on how to care for her in her aging years. One vet told her to just put the dog down, even though her health is fine. Nice advice....
She would just like to meet or talk with others that have had or do have a three-legged "older" dog. If you have any advice, it would be appreciated that I can pass onto her.

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Andrea Schneider on November 20, 2009 at 8:50am: Check this article out about dog prosthetics from USA today Paw Print Online Mag.

It's an interesting solution.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jack Elliott on November 20, 2009 at 10:02am: My dog is not an 'older' dog, but was born without an ankle or foot on the L rear leg. Naturally, he doesn't know anything different and has no real issues. He just uses three legs unless he is on a full out run and then all of them come into play. He is also a light eater, so that helps. I know people who have started adding fish oil or scales to the dog food. This helps with joint pain and coat issues. I think weight is a big factor, since on leg has to take on the work of two. Hope the fish oil helps. I highly recommend finding an INDEPENDANT pet store. They usually have someone who knows alot about specialized issues and so, knows alot of other specialists.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Libby Jackson on November 27, 2009 at 1:31pm: She needs to talk to Dr. Bianca Shaw from Back on Track Vet Rehab in SW Portland. I have a Saint Bernard, Emmett who is almost 3 1/2. He had one of his front legs amputated when he was only 5 weeks old.

While I want to believe that vets are all created equal when it comes to othopedic issues, but that would be too optimistic, just like assuming all human physicians were capable of understanding assistive technology devices and all precautions involved with an atypical orthopedic issue.

Seriously, have her contact Back on Track Vet Rehab, there is not anyone whose opinion and insight I trust more to help aid a pet through older pethood and/or a physical condition. Many of the dogs who are her patients are older.

This is her passion and her area of expertise. Emmett has been stretched on an exercise ball, done underwater treadmill therapy, ultrasound therapy, etc. She has taught us how to stretch him properly, assist him up off the ground, what types of harnesses/carts to use with him. She is valuable to us!

Hope this helps.

Libby; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Houseof16paws on November 27, 2009 at 10:44pm: Thank you so much Libby, in fact I did mention you to the client. I remember seeing you at the doggy dash in May and told her about Emmett. Of course I did not know his name at the time.
I will pass on this information to her.
Thank You Andrea for your information as well. I will let you know about the magazine subscription.

Thank you Jack as well. All of your information will my her more at ease and give her more choices.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Christina Vitazko on December 6, 2009 at 6:53am: Glucosamines work wonders if the dog isn't already on it....definitely keeping the dog's weight in check, less weight on the joints = less painful joints. Many orthopedic surgeons I work with say to keep the dog "lean", but not starved obviously.
Avoiding stairs and excessive activity. Water therapy is amazing for older dogs in general, especially three legged ones! Making sure the dog has ample support from it's bed, so that when it does rest, it doesn't have excessive pressure on it's joints. I've had many three-legged patients benefit from acupuncture as well. They'd have to discuss medications with their vet, but different NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti inflammatory) at a low dose can do great things....I prefer Metacam personally. As long as the dog has a good quality of life, I don't see why anyone would tell them to put it to sleep!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jen on February 28, 2010 at 10:55pm: We have a 3 legged dog. She isn't that old yet but does have a hard time going down the stairs. I have seen a item called 4-1 . It is a harness/a leash and a handle to lift the dog up easily by the back end. We have thought about designing a prostetic for our dog. She curves her back to compensate the missing leg. Good luck; ▶ Reply to This