Can a giant breed dog be happy on three legs? Yes! Just ask Tripawd Titan. He’s a Mastiff Mix Dog who is now benefiting from free canine rehab evaluation and at-home therapy thanks to Tripawds Foundation’s Rehab Grant.
Read his weight loss and strengthening story below. Learn how you can get a free veterinary rehab evaluation for your dog or cat, too!
Yes! Tri-kitties qualify for free feline rehab too. See all Tripawds who have received free rehab sessions thanks to your support.
When my seven year old English Mastiff/German Shepherd, Titan was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his right front leg, I was devastated.
Initially, his vet said he was not a good candidate for amputation due to being overweight at one hundred sixty pounds. I researched and found the Facebook group Tri-pawds and saw other large breeds that were amputees and doing well and decided to speak with a surgeon. I’m glad I did!
Choosing Amputation for Tripawd Titan’s Best Chance
I went ahead with the amputation and luckily the cancer had not metastasised. I researched to find out what to expect, what I would need at home and for after care.
- Throw rugs
- Meds
- Ramps
- Heating pad
- Grippy socks
- Doughnut cones
- And therapy
How to Make a Large Dog Strong on Three Legs
After amputation I immediately looked for a therapist to help strengthen his remaining front leg. I learned dogs carry sixty percent of their weight on their front legs, so I knew he would need to lose weight also.
I found a therapist, Nora Dracup, in nearby New Jersey and am so happy with her practice.
Alpha Pack Physio and Aqua Therapy taught me about using the Help Me Up harness to steady him while going up and down the car ramp and helping to stand when he’s tired, which was helpful.
We Help Tripawd Titan Work Hard to Build Strength
- They gave me puzzles to keep him engaged since he isn’t currently able to run and play yet.
- They told me to use a fluffy bath mat and hide treats under it so he would “dig” for them a couple times a day to strengthen his wrist.
- And to do sit up/lie down exercises and “back up” all to build strength to avoid torn ligaments.
Aqua Therapy Also Builds His Endurance, Safely
At the center they had him do aqua therapy on a treadmill to build up his endurance while the water’s buoyancy took some of the weight off his leg. It also helps to build his balance.
The laser heat therapy is to encourage healing, and massage helps soothe the overworked muscles that are doing the work of his missing limb. Titan thoroughly enjoys the last two!
A Rehab Therapy Care Plan Keeps Our Big Boy Moving Forward
On his second visit they introduced a small gel pad about two inches high and had him jump on and off it with only his front leg on it, again to build strength in that limb.
The danger of hyper-extension that could lead to tears in the ligaments means its important to build the muscle.
They made a plan and committed to helping him get to his goal weight to take some of the strain off of him.
Being a tri-pawd dog he will need to be slightly under weight.
They were so kind and caring. I’m so grateful to have found Nora and her team.
Together We Rebuild His Confidence, One Step-at-a-Time
I would recommend therapy for any tri-pawd. Dogs not only need to be built back up physically, but they need to learn new ways to move safely, and to build their confidence back up as well. I believe this therapy will do that.
— Lisa and Titan
How to Find Rehab Therapy for Tripawd Dogs and Cats
Check Out the at Home Tripawd Rehab Program
(created by veterinary rehab therapist Dr. John Waterhouse)