Any Advice On Rehabilitating A Greyhound Which Has Just Had A Leg Amputated?

[jourdain2]

My daughter & family (no small children) took over an 8 yr. old female rescue greyhound about 4 years ago. 'Cookie' had the misfortune to win several races when young and so was used mercilessly to breed (2 litters a year). As a result she's had several health issues, including losing all her teeth.

I should add that in those 4 years she has changed from a dog-shaped 'thing' to a responsive and happy family dog. She is now 12. On Saturday afternoon she went on her usual walk and was running around a field when she stopped short. She had broken a back leg.
The vet confirmed that it was a twisted break and so bad that the leg was amputated.

All day yesterday was very tense, but the message came today that she had eaten something, been to the toilet and managed to stand up. So she should be home tomorrow, all being well.
Their house has tiled floors - I've suggested jute matting in the kitchen & conservatory where she mainly lives.

Well apart from the minor problem of the bill (eyewatering and every family member will have to chip in) has anyone any practical advice, please? Fortunately daughter and husband each do a fair bit of work from home and 16 yr. old granddaughter will be home from school by 4.30 p.m.. Thanks in advance.

[calmck]

The vet should advice on treatment. Maybe fashion a sling to help her balance when she stands up. My sisters dog learned very quickly how to manage on 3 legs.

[ladybirder]

I adopted a dog who had just had his leg amputated at 13 years old. I had him for 3 very happy years until he had a heart attack one evening and died.

He had no problem adapting at all.

[naomi24]

We had a three legged rescue dog. You’ve already mentioned covering slippery floors but to help the dog out into the garden it’s a good idea to sling a towel under his body so you can hold both ends to take the weight whilst he’s learning. Plenty of rest and lots of love and care and he’ll soon be up and about. Dogs learn and adapt surprisingly quickly. Good luck - and I wish him fit and well very soon.

[pixie374]

I suspect she will adapt quickly, my sister's cat had a leg amputated at weekend, due to car accident. I know how you feel. I think it will become obvious, if she isn't coping or is unhappy.

[jourdain2]

Thank you all very much. Fingers firmly crossed. The towel/sling idea is a good one. :)

[ladybirder]

I had to make a sling under his belly when he had to climb the stairs to my flat at that time, no problem. The lovely thing was he used to stare at me lovingly nearly all the time. Loved him so much.

[naomi24]

I’ve loved all my dogs, LB, but that one was like no other. I miss her so much.

[jourdain2]

Just to say 'Cookie' is home and wearing dog-socks with rubber grips like slipper-socks. So far so good. I'll see her on Monday. Thanks again. :)

[ladybirder]

I was wondering about something like that Jourdain but didn't know they existed, not with rubber grips anyway.

Jolly good, way to go.

[naomi24]

Good luck to the little chap.

[jourdain2]

Thank you both. :) Her height is a bit of a worry, her hips are almost up to mine and I'm 5'8", so she has very long legs. But, as said, so far, so good. One day at a time for a while. Back to vets for a check-up tomorrow.

[burlyshirley]

Lots of love to her for a speedy recovery x

[pastafreak]

This might reassure you and your family jourdain...



Just Google 3 legged greyhound.

[bednobs]

do they know why it happened?

[pastafreak]

And this...it won't let me post 2 videos. :(

[pastafreak]

I don't think it's uncommon in greyhounds. Not just when racers crash into each other, but also short sudden stops and twists can do it. It's those long skinny legs. Even getting caught into those retractable leads could break a leg.

[jourdain2]

Oh thank you, thank you all so very much. I'll tell my daughter.
Bedknobs, she was just running around a field. Like most greyhounds she would run for ever so they have to find an enclosed space - in this case the outfield of a cricket pitch. She just stopped running and the vet thinks she must have twisted as she put her foot down.

[Patsy33]

All the very best to Cookie. I'm sure she will adapt very soon. :-)