Prosthetics: Should Tripawds Just Be Tripawds, or Bionic Dogs?
Posted by: jerry in Treatment
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Join the Tripawd Forum discussion on this postRecently, my friend Sami sent me a news story about advances in prosthetics for Tripawds. I wasn’t able to post that video here, but I did find another one on YouTube.
As you know, Tripawds usually get along fine on three legs. We can run, jump and play like other dogs, and we honestly don’t care that we are missing one of our spare limbs. We here at Tripawds are dedicated to showing humans this is true.
So when I heard about these new prosthetics for dogs, I had to wonder; are these prosthetics really necessary? Who are they really for, dogs . . . or their humans?
I know that prosthetic tests being done on dogs may eventually help humans and other animals that can’t function with missing limbs, and that’s a good thing. But if these prosthetics become a mainstream thing in veterinary medicine, how will that affect Tripawd acceptance in the eyes of humans?
Most importantly, how do you all feel about prosthetics? Would you get one if you could?
Entries (RSS)
September 17th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
I think if Sammy had been able to have a prosthetic leg, he may have been able to live longer, because his back wouldn’t have been torqued like it was… but that was my Sammy. A special boy with a lot of problems.
I do think most prosthetics are for the people, putting themselves in the dog’s place. But the thing is: Dogs just don’t have the self pitty we humans do. They just get on with life… Oh, to live like a dog!
August 27th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
JB, you are a saint for taking on the responsibility of your beloved MinPin. How long has he been a tripawd? Perhaps he just needs more time?
We really suggest talking to others in our Forums, for more advice and tips on how to help him get used to life on three legs. You’ll get lots of great advice there!
Thanks a bunch for finding us.
xoxo
Jerry
August 26th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
I have a MinPin who lost his whole back leg do to lack of care from his previous owner after a car accident. He has some balance issues and I am doing research now to see if there is anything that can be done to help him out. He can run ok and jump a little but has a very difficult time climbing and can not turn around on things that are very soft or uneven.
July 15th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
You know, I never thought of it like that. That makes a lot of sense.
Say Hi to Eisen, by the way. Hope he’s doing great!
xoxo
Jerry, Rene & Jim
July 15th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Expense aside….I like the idea of having a choice. Eisen is too big and too heavy for me to pick up and getting in & out of my SUV is tough. It would be much easier for him to balance on and I think overall would cause less stress and strain on his legs and joints. Also, he might not ‘wipe out’ as often or at all….