TRIPAWDS: Home to 25296 Members and 2183 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives

Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat. Explore 17+ years of forum archives for stories and answers to questions about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery. Enjoy fresh discussion and connect with members in the new Tripawds Support Circle.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Join The Tripawds Community

Register your free account to join the Tripawds Support Circle. Connecting with members and getting the support you need is now easier than ever with the Circle app!

Easy Photo Upload

Private Messaging

Subscribe to Topics.

Live Chat and much more!

Forums Locked: Search archives for answers & join Tripawds Support Circle to keep discussion going!

Avatar
Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Lost password?
Read Only: Use Search to find 18+ years of member discussons!
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon-c
Could we be facing amputation.
This forum is locked
Avatar

Member Since:
22 April 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
1
22 April 2016 - 3:14 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

I have told you the story of our little runt Chitte on my blog.  She has a birth defect in which she can't use her right front leg.  She is very slow to get around and has a hard time standing up.  She is behind in size and development of her litter mates.  The problem is she doesn't stand very well.  She scoots instead of walks, like her litter mates do..  They are now running around their cage. She is real wobbly.  The question is: Would she be better off without that front paw so she can learn how to stand?  Is she just behind her litter mates because she is the runt and not walking yet?  Will she learn to use that leg effectively as she gets older? I am going to take her to the vet. Right now, money is tight, so it has to wait for a few weeks.  I did talk to the vet on the phone and said it would be ok to wait.  I am worried, and want to help this little pup so much. She is a Shih Tzu and is 4 weeks old. I wanted to post a picture, but I don't know how.  Thanks in advance to any comments or question you have.

Avatar
On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
2
22 April 2016 - 5:08 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

Welcome! Your future posts will not require moderation.

Hopefully one of our resident vet experts will chime in soon, please note that others without that badge are not veterinarians. With that said, Chitte's weakness is likely due to her being the runt of the litter and the fact that she needs to compensate for that missing leg.

We have heard vets we discussing similar situations in puppies mention that they usually wait rather than perform amputation at such a young age. So there is no rush. If anything, you should focus on helping Chitte build strength, core muscles, and balance. You will find lots of helpful tips in Loving Life On Three Legs . Or consider seeing a certified rehab tech (CCRT/CCRP) and taking advantage of the Maggie Moo Fund for Tripawd Rehab.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Avatar

Member Since:
27 July 2014
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
3
22 April 2016 - 7:20 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

Chittie is so cute! For a similar story you might want to check out Leo's blog:

http://leothebr.....pawds.com/

Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona

Avatar

Member Since:
22 April 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
4
23 April 2016 - 10:57 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print

Update on what I found out. Last night I was massaging Chitte's hurt leg. And in the joint I would call the knee, has 2 bumps rather than just 1 like her normal leg. Anyone know of a condition this might be? Might it be an injury or a birth defect?

Avatar
Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
5
23 April 2016 - 12:01 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

I am so in love with this little pup! Look at that avatar picture!!

I'm not a vet and have no real insight to your situation. I'm glad Kerren gave you Leo's link. You can at least see that, if amputation is necessary, it can be done on a pup when they get a bit older.

I'm going to include the link to your blog for Dr. Pam when she checks in.

http://chitte.t.....beginning/

Cheering for this litt cutie!

Hugs!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Avatar

Member Since:
22 April 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
6
23 April 2016 - 6:38 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

thank you so much.  I would appreciate any information I can get until it is vet time.

clap

Avatar


Member Since:
22 August 2008
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
7
24 April 2016 - 11:23 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print

In general having one abnormal front leg should not cause that much problem getting around.  I would not rush for amputation but would instead look for other possible congenital defects such as liver shunt or heart abnormalities.  Also these small breeds are quite prone to hypoglycemia so make sure this pup is getting enough food!

Pam

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 143
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1292
Members: 18754
Moderators: 4
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18945
Posts: 259686
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG