Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Hello, my dog has just finished whelping - one of the puppies has got undeveloped (shorter) front paw and the wrist is bent inwards (dogs have all appropriate health checks and no history of defects). The vet said there are four options: first, there is an op available, but chances are it might not help to straighten the paw. Second - try physio, however might not help at all, third - an amputation at the age of 12 weeks, and finally - not an option (put to sleep) at all. The puppy is active and is feeding well and I am so much worrying for its future. I have been showing and breeding a bit for more than 10 years and so we have puppies, but not really often and I have never come across such birth defect. What might be your thoughts? Thank you
Hi and welcome. Your future posts won't need approval so post away.
What kind of dog/puppies do you have?
We've had many dogs here who were born with birth defects (which is why I moved your post to this topic). I apologize but I'm on my mobile so it's hard to share links but if you search this form using the advanced search feature above, and search for "Birth defect" you'll find many examples. And as you'll see many dogs here will go on to have an amputation when they are older, but of those who keep the limb they are often good candidates for prosthetics . See: http:/tripawds.com/tag/orthopets for info.
Most time vets will take a wait-and-see approach, because amputation is a little more challenging for puppies, who haven't yet learned motor skills and balance that will help them get around once that leg is gone.
Will you be keeping the dog? Either way, I would recommend getting an opinion from a certified veterinary rehab therapist first, to find out what your options might be. An ortho specialist is also a good idea, or find a team that works together. Where are you located? Maybe we can help find someone for you.
Meanwhile we can't wait to see photos of this sweetie!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you. My dogs are Goldens. And we are from another continent. I think the pup will live with us if I won't be able to find really good and committed hands for her. Thank you for the links, will keep on researching.
Awww Goldens! Well you might be interested in the story about TPod, another Golden born with a deformed leg.
Mr. T Gets Top Fundraiser Award for Morris Walk
The Canine Rehab Institute can connect you with a practitioner, maybe even in your country, I know they are in several.
Keep us posted and let us know how it goes OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yes, do keep us posted. Golfens are such sweet dogs! Andwhen the are fluffy puppies...sooooo cute!!! And now you may have a little tripawd Golden puppy soo ? That's about as cute as they come!
Wishing you the best...and would love to see pictures!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Hello,
Reporting on the progress. Ploughing along. Two massages a day and one physio a day for the next two weeks. The doc says there is some hope the pup will start using the paw!
That's awesome! What are the physio techniques they're using?
A rehab vet once told us that you need at least 6 months of intensive therapy before you really know if a leg has a chance of being saved. It's a long time to wait but so worth it if you can avoid amputation. We're hoping that's the case for your pup!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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