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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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Adopting a tripawd?
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Member Since:
11 December 2013
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11 December 2013 - 6:56 pm
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I am considering adopting a young Spanish galgo who recently had a front leg amputation.  She has a bad break and three unsuccessful surgeries and had the front left leg amputated about 3 weeks ago. She has essentially been on three legs for close to a year as the injured one just dangled. I want to make sure first that I can provide a safe environment where she will thrive but this would be my first experience with a three legged pup.  I have 6 other sight hounds 3 greyhounds, 2 whippets and a galgo three of which are VERY active and play fast and hard.  I live in a two story home with all hardwood and ceramic floors.  I am very active with my dogs 1-2 hour walks a day, hiking etc.  I only want to bring her into my home if this is the right environment for her and I guess I am asking for the advice of all of you who have the experience.  Also wondering if there are early onsets of arthritis in the spine and other joints and if I can expect her lifespan to be shortened in any way.  Any and all advice is appreciated this has been a dilemma for me.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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11 December 2013 - 9:23 pm
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Hi Mouse, welcome to Tripawds. Your future posts won't need moderation.

You're pawesome for thinking about adopting a Tripawd and doing your research first. I can' tell you with certainty that Tripawds can do just about anything that a four-legged dog can do, but the trick is they do need more moderation as far as making sure they don't overdo physical activity to the point of causing joint stress (which Tripawds are more prone to). Our ebook, Loving Life on Three Legs, talks all about this.

If you're wiling to put throw rugs down in your home, that is the smartest, safest thing for her long-term health. Even your other dogs will benefit from traction as they age. Slippery floors are so bad for any dog with a challenge but especially Tripawds.

Many folks with multiple dogs in their families can tell you their experiences of having one Tripawd and other four-legged dogs better than I can since I never have. However, my instinct says that your pack, while it sounds like a fabulous bunch, might provide a bit too much activity for her to remain strong, healthy and injury-free over time. Keep in mind that I don't know you but my gut feeling is that there will be many instances where you will need to leave this pup at home when the rest of the gang goes on hikes and does other activities requiring a lot of stamina. While Tripawds can build up stamina, and they can keep up with four-legged dogs most time, the reality is that by doing so over time, it can cause more stress than necessary on their joints.  These CARE Videos can tell you a lot more too. But again, see what other folks here have to say, remember, I'm not an expert when it comes to multiple dog packs.

I hope this helps somewhat. I don't ever want to discourage anyone from adopting a Tripawd, but I did want to share what I've been told by rehab vets so that you can make the best choice for this pup and your pack. Please keep us posted and let us know what you decide OK? She sounds like a great dog and you guys sound like fun!

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


Member Since:
11 December 2013
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12 December 2013 - 2:54 am
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Thank you so much Jerry all of things you mentioned have crossed my mind and while the addition of throw rugs is an easy fix for the home my concerns for her are my multidog household my greyhounds are not an issue it is the whippets and young galgo who are very active and not always careful around the other dogs.  I only hike with the three young dogs so the greyhounds stay home but we do go for a good walk each day and it would be difficult to leave her behind for that I did not know if it s possible or safe for them to go for hour long walks each day.  I so not want to put her in a situation that is too taxing for her and cause issues for her joints this little girl has been through an awful lot in her young life she deserves the perfect home.  She is with an adoption group in Spain and is being well cared or until she is adopted.  I would so love to have her but only if I can provide the right environment for her.  I will have a look at your ebook and look forward to posts from other people with multi dog households.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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12 December 2013 - 12:50 pm
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Sounds like you've got a great perspective on the best home for her. Your pack does sound like such fun! I would think that if some dogs stay home on your walks then she would be just fine, and you wouldn't feel guilty about leaving her behind. As a compromise, a lot of folks will use doggie strollers (prams) so their Tripawd can go on long walks with them.

Where in Spain are you? it's such a beautiful country! And what does a Galgo look like? I would love to see one!

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


Member Since:
11 December 2013
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12 December 2013 - 5:54 pm
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I am in Canada she is still in Spain.  I already have a 1 year old male I adopted last May.  Galgos are Spanish Greyhounds they are used for hunting in Spain.  When hunting season is over in January the lucky ones are brought to a shelter or abandoned. Sadly, the unlucky ones are abused, they are sometimes found with broken legs or are hung, thrown down wells of have their throats slit. Some owners believe that suffering of a galgo will bring good hunting next season.  Simply horrific how these kind souls are abused and abandoned.  If I can figure out how to post a photo here I will.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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12 December 2013 - 8:56 pm
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mouse said
If I can figure out how to post a photo here I will.

FYI: Here are detailed instructions for adding photos for forum posts.

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

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