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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Hi everyone, I’m so excited to have found this site. I’m looking for some input. We are contemplating the adoption of a pure breed AKC springer spaniel pup born with a deformed shoulder & knee. There’s a very high chance of amputation in the future as he’s only 2 weeks old & hasn’t started walking yet. We have a choice of a healthy litter mate but this little guy is tugging at my heart strings. My question is would you choses to adopt a tri pawed, knowing what you do now with your current dog. Please tell me why, both good & bad. Thank you for your time.
Hello and welcome. I hope you don't mind that I moved your post here but this is a good spot for stories like yours, dogs and cats who have lost a leg (or might) because of birth defects.
Thanks for thinking of adopting this pup. I'm glad you posted here because there are definitely things to consider if you've never had a Tripawd before. We opted to adopt a Tripawd after our Jerry passed, and wouldn't change a thing. But I'll try to summarize what we've learned through the years:
Younger pups tend to have more mobility challenges at first. Being so young, they haven't developed the motor skills needed for good balance and proprioception (awareness of one's body in space). Older dogs who lose a leg already have those skills so they have an advantage after amputation. Some younger dogs need rehabilitation therapy to develop balance and stamina. Check out Spree's story as an example.
The leg may need to be amputated, or at least fitted with a good prosthetic. If the dog has a leg with enough bone for a prosthetic, that's awesome. Many dogs don't have anything to attach an artificial limb, those who do have a huge advantage as long as the humans have the patience, dedication and money to go this route. For more info see our OrthoPets interviews. If a prosthetic is not in the cards, then the leg will likely need to come off to reduce the risk of injury later in life.
Tripawd dogs will try, but should not, keep up with other four legged dogs. Yes, they can do anything a quadpawd can do but it's up to us to remain vigilant against over-exertion. As a Tripawd parent you must be constantly on guard about too much activity, too little activity and the right kinds of activity. If you want a dog who can go on long walks (anything more than 20 minutes at a time), go running or hiking for long periods of time, this isn't the dog for you. Some Tripawds will of course do it and at first the humans don't notice the damage they're doing, but in the long run they will put a lot of early stress on their joints and have a lot of physical problems later in life.
This is just a few things I can think of right now. I know others will chime in too but in the meantime skim through this forum topic for insight from folks who adopted Tripawd dogs who didn't lost a leg to cancer. Thanks for joining!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I also chose to adopt a second Tripawd. Daryl had an unfixed injury that required amputation. He was already healed by the time we adopted him. I wouldn't change a thing. He is pretty low key, not sure if that is the three legs or just his personality. He pretty much does anything my other pups do. He does not take long walks. He is missing his right front leg. I was looking for a mixed breed Lab quad paw and his face popped up on my computer screen. That was it! It was meant to be! Lori, Ty & Gang
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
Hello and welcome.
I just adopted a 10 month old puggle tripawd named Elly, she is missing her right back leg. My first tri-pug Maggie lost a leg to cancer, she passed over 5 years ago.
I've had a string of special needs pugs. Maggie didn't start out that way, she lost her leg at 7.5 years old. Tani, my second pug, had a slew of issues including epilepsy and terrible arthritis. My third pug Obie, who is now 9, was neglected and abused at his first home and has issues because of that. He is also almost blind.
Tani passed last February (at almost 15 years old) and after some life changes this past summer I started looking for another pup. I wasn't necessarily looking for a tripawd, but I guess I am drawn to the more challenging pups! I saw Elly's picture on petfinder and I was hooked!
Having a tripawd before I wasn't worried about adopting a tripawd, I was more concerned about adopting such a young puppy and part Beagle! Having had small dogs with mobility challenges in the past I have a couple strollers around. I find it helpful when I go for my walks, Obie my pug walks about 2 miles a day- too far for Elly. She walks some, rides some, walks some...etc. I spend a lot of time on core exercises (disguised as play and games). She is so young I know I will have to be vigilant about her activity level and what she does.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Oh yeah....tere are a lot of us here who have adopted tripawds.....some have even adopted two or more tripawds! Isn't that right Elizabeth and Codie Rae?
Why?? I have no idea why "specicically" I adopted my tripawd, other than it just felt "right". Maybe on some subconscious level it was a life affirming way of honoring Happy Hannah who became a tripawd due to vone cancer. I also felt like he needed a "forever" home with someone who understood how to "protect" a tripawd. And I saw his picture on the rescue group and fell in love. You've already gotten great advice on how to care for them and some "boundaries".
The "good"? Everything!
The "bad"? Nothing!
Keep js loswted, okay? I think je already hasnhis name stamped on your neart...and yours in his!
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!
Yes! I would so adopt a Tripawd after going through the journey with my dobe Nitro. I never thought I'd say those words, but they are true! I have learned so much from him about strength, courage and dignity. Tripawds Rock!
paula and nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
I don't have a tripawd right now (mine passed away over a year ago) but I have a special spot in my heart for those little ones! (and big ones too). I often see a local tripawd walking with his family and he's happy and bouncey and has no clue! My current dog is a quad-pawd but she's got her own "issues"...
I also always count legs when I see pups out now! Tripawds are the best ... If I had room in my home, I would have a whole pack!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Hahaha Alison, I find myself counting legs too when I see a dog!
paula and nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
My partner and I just brought home our tripawd who had the same problem. She had her front left leg amputated while in a foster home and she is happy as can be! (especially now that she isn't stumbling around on a bum leg). We are so glad we decided to adopt her and look forward to growing with her. My caution would be this- sometimes tripawds have a harder time with things like jumping in and out of a car, going on hikes etc. For example ours needs a step to get out of the back of our prius and tires pretty easily (to be fair though, she is a St. Bernard mix so big and not tons of energy to begin with) So keep in mind what you want your pup to do with you. Do you expect an exercise partner? someone to go on miles log hikes? She may very well still be able to do these things but she just won't be able to keep up like a four legger.
Hi freyjasmoms, welcome to Tripawds. Your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
Thanks for contributing here, and congrats on your new addition!
Please consider starting your own topic here in 'beyond cancer' so you can properly introduce your girl and tell us more about her. And pictures are always welcome!
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
I have had english springer spaniels my whole life since I was 13 years old.. they are wonderful, loyal, loveable, velcro dogs.. and whether they have three legs or four.. you couldn't pick a better snugglebug (sorry to all my friends out there that feel that way about their breeds.. lol - we all have our favourites!!)
get him.... no one else will....
if he's AKC registered... he was probably bred to be a show dog, or a hunting dog.. and it takes a special person to bring a "not normal" pup into their home.. do it!
Yes, there are things that you should be aware of... throw carpets in the house if you have laminate/hardwood to prevent slipping.. raised bowls so he doesn't strain his neck and remaining shoulder etc... but.. he's losing his leg due to a deformity.. NOT CANCER!!!! And that... if you have to be a tripawd... is a blessing.. if that makes sense!
Yes, you may not be able to hike those 20 km mountain hikes with him.. but you will learn his stamina and his ability. Check out the story about Bart.. he was a tripawd and he still hunted!! And then there was Maggie.. who still did agility runs!! He could become the best couch potato who loves to watch movies with you too! Besides.. that missing front legs makes belly and chest rubs soooo much easier!!
Tell them you want him.. before they do something drastic! Some breeders when they know they do not have desirable pups, dispose of them... Not saying this one does.. but some do...
Call them.. and tell them... now! 
Christine... with Franklin & Maggie in her heart♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
Pawesome tips Christine! I always think of you and your pack when Springers come into the conversation. Thank you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
ok.. I'm just checking back... what happened???? tell us?? are you adopting him?
Christine... with Franklin and Maggie in her heart♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
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