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 there as you read the title I'm new to all this. I have a 4 day old pup and he had bad gashes on his leg and he is going in on friday to amputate his back right leg, we don't know how he got the cuts but we think its because the mother tried to pick him up by the leg and maybe bit down...So anyways I'm just wondering if since hes a pup and all will I have to worry about most problems like other families are having when an older dog gets an amputation.
Oh and his name is Spirit and he is living up to it.
Also I have already taken him into the vet, got him med and antibiotics into his system. Vet wants to wait till friday so the antibiotics have kicked in and he will be older.
Hi Spirit and Poaler, welcome. I'm sorry to hear that you'll be losing that leg at such a young age. Is there any chance at all that the leg can be saved or is it really messed up? Oftentimes a second opinion from a specialist such as an orthopedic doctor or veterinary rehab therapist can mean the difference between keeping a leg or not, if you haven't already done so I would recommend that.
What kind of dog is Spirit? Will he grow to be very large? Very young Tripawds usually do just as well as older dogs but some will face extra challenges because they don't have their coordination and balance down yet. Older dogs have already figured out "proprioception " (awareness of one's body in space) so they get around better sooner than young pups. Just something to remember if he shows balance and coordination issues. If there's a chance that you can get him to a rehab therapist that could make a huge difference in his quality of life as he gets older.
Here's a story about Spree, she lost her leg as a very young dog, see how she recovered. Also, other dogs like Maverick and Serge are going through the very same thing right now although they're a little older. Check out these posts in "Beyond Cancer" for more examples of young puppy Tripawds.
I highly recommend checking our the Tripawds e-books library too, so you know what to expect. We're glad you joined us!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well when they looked at it she said there was way to much dead skin and flesh to be able to save it, and his best odds are to have it amputated. So it seems that it will just take him a bit longer to get started then. The vet did however say he will heal alot faster since he is younger so that is some good news.
Although Riddle me this, I know the vet cleaned the wound and gave him an antibiotic shot but she didn't close it and just told me not to let his mama lick it. Should I be concerned about it open? I know its only 2 days away and it might not matter from here till friday. The vet did tell me to watch out for discharging and if it starts looking worse the vet said.
Reading those stories was nice and looks like they live perfectly normal lives, and thats good because I'm a big camper haha.
Oh also he is a Great Pyrenees/Heeler. I'm thinking he will grow to be big my dog just only had him.
Awww he sounds like a great pup, what a fantastic life he'll have with you.
I think I understand why the vet suggest amputation, thanks for the clarification. Yeah I can imagine that a little guy like him wouldn't have a lot of flesh left there to heal over. Ouch.
Many vets opt to leave wounds uncovered for different reasons. I'm suspecting that yours left it uncovered because yes, the surgery is coming up. Just watch for signs of infection (smells or discharge), he should be fine.
Many dogs have been Tripawds since birth, don't worry, life will be good to him. Keep us posted and post some pix if you'd like, we'd love to see the little pup.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just want to send you best wishes for a great outcome.
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!
jerry said
Awww he sounds like a great pup, what a fantastic life he'll have with you.I think I understand why the vet suggest amputation, thanks for the clarification. Yeah I can imagine that a little guy like him wouldn't have a lot of flesh left there to heal over. Ouch.
Many vets opt to leave wounds uncovered for different reasons. I'm suspecting that yours left it uncovered because yes, the surgery is coming up. Just watch for signs of infection (smells or discharge), he should be fine.
Many dogs have been Tripawds since birth, don't worry, life will be good to him. Keep us posted and post some pix if you'd like, we'd love to see the little pup.
Oh yea hes a very healthy pup at 4 days old he weighed in at 1.15lb. I did come across that they leave the wounds open so they can drain, so reading your comment verified that for me thanks.
Im very excited to raise Spirit and cant wait to start all his training and learning with him, I cant afford to pay for training/rehab, I had to get care credit just to save him, so I've been doing my research on how to do it on my own. So if you have any pointers or can direct me to the right websites it would be much appreciated.
Will also post pics later today so you all can see him!
benny55 said
Just want to send you best wishes for a great outcome.
Thank you for the wishes! The community on this site seems very helpful and caring.
Never fear, there is so much you can do to help him get strong on your own!
- walking on couch cushions (helps with balance)
- walking through sand (strengthens)
- wading through low water (resistance training)
- Walking over low obstacles like ladders, curbs, hedges
Here are more ideas;
Core Strengthening, when to start?
Best of Tripawds Gear and Fitness Tips for Three Legged Dogs
Stay Strong with Maggie’s FitPAWS Workout
Why Longer Walks Won’t Strengthen a Tripawd’s Leg Muscles
And our best tips ever, our e-book,
Loving Life on 3 Legs: a Guide for Caring for your Three-Legged Dog
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Such a sweet baby! Sending you all the most pawsitive thoughts. Spirit's story is going to be a great one to follow and I look forward to hearing it all.
Take care-
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
ok tomorrow we're taking in Spirit to get his rear right leg amputated, and tomorrow he's also a week old!
What a tiny little guy! He will never know he ever had four legs.
Good luck with the surgery tomorrow, keep us posted.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Good luck with the surgery please keep us posted on how the little guy is doing
hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
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