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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Two days ago, my boyfriend walked outside to get something from the carport. When he opened the door, there was a 4 month old Golden Retriever puppy with half of his leg missing. He came in and woke me up telling me that we had an injured dog outside. Looking at the injury, you could tell that it was over a week old.
I walked out and I instantly recognized the puppy, from his collar. This puppy was from up the road about 5 miles. I used to see the puppy playing in the road when I drive by going home from work. I told Mike so. While I was telling him, tears were streaming down my face because of the suffering the little guy endured.
Mike loaded the puppy in the truck and took him right away to our vet's office. My vet told us that he would have to have his front leg amputated. It would cost $250 to have the procedure done. Mike told them to give him some pain meds and he would call back since we knew who the dog belonged to. He would call in a little bit to let them know if they could go ahead with the procedure.
On his way back, he saw the owner of the puppy outside his house. Mike stopped and asked the guy if he was missing his Golden Retriever Puppy. The man stated that two weeks ago, the puppy got hit by a car (on a Friday) and he tried to doctor him at the house because no vet's were open. (obvious lie since my vet is open on Saturday's and will come to your house in emergency situations. My vet is located 1/2 mile from this man's house. He stated that he ran away.... Not once did he act concerned how his puppy was. It was all Mike could do not to hit this guy. The man finally admitted that he drove the puppy out our way and dumped him off. Hoping that he would become prey for another animal! Mike informed him that he would not have to worry about the puppy. That he now had a new home with us. That we would pay the money for the procedure. Called out vet in front of him and gave the go ahead...
I called a friend of mine who is the animal control officer in the town where the puppy is from. Explained the situation, the injuries etc... The man will be charged with animal cruelty and neglect.... Pictures were taken at the vet and my vet provided a statement...
We named the little one Tripawd. This is kind of funny since we didn't know that this site existed when Mike named him.... His name is not set in stone. Depending on his personality. He comes home tonight. I am so excited to have him.
Can you give us some tips regarding post surgical and general tri ownership? I also have 4 other dogs. (all rescues) I will post pictures tonight when he comes home.
Vikki
Rocky became a Tripaw after a previous owner dumped him off after he was hit by a car...Rocky's Daily Blog
Oh. My. DOG.
Where do I begin without letting out a bunch of expletives about that cruel, stupid idiot? 
OK, b r e a t h e .... whew!!!
Now, welcome to Tripawds! You and your hubby are obviously enlightened, pawesome, loving, kind and generous human beings and we think you from the bottom of our hearts for taking in this sweet puppy. What a fabulous life we know you can give him, what dog could ask for more?
First things first....the good news is that his age is very much on his side. Many members here begin their lives as Tripawds (which I why I moved your post to this "Beyond Cancer" topic, so others could read about your pup's non-cancer related story..hope that was OK). And as long as you keep him lean and don't let him get overweight, he will be fine.
The recovery phase will be a little challenging with your other dogs around, but you're not the only one who has ever had a large pack around during one dog's amputation recovery. Others will share their experiences here, so stay tuned. But in the meantime, check out our Required Reading List so you know what to expect. Our e-Book, Three Legs & a Spare, also has lots of insight about what to expect. And our California Animal Rehabilitation Center videos are also good ways to learn about amptuation recovery and caring for a Tripawd.
We can't wait to see pictures of your little guy. Thank you so much for opening your heart to him, and joining our community!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sorry I am going to loose it here and say that this story completely pissed me off (Except the part where you came in). What is wrong with people? I cannot believe that man let that poor dog's leg in that condition, half off and the dog suffering in pain. What a moron! And to actually have admitted it too! Actually I am glad he did and is going to be prosecuted. If he could not afford the payment or want to pay it at least take him to a vet and surrender him so they can take care of him. That is just so so cruel. Thank God for people like you angels rescuing him and not only taking him for care, but taking him in. He could have had other injuries too that were unseen due to getting hit by a car. "Tripawd" has a great mom and dad. Ditto to what Jerry said about joining our community and please post pictures. You will find loads and loads of help here. So ask away and if you need to see any pictures post recovery so you know what to expect, there is an album for that too.
Cadence's Mom
Cadence Faye: Born 10/30/04, stepped into our hearts 12/23/2004. Rear leg tumor found 7/24/11 by mom and dad, Xray on 7/25/11, Osteosarcoma suspected 7/26/11, amputation 7/29/11, Carboplatin started 8/23. Met free so far!
I really look forward to our new life with "Tripawd"…. I can't wait for him to come home. We have been rescuing animals for years. Dogs, Cats, Horses. This little guy really tugged our heart strings. He wasn't aggressive but was extremely friendly even with the severity of his injury.. We have had other special needs dogs. I just lost my blind lab. I honestly think he sent Tripawd to us.
I give one of my dogs Glucosamine on a daily basis. Joint issues due to severe starvation. Would this help Tripawd in the long run? Since he is a puppy, do you think he would benefit from a daily multivitamin?
Thank you for the reading suggestions. I plan on reading up on it this afternoon before he comes home. I also look forward to making some new friends here. Thanks for the warm welcome!
Rocky became a Tripaw after a previous owner dumped him off after he was hit by a car...Rocky's Daily Blog
Second Golden Retriever abuse post today (Harry from CT was the first)-- I, too, am so incredibly pissed off with the cruelty of people. I am surprised and relieved to hear that the jerk is going to be charged. Goldens are the most wonderful dogs- smart, loving, loyal, beautiful, perfect-- how could anyone hurt one? Just don't get it...
That being said, I want to hug you and Mike for taking care of that poor little puppy and giving him the life he deserves. Please post pictures of the little guy; we love cute puppy pics. You certainly have all the help and advice you need here, but I suspect you'll find out very quickly that once he recovers (in about two weeks), he'll be no different than your other dogs.
Catherine
Scout: January 31, 2002 to November 7, 2011
Scout's diagnosis was "poorly differentiated sarcoma"; amputation 1/11/2011. Scout enjoyed 9 fantastic years on 4 legs and 9 glorious months on 3 legs. If love alone could have saved you…
I ain't even going to get started on this little guys story.
Well done to you and your hubby for taking this little guy in.
Our girl Kayla lost her front leg at 3 months old and they bounce back really quick at this age. The hardest part of the recovery is keeping them calm, Kayla kept chasing the cats and digging in the garden a few days after her surgery 🙂 It will also be a bit harder for you with your other dogs but keeping them somewhat seperated will help.
If you have any slippery floors in your house put rugs down to help with traction , and raising the feed bowls will help him eat etc (although Kayla hates it and just eats lying down 🙂
If there is anything you are worried about no matter how small or silly, just ask, we have all been there.
Hope all goes well and keep us posted ok, oh and pictures!!!
Sarah
PS - Cadences mums idea of looking at the pics on here of amp sites is a good idea as it is a bit shocking when you see them for the first time afterwards.
What a terrible way to find this site, but welcome nonetheless! Regarding your request for suggestions:
Rugs for traction . Bathroom throw rugs work wonderfully b/c of the backing they don't slip around. Zeus is an older dog, so when we moved into a house with alot of hardwood and tile, we bought runners to stretch from room to room. We bought the kind from Home Depot that are on a roll and they cut them to fit the length you need. I would NOT suggest these. They were okay when he had all four legs, but the pile (sp?) is very short and tight and he doesn't get enough traction on them now that he hops on three legs. They are also quite expensive.
If he has fur between his toes, keep it trimmed short to help with traction .
I've never heard a vet say that glucosimine is bad for a dog, but with him being a puppy and still growing, I would check with your vet.
Congratulations on your new addition! Good luck!
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
OK Scout, I frequented Petfinders when I was trying to find another poodle and I was always attracted to and reading about the "special needs" dogs. Some of the stories of what people do to these pets make me ill.
Oh, Vikki, there is also a special kind of "paw balm" you can buy to rub on dogs paws to help them keep traction too because a dry paw is a slippery paw! Spirit Jerry can elaborate. I can't think of it off the top of my head.
Cadence's Mom
Cadence Faye: Born 10/30/04, stepped into our hearts 12/23/2004. Rear leg tumor found 7/24/11 by mom and dad, Xray on 7/25/11, Osteosarcoma suspected 7/26/11, amputation 7/29/11, Carboplatin started 8/23. Met free so far!
I have to agree with you on what some people will do to animals. It makes me heartsick to see what is done to the helpless furbabies. That is why we devote our love and home to helping all fur kids. I have two rescue horses who were horribly treated. It took them a while to trust us but now, they are the best horses I have ever had.
Really? I would be interested in finding out more.
Rocky became a Tripaw after a previous owner dumped him off after he was hit by a car...Rocky's Daily Blog
Oh Yeah I have to P.S. and vent this and say that it was really an ignoramous (sp?) move on the part of the guy to let his puppy play in the road. I realize that accidents happen and dogs have escaped in the road and have been hit by cars, but in this case, the guy was truly neglectful and didn't care. I bet he was hoping he would get hit. Numbnuts! 
How do people like this get dogs?
Cadence Faye: Born 10/30/04, stepped into our hearts 12/23/2004. Rear leg tumor found 7/24/11 by mom and dad, Xray on 7/25/11, Osteosarcoma suspected 7/26/11, amputation 7/29/11, Carboplatin started 8/23. Met free so far!
Trifod, are you thinking of Musher's Secret?
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
welcome to the site, and thanks for rescuing this little guy...it never ceases to amaze me how the world has such potential, but is full of such numbskulls like your neighbors...hopefully he will be covered in boils, or have eternal anal itch or something equally awful strick him. we lived in tx for 13 years, and both of our pups we had there were someone else's 'throwaways' - the best girls in the world!!
cadence's mom was probably talking about 'musher's secret'. you rub it on the paws of any dog, to help with maintaining healthy pads, and it gives good traction . if you get some, remember that a little goes a long way, and you really want to rub it in well, as it's sticky and messy if not.
looking forward to hearing how tripawd gets through surgery and to seeing pictures, we love pictures!!
charon & spirit gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
OMLord, Charon, I just spit soda out my nose. "Eternal Anal Itch" ?!!! Love it!
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Yes, let's all hope for that eternal itch (thanks Charon!).
Kodasmom said "I walked out and I instantly recognized the puppy, from his collar."
So, Cadence's mom, to add to the idiot point-- what kind of idiot drives his injured dog 5 miles down the road to dump him and leave him for dead AND LEAVES HIS COLLAR ON?
Like those morons who rear end you and then run, leaving their front plate lodged in your rear bumper...
still fuming...
going to need some cute Tripawd pics soon to calm me down, so don't delay!
Scout: January 31, 2002 to November 7, 2011
Scout's diagnosis was "poorly differentiated sarcoma"; amputation 1/11/2011. Scout enjoyed 9 fantastic years on 4 legs and 9 glorious months on 3 legs. If love alone could have saved you…
OMG. I can't believe your neighbor. I can totally understand your B.F. being tempted to punch him. People can be so incredibly stupid and cruel sometimes.
But at least the little guy is now in the hands of good people. He'll adjust quickly and have a great life with you.
We used Musher's Secret w/ our Abby and it helped on the wood floors (esp'y since she never would have stood still for wearing booties, so it was our best option).
It is awesome to be a tripawd pawrent. Welcome to the club and bless you for rescuing that sweet pea! We need pictures!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
1 Guest(s)
