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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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Possibly a new tripawd mom....
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Member Since:
12 May 2014
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14 May 2014 - 9:38 pm
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Well here my story, I got a new husky puppy (6 months old) brought her home everything was fine and then I left to go to the store, well needless to say when I got back she had jumped out the window of my house, well long story short the following day she was hit by a car :( she has a broken humorous (shoulder bone) and I've opt to have it pinned and plated or amputated? I'm wondering what would be the right way to go, I've talked to 4 vets and all suggested amputation, I'm very scared and worried of this idea and wondering how she would take it? I love her to death already and really want what's best for her. If anyone can give me incite on amputation, having a 3 legged dog, what to expect, what I need and should know, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks everyone!!!

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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14 May 2014 - 9:44 pm
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She is so cute.... I really hope Karma will weigh in here as she has a husky that's a tripawd and she does AMAZING!!! You wouldn't even know. 

I can share our story - we had a broken leg that was plated and pinned but eventually had to be amputated. But we were dealing with cancer. 🙁 

But I can say that my 13 year old dog did great on 3 legs before she passed ... as a young pup, I suspect she will do great!!! Good luck and I am sure others will weigh in.

Alison & her Shelby fur-ever in her heart 

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

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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14 May 2014 - 9:44 pm
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Hi Lilly, I'll reply in a sec but I just wanted to let you know I'm in the chat right now. Hop on over & scroll down, a box will load and you can type.

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

On The Road


Member Since:
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14 May 2014 - 9:51 pm
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Ok so, welcome! Your future posts won't require moderation.

I'm sorry to hear about your Husky. What's her name? She sounds like a typical husky, lots of energy that needs lots of channeling and pawsitive interaction! They are soooooo smart. Just ask Karma, mom to Adelaide the front-leg Tripawd Husky.

It's good you've talked to four different vets but were any of them orthopedic surgeons? That's the opinion you really want to get just to be certain. I know that it's a leap of faith to try pinning and plating, we've had many dogs here whose humans opted for that choice and it didn't work out so they ended up amputating anyways. I can't tell you how many are successful but that's because they never become Tripawds and we don't see them here. It's a tough choice for sure.

If you do go the Tripawd route, rest assured that she will do great. There are many things you can do to help her stay strong and healthy for life, because you really want to minimize joint stress and injury risk.

Start by reading Jerry's Required Reading List and if you're so inclined, our Tripawds e-books are also super helpful. Stay tuned for others to chime in here and share their inspawrational stories! Hang in there, we are here for you.

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

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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14 May 2014 - 10:07 pm
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I was owned vy a Husky once..... smart, energetic, playful, loyal, strong-willed, determned, clownish AND mischievous!! The first vacation to the beach I took him n.....yeah.....jumped out of a screened window when I walked down to the beach and left him i side for just a few minites while I checked things out! Fortunately he was okay!

Others will chimei, butit does seem that most dogs who have to go through these types of surgies, pinnings, etc, end up having the leg amutated anyway due to infectins, nsuccessful surgery or recurringproblems requiring more surgeries.

Have you had him checked out by an ORTHOPEDIC surgeon? Is the reason the vets are suggesting amputation because of the things I just mentined?

I know it's scarey to think avout amputation. As everyonehp here wil tell you, dogs do amazngly well and adjust withing 24 - 48 hurs as thoughn they never even needed that fourth leg!

And youngsters will adjist very quickly! You'll jave to keep him exceptionally quiet the first two weeks at least...at least! You'll want to read al of the books on Jerry's Required Reading List .

Keep us posted. You are not alone, okay?

Hugs tonyo andyour beautiful boy!

Sally and Happy Hannah

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!

Member Since:
12 May 2014
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14 May 2014 - 10:10 pm
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Thanks so much! Glad to actually find a community that knows as some people have looked down on me for thinking about amputation but in my honest opinion I think it's the best! Her name is tala (means wolf in Native American) she's such a great puppy and I just worry about all the things that could go wrong or even her not acting like a normal puppy anymore which that would devastate me, I don't want her to change at all, I've never had to deal with this but I'm glad I found y'all. Two out of the four vets we have seen were ortho ones, they all suggested pins but said that it was a very great chance something would go wrong and it wouldn't heal right. Which is why we're thinking about amputation. It would be her left front leg, I've heard stories about many dogs are great with 3 legs and if we go through the surgery I hope she will too. And I will be sure too read those.

Virginia
Member Since:
26 January 2014
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15 May 2014 - 5:02 am
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My Jake was a lab husky mix. The only thing "lab" about him were his ears and coloring. He was total husky personality, right down to the howling and he was so smart and extremely loyal. (Im a little biased on huskies I admit, but they really are some of the greatest dogs). He had his front left leg/shoulder removed (due to cancer) and he did great with the amputation! I agree with Sally about the orthopedic. We all wondered about how our pups would do, I think we tend to equate it with humans losing a limb. Look around this site and you'll see how amazing these animals do. 

I agree with everyone, check out Adelaide. She is awesome! 

Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”  

      





Member Since:
16 October 2012
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15 May 2014 - 7:42 am
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Welcome to the club.  I know I don't have much to add as Sassy was 6 & had her amputation due to cancer but she did awesome.  Like Alison said about having her dogs leg pinned sometimes it still leads to amputation down the road.  And more of an expense.  Sounds like Tala is young enough to adapt and won't even remember have that 4 leg. 

 

I know Karma with Addy is always showing her running crazy.  She escapes her fence and has to chase her down.  She is still a very active dog and she is maybe 2 now? if I remember right. 

If you go the amputation route get her on a good joint supplement so as it keeps her joints strong as hopping is a little harder on them. 

 

Good luck & keep us posted on what you decide and don't hesitate to ask questions

 

hugs

michelle & Angel Sassy

sassymichelle-sm.jpg

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."

Orrtanna Pa.
Member Since:
25 January 2014
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15 May 2014 - 8:30 am
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My Black Lab Ty had a pin and plate done on his right ,front leg due to the same thing. He was a year old and was hit by a car. I was not really given a choice. When they did the surgery, it was , we will fix it if we can or we will amputate if we cannot. He did fine for 6 and 1/2 years. You would not know he had anything done. His was his leg, although, in hindsight, I wonder if there was not some shoulder issues also. He had his right leg and shoulder amputated this past January for Histeosarcoma. I have since read of a corolation between metal pins and plates and bone cancer. You may want to do some research on the subject to help with your decision. Would I have done it differently? I don't know. I went with the vet's advice. However, this is the same vet that was totally against amputation when Ty started to limp on his right leg. He removed the plate and pins and left the leg. So I think he is a vet who thinks amputation is a last resort. I think that as a 1 year old dog, your guy would do fine on 3 legs. In the end, whatever decision you go with, you just have to realize that you made that decision with your dog's best interest at heart. It is so easy to go back and second guess what you could have done differently. Do not do that, it will drive you crazy. I lost my boy in April and have spent a lot of time doing that lately. Keep us posted on how he is doing. This forum is the best support around. You will quickly become surrounded with the most loving and kind people that have great advice.Love from, Lori and Ty

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. 

Member Since:
12 May 2014
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15 May 2014 - 11:06 am
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Thanks everyone, this is defiantly a hard decision but she will have her leg amputated tomorrow morning and we will get to pick her up that evening. I hope she does well with her surgery! I will keep everyone updated. Thank you! And sorry for your loss, hope everyone else goes well.

Member Since:
12 May 2014
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16 May 2014 - 8:07 am
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Update everyone: tala is in surgery and will soon become a 3 legged pup!

Idaho
Member Since:
12 March 2013
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16 May 2014 - 8:26 am
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All paws crossed for a quick recovery. Please keep us posted....and, yes, pictures will be in order!

Kathi and Murphy

Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!

UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!

On The Road


Member Since:
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16 May 2014 - 10:29 am
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Best wishes to you both! We'll be waiting for word on how it went so when you have a chance hop on over and update us.

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

Member Since:
12 May 2014
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16 May 2014 - 4:47 pm
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Update. Surgery went great, got to take her home and she is already hopping around :) she's such a silly girl! But she still needs to learn her balance better, but she is doing awesome...pics to come later!!!

On The Road


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16 May 2014 - 9:46 pm
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One step at a time... please keep us posted!

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

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