Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat. Explore 17+ years of forum archives for stories and answers to questions about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery. Enjoy fresh discussion and connect with members in the new Tripawds Support Circle.
Join The Tripawds Community
Register your free account to join the Tripawds Support Circle. Connecting with members and getting the support you need is now easier than ever with the Circle app!
✅ Easy Photo Upload
✅ Direct Messaging
✅ Subscribe to Topics.
✅ Live Chat and much more!
Forums Locked: Search archives for answers & join Tripawds Support Circle to keep discussion going!
Log In
Members
Help!
After Lady finally recovered from her operation and learnt to move around really well on 3 legs, she now faces a new complication.
A couple of days ago, Lady started showing a sudden weakness in her remaining rear leg and I noticed that her gait had changed from a tri-pod look (with her remaining back leg being placed on the ground between her hips) to a 4 legged look (she now places it on the ground at the side as she would do if she had 4 legs). Yesterday, it gradually got worse to a point where she could barely hold her self up when moving. I rang my vet last night, checked for ticks and took her in this morning thinking she had either ruptured a cruciate or had the start of Wobbler's disease, both of which my vet had said were possible. However, once he had seen her this morning, he ruled out both conditions and also added that her muscle tone was good, spine was straight, she is not exhibiting any pain, she can support herself while standing still and that she had probably just strained a muscle and needs to be confined for a couple of weeks, given anti-inflammatories, heat packs and taken for a visit to a dog physio. I have an old cot sheet that I am using as a sling to support her rear end, but it is really upsetting me watching her look so helpless. My husband wants to send her to doggy heaven, but I want to see whether she improves. Now I don't know what to do?! I am so sad, distressed and upset. Has anyone else experienced this kind of problem?
9:29 am
29 October 2010
Offline
I didn't have the exact same situation, but our Abby hurt her toe on her remaining front leg very badly and couldn't put weight on it. At first I didn't know it was just her toe and feared the worst. But the vet realized what the problem was and we just had to let her rest a few days.
I think if Lady isn't exhibited signs of pain, as you mentioned, and if the vet doesn't think it is anything more serious than a strain, then if it were me I'd just try to keep her as quiet as possible for several days and see if it improves. Is she normally a very active dog? Will it be hard to keep her quiet?
Please keep us posted. I hope she starts to feel better soon!
Jackie, 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!
10:30 am
17 February 2010
Offline
I'm sorry to hear that Lady is having trouble. Hopefully, it's just a temporary setback that lots of rest will take care of. Not showing pain is good, so I would wait a bit and then re-asses the situation. Did the vet do any x-rays? I hope she feeling like herself again soon.
Lisa
Sadie is my 9yr old Rott/Shepherd mix. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right scapula 1/28/10. Our brave girl had her amputation 2/13/10 and her last chemotherapy on 6/6/10. Unfortunately, a tumor appeared in her back right leg and on 10/7/2010 Sadie's earthly journey came to an end. On 10/24/2010 we adopted Ranger, a handsome Rott/Lab mix tripawd (got hit by a car) I think Sadie sent him to us.
http://ranger.t.....pawds.com/
11:41 am
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
Offline
Oh this has got to be hard. It's so tough when nopawdy seems to know what's going on.
Can you take her to see a certified canine rehab veterinarian? We have seen these folks do amazing work on animals that doctors practicing conventional medicine just gave up on. Check out this article we wrote about how to get help.
What is Lady's age? Why is she a Tripawd? Forgive me if you've mentioned it before but I'm having a brain fart.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
5:24 pm
No experience with this but I sure am hoping and praying that Lady gets back to normal soon!! Hopefully some rest and the meds will help the problem. She is a Doberman right? How old is she? I have a 9 yr old Doberman named Emalee. 
Thanks for your comments, yes, she is a Doberman and will be 11 in December. Everything about her is normal, including her appetite. I am seeing another vet this afternoon who specialises in orthopaedics. She hasn't done a wee since yesterday morning or a poo for nearly 3 days because she can't squat, even though I am taking her out and supporting her rear end.
Unfortunately, my husband has badly injured his back so can't work for about 6 weeks, so having more x-rays is financially out of the question 🙁
I have a blog going http://www.lady.....ipawds.com
Hopefully things will improve by the end of the week, otherwise.... 🙁 🙁
Hi AbbysMom, I am wondering if it is her foot. Hopefully the vet this afternoon will be able to identify.
9:52 am
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
Offline
That's smart of you to get another opinion. If her appetite is good, that's a good sign. You may want to help her bowel movements by feeding a bit of either: olive oil, mineral oil, fish oil, pumpkin or even Metamucil.
Please let us know what the ortho doc says. I know you're in a heartbreaking spot right now, but do check out our Financial Resources info here in "Tips & Resources", there's a list of organizations that might be able to help if more tests are required. Good luck.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
11:34 pm
14 August 2009
Offline
We are so sorry to hear that Lady was put to rest.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
