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.
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1:48 am
Anyone out there have a small tripaw. I have a rescued 3-legged Chihuahua who is missing a front leg. He gets along just great and you would never know he is missing a leg. We think that this is a birth defect b/c there is no evidence of any amputation or trauma.
Many thanks! Arent Tripawd pets great???
I will post photos sooon
Susan
9:07 pm
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
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If he's been three legged since birth, I doubt there's any reason for concern about him overworking his leg. He's never known any other way to get around so I bet his body has grown and strengthened accordingly.
Try searching the forums too. I just found this post from small three legged dog Fiametta.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The leg was more likely amputated--a good surgeon can make it look like the leg was never there at all, especially once a few years have passed since the surgery. I have a cat whose leg was amputated when she was a kitten and most people who see her assume she was born that way. The only tip off is a small place where the tabby markings don't completely line up, but you wouldn't even have that on an animal with solid coloring.
As long as the rest of his legs are ok, he should get along fine! Couldn't hurt to get him checked out by a vet to make sure he doesn't have any orthopedic problems, though, especially since patellar luxation is pretty common in Chihuahuas. It's a knee problem that can be corrected best if you catch it early on.
6:48 pm
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
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Great advice abc, Thanks!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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I am worried that he will overuse his good front leg and lose use of it. Anyone have any similar stories or any resources to which you can point me. I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico.