Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi guys!
Here's Tommy who's adjusted to life on three legs faster than I could ever imagine! He doesn't even miss the leg one bit! His hair is growing out and I would like to thank everyone in this community because we would both not be here if it weren't for everybody here! 
On a distressing note, however, I've noticed Tommy's paws are raw.. 2 of his nails have fallen off and I believe it's from having all that weight on his legs. He really doesn't notice there's a leg missing... It's impossible to limit his activity and he's jumping and running around as he ever was. I keep the harness on him to help when I notice he's going to jump off of something but often times he does it too fast 
Does anyone have any helpful tips?
p.s. I'm applying Neosporin on his injured paws and I'll be purchasing boots for him to help with the impact when he walks. He's also in the process of losing weight. And I took him to the vet but there wasn't any noticeable damage on our first visit, waiting til they can see him in a couple of days.
Also! Before I forget, does anyone have any suggestions for what supplements to put him on? The vet recommended Glucosamine and Fish Oil.. so I'll start him on that but I would like to know if anyone had additional suggestions or advice. Thank you!
Oh look at that hoppy boy! What a sweetie! I swear that boy just smiles so big!
I'm glad you're taking him in to see the vet. It's not unheard of for a Tripawd to get pressure sores sometimes, but not for nails to fall off. Gonna bet that the nails and paws issues are a separate issue than his life on 3 legs, hopefully something very easy to resolve. Just curious which foot is the problem on?
As far as supplements, your vet's tips are perfect, I would focus on a good quality glucosamine and fish oil, that's a good place to start. Introducing too much all at once can be overwhelming to both you, him and his belly. Our Tripawds Nutrition blog has lots of supplement tips.
Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
What an adorable cutie!!
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
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YAAAAAAAAAY FOR TOMMY!!! Great update! And adorable pictures!!
Oddly enough, my Happy Hannah did lose two of her nails so.ewhat early on kf I recall. By early on, maybe within the first three to six mo ths...maybe? Anyway, in ner case, the vet seemed to think it was the pressure of her nails digging I to the sla ted ramp as she pu ded...and I do mean punded...up and down them. I'm thinking that, at the time, maybe her nails needed triming too.
Keep on rocki 'Tommy! We're all cheering for you!
@ove!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
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!
The doctor recommended that as well. Just trimming his nails to see if that works out! I'll post a other pic when he gets his booties because I know he'll look so cute!
Ouch! I had a 4-legged dog who had a couple nails fall off. We never got an an answer as to the cause though and it did resolve itself and never happened again.
We give Dasuquin (glucosamine plus some other good stuff) and salmon oil to our dogs at the recommendation of an orthopedic surgeon. He said if you can't give anything else the salmon oil was the best supplement for joints. In research for myself I have discovered that cold-processed fish oils are preferred since that processing degrades the nutrients.
Hugs to Tommy! He looks great!
xoxo,
Martha, Codie Rae, and the Oaktown Pack
Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!
Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!
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