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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8:27 pm
Members
28 December 2011
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i have adopted a 3 legged golden retriever puppy, she was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around her right front leg and it atrophied and basically dropped off when she was born at the knee, leaving a strange little stump behind, when she was very small she used to try and use this stump as a leg but now she is taller she cant, her front leg is curving inward to help her balance and her spine is curved now, i just got her, she is about 8months old and we took her to the vet who took x rays and said the growth plate is seperating from her bones in the 'knee' joint and she already has swelling around the 'ankle' joint which is arthritis, the vet has put a cast on her leg to try and give the leg some support to allow the growth plate to finish its growing, she is MISERABLE, my question is to anyone out there who has a dog that was born with 3 legs and therefore had to grow like this (not dogs who were fully grown and had to have an amputation), have your dogs had any issues with the remaining front leg ? how long have they/did they live? im worried about how long she will live if she has these issues with her front leg already and already has arthritis forming, i wonder how long it will take before she needs pain meds. we are starting her on a joint supplement, we got an orthopedic doggy bed, we carry her up and down stairs and have a raised food/water bowl so she doesnt lean over to much. any advice as to how you think she turn out? thanks 🙂
8:45 pm
12 February 2010
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well, if she is in pain, and is miserable, then maybe amputation would be your best option.
comet was a hoarder pup who had a deformed front leg and learned to live with it for her entire life.... i'm sure you're get input from her mom shortly. our pups do amazingly well on three legs, especially when they are tripawds from puppyhood. fortunately, you aren't dealing with cancer.
if the leg is the only issue you are dealing with, then maybe you need to think about having a three legged dog that isn't in pain and is a family member for alot of years to come.
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
8:48 pm
6 March 2011
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I don't have experience with this but I'm sure Cometdog will weigh in - her pup was born with a deformed leg and did great. It sounds like you are taking excellent care of her. What's her name? Maybe you could post a picture, we love pictures, especially of puppies!
http://tate.tripawds.com/
August 16, 2006 to November 28, 2011
TATE ~ Forever in our hearts.
9:01 pm
Members
28 December 2011
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i dont think she is in any pain right now, i just worry about how long she will be able to go before she gets in any pain with her leg having these issues already, i wonder if my time with her is limited or if she will live a long life? anyone has experience with puppies like this would love your input
9:31 pm
Check out this forum thread posted by munko.
Dante is their now 2 year old tripawd, they adopted him as a puppy. He is also a front amp. munko doesn't post a lot, but you could try sending them a private message (PM) for advice.
Karen and the pugapalooza
9:45 pm
29 October 2010
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I don't have experience with this either, but just wanted to say welcome and best of luck.
As others have said, Comet lived a long full happy life. I'm sure her mom will weigh in.
Please keep us posted. And, yes, we love pictures. 🙂
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!
11:35 am
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
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Many dogs do quite well when born with a deformity or having lost a leg early in life. The problem with any sort of remaining limb is that the dog will try to use it, causing spinal issues down the road due to torsion and compensation. Having no leg at all is often better than a partial limb the dog tries to use, but if there is enough remaining limb a prosthetic may help.
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