Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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Hi. My husband and I recently adopted a 4 month old puppy, Piper. She is a front-leg tripawd, losing her leg at 3 months to an injury due to neglect by her previous owner. We've had Piper for about a week now. She has adapted wonderfully, already using the stairs and doggie door. She is part of a pack, so she has several playmates.
Does anyone have any experience with puppy tripawds? We are wondering how this might change her body/growth. For instance, we are already noticing her foot turning in... We've already been warned to keep her weight low, but right now she's a growing girl! Are there issues that we need to look out for as she grows, or throughout her life?
Thank you for this wonderful resource! We love our new baby!
4:26 pm
Moderators
Helpline Hosts
18 October 2009
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Hi and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
Congratulations on adding Piper to your pack!
Piper looks like a cutie- what kind of pup? How big will she get?
I adopted my current Tripawd Elly when she was 10 months old. She lost her right rear leg at 7 months after being hit by a car. Elly is a small pug mix weighing about 15 or 16 lbs.
You are right to be vigilant about her activity levels. Not only duration but type of play should be monitored. Puppies growth plates don't close until around 18 months so you want to be cognizant of that.
Core strength is really important for Tripawds and the good news is that working on their core wears them out without too much stress on the joints or bones. I work with Elly every day on her strength and balance through food puzzles and games, balance exercises and obedience practice.
Traction is also very important for tripawds, especially new tripawds and clumsy puppies. Be sure any slippery floors in your house have throw rugs for Piper. Yoga mats work well also.
As far as the foot turning in- can you post a picture. Front amp tripawd's front leg naturally takes up a more central position under their chest.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Maggie's Story Amputation and Chemo
Find me now on Tripawds Circle
Thanks for responding! We aren't really sure how big Piper will get. She's about 16 pounds now. She has big paws, but we have reasons to think that she's not going to get very big... she was extremely sick when she was surrendered with her crushed leg, she was near death and not eating. It's possible that her early trauma and illness might have stunted her growth a bit.
I don't have a picture of the paw, and she's sound asleep!
Can you direct me to a resource for core strengthening? What puzzle toys are you using for her? We've started basic obedience, and she's is doing great at that, but all this girl wants to do is jump & run everywhere! What type of play needs to be limited for her? She's a wild child!
4:59 pm
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
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cyndoug said
Can you direct me to a resource for core strengthening?
Loving Life On Three Legs is the best single resource. This e-book is filled with direct links to out most helpful articles, videos and podcasts in addition to plenty of original content with professional tips from rehab specialists and veterinarians we have interviewed.
Otherwise, you will find lots of helpful tips in the Tripawds News blog and Gear blog by searching for rehab and related terms. Check out the Resources page and Jerry's Required Reading List too.
Use the Advanced Search above to refine your search results with specific phrases here in the forums, and you're sure to find more helpful feedback. You can also search all blogs here .
Here are just a few links to get you started...
Why Core Strength Matters for Tripawd Dogs
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
8:32 pm
Bucketeers
27 July 2014
Offline
What a sweet looking pup. I wanted to mention that my cat Mona was walking with her her paw turned inward after her amputation. She did it for about a month until I took her to a vet chiropractor then her paw went to the regular placement. I continued to give her massages that the vet showed me and her paw never turned in again.
Rehab and chiropractic treatment can help your Piper. You and your husband are treasures for welcoming Piper into your family.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
9:18 pm
Moderators
Helpline Hosts
18 October 2009
Offline
Hi again.
Admin guy gave you some good links. I should also have given you this link to Elly's Blog.
There are pictures of a couple of the food puzzles we have as well as some pictures and a video from the Strength, Balance and Body Awareness classes we have taken. I have a couple FitPaws and a balance disc at home.
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