Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Hi all
My dog just recently had a front leg amputated as a result of being hit by a car. He is 6 years old and his breed is expected to live to about 14. I was wondering if having a leg amputated reduces their life expectancy?
Ive read all the advice about fitness, keeping weights down etc. But any other advice about how to keep them happy and healthy for as long as possible would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Bree
Welcome! So sorry to hear!
I had a 3 legged dog for 12 years. She was born that way. She lived a normal life span.
Love to see a picture!
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.
As much as it is unfortunate that your dog has lost a leg, on the bright side it doesnt sound like you have the cancer issues to deal with anyway. You give that dog of yours lots of love and follow the tips you have already read about and I bet he will do just great! Keep us posted on bhow he is doing!
Coopsdad
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
You are so lucky to not have to deal with the Big C! My only recommendation would be to check into joint supplements and maybe physical therapy so that you don't have the joint issues later on. Good luck to you and your 3-legged baby! Keep us posted!
 |
~ ~ Rio ~ ~ |
Welcome Bree! What kind of dog is he?
Haven't really heard anything about amputation reducing life expectancy, we've had Tripawds as old as 15 years old (who were Tripawds for years). As long as you keep him fit and lean, his health should keep him in pretty good shape when he becomes a senior.
Thanks for joining us!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome to Tripawds!
What kind of pup do you have? And what is his name?
Rio's mom is right about joint supplements- you can check out some HERE.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Before the surgery while asking about complications, I asked both the orthopedic specialist and the vet about whether being a tripawd would have an impact on life expectency and they both told me no it should not!
Hope your dog does well!
Welcome to the family, sounds like the pack has given you the best advice already, and yep, consider yourself lucky you don't have the C-cloud over your head, should be a great life, Paws up, Spirit Gus and Dan[
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Welcome! As everyone else has said, you don't have to deal with "C" so you're ahead of most of us. Definately check into supplements, and keep the weight down. Post some pics when you can, and please keep us posted!
Sending you golden hugs...
Cathy
First off, welcome aboard Bree.
What's your furr babies name? And of course we love photos around here 
I had actually been wondering the same thing myself. My Maddie also is an amputee due to a run in with a car. She's a rear legger.
I started her on joint supplements just last week.
Of course I know that her having had heartworms, all though she has the all clear now, surely must effect life expectancy. But her and I decided we weren't gonna let that bother us. We're just gonna live life as long as we have it to live, and to the fullest.
That's the most important thing. Not how many years, but how much life we stuff into the ones we get! 
Good luck to you and your pooch.
Maddie Mae and Mama Kelly
I think amputation is a little harder on the giant breeds so you may have some arthritis in the remaining limbs but there are joint supplements you can use to slow that down (fish oil, SAM-E, glucosamine, Adequan). Most important is to maintain a lean body weight, even in smaller breeds. What type of dog do you have?
Pam
Hi everyone,
Thanks so much for all the advice its a huge help! I will definately get onto some joint supplements too.
We have a 6 yr old cavalier/poodle. Im not quite sure how to insert an image sorry (technologically challenged!)
Thanks again!
breeharris said:
Im not quite sure how to insert an image...
You almost had it! Paste the image file location/url into the Image URL field, not just the file name. Here are more detailed instructions for adding photos. If you don't share photos online somewhere, starting a Tripawds Blog will give you a place to upload them.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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