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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Today, my family (dog included) have fallen in love with a tripawd at the humane society in my area. He's a young american bulldog mix with his right rear leg amputated above his hock. He was found with his leg so broken the only way to go was amputation. Our current dog has epilepsy and some hip issues, but boy does "Guss" pull all of us around! He's a hyper pup! What can I expect if we happen to get our application approved? I've noticed through my studying that most tripawd pups have the whole leg amputated, but this isn't Guss's case, he also seems to "use" his stub when he is going to the bathroom or stabilizing himself before he sits down. I'm hoping to get him a prosthetic as soon as I can. I guess time will tell. Please through anything at me because whether he comes home with us or not, it's better to be prepared than unprepared. Thank you in advance, you have a wonderful group here.
Natasha
Hi Natasha, thanks for joining us here! Your future posts won't require approval.
You're a pawesome pawrent to consider adopting a Tripawd. While at first glance it seems like they might have "special needs," the truth is that Tripawds can do nearly everything that four-legged dogs can do. Some of the biggest differences between adopting a Tripawd and a four-legged "quadpawd" are:
- you'll need to regulate his activity more than a four-legged dog in order to preserve his joints and prevent early arthritis issues from popping up. This can be a little tricker with another dog in the house.
- slip-proofing your home with throw rugs and areas with no-slip surfaces is a must in order to help him gain confidence in his new surroundings.
- managing his weight is critical; any extra pounds on a Tripawd can be very detrimental
Do check out Jerry's Required Reading List to see what you can expect. Our ebook, Loving Life on Three Legs, also describes what you can expect as he ages and how you can prevent future physical issues.
While it seems like the natural thing to do to want to get him a prosthetic the truth is that dogs do fine without them, and usually better. Prosthetics are a tricky thing and most times after people get them and try to use them they just end up sitting on a closet shelf. Plus, prosthetics are something to consider before amputation surgery in order to make sure the artificial limb sits right. This article tells more about the subject: http://tripawds.....y-faux-paw
I know others will chime in with their own insight. For now, welcome and please let us know what happens! We're here to help however we can.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
WOW! Good for you Natasha and family and Gus too! Tat would be wonderful if this works out!
Thereis so much info. to download here, you'll become a tripawd mom expert in no time! Others will give you the links to click onto.
Did they say why they didn't go ahead and remove the whole leg? Smetimes.....just sometimes, not always, vets don't leave a stump because it can cause issues down the road. Jerry's actualy trying to get more info. on dogs usi g prosthetics for an upcoming PBS special. Interesti g timing, huh.
Just really wanted to welcome you----read all the liks nere and you'l do fi e. If you have hardwoods, you may wa t to add scatter rugs so he won't slip.
Please keep us posted ad the very best to you! You've got a huge heart:-)
Applause to you!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Thank you so so so much for your support so quickly! This pup isn't mine yet, but I don't think I could live without him! I'm just exploring every option here and once he meets my vet (she's wonderful) she can hopefully give some insight. It was so sad- I saw him in the newspaper featured as the pet of the week.. thought about it for a day (I'll tell you in a moment why I had to think about it).. called the next day, met him on monday, he stole our hearts and today he finally met my american bulldog- and they got along great!
Reason for having to think about it: My american bulldog is 7. I've had him since he's 2. He has epilepsy. (SEIZURE FREE SINCE JULY 17TH, 2O12..knocks on wood). He has hyperthyroidism, and had his hip joint shaved down when he was 2 because of early onset hip dysplasia.. during one of his clusters 2 years ago, he tore a ligament in his hock- can't do surgery because of his weight, and his high liver values because of phenobarbital. 3 months ago, he had a stroke- he recovered completely, but takes dexamethasone (steroid) everyday- adding more problems to his weight. 2 months ago, we got a bigger house and a bigger yard and Fenway (the AB) couldn't be doing better! He's even down 8 pounds!!! We think since he's becoming slightly more active another dog is definitely an option at this point.
I am believing this is a help with bringing Gus home. I do have hardwood floors- with nice big area rugs and non slip rugs between the gaps of the area rugs (because of Fenway slipping). I also am lucky in a weird sort of way- I know it's very unconventional, but I have carpeting in the kitchen also (yeah, I know hardwood everywhere else, except the bathroom and kitchen!!). That's the way the house came, so it's kind of a blessing.
I'm so happy to be a part of this forum!! Please, please everyone pray for us to have the privilege of adopting this wonderful, gorgeous pup.. I've attached a pic for your viewing pleasure. I'm not going to be able to sleep until I know where my adoption application stands :/ I'm excited to have your support! 
Ohhh he's ADORABLE! Stealing my heart too right tnrough the computer! Hks live will be nothing but joyif he can get into your family! Guss can sow him the ropes!
Quite a journey Mr. Guss has been on! Sorry to hear avout all his challenges but sooooo glad he has you in is family! He sounds like quite a brave and determined boy!
Sometimes shelters can get a little overboard with someof their rules.....all well intended...but a little overboard sometimes. Heck, I wish the whole tripawd community could write a letter of recommend ation for you...and Guss! I can already tellit's a perfect fit!
As Jerry mentioned, and as you already know from Guss, you do have to be aware of protecting their joints, etc. for the long haul. You're cleary alreasy tuned ito Uss's needs and you'll develo the same "skxth sense" with your new tripawd!!
Keeping paws crossed for you! We quite often have selters that have a triawd that eeds a home......soooooo.....if you ever decide on a THIRD dog........!
Thanks for posting such a great picture.
We'll look forward to your updates. We're here to help in any way possible!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Glucosamine and Fish oil are a daily routine already in this household 
The only reason I'm not sure is that I'm not sure is because I don't want them to think I already have too much on my plate. But, spend the day in this household, and you will see that our lives revolve around dogs.. not just ours, but everyone. Beyond over the moon with this pup, and I know he will get the loving and care in my home. I just hope they realize this. They didn't ask for references though- and that bothered me. I made it a point to tell them that I have an extensive list of references if they would need them. Will definitely let everyone know as soon as we hear anything!!
Thank you so much, again.
He's beautiful. Crossing our fingers for you!
Luanne & Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Hi Natasha, I'm sorry I missed you in the chat room last night. First, welcome to the group and congratulations on the pending adoption! You had asked me about my experiences with tripawds last night and I thought I'd give you a quick reply. I have two tripawds, Brendol (a 12 1/2 year old pitt mix) and Adelaide aka Addy (a 1 year old husky). My Brendol had her amputation 6 months ago due to osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and I adopted Adelaide in April as a tripawd. Her amputation was in October due to an injury. With Addy being young (she was only like 5 months old when she had her surgery), I don't think she knows she should even have a 4th leg. She does awesome! When the amputation was from injury, I'd say there isn't a lot to worry about as far as how to handle them as compared to their 4-legged friends. Jerry mentioned the only thing which is to watch their activities and levels to prevent joint wear and tear and to also avoid injuries to the remaining legs. Good luck in the adoption, he is a cutie pie.
Adelaide is a young tripawd Husky, from an injury. Her amp was on 10/1/12. She has 4 sisters, Aissa (a senior border collie/chow), Maggie May (a puppy Great Pyrenees), Mathilde and Morrigan and 1 baby brother, Bagheera. We are all watched over by our angel Brendol, who was dx with OSA 1/30/13, amp on 2/6/13, and left us on 8/20/13.
You can read their stories at http://adelaide.tripawds.com and http://brendol.tripawds.com
Thanks Karma, will keep everyone posted. The anticipation is extremely unsettling!!
Here is another picture of him I have found.. this way you can see his "stub"
Look at that mug!!! Look at that head! Just wanna' reach through the screen and smooooooch all over his face!! You're a fine looking dog Guss, and that's a fine looking mug!
Okay, we need to close this deal!! What if you went back down to "visit" Guss, and just happened to take your computer and show them all the research you've done and all the well wishes you've gotten from the tripawd community! And we know a good tripawd parent when we see one!!! Call and let them k ow you're comi g that you have so e ore i foration to help make their deciskon easier:-)
How ' bout posting a pic of our other pup---he sounds adoravle!
Paws crossed over here....---.
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
In the adoption papers, it states do not call in the first 24 hours or it could void your application :/ I have work this evening, but I have off tomorrow so hopefully I know something by then that I can at least go down and walk him and get to know him better also! The shelter is about an hour and 15 minutes away too, with city traffic involved, so it would be tight to go down there today. Ughh!! But here's a picture of Fenway the other love of my life
We're picking up Guss (soon to be known as Munson) tomorrow!!!!!!!
My next worry is that him and Fenway only met on neutral ground.. I'm hopeful the transition will be successful. Fenway has been an only dog for 5 years (since we adopted him.) Pray for us, again. Thank you Will post after the homecoming!!
Natasha said
...him and Fenway only met on neutral ground.. I'm hopeful the transition will be successful.
This Tripawds News blog post may be of interest to you:
How Do Canine Siblings React to New Tripawds?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you very much! but he has only met him. Guss has never lived with us. The shelter said he is crated, so I went out and bought a crate for the first few days while me and the other half are at work. (When we each work on the same day, they dogs will never be home for more than 4 hours, luckily our jobs can accommodate this.)
The article seems to only involve tripawds who have already known their brother/sister before the amputation.
I feel like I have every corner covered for the homecoming, I'm just nervous. And excited, hopeful & ecstatic! Will keep everyone posted on our steps. I love this community, it has been just amazing to me in the past hours!
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