Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello -
Our puppy of 10 months old was hit by a car two months ago and had to have his front right leg amputated. He is a small puppy and only 6 pounds. The recovery was good and the doctor has said his surgery has healed. As of a week ago he was running, wagging his tail, and generally happy.
The past few days he's very scared of being picked up (and really put down). We are picking him up the exact same way we have been doing so. He does not flinch if we touch him anywhere so I don't think he is in pain generally. He is eating well and no other issues so I think the most likely culprit is emotional. He has had a history of ear infections, though, and possibly between the lack of a limb plus the ear infection he's feeling more unbalanced. He is visibly scared if we approach him to pick him up.
Is it possible that 2 months post surgery he's only now started feeling more scared? Does the ear infection theory make sense? Or is it possible his nerves are just firing again in the spot his leg was amputated and it's causing him to be uncomfortable?
We can't bring him to the vet for a bit and as I said he was just checked out about a week and a half ago. Would greatly appreciate any thoughts or how to handle the situation.
Thanks!
Hi Michael,
Welcome. Your future posts won't need approval so post away.
I'm sorry about your dog's situation. What's his name?
Generally when a dog has symptoms like this not long after surgery, it's because they're doing too much too soon and they start exhibiting pain signals . Flinching could be a sign.
Tell us more about his day. How long does he play, how long are his walks? Does he play with other dogs throughout the day. It can be hard to keep a young dog mellow enough to heal properly. Two months isn't that long of a time after surgery, and it could be that although his surgery site is healed, his body needs time to acclimate, strengthen, and build stamina.
Or is it possible his nerves are just firing again in the spot his leg was amputated and it's causing him to be uncomfortable?
I'm not a vet, so take it for what it's worth. But generally, pain this long after amputation is often coming from muscle strains and pulls elsewhere in the body.
The ear infection possibility is there, but did he show pain signs like this before his amputation? If not, it's probably not related. The best thing to do is to help him rest up and cut his activity way, way back. interactive brain games can help keep his mind busy and his body rested. And if he continues the behavior over the next few days it's important to let your vet know. Give them a call even if you can't physically get to the clinic with your dog. They may be able to prescribe some anti-inflammatory medication to help him feel better and heal if it is a pain issue.
Did you know we have a Tripawds Foundation program that can pay for your first rehab visit with him? I highly recommend taking advantage of the program. These experts can pinpoint pain signs, and show you how to help him get strong and stay injury free. See:
Tripawd Health Tips to Avoid Injury to Remaining Legs
What Rehabilitation Therapy Can Do for Your Tripawd (and how to start for free!)
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