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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
I just wanted to pop in and introduce myself.
I've spent quite a few hours reading up on this site in the past few days and just decided to make an account.
Today I brought home a ~6 month old (Rescue estimate) tripawd border collie. He spent all night in a van ride up from an overcrowded Alabama shelter to Wisconsin. I picked him up directly from the van transport and we are now on a 5 day foster (trial) period before signing adoption papers. I really appreciate that policy from this particular rescue- I already have one older dog (4-pawd) and a young cat (also 4-pawd) so it's important to me to make sure everyone's personalities are compatible. So far so good on that front.
All the story I have is that he was found with a badly broken leg that was beyond repair. Amputation was fairly recent, he still has staples in. Suture line looks to be healthily healing though, and I will be getting the vet follow-up paperwork soon. Priority today was get home, get food, water, and rest.
I've been taking him out for short trips outside and so far he has the potty thing down. After a few minutes to stretch the legs, he is happy to come back inside for some naps.
So far he is doing really well. He's eating, drinking, pooping, playing, and sleeping. Acting like a puppy should! Very occasionally you can tell he is a tad wobbly but it seems he is adjusting to life on 3 legs well. I'm sure this is a lot more comfortable for him than trying to hop around with a broken leg was :'(
I am pretty convinced just from day one that I am going to keep him, though we have 5 days to decide. My husband is not so convinced. He is worried about caring for a special needs pet and I think he is stressing out about protecting his remaining legs. He also said that something about the missing leg just rubs him the wrong way- not in a way he can even really describe or justify, but I think it's just his unconscious reaction to what still looks a little gruesome.
I'm hoping he warms up to the idea quickly- This little guy is so full of charm. Right now he is sprawled out halfway off his bed next to me, totally zonked out. The dog, not the husband.
His shelter name is Lenard, but I am changing his name to Trio. I know, you guys probably get sick of "three" names, but i just liked the way it sounded too! 🙂
I totally welcome any tips!
As I've said, I've done a ton of reading on this site but I am definitely new to this so there's no such thing as too much info 🙂
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
Congrats on your trial- I hope it works out.
Do you know when his surgery was? If he still has staples that implies less than two weeks. Is it a front or back leg? Did they send any meds or instructions? Since you said it looks pretty ugly I'm guessing a front leg?
Our surgeon said only short, leashed potty breaks for the first two weeks post surgery. We have often seen here that the youngsters seem to bounce back very quickly, especially if they were in serious pain before surgery.
My current Tripawd is a little Pug mix who was hit by a car when she was 7 months old, she lost a rear leg. I adopted Elly when she was 10 months old, she is now getting close to 4 years old. She can do pretty much anything a dog her size and age can do, but I do restrict her activities a bit. We don't do long walks, I avoid 'burst' type activities, and I keep her very fit and her weight down. We do lots of food puzzles and games as well as balance and strengthening exercises. We also train on tricks and obiedience and we have been doing the sport of Nose Work for the last couple years. All activities that are fun for her, challenge her brain, and tire her out.
Elly had some issues related to the car accident as well as Separation Anxiety- all the training and games we do help with those issues also.
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
I don't have any meds or instructions yet- I am waiting to hear from the rescue owner. He is still technically in the foster program until I sign the adoption papers so she is currently in control of his vet needs and has any records sent with him from Alabama. I'm just waiting to hear back on that since I don't have any immediate concerns- she has many records to get in order etc.
It's his front right leg. It's not like particularly gruesome or anything- I am a nurse (For humans though) so I'm pretty used to suture lines. But I think a long stapled line is gruesome to him, even if it is pretty much healed over.
I haven't let him off the leash, and we have only been out for some short walks around the yard (a city lot, so like only a few mins each potty break.
I just started Nose Work with my older dog! We had previously been doing agility classes but with her aging joints (And low drive) I wanted to find a more calm sport for her 🙂
I am so excited to work with Trio on fitness and tricks. Border Collies are so darn smart- I love to see them with a job to do!
Can't wait to see more photos of Trio! His avatar photo is adorable!!
I have a feeling Trio is going to work his way into yoir hubvy's heart. Right now the incision site is very noticeable and draws atte tion to it. Once the fur grows back, he won't even notice.
It sounds like it's still very early in recovery. Generally a dog will be on some form of pain meds, as well as an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory . It's MAJOR surgery and no picnic for a couple of weeks. As you are already doing, allow and easy. Short POTTY breaks and more rest. No stairs, no jumping up and down onto veds, etc. If you have hardwood floors you'll want non-slip rugs for traction .
There are all sorts of supplements on the market to help keep Trio's joints healthy. Also, after recovery , you can take him to a Rehabilitation Specialist and they'll show you ways to help build his core muscles, etc. The Tripawds Foundation will pay for the first visit up to $200.
This lottle guy has been through a lot the past couple of weeks . He probably had a home, then whatever happened, he somehow ended up lost and with a shattered leg. He then was pit in a shelter, had MAJOR surgery (probably without proper pain manafement), had to adjust to three legs, and now a new home .
I've already fallen in love with this amazing Soul❤
And, as you will see, and as your husband will see, it's impossible not to spoil a tripawd! Their spunk, their resilience, their ability to just get on with living live to the fullest is truly awe inspiring 😎
Keep us posted and we would love to see more pictures!!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too
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!
welcome and congrats on your new friend....are you located in Wisconsin? I'm from Green Bay.
Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
Isn't Nose Work great?!
How are things going? How is Trio doing? How is your husband doing?
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
I am from Milwaukee! 🙂
And husband has lightened up a little. I think he just needed time to get used to it. I officially convinced him we should adopt Trio 🙂
Sorry to have disappeared for a few days. Apparently Trio's records got lost in transit. My contact for the rescue has been trying to get a hold of them from Alabama but so far all she has heard back is that is amputation was September 15! After hearing that she updated me that she will be furiously working on getting follow up info from them- she was pretty upset that the info wasn't translated well with the transport.
So right now I am in limbo waiting for a call from her. Unfortunately he is still officially 'property of the rescue,' until the official adoption happens. (He's still on his foster trial period) While he is still technically a foster, I am under agreement not to take him to my own vet to at least get assessed and staples out etc.
I did also mention I would be happy to just adopt him and take him to my vet just to get stuff done but I think she is still concerned about getting the records and the correct follow up care [understandably] since he is still under her care.
On the bright side even with the lack of follow up communication he is doing well. The incision looks well healed and no signs of infection. He hasn't been showing any obvious signs of pain, though he is an energetic puppy so he may just not be too obvious to let it get him down :'(
He is a very smart happy puppy though! The official report from the Alabama place was 6 months old but I am fairly certain he is older, maybe closer to a year. His face still looks like puppy fuzz but it may just be his normal look! His teeth have a bit of plaque but the molars are shiny white. From my uneducated Googling I have learned those are the last to come in. So I would [again, uneducated] surmise he is young enough that the molars have come in recently enough to not be dirty but old enough that he is fully grown/has some plaque on the rest of the teeth?
My older dog didn't start getting plaque on her teeth for a couple years after I adopted her though, so I am at a loss 😛
Perhaps just different genetics. I suppose I shouldn't stress on how old he is too much. I already have one that is "somewhere between 6-9ish" so what's one more unknown age right 😛
Speaking of my older one, Gen, she is fantastic at nose work. I am very impressed and hope to go to trials with her someday! She is taking to this better than she took to agility.
Here's a picture of Trio with Gen looking on in the background. She is not as cuddly as Trio 😛
So far my favorite thing about Trio is the way he lets his tongue flop around. Sometimes he closes his mouth and forgets it was out for a minute so he looks like he is sticking his tongue out.
Also- you may notice my wonderful hardwood floors which I love. I got some rubber traction boots for Trio so he doesn't slip around and he is very surefooted with those. I also put the area rug back in the livingroom once I was convinced of his potty ability 😛
OMD what a cutie! He is totally adorable!
I meant to chime in the other day to tell you congrats on the new pup, so CONGRATS! Sounds like he will officially be yours very soon. And that's neat that your husband has started to come around. I am sure that Trio will turn his idea of "special needs dog" upside down when he shows how agile and smart he is. And he is willing to wear boots too? That boy is a keeper!
We look forward to following along in his adventures with you. Sounds like he's going to have loads of fun!
Also remember that the Tripawds Foundation will cover the cost of your first rehab visit if you have him evaluated by a professional therapist. It's a good idea to establish a relationship with one now. Not only will you gain an understanding of what kind of exercise and activities are helpful for him, and will keep his joints strong and injury free for life, but as he ages and needs "tune ups" you can have someone to call.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for the advice!
And good news!
We are heading to the vet to get staples removed shortly! 🙂
Ooooh big step! Congrats on moving forward with this milestone.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Trio is so darn cute!!! And your Gen is a pretty gal! Look forward to , hearing more about the nose work.
Really glad, really, really, really glad Trio has found such a loving forever home❤
And YAY for stitch removal! That calls for a cheeseburger on the way home!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too
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!
Hey there Trio 😍 you are soooooooo gorgeous, I love your cheeky, happy look, you sure will bring a cloud of fun and joy to your new family ☁️💗
Thank you for adopting him, I am raising a toast to all 🥂
Sending and avalanche of kisses and a ton of cuddles to the pups 😘🐮💫✨🌟🌹
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
Congratulations! I just wanted to say hello and welcome. I freaking LOVE the name Trio. It’s the best!!! I wanted to go back to something from your initial post bc my husband had a similar reaction to Cashew and her missing limb when we adopted her. He couldn’t quite figure it what it was that felt “not right” about her missing limb. What he has come to understand is that it triggered his own sense of woundedness and pain and was a constant reminder of those wounds and imperfections (in himself and others, things he can’t fix) and triggered him in ways he wasn’t anticipating. What has transpired, however, is that it is now a way to keep in mind his wounds, our wounds, her wounds and make space for them. I’m a therapist, can u tell? Lol. Anyhow, I couldn’t read enough tonight to see how that played out but it sounds like Trio won everybody over —and that is also AMAZING!!
1 Guest(s)
