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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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New Tripawd Mom (Advice Please)
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Member Since:
4 September 2016
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4 September 2016 - 9:58 pm
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Hi Everyone,

Today I adopted a sweet 4 month old pup. She is a Tripawd, her surgery was done about a week and a half ago. I have never owned a Tripawd.  The shelter said she was already done with her antibiotics and pain medication but I am concerned because she does not walk around or anything. She simply lays on her plush bed.  I have no idea where to start in terms of helping her get up on her feet again. Any tips or advice would be great. I simply want to give her a healthy , loving and fun life. 

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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4 September 2016 - 10:40 pm
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Hi and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval. I hope you don't mind I moved your post here since you are not dealing with cancer (I assume).

What is your girl's name?  What kind of pup and how big? Front or back leg?  Why did she lose her leg- did she have other injuries if it was from an accident?

Can she walk at all, or with a sling to help?  Is she exhibiting any signs of pain like panting, licking her lips or growling or snapping?

Most all pups I have seen here are walking within a day or two of surgery- my pug Maggie could hop a little the day of surgery after she lost her back leg.  Sometimes the older or bigger pups take a few days to get the hang of their new normal.  Also- most pups here have been on pain meds for at least two weeks after surgery- that's why I asked about pain. 

We were told by our surgeon that Maggie was only allowed leashed potty breaks for the first two weeks after surgery. A week and a half is pretty soon after surgery- but I would expect an otherwise healthy puppy to be up and around at this point.

I adopted my current Tripawd when she was 10 months old, she was hit by a car at 7 months old and lost her right rear leg as a result. Elly is a pug mix who weighs about 16 lbs.

After a bit more information I think we can better help you.

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

Member Since:
4 September 2016
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5 September 2016 - 7:23 am
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Hi ,

Her current name is Olivia , I haven't decided on whether or not I will change her name.  The shelter has no idea what kind of pup she is.  She looks like she could be a lot of things. Possibly a lab mix. She is an estimated 4 months and weighs 20lbs. She is spayed. She is able to hop around the master bedroom but gets tired very quickly. The shelter said she came in with a broken elbow that could not be saved. She isn't exhibiting any signs of pain. She just laid down her entire first day here once her bed was down. If I put the bed up she'll show more interest in sitting up and moving around. I am just curious if this is normal behavior? Because I am worried that if I allow her to lay down all day her other legs will become weak. 

Thanks in Advance

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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5 September 2016 - 8:44 am
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Hi Olivia and family.

Thanks for adopting this sweetie! Keep in mind that a week and a half is not very long at all, and she's been through a lot. As a young dog she'll also need additional time to get her bearings...when dogs that young lose a limb, they haven't developed the coordination that older dogs, even at 6 or 8 months old, already have. Plus, if she lost her leg because of a car accident, she's probably also dealing with the impact of that trauma too. And she's also trying to figure out who this great person is, and why she should trust you, so that's a lot to cope with right?

I would take it slow and not worry too much at this point. Rest is medicinal. As Karen said. leashed potty walks are all she should be doing (just a few minutes each) until her stitches come out. Then after that, just take things slowly. Keep in mind that with a Tripawd it's not about building leg strength so much as about building core muscle strength. We all need strong abdominals and dogs do too. I'd highly recommend reading our e-book Loving Life On Three Legs , which discusses how to keep a Tripawd fit and healthy for life. Also, here are some other links that can help:

http://gear.tri.....-strength/

http://download.....m/?s=rehab

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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5 September 2016 - 10:25 am
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Another thing occurred to me last night. Did she recover from surgery at the shelter?  I'm guessing they kept her in a pretty small area if not a crate so she isn't used to moving around at all.  New Tripawds burn lots and lots of energy figuring out their new balance and they are using muscles in new ways.  She is probably pretty tired and stressed from the new environment.

When I got Elly she was about 2.5 to 3 months post amp surgery but because of the foster situation she didn't get much individual attention.  She was fully healed but not very strong and tired very easily. 

Once the sutures are out I would start encouraging her to be more active, but take it slowly.  I work with Elly nearly every day on core strength and balance.  We do food puzzles, games and obedience training. Do you have access to any training classes in your area?  I'm lucky to have found a place in the next town that has qualified, certified dog trainers and we have taken many classes.  Elly is skittish and slow to trust which are much bigger issues for her than her missing leg.  The classes are helping her confidence, building our bond and helping keep her fit.

Here is a blog post I did about some of the games we play.

Here is a blog post with a video I just shot last Friday.

Keep in mind that the work on the video is the result of almost 11 months of training and strengthening and is very advanced. It's not for beginners but it shows you the result of our hard work!

We would love to see some pictures of Olivia!

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

London, UK


Member Since:
15 December 2015
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5 September 2016 - 11:18 am
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I just wanted to say hi to you and Olivia and welcome. Thank you for adopting this little girl – a healthy, loving fun life sounds like just the ticket. Ditto everything the others have said. What occurred to me right off is just how much she has been though in a short space of time. If it was me I'm sure I'd be inclined to lie down too and wait for my head to stop spinning. I am confident that she will start to come out of herself given security and time, though good point from Karen about the fact that she may well have been confined to a small space at the shelter and need a little encouragement once her stitches are out (if she has any to remove; my girl, Meg didn't).

How is she eating? Hand feeding can, in my experience, be a great way to start to build a relationship. And as she starts to come out of herself then working on her core strength, training etc. will absolutely bring you closer together as you get to know each other better and build up confidence in yourselves and in your relationship. It's a great journey you are embarking on.

There's loads of fantastic information and support on this site, so stay connected with whatever concerns or worries, or indeed joys and triumphs, you want to share.  

And pics please, when you're able...

All best,

Meg and Clare xx

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

Member Since:
4 September 2016
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5 September 2016 - 1:28 pm
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Thank you all for the kind words and advice, after requesting her medical records we discovered her surgery was actually done 8/31 so it is much more recent than the shelter counselor informed us. Today she is up and moving around a bit more. We are taking her into the vet this week for a general exam and to get a second opinion on whether or not  she should be on pain medication. (The shelter said she did not need it. ) She is eating and drinking on her own today, yesterday she showed very little interest in eating and drinking. So there's improvement already.  🙂

London, UK


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15 December 2015
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5 September 2016 - 2:12 pm
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after requesting her medical records we discovered her surgery was actually done 8/31 so it is much more recent than the shelter counselor informed us. 

I'm no vet, but in that case, both from my own experience and that of others I've heard from on this site, I would say she should DEFINITELY be on pain medication. I'd be inclined to get her to the vet as soon as you can. Well done for checking up and being so thorough. Really pleased to hear that she's improving.

All best,

Meg and Clare xx

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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9
5 September 2016 - 2:22 pm
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Also not a vet, but agree that she should be on pain meds still.  My Otis was on them into week three.  Talk to your vet as soon as you are able.   There is no reason for her to be in unnecessary pain.  And, even with pain meds, Otis also wasn't very active in that first week either.  Rest is the best thing for recovery.  Generally, the activity level picks up once the staples or stitches are removed, about day 10 or so.  

Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.   Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.  

Wherever they are, they are together.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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5 September 2016 - 4:29 pm
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Ohhh my gosh yes that is REALLY soon. Agree, she could use a longer pain medication protocol. IMO, that's kind of crazy the shelter would say that. But I know they're just doing their best. pain management in vet medicine is such a new area. So, it's up to you to become the pain management advocate for her. Here's a post that will help you get started:

http://tripawds.....ts-part-1/

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
4 September 2016
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11
5 September 2016 - 9:17 pm
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I am really glad to know that I am not the only one that feels like she should be on pain medication. We wee able to schedule her for an appointment tomorrow morning. So I am hoping the Vet will be receptive to my request for pain medication. Are there any supplements or vitamins you all would suggest to support her other limbs while she's recovering?

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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6 September 2016 - 12:28 am
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Lots of dogs are on fish oil and glucosamine - she may be a bit young, but talk to your vet.  For now, the pain management should be priority #1.  Glad you got an earlier appointment with your vet.

Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.   Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.  

Wherever they are, they are together.

Member Since:
4 September 2016
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13
6 September 2016 - 8:50 pm
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Hi everyone,

Just stopping by with a quick update, today's vet visit was a success, Zoe is on pain meds! Thank you all for support and encouraging me advocate for her. 

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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7 September 2016 - 2:22 am
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Hooray!  As she should be.  Remember that you probably still won't see huge amounts of activity. Nsleep is still the best thing for her as she recovers.  In a few more days, you might start to see her perk up a bit.  Most dogs do when the staples come out, around day 10.

Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.   Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.  

Wherever they are, they are together.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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15
7 September 2016 - 10:10 am
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You ROCK! That's so cool. Be sure to check out today's News Blog post, I wrote it with sweet Zoe in mind:

http://tripawds.....-and-dogs/

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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