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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That first picture of him he was POUTING because the vet just TOUCHED him and how could I his mommy allow such a horrible thing to happen. He really doesnt like strangers touching him
Well surgery did not happen because the car broke down and money was tight. So we are paying the vet 300 a month right now and once we pay off half the surgery it will be done. Newest issue with this little thing is:
Argh, I need help! I have 6 dogs but often babysit others so on walks my "pack" can be up to 12 dogs, 2-3 people! On days I am not feeling well or if I didnt get a walk in during the daylight I take the dogs to this large field that is close to my house. ALL the dogs but ONE are super happy and excited to go to the field. The one in question will sit down and refuse to walk. Now I am not sure if its because he is bored of this area or if its because his leg, his rear left leg was injured as a pup and needs to be removed. In anycase I have tried MULTIPLE things to stop this behavior:
-A leash, he let me drag him
-Ignoring and continuing on, he sits and wont budge
-Calling him, he will not come UNLESS
-I squat down and call, then he runs straight to me BUT will sit down again when I stand up
-Walking toward him, he will either run to me or walk back the way we came
-Picking him up and walking, He is HEAVY... only 20lbs but still!
This dog has also ONCE ran back to the car and sat beside it till I came back. This is very dangerous because the field is right beside a very busy road. Plus he could get stolen being up on the road like that.
This dog was attacked by a German Shepherd as a pup and it broke his hip. We did one surgery and it failed so we are left with one of two options removal of the leg or anti inflamitories for life. When he broke his hip he stopped eating due to the pain, even on meds. He was had fed and has been slightly spoiled his entire life. I tend to be more protective of him then the other dogs because of his leg, and he is very bonded to me because of the hand feeding and extra attention he got when he had his first surgery.
He is a 3 year old intact male JRT. I have had him since birth. He is on pain meds now. He is also raw fed.
Wow, you are busy with lots of dogs! I'm sure they love you and have lots of fun together.
Is this JRT that sits at the field named Quixote, whose amputation surgery was postponed, or is it another one of your dogs? If it's Quixote, then I suspect he is in pain and it hurts to run with the other dogs. Perhaps it is scary for him too. I know I do less when I'm in pain. I'm sure once he's had his surgery life will be easier and pain free. Hopefully then he will frolic with the others.
I've see some postings where some have put their dog in a buggy and walked with them that way. A buggy could be easier on you than carrying a 20 pounder!
It's hard not to "spoil" those who need the extra attention. But I think that those with special needs deserve some special attention due to their circumstances. I guess it's finding the right balance so they don't become too dependent.
Wishing you and your pack well,
Kerren and Mona
Yes the dog that sits is Quixote. I thought it was only the field he did this behavior at but yesterday we went to a totally new trail and while he lasted longer then at the field he did SIT and stare. I really wish he would whine or bark when he did this so I could stop and pick him up. I guess I will start taking the other dogs out on a huge long walk and then taking him later on a shorter easy walk. I am going to get x rays again as well to see what exactly is going on.
I called the Vet yesterday as well. They said I can not double the current medication (Derramax) as he is at the highest dosage for his size. So they are wanting to do blood work, then add another pain med. I will be beg borrowing or stealing the money for his surgery. And I guess we will have another lean x-mas. I love this dog. (I wont actually steal the money its just a saying...). He hates the vet though so I was hoping to avoid going before the surgery.
Side note on the walk yesterday my friend was with me and she picked him up instead of me. He allowed it but started fighting her the second they were beside me. Then threw himself into my arms where he settled. I swear he gets this smug I am king look on his face when I am carrying him too.
Awww Quixote, you sweet pup, sounds like only your Momma knows how to make you feel better!
Glad to hear you're on a plan for coping with his pain medication, sounds like things will work out. Hang in there.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
OH wow, it's good to hear from you. So surgery is coming up? Wow! Try not to be nervous. Remember, it's always worse for the human than it is for the dog. Is your home ready and Tripawd-proofed?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The stairs inside are baby gated, but to get into the back yard there are multiple stairs and the front yard is 3 stairs ! Hmm what else do I need to do?
I am very nervous, I think he won't notice as he never uses the leg now! He is also being neutered, and his teeth cleaned!
You may need to get or make a ramp and use the front door for a bit. How is he getting up and down the stairs now? Nixon never learned how to do stairs with 4 legs so learning how to with 3 was impossible. We use a ruffwear webmaster harness on him but Nixon is 3x his size. I'd start with the reusable grocery bag/cotton tote bag method of assistance if he needs it. With his height/weight and your height, it will probably be the best bet for you. If you need info on how to do it, I'll find the youtube video to post in a bit.
What about slippery floors? A lot of us use rugs, yoga mats, or the grippy shelf liners to create paths.
He's smaller so I'm not sure what kind of pillows will work best but you'll want to get some throw pillows of different sizes for him. These guys know that they need a kickstand where the limb is missing and make use of any and all props. Larger dogs often do better with a raised feeder. You might need to put his bowls on a dictionary or old phone book.
Do you know how to make gel ice packs out of ziplock baggies, water, food coloring, and alcohol? The first week you'll probably ice him down 2 or 3 times a day.
You know him best so figure out how you're going to deal with the staples/stitches and keeping him out of them. I have no idea how the cone of shame will work for you. I hope some of the small dog families respond to this.
Shannalee take a deep breath, breathe and remember it's going to be OK. All of us who've been through surgery day know exactly how you're feeling. Do your best to be strong, since your pup will follow your lead. If you believe everything will be OK, he will too.
Nixon's Momma has some fantastic advice that will really help.
It sounds like he is already a Tripawd and remember his size gives him a big advantage when it comes to adapting.
I'm really sorry, My laptop battery is going to die and I can't plug in now so I have to run but please visit these posts for some reassurance and let us know how tomorrow goes OK? I'll check back here tomorrow.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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