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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Hi all
We have a lovely tripawd, one eyed girl joining us on 30 August 2014 from a Romanian dog rescue. She was picked up from a PS shelter with her a paw missing and it was left as a bloody stump. She had also lost an eye, we suspect to dog fights. Fortunately she was rescued by a private organisation who had to amputate her leg to the shoulder and remove the eye. With the help of Blind Dog UK, she should be on her way to us next week as is booked on to transport.
We're experienced owners, have a deaf girl and a Spanish Podenco with a few issues, have fostered in the past and have owned two beautiful standard poodles from 12 weeks old until their trips to the rainbow bridge at a good old age, but this is our first tripawd.
I wondered if anyone had any tips for a front leg amputee? We've arranged for a very cushioned bed, have carpeted the kitchen area to help with slipping, will be fitting her for a harness with a handle etc but I'm sure experienced owners might have some great ideas that we haven't even thought about.
If anyone has any advice we'd love to hear it 
Tania x
Hi Tania, welcome! Thank you for giving this pup a second chance at the great life she deserves, she is one lucky pup to end up with your family!
Sounds like you've done your research, but here are some great tips that you'll find helpful:
Check out our Tripawds e-books, especially Loving Life on Three Legs, as well as our Tripawds Gear blog for posts like this: Best of Tripawds Gear Blog Fitness Tips
and this search result has lots of info too:
http://download.....m/?s=rehab
As for front leg amputees, they do have a few more challenges than rear leggers, since dogs naturally place so much weight on the front end of the body. Because they need momentum to balance when walking, front leg amputees walk faster than rear leggers, or four leggers in general, so be sure to get out your running shoes!
The same precautions should be used for front or rear leggers when it comes to physical activity, such as
- monitoring exercise so they don't overdo things
- using care around stair cases and slippery surfaces
- not allowing them to jump from high surfaces
We would love to see some photos of your girl! Here's how to add pix. What is her name going to be?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Tania,
Congratulations on your new family member. Your very special in adopting this lucky girl. Sounds like if she could tell you her stories it would break your heart.
We had a front amputee, Snoop. He did well and continued to be an active dog. We just modified life. Higher water and feed bowls are helpful, we had runners over hardwood for traction , and we got an ortho bed which was easier getting up and down for him. No jumping from high areas and no crazy running. We used a harness as it sounds you will be too. We also did core strengthening for endurance which helped him a lot.
Good luck on her recoup and being home. Well look for your updates and a picture too. What name have you chosen for your girl?
Esther and her Angel Snoop
Congrats on bringing your a new fur-baby into your home!
My girl was a rear amp so I don't have any advice BUT I did want to share my well wishes for you and say, let's see some photos when all is settled!
Hugs!
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little Jasper too)
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Such a.lovely story of cmpassion and love fr o m your beautiful family. And clearly, your new dog has a lot.of.spunk and determination...what a brave girl!
The.best.part.of her.life. will.now just begin...thanks to you!. She.will.now.know.what.love.and happiness feel.like!
You've gotten great advice. Just want to add.that sometimes...at @east in the beginning...if their bed.is.too squishy it can cause some.slipping when they try to get uo. Sometimes a more supportive orthopedic type bed works. She'll probably do fine on the bed you have, especially if shee already adjusted to life.o n three legs.
Please continue to share her journey of beingloved.withnus...and more pictures too!!!!! We love photos!
You are very special souls...thank you for helping enrich the lives.of these very special dogs who cross your path!
Hugs.and love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
Hi Tania,
I just wanted to say Congratulations on your new family member. She is one blessed pup to have found her way to your home. I have no doubt she will settle right in to her new home because she will feel the love you are offering.
My Leland was a rear leg amp so I don't have any first hand knowledge of obstacles faced by front leg amps. I would just suggest to be mindful of stairs (if you have many in your home) with your new girl. We were always helping Leland up the stairs but I've read that front leg amps have a little tougher time going down.
Sending you and your new girl well wishes!
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Thanks for the lovely welcome and best wishes. Well, after 2,500 miles, she is finally home in the UK. We've decided to call her Peg.
She's a beautfiul happy dog which is amazing considering what she must have gone through in Romania. She hopping around just fine...gets tired easily, but with only one eye and only having her amputation under 2 months ago, she truly is a fighter. Thanks for the tips and resources!
I've been trying to find some wheels for a front leg amputee, but am really struggling with this. We have two other dogs, so would love her out with us for a longer walk and didn't want to go down a stroller route as she's so fit and young. We've just ordered a support harness which will help us though.
I can't believe what a beautiful good natured dog she is. We love her to bits
Tania
She's beautiful!!!! What a happy girl! She is so lucky to have you!
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little Jasper too)
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Oh I am in love with this girl! Congratulations! This girl has won the doggie lottery!
As far as strollers and wheel chairs, I would go the stroller (pram) route before a wheel chair . Prams work GREAT for families with multiple dogs. Here are a couple of posts to help you decide:
"When and How a Dog Wheelchair Can Help a Tripawd"
Also consider checking out our Gear Blog for exercises and tips to help her get strong, and our Loving Life on Three Legs rehab therapy book too. We can't wait to follow along with your adventures.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh, she is just so precious! So sweet! I just want to give her a big old smooch right on her head! Congratulations! She looks like she is saying whew, I am HOME! In the last picture. Lori and Ty
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
She is definitely a precious girl!!! I would love to give her a big hug for all she's endured up to this point.
I guess a virtual hug across the Atlantic will have to do.
Congratulations Peg...your life has changed for the better!!
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
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