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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We are thinking of adopting a yorkie who recently had one rear leg amputated due to untreated trauma....not sure what happened in his past, but he already stole my heart. Mainly we are waiting for us to be approved.
My question involves challenges older people (not that old just in our 60's) who have their own mobility problems. What special things should we consider as far as therapy, helpful items, tips? It will help us prepare all of us for this journey...
Thanks!
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Hi Andrea, welcome. We're so glad you want to adopt this sweet pup! Did you know the Tripawds Rescue Fund will reimburse you for the adoption fee?
When it comes to smaller Tripawds, you won't have too much to worry about, they really do get around so well. They will have similar challenges as older dogs as far as regulating their activity so they don't overdo things and put too much joint stress on their body, so that's where consulting with a certified rehabilitation therapist will come in handy. We highly encourage every new Tripawd parent to get at least one consult so the new Tripawd can be evaluated and strengths and weaknesses can be determined. In fact, our Tripawds Foundation will even pay for the first consult!
For more information see some of our posts about rehabilitation therapy
and our post about the Tripawds Rehab Reimbursement Fund
Also, our e-book, Loving Life On Three Legs , has lots of tips about how to be healthy and strong on three legs.
and Jerry's Required Reading List has some great info too!
Stay tuned, more from this great community will chime in soon. Also, please consider registering as a member so your posts won't need approval.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Andrea 
I am so happy to hear you are about to welcome a lovely tripawd yorkie into your lives
I have a huge great dane (weighing 150 pounds now) who lost her front leg due to osteosarcoma so I can assure you adopting a yorkie will be no sweat at all.
Small dogs adapt incredibly well and they can do virtually everything on 3 legs they could on 4, I am sure others will chime in and tell you!
Also, rear leg amputees have it easier than front leg amputees so your dog is better off right now.
He will be as active as a 4 legged yorkie, I have a story for you.
Walking my dog today I met a Jack Russell front leg amputee who lost his leg due to a car accident.
He was adopted when he was 1 year old and he is now 11.
His Dad told me his life is just the same as his 4 legged friends, he hops around beautifully ( as I could see myself) he goes up and down stairs, jumps on the couch, pesters them for treats and is the happiest dog ever !
Fear not, he is your doggie!
I raise my glass to him and his new family, you are all going to have a very long and happy life together
Sending you a big hug and cuddles to your yorkie
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 :-)
Well, we did it! We adopted Lorax from our local shelter yesterday and he is here with us at his forever home. He has lots of fearful behavior issues that we've been counseled on, but the first night he warmed right up to me and has spent most of today cuddling in my arms. What a little sweetie! We know he might take awhile to show affection to my husband as he is really afraid of males, but as quickly as he responded to me we are hopeful he will take to him, too.
We discovered that he reason he had his right rear leg amputated was that he untreated slipped patella that he kept walking on until it was a twisted mess and in so much pain! They tried to save the leg but in the end it was much better this way. He seems completely comfortable on three legs-it is amazing. He had been on gabapentin for pain, but the foster mom who had been caring for him said she stopped because he seemed better. I do think part of the problem is his aversion to the meds, but he doesn't appear to be in pain. He hops so quickly I can't keep up!
We will have to keep an eye on not overdoing it (they told us 15 minute jaunts at first), and especially since his left rear leg has a problem wi ever!th the kneecap, too.
We are so glad we brought Lorax into our lives. I'll be checking in often to see what tips and stories you all have. Thank goodness for Tripawds! This is the best resource ever!
WELCOME HOME LPRAX!! You don't know it yet, vut you are a very licky boy!''Then again, you probably do know it!
It breaks my jeart that you were in such horrible pain for so long. You are in a new world now full.of love and care and comfort and lots of spoiling too!
Yeah, you'll eant to keep that remaining leg safe and healthy. You jave done your research and you clearly are taking excellent care ofmhim!
Can't wait for more pocs!
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!
Congrats on welcome your new furry friend into your home... !!!! Surely the best days are yet to come!!
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, Lorax is adorable as is his name! I'm so glad you brought him home - with love and careful work, he will hopefully get over fearful behavior issues. I have a little one that has some mild anxiety issues from living on the streets - for us, treat bribes worked the best! Now she thinks everyone has a treat in their pocket. Glad to hear he's feeling good, he's a lucky boy to have found you and your husband!
Lorax is adorable! Bless you for welcoming this sweetheart into your lives. Jerry (Rene) has given you some great resources to check into for your journey. Doing some core exercises is so important for a Tripawd to keep them strong in their journey's. I'm sure the love and stability you are offering Lorax will conquer all and soon Lorax will be a great buddy to your hubby too! Congratulations!
Linda, Riley & Spirits Mighty Max & Ollie
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