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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14 year old corgi mix - advice?
Hello all!
New to the forum and just adopted a golden puppy (11 weeks) who is missing the knee and below on one of his hind legs. Im not new to a 3 legged dog, however, this is just such a different experience. He lost part of his limb naturally 2 weeks after birth from an umbilical cord being wrapped around it. Im not sure how to attach pictures, but just imagine a leg without a knee or food.
He is overall healthy, fast little guy, except from time to time his dragging his stump when he's running around and I cannot figure out how to get it covered.
We took him to the vet but didn't get much information on this topic but have 2 outcomes, as he gets older, the dragging will stop since the bottom growth plate is gone or surgery needed to bring it up. Which I hope surgery is not the answer while he is so young.
Hoping someone has been through this before and can give some tips or this there is another forum I should post on, let me know!
Hi Oscar and family, welcome! Thank you for adopting this sweet pup!
So what rehab therapists have told us is this; puppies have a bigger learning curve when it comes to getting around on three, because they have not developed enough motor skills to compensate the way a normal 3-legged dog does. Without rehab intervention, he will develop poor movement habits that are not conducive to healthy gait and balance.
It is really wise to get him evaluated by a rehab therapist, so they can show you how to help him move better so that he doesn't drag the stump around as much. They will also show you how to keep him strong and injury free so that his body is healthy and without osteoarthritis for as long as possible.
Covering the stump is tricky, if not impossible for most dogs. We've seen many folks try over the years, usually unsuccessfully. Here are forum topics about stump covers. I wish I could say there was a better solution. But the better route is to get him to a rehab therapist to find out why he is dragging and how to resolve it, hopefully without surgery.
Many veterinarians still aren't familiar with the benefits of rehab therapy for dogs, especially Tripawds. Please take advantage of the Tripawds Rehab Reimbursement program which can pay for your first rehab visit . If you'd like help finding a therapist let me know.
A partial stump may mean that he is a good candidate for a prosthetic, which can be a game changer and delay osteoarthritis. Again, a rehab therapist is the best person to evaluate for success.
Hopefully he will not need a full amputation which may or may not be a possibility. A rehab therapist who is closely working with an orthopedic vet can give you a good idea of whether or not that is even necessary.
If you'd like any help finding practitioners just let me know! Oh and do check out our Adopting a Tripawd articles for some more insight.
Thank you for adopting that precious puppy. To be a Golden puppy adds an extra layer of cuteness.
This reminds me of another Golden puppy that had a similar situation. I'll have to call on JERRY'S steel trap mind to remember the details. I "think" the name of the puppy is Buddy.....bit may be way off. Also think the "puppy" is maybe a senior , or young senior, by now.
Here's a link for adding images . Let us know if you need any help along those lines.
Keep is updated as you navigate through this journey with this sweet pup.
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!
So many years ago I adopted an 11-week puppy who had a stump. She had a lot more than just that going on with her and was an amazing girl. She had a stump on the front and was constantly banging it. Covering it was impossible. One thing, I under evaluated at the time, was how much pain this was causing her. She did end up needing a second amputation. I felt horrible for that. She'd already had one surgery and had so many issues (blind, brain-damaged and tripawd). I was so afraid for how she'd do. And the first couple days were rough. After that? It was amazing. My only regret was I didn't do it sooner. She know longer felt pain and could focus on being a puppy. How a blind puppy could be so good at biting my pants cuffs I will never know. lol. Hopefully, you don't have to go that route, but that was Cora's story.
As far as rehab goes, I echo everything that they've already said. I am a vet assistant. My first experience with rehab was taking Cora. Later, I took my senior dog through rehab as his mobility declined. It's a super amazing field and they can do so much. The focus is always on reducing pain and doing things the dog will want to do. I hung out in my rehab department that a month ago, I finally got hired. Even if the distance to travel is too great, they can give you some great initial information and tips for home. Our department will also develop an at-home exercise program. The fee is $90 but included in that fee is ... hmm... actually I don't know the full details. (I will have to ask tomorrow) but I know you get online appointments and a lot of support once you get home.
Topher
Vet Assistant (in school to be a licensed vet technician)
1.5 years Oncology department, moved to rehab & sportsmed December 2024
Tripawd Angel, Cora the Determined <3
Aww thank you for sharing Cora's inspawrational story! Her story continues to teach everyone about life on three thanks to you. Great input!
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