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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I adopted my dog Jake (a chihuahua Dachshund mix) from my local animal shelter within a day or two after his right back leg was amputated several years ago. He had been doing great. He enjoyed many walks with me and could run so fast when he wanted to that many people were astounded! Yesterday, something happened to his remaining back leg. I can’t tell if there was a dislocation or some other problem. I can’t afford to get him into the vet until tomorrow (Monday, October 17th). He is still moving the leg and at times putting weight on it. I know none of you can tell me from a post what is wrong with him but I need to be emotionally prepared. Does this sound like a dislocated hip, or possibly knee? I already know I can’t afford a huge veterinarian bill and I may have to say goodbye to my dog who has been a constant companion since I adopted him. So I’m just looking for probabilities that my veterinarian could tell me. Thanks, Gloria
Gloria, take a deep breath and know you are doing everything right to get Jake's issue resolved. That's good you made the vet appointment and honestly I would wait until normal hours too as this doesn't sound like a critical emergency. So don't beat yourself up for waiting.
Unfortunately it's not unusual for a Tripawd to pull a muscle and have mobility issues. Usually it happens just from playing too hard, walking too far, or just an accumulation of high impact activity that's catching up with him. And until you get him evaluated there is really no point in speculating because you will make yourself sick with worry and heartache. That's not what Jake wants right? Right!
Most times when members report something like this (and it happened to our Jerry and Wyatt too), it is a pulled muscle that just needs some R&R and pain management to help it heal. Your vet can evaluate him to find out. Also, please keep in mind that the Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit , so please check out the link so that you can get reimbursed, and ask your vet for a referral so Jake can heal quicker OK?
Let us know how the visit goes tomorrow. We are sending tons of Tripawd 
to you and Jake!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Can only ditto Jerry!
It's hard not to jump to worse case scenarios, but as Jerry said, so very often these types of things are pulled muscle related, a tweak of a joint, etc, Somput those horrible thoughts out of your head, okay?
Being part Doxie, he may have even sprained a back muscle. Massage up and down his spine and see of he shows any tense areas.
For noe, keep him as settled as possible. Hopefully some rest and a good anti inflammatory from the Vet will help.
FWIW, I came home recently on a week end night late after work, and my front leg tripawd was basic collapsing on his front leg. I also couldn't afford an ER visit, and while it was hard to watch, he was earing and wagging, etc. I did have some pain meds on ha d (Gabapentin) and anti inflammatory (Rimadyl). The Vet did an xray on Monday and eliminated any fractures. So thankfully, with rest and a lot of patience, he has gotten much better.
Stay connected and update when you can. And B R E A T H E😊
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!
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