Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I didn't really know what to title this and if this has come up in the forum (and I am sure it has but my superficial digging didn't have a clear answer) please point me in the right direction.
Chops, my 14 month old tripod (missing back left leg) has recently started dragging himself around at night when he has been laying down for a long time. For example, he'll be sleeping on the floor and want to go to his bed, and instead of properly getting up, he'll sort of limp/pull himself over to his bed. This is really odd for a few reasons: when we go on walks, he runs and plays just fine. Other than during these moments, he doesn't seem to be hurt. At the dog park he has never run fasted or played with more spunk and energy.
I wonder if his back leg is falling asleep? It is just so odd because up until about 2 weeks ago I very rarely saw him do this. Are there exercises to strengthen him getting up and laying down? i've been trying to work on sit/laydown/stand, but these last few days it just seems to take so much work and energy from him.
Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks 
Leslie (and Chops)
Welcome to the forums, your future posts will not require moderation.
How long has Chops been a tripawd? Why did he lose his leg?
Has your vet checked him out to make sure there isn't any medical reasons for this behavior? Perhaps he is over doing activity during the day and so is wiped out at night?
Our Gear Blog has lots of ideas for exercise and training for Tripawds. It is important for a tripawd to develop strength and endurance.
You could also consider a rehab specialist to get Chops in tip top shape. This Rehab video might give you some ideas.
Karen
Hi Leslie and Chops!
Karen has given you some good links and "ditto" on the qquestins.
I've forgotten who it was, but someone did me tion so ethi g similar, and the vet determined, in tnat particular case, it was some type of leg going to sleep,or cramp...forfotten which.
He could be doing some sort of back stran or disc issues because he's so very active.
Yeah, get him checked out and see what the causeis.
Would LOVE to hear more avout Chops! He sounds li,e a delightful guy!
Please keep usposted,okah? Don't leave us hangi'!
Hugs to all !
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Thanks so much for the quick replies.
I rescued Chops when he was about 2.5 months old. He was found with a broken leg and fractured hip at about 1.5 months (probably hit by a car.) Not sure what he is, but probably has husky/collie. He's 14 months now and just the light of our lives.
It could be that he is tired at the end of the day... like this morning he is easily getting up and running around. I will check out all the links you mentioned and make sure he is getting enough water too. Also I read somewhere making sure they are warmed up when you let them run and play, so I'll make sure to do that too (never even thought of it but it makes sense.) I haven't been to the vet yet, only because this is so recent and at first I just thought it was odd and a one off. Seems like there is always something going on (must be the compromised immune system at first, he had demodex mange, ring worm, pink eye, food intolerance...)
I'll keep you updated!
Oh good! I just clicked on and saw your post! I was realy excited to hear more avout Chops! He had a rough beginning that's for sure! Im so glad he PICKED you as his life partner! Great team!
If you can possiblly get a video or picture and post it, that would be interesting to see what's going on when he has those "issues". Of course, it's just my cheesey way of trying to get more photos!
One more thought.....is it possible he's just sort of "stretching"? Is he wagging his tail as he does this? No obvious pain, right?
Check out the site for various joint supplemenypts too As young as he is and as ful out as he plays, you'll want to keep those joints protected as he ages!
He just sounds delightful! Thank you again for sharingnthe journey! Look forward to "more Chops"!
Hugs!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
good idea! I will get a video of him tonight. I wouldn't say its a stretch, but I could be wrong... I'll get two videos- one of what he is normally like when he gets up, and one when it seems to be an ordeal...
I've just been scanning all the exercise stuff and will start doing stretches and weaving with him. Also looking at the balance discs... although Chops is afraid of everything so that might not be the way to go. haha.
I would of course consult a vet (one that has at least treated a rear amp in the past year besides your own.. many vets simply don't have a lot of experience with them and it shows) to rule out a pinched nerve, or swelling.
I'd dial the hound down a notch or two during play. He's only got 1 rear leg and its got to last. The dog may have compensated for the loss of a limb but has no idea that he's putting twice the weight on a single limb.
After playtime a cold compress or gel pack might do wonders.
Leslie and Chops,
Every situation is different and we always learn from eachother so never hesitate to post. You might want to ask yourself what kinds of activities he's been doing that are leading up to this behavior. When it comes to Tripawds, exercise should be regulated and taken slowly in increments, especially younger dogs. Core-strengthening is very important to them, just as it is to humans. This blog post explains what I mean:
Why Longer Walks Won't Strengthen a Tripawd's Leg Muscles
There are tons of exercises you can do to help him get strong. Be sure to check out our ebook, Loving Life on 3 Legs, for tips on how to get there. And I agree, you may want to have him evaluated by your vet if this continues after a week or so of strict rest.
Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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