Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all
We are getting a puppy in a few weeks. He was born with a paw missing (front) - but most of his leg is there. He had a check up at the breeder's vets who said he will be fine. As he's a French Bulldog (a breed which can already be susceptable to spinal issues) - does anyone know if he could be more prone to issues due to this defect?
I have read that this can be a sign of poor or too much breeding. From what I know of the breeder (who's closely connected to a close friend of mine) I do not doubt their breeding. The pups parents have the life of riley and one has won awards for their pedigree. I know that doesn't provide solid evidence, but from what I'm seeing it seems good....
I have called my vet to discuss getting him. They told me that because he has a birth defect he may be prone to further issues. I'm guessing it's a matter of wait and see - I realise we can't just guess the future, however if anyone has any knowledge/advice (especially specifit to French Bulldogs) that would be great. I was thinking it was a matter of "3 legs - so what? He will have a totally normal life" - but if there's a chance of further issues I'd rather be prepared.
I've done a lot of Googling and surprisingly little info out there more specifically aimed at dogs born that way (well, I can't find anything specifically on Frenchies being born that way and there's little general info on other breeds)
I'm happy to take on the challenge of potentially high vet bills - I'm more concerned about the stress/worrying/heartache. Do I just go for it and chances are he'll be fine? He really would have a great life with us - we run our own businesses from home and I have another Frenchie who adores other dogs and needs a best buddy - it's the perfect environment for him.
Thanks for your time.
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
My experience with birth defects are in just one pug. My girl Tani had several issues that didn't really show themselves until she was about 2 years old. She was given to me when she was 10 months old by my uncle who bred pugs for years and had no health issues in his lines. Tani was diagnosed with hydrocephalus when she was 2 years old and started having seizures. We also discovered that her teeth didn't all come in correctly and her upper jaw had never fused like it was supposed to. Because of the hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) she was literally missing some brain cells so she had some neurological deficits and wasn't the sharpest pug. After talking to several vets and my uncle we decided that there must have been some type of congenital issue as the rest of that litter was fine and as I said- my uncle never had another puppy like Tani.
That was a long winded way of saying that you may not know for months or even years if there are other issues related to the missing foot.
All Tripawds are more at risk for spinal problems and leg problems because of their altered gait. This can be addressed by keeping the pup thin, and building core strength. With puppies you also have to be a bit of an activity regulator- not let them get overextended do too much. Of course you have to balance being a dog with that!
A partial limb does cause problems and is often removed unless a prosthetic limb is planned. The dog will use the limb but the end doesn't have the protection of paw pads and nails so it is prone to injury. Keep a close eye on his gait and how he uses the partial leg. You can also get a cover or pad to keep the limb protected.
My current Tripawd is a little pug mix named Elly who lost her back leg after being hit by a car at 7 months old (she is over 1.5 years old now). She can do pretty much anything any other puppy/dog her size can do. We do work every day on core strength through food games, puzzles and obedience training.
Congrats on the new addition!
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Is a prosthetic possible? It would protect the limb while allowing a somewhat more normal gait. And how wonderful of you to give a home to a pup who isn't perfect!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
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