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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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Member Since:
2 September 2020
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2 September 2020 - 4:02 pm
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My dog Monta had his left front leg amputated about 3 weeks ago.  He is doing well but is very frustrated with having to constantly wear a cone.  I take it off for walks but when I do, he immediately wants to lick his good front leg.  I mean, he goes at it for 20 minutes, nonstop.  He finally gets around to the healing wound which is when I put the cone back on.  Does anyone know why he franticly licks the other leg?

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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2 September 2020 - 5:36 pm
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Hi Monta and family, welcome. Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away.

What was the reason for the amputation? And do tell us a little more about Monta, like his age and breed type. Also, what does his activity look like right now? How long are those walks?

I ask that last question because oftentimes, obsessive licking is one of the many pain signals dogs give when they hurt. My guess is that his walks need to be scaled back, but I'm not a vet so please do let your vet know what's going on. Also, please consider making an appointment with a canine rehabilitation therapist. These experts can show you what Monta's capabilities are right now, and what they will look like in the future. The best part is that the Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit ! It's so educational for us, and we learn things like exercises to strengthen and prevent injury, so please take advantage of the program OK?

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet


Member Since:
2 September 2020
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2 September 2020 - 6:57 pm
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He is a 9 yr old Border Collie mix.  He was hit by a truck is the reason for amputation.  He really enjoys his walks and steers me away from heading home.  We take a couple of 20 minute walks a day.  No canine rehab vet in this area.

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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2 September 2020 - 10:09 pm
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Hi and welcome.

My current Tripawd is a little Pug mix that was hit by a car when she was 7 months old, she lost a rear leg as a result.  I also have a 14 year old quad-Pug boy named Obie who I adopted when he was 4 years old.  Obie was neglected and abused before I got him and paw licking is one of the results of that.  He was left in a carrier that was too small for hours every day and I think he started the licking because he didn't have anything else he could do.  Licking can be a signal of stress.

Is his incision healed? Usually pups are out of the cone around 2 weeks, is it because he is licking his scar? 

One thing I would suggest is a food puzzle or game to give him something to do and distract from the licking.  I'm guessing as a BC mix he needs a job or something to do.  Food puzzles and games help to tire out the mind and body and as an added bonus works on core strength and balance!  My Tri Elly does food games or puzzles most every day.  She has severe anxiety issues so giving her something to focus on really helps her confidence.

You might also consider getting a wagon or stroller for him so you can take him farther and give him new things to smell without him having to walk too far.

Here is a video I made showing just some of the games and puzzles we play.  You might have to modify some a bit for a front legger but hopefully it gives you some ideas.

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

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo


Member Since:
2 September 2020
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3 September 2020 - 11:57 am
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Thanks for the suggestion.  He was a licker before the accident and I attributed it to boredom.  I do have one food puzzle but he is too smart and it isn't much of a challenge.  He does need to go back to the vet since I noticed that a suture is still attached and he is pulling on it when his cone wasn't on at one point.  

Are these wagons/strollers available online?  Amazon or ?  They come in sizes?

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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3 September 2020 - 2:10 pm
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Here are the strollers and wagons carried in our Gear Blog.  I think I got my first one through Amazon, it was before Tripawds was here!  Just google dog stroller and see how many results you get!

I have to rotate Elly's puzzles and games, she is pretty smart too.  We don't even do the mushroom toy in the video anymore because she figured out how to just turn it upside down in her bed- she hardly even moves which sort of defeats the purpose.

We do the sport of Nose Work which has been great for Elly and my first introduction to dog sports.  When we practice I can make the hides as easy or as hard as I want, and I've used her 'drive to source' to help her get over some of her fears.  She wouldn't walk under a chair when I first adopted her, now she will shimmy under furniture!

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

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

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