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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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New Tripawd Not His Spunky Self
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Member Since:
1 February 2018
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1 February 2018 - 8:07 am
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Hi, I am new to this site. My 2yr old Pitt Bull mix had his back right leg amputated 2.5 weeks ago. He is healing very well and has been off his pain medication for 3 days now. Bu my concern is that although he can get around well, he is showing no interest in playing and is not his usualy spunky self. He mostly just lays around and only gets up to eat or go to the bathroom. He is also unwilling to attempt going up the stairs but goes down the stairs very well. I guess my question is, is this normal behavior and will his energy pick up? he seems almost sad or depressed:(

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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1 February 2018 - 8:51 am
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Hi there! Thanks for joining us. I moved your post so your pup could have a topic all his own and we can help you better. What's his name? What was the reason for the amputation?

I'm no vet, but I'm going to guess that he isn't sad or depressed, he's tired and needs to get strong again. Two and a half weeks seems like forever when you just want your old doggie back, but it's really not a long time. Try to put yourself in his paws if you had gone through such a major surgery. Most humans wouldn't even be out of bed at this point right? See, he's doing pretty good, especially if he can go down stairs already and is eating and going potty.

Rear leg Tripawds always have a harder time going up stairs and up hills. They carry all their propulsion for jumping and moving forward in those back legs, and with one leg recently gone, your dog's mobility challenges are totally normal. You can of course do things to help him get stronger, like taking him for an evaluation to a rehab therapist. These pros can assess his strengths and weaknesses and help you come up with at-home exercises that can get him fit again. The best part is that the Tripawds Foundation may even pay for your first rehab visit ! We highly recommend making an appointment. It's the fastest and best way to get your old buddy back!

But if you don't have access (let us know if you have trouble finding a therapist, we'll help locate the closest), you can do  lots of strengthening exercises at home. The Tripawds Gear blog has lots of exercise tips, as does our e-book, Loving Life On Three Legs

What other pain signals does he show? Is his appetite normal? Does he flinch if you touch certain areas of his body? I would also recommend letting your vet know what's going on, just to be sure. 

I hope this helps. Stay tuned for more feedback from others!

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


Member Since:
1 February 2018
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1 February 2018 - 9:14 am
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Our pup is Rocky and he had the amputation due to a very horrific spiral fx he obtained to his back right femur, that would have been very risky to fix with screws due to how long/large the break was. It happened during a freak accident at home, he went to jump up playfully and his back legs slipped on our kitchen tile. Then when he start to fall backward, he twisted his body so that all his weight was on his back right leg and you heard this awful crackcryingHe is the sweetest dog ever and yes I am just anxious to have his spunky personality back. Besides just not being playful and wanting to lay around a lot, he does NOT show other signs of pain. He eats very well, uses the bathroom regularly and we can even gently touch the thigh of the amputation site with out him flinching or making any sounds of pain. 

Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
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1 February 2018 - 10:30 am
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Jerry has given you her usual excellent insight.

Roxk is just over two weeks from MAJOR surgery.  All his muscles are adjusted to a different way of being used.  Walking on three legs initially is EXHAUSTING!!

It sounds like Rocky is a very smart boy and knows he needs rest and knows he needs to take it easy for awhile.  And good for him for recognizing his remaining rear leg is not strong enough yet ro take him UP the stairs.

I know this came on quickly and you didn't have time to prepare.

Do you have a harness to help him  or is there any way he can avoid stairs for now? 

If you have hardwood floors you'll want tomplace non-slip  scatter rugs for traction .

The fact that he is eating, drinking and pottying is great news!

It took me a good three weeks before I could say I did this FOR my Happy Hannah and not TO her!  And many dogs do stay on pain meds longer than two weeks...even if it's a reduced dose.   Dogs are so stoic.  They go to great lengths to hide their pain.

It's important to maintain a strong, confident, upbeat attitude.  Lots and lots of excited  praise for anything and everything!  Does he have a special human that he enjoys visiting?  Could they come over, bring him a cheeseburger and act all upbeat and excited to see him?   Maybe bring him a special toy.

And also make a little note when you DO see a tail wag or ears perk up at the smell of food.  These "little" signs of the sparkle coming back are HUGE!! 🙂

Stay connected.  We're all cheering for Rocky!  You'll get through this!

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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