Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello All,
My name is Star I recently adopted a tripawd Aus. Cattle Dog named Allira. She is wonderful and came from a wonderful home as well. She's been with us since Saturday. Wednesday she had her first vet visit (since coming to our home) and then we spent sometime in the park - I have another dog 6 years old who has all 4 legs.
I didn't think it was too much but when Allira woke up yesterday after her walk she wasn't as mobile as she has been - it seems the problem is her remaining front leg. I called the vet (and today she does seem improved) but if she's not back up to her normal self by Monday we are going in, still...
I feel guilty that mabey I let her do too much, and I am wondering if this is something that happens often with tripawd pups? Other than hot/cold packs is there any other advice?
Thanks
Star, Allira, Chavez
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Hi Allira and Star, it's great to hear from you again. I'm sorry you're not feeling well though. To me it sounds like you might have overdone it at the park, but that's just a guess. In your post back in August, you said you had just had your amputation done. Even though it's been three months since your surgery, I know that seems like a long time, but your front leg might need more time to build up more muscle.
Are you feeling OK otherwise? Eating well? If so, and it's just that you're sore and having a hard time getting up, then yeah, you probaby played too hard. Remember, dogs carry 60 percent of their weight on their front legs. When you've only got one front one, you need to take it a little easier than you did before the surgery. Drink lots of water, take lots of breaks. I used to overdo it sometimes, and it would take a day or two for me to feel energetic again. That's pretty normal for a front leg tripawd.
And of course, keeping your weight down is necessary too, so don't eat too many biscuits OK?
Star, don't be so hard on yourself, it's definitely a learning experience for both of you. We know you're doing the best you can. Let us know how things go OK? Hope you feel better soon Allira.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks so much for the quick response.
I adopted Allira from the woman who had been posting as CDM prior. She's a wonderful doggy Mom and gave Allira a great start, her concern was the farm life with the other working dogs. Allira just would not take it easy.
She's doing really well and eating just fine. I guess, well...it's just what I said before I am new at this. She is so full of energy - just need to make sure she's not overdoing it. She really is one of the most lovely dogs i've ever met in my life.
Ooooohhhhh, I get it now, she's this Allira!
You are doing fine Star. It's a new learning experience for pawrents, having to watch their Tripawd's activity level. As much as an energetic Tripawd (especially one without cancer) is, they still do need to take it a little easier than a dog with four legs. We don't like to admit that we're tired, so it's up to you Mom, to make us take a break.
But you'll get the hang of it. Just watch her behavior for signs that she's getting tired. You'll start to recognize it. Read our Health Tips page for more info too.
Keep us posted, let us know that she's feeling better over the next few days, OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello Allira and Star, glad to hear that you are in a loving home once again and maybe taking it a bit easier than at the farm. Just make sure to get a lot of rest and take it easy. Some days will be better than others but for the most part they are all good and make sure to take a break it is okay. Let us know how you are doing!
Kellie
Hi Allira & Star,
I too have a recent tripawd who doesn't know the meaning of taking it easy. Short of sitting on her, Miss Lacy will go and go until she drops..then she's somewhat yelpy and a little limpy the next day. She is on Deramax, partly to help slow down the cancer and partly to help with pain and inflamation in her other limbs. My vet says if she seems to be uncomfortable, to increase her dose for a day or two. He understands that keeping her down is not an option! It is really working well for her. You might ask your vet about adding it in for awhile until she's stronger.
Good luck!
Wow, Lacy is one unstoppable tripawd. Be sure to post some photos of her in action when you get a chance.
We are glad you've had a good experience with Deramaxx, as not all dogs do well on it. Now, we aren't vets, but as a dog that had a bad reaction to Rimadyl and Previcox, I feel it's my duty to let others know how I personally about these painkillers.
The Non-Steroidal AntiInflammatory drugs do wonders for many, but be sure to always keep an eye out for possible reactions. We urge anyone using NSAIDs on their fur kid to read about the possible side effects, because in my experience, a lot of vets forget to. My vet didn't tell me what could happen when I was on them, and I got pretty sick before my pawrents knew it was the NSAIDs that were doing it to me.
Here are some ways you can help reduce the risks of NSAIDs. And, we also encourage pawrents to investigate options like acupuncture and massage therapy to help with any tired muscles, as an alternative to higher drug dosages.
Anyhow, just wanted to add that for what's it worth.
Keep it up Lacy, we are proud of you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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