Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Everyone,
My husband may have noticed the reason why Barret seems to be in more pain today than yesterday. He is hop-limping! The front left leg is the one that's been removed, but he is limping on the back left leg (trying his best not to put much weight on it and sitting down more often than usual).
It doesn't seem to be too severe. He gets around when he wants to (i.e. when food is involved). I was able to massage it for him, though he hasn't been very receptive to any massage since the surgery. I really think he's just sore all over.
I saw the thread "Treating soft tissue injuries" but it seems to be intended for major issues.
So, is this common for new tripawds? I was going to use heat packs on it and the vet increased his pain meds today so hopefully that helps. Any other advice?
Thanks a bunch, Heather and Barret
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
Heather it is some what common. They are learning how to adjust their weight to make up for that 4th leg. Try not to let him jump ( I know easier to say than do with Barrett) and keep him as quiet as you can. See if rest will help. If not take him to the vet and have him look him over.
Hugs
Michelle & Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
TJ is a tripawd for 2 weeks and one day and he has some of the same issues.... trying to jump/do steps etc. You have to watch them to make sure they are very cautious in whatever activity they *think* they can do.
I can tell when TJ is a little sore for to much walking.... I usually rub his shoulder/neck (you can feel the tight, overworked muscles) and it generally puts him right into a nap for a while.
Watch them closely so they don't try to do 4 legged things with only 3.... it generally doesn't end well.
yes, believe it or not today is the first day he has not gotten off the sofa or gone up the steps without me. He must have done something yesterday to strain himself. Poor puppers!
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
poor barret. It's tough.
the best thing is to keep him quiet... hahahha... like that's possible with barrett. The other thing I've found that helps is to do stretches. there are some good ones here.
Topher
Vet Assistant (in school to be a licensed vet technician)
1.5 years Oncology department, moved to rehab & sportsmed December 2024
Tripawd Angel, Cora the Determined <3
I'd agree that it's relatively common for this to happen in brand new Tripawds. Michelle's advice is spot-on: rest, rest, and more rest. If that doesn't help, take him in. I'm going to bet he just overdid things. One week out is not a long time and there's all sorts of new muscle activity going on, it's entirely possible this is what's happened. Keep your vet in the loop too.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks everyone,
I can really feel the knot in his thigh, so we've been doing periodic hot packs and massage. He really relaxes with the heat packs. I will have to fire up the heated bed I have and see if he will lay on it. So far he has 'snubbed' every orthopedic bed
I have brought home. He only sleeps on the couch, bed or the fluffy pillow beds. That little snot 
I would start some of the stretches from Loving Life on 3 Legs
but he is still seemingly so tender all over the place, he prefers not be touched at all anymore 
can't wait for that to be over, I miss my cuddle bug!!!
-Heather & Barret
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
Heather and "That Little Snot":-)
If they could just relate overdoing it ==sore muscles, but just not in their realm of thinking!
About two weeks ago now, Happy Hannah did "whatever" and pulled one of her front toenails COMPLETELY off...down to the horribly painful exposed quick.
She's rear leg amp. and needless to say that has altered her gait significantly, thus causing more weakness in her back leg (or seemingly so) while she tries to compensate lugging her chunk self on one front leg and an overused back leg. Point being, she sure didn't do much moving around the first week. As the toe is starting to heal, she still has sore muscles to heal for all the goofy configurations she was using to try and walk! Oh yeah, heart string tugging at me? She's doing much better now after resting up!
Hang in other and take it easy!! Gosh, still so early in recovery too! What a trooper!
?its of love,
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!
OUCH, pulled the whole toenail off? Wow!! Hope Hannah is feeling better. Barret has been refusing to walk or jump onto things for the most part so he is taking everyone's advice to take it easy
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
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