Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello tripawd family! It's been awhile since I've posted here and my little Bean has since completely adjusted to life on three legs. I live on the fourth floor of an apartment building with no elevator. Bean is 11 pounds, about three years old and missing his front right leg. He runs faster than most dogs his size! This morning when I took him out for his walk, he could not walk down even one stair step. Usually he races down at the speed of light with zero effort. But this morning he was clearly struggling to go down the stairs. I carried him down and once we got outside, he was still struggling to walk. He was going very very slowly and clearly was feeling some discomfort in his remaining front leg/paw. I'm extremely worried and don't know what to do. Yesterday wasn't an especially active day and there isn't anything I can think of that would have caused this for him. since being back inside he's still struggling to get up from laying down and just doesn't want to put any weight on that front leg. If it persists throughout the day, I will most certainly call my vet but I was wondering if any of you have some input. In the year and a half he's been three legged, we've never experienced a problem like this.
BEAN!! Good ro hear from you! Clearly you have been playing fullmout and living everyday to the fullest since you found your loving furever home!
Even though you aren't aware of Bean doing anything specific to his leg from too much activity, it would still appear that is the underlying cause....some sort of injury. Sprained muscles, back issues, disc issues, joint issues...all sorts of things!
Being a front legger puts a huge amount of strain on that remaining leg. It could be that this little firecracker may have to take it a bit slower and not be jumping off of things, and maybe even be carried up and down those stairs he's been sailing up and down over this past year.
But yeah, definitely get the Vet to check him out. Then, depending on what he finds, you may want to consider a Rehab Specialist for follow up to keep his remaining legs strong.
Try not to worry. Bean will probably have ro just do potty breaks right now (with your help). Hopefully the vet will give him some pain meds and maybe an anti inflammatory.
Keep us updated. And we're still waiting ever since November 2014 for pictures of that cutie pie!
Higs!
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!
salznbean said
Bean is 11 pounds, about three years old and missing his front right leg...he could not walk down even one stair step.
What type of exercise does Bean get, and how often? Have you done any sort of weight-bearing and core strengthening conditioning with him?
Usually he races down at the speed of light with zero effort.
That could explain a lot. While he may not seem to "need" any help whatsoever, it is our job to moderate their activity to prevent injury. Front leggers will also have a more difficult time going down stairs, with so much weight impacting one leg. (Rear leggers will have a harder time going up.)
Yesterday wasn't an especially active day and there isn't anything I can think of that would have caused this for him.
Dogs are incredibly resilient and terribly adept at hiding their pain. Excessive "explosive" activity—sprinting, bounding up and down stairs, etc.—can cause hairline fractures which over time will eventually present symptoms apparently "out of the blue"
Please consider consulting with a certified rehab vet/tech for a professional diagnosis and recommended exercise regimen to keep Bean fit and strong. The Tripawds Foundation will even reimburse you for your first visit from the Maggie Moo Fund for Tripawd Rehab.
In the mean time, keep Bean confined and limit his activity. Consider downloading Loving Life On Three Legs for more professional tips, how to videos and details about exercise, stretching, hot/cold therapy, and massage to help Bean.
Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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