Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Pretty generic post title, but it's actually pretty accurate,hehe!
So Grady is nearing his 2 month mark, and things are actually going great! But...the mom (nursemaid!) in me can't help but over analyze his every move. Part of my problem is that without his other front leg for me to compare with, I sort of don't remember what his shoulder and leg "should" look like!
His stance...he's got a pretty typical remaining leg almost centered stance when he sits/stands. However, there are times, mainly after exuberantly greeting people, that I notice his (remaining) front shoulder kinda juts foward, hulk-like. Then I rub and prod and check for non-existent dislocations, and it doesn't seem to hurt him at all; in fact it seems to relax him. Since I can't check the other side, I can't tell if he's just building some serious muscle (it's only been almost 2 months, but he was non-weight-bearing on his right leg for almost 3 months prior) and that's what I'm seeing, or if he's pushing that front shoulder out when his remaining leg hurts. Also, he's always been very lean, so any muscle changes are extremely apparent!
Is this normal? I think I'm going to take him into my poor vet to have a peek this morning, just wondering if I'm overreacting 
Front leg Tripawds do compensate that way (flip through our Gallery and you'll see examples) and it's usually not an issue, but over time it helps to add some massage, gentle stretching and acupuncture into their lives. Because they place so much more weight on the front and are using their bodies in a way it wasn't really meant to be used, the muscles become stressed (just as in a human who walks with a limp will eventually experience back pain because of it) and tense up. I wouldn't worry but a vet visit is worth the peace of mind if you are. Let us know what s/he says!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
It's good to hear Sweet Grady is doing so well!
I had to laugh when we question what's "normal" around here!
To the rest of the world, I guess nothing we do is "normal"! To us, four legged dogs just look weird!
Don't have any insight on the stance, just wanted to say how thrilled I am to hear Grady is doing so well!!
GOOD JOB EVERYONE!!
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!
I hope everything checked out okay at the vet! No, you're not overreacting...better safe then sorry! Update when you can.
My Willow had severe arthritis in her remaining legs. I adopted her as a Tripawd, and wasn't aware of her arthritis when I got her. I noticed that when she was tired from activity, and probably in pain, she seemed to sink down on her remaining front leg and her shoulder seemed to be in a more "forward" position. Arthritis meds and supplements helped a lot, but it never completely went away. Does Grady have arthritis?
Carol
Everything went fine at the vet, and he didn't think I was being a pain in the behind, lol. He said that its actually good that there's a decent amount of laxity, and that it helps with his balance. Grady's muscles have also grown a LOT in that leg, and it's more prominent because he's on the lean side and also because there's no other side to compare it to. Still, I feel better having the mobility checked, as well as a good prodding for lumps and bumps 
Grady has *mild* arthritis, and he had probably had it for some time even prior to us seeing it on xrays when he was being diagnosed. He's on cosequin ds, dermaquin (fish oil) and SAM-e. He has rimadyl, but...since he didn't need it BEFORE, I really only use it when it's cold out and he's creaky, or at night if he's had a particularly busy day, and I know he'll feel it in the morning
I feel like maybe I can finally quit worrying now, at least for a while!
And yeah, pretty sure no two normals are alike with these furries!
Oh good! Thanks for the update after the vet visit! Everything sounds "NORMAL" for Grady and that's good news!
Loo,s like you realy have a good handle on the arthritis too. You know your Grady best!
Yeah, jiust put all the worrying aside (easier said than done smetmes) and just continue to be living like Grady...in the mment and hapy as can be!! Being more dog!!
Now you two go do something that makes his tail wag and makes you both grin ear to ear
((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))
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!
Yay me...spoke too soon! I noticed yesterday that he was standing funny again, and licking his paw. He wasn't super cooperative about letting me poke at his toes, but I noticed the fur felt stiff. After cleaning,I don't see anything wrong with the nail (but he's not an easy patient...he sticks his head under my hand when I try to look), but it seems to be "oozy" at the base, where nail meets toe 
I *knew* something was wrong. Unfortunately, I can't get him to the vet as soon as I'd like. I'm soaking with salt water and using an antiseptic spray in the meantime. Hopefully, can at least pick up antibiotics before bringing him in. Just weird that I can't see any cracks or anything. He turns his front leg in pretty far, so I'm betting he just turned fast and bent it or something? He's not really bothering with it, and right now he seems more upset that I'm limiting him than anything else. I know infections are bad, obviously, but is this a "non-emergency", and I'm pretty safe just tending to it at home for a few days? No fever, no real swelling, just a little sensitive, and I notice him shifting weight some. My husband thinks I'm overreacting, as usual...but since he doesn't exactly have a lot of wiggle room regarding his remaining leg, the last thing the poor boy needs is an infection that could spread! Kind of disappointed that it was missed Saturday...wasn't my usual vet, tho. I've seen him before, but he's no Dr. Browning...even if he does wear Packers ties that make me trust him
P.S.--I think I kinda love Hannah! She's so darn adorable!!!
Also, kinda bummed...he had an appt for his first post-op grooming tomorrow, so I could get his toe fur shaved. I'm going to cancel until this clears up. Not that I'm worried about a toe cancer now or anything
Hmmm I'm wondering if it's a broken nail? Wouldn't be the first time!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I figure it is, I just don't see where!! But, he's not really letting me look closely, and he really needs the fur pulled from between :/ I think he just bent/broke/twisted it at the base because of his funky pigeon-toe stance; wouldn't be a shocker But the nail is intact; it's just oozy (a touch of pus) at the base. Either way, he needs to be seen, I'm sure. Just hoping its ok to wait a few days, and keep it soaking, clean, and antiseptic-ed! It's what I'd feel ok doing on my quad paws...just not sure with the tripawd. It's the only front paw he has!
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