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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Here is the deal. Sammy needs your help.
Sammy's remaining front leg isn't functioning because he has a subluxating shoulder socket. It means his shoulder is kind of popping out of joint.
I have asked the experts and now I ask you. Have you heard of some kind of wrap or something that can help keep his shoulder in place so he can walk?
We are doing chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture. I am going to ask the vet today about cold lazer therapy and water therapy to strengthen the muscle.
I am going to give it all that we have to give him a happy life. I also am considering doing an MRI, to see if there is any cancer anywhere. If he is cancer free like I think he is, and he still is having trouble, I am going to look into carts for him. It isn't cool to have him beat such a deadly cancer, only to have is leg give out.
What are carts like? Can he go potty while in a cart? Can he push it around a slightly hilly back yard?
As it stands (no pun intended) he can't stand or walk for more than 1 or 2 paces before he collapses. This isn't fair to him, I know he would love to be running and playing as before, but it has been over a month of him just lying on his bed.
Can you help? Do you have any idea's? I thought about Trouble and Shanna, but I can't find her blog. His back and neck hurt, and he is on gabapentin. He is still very happy though, he wags his tail and talks to me non-stop.
What should I be doing???
Elizabeth and Sammy
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
Oh no poor Sammy. I don't really have any insight but this is exactly what I worry about with Daisy. Her only front leg going bad to arthritis like her other and then what would I do!
I've only seen dogs with carts for back legs. I'm sure something is made for dogs with front leg problems. Since they use their back legs to push I don't see why it wouldn't work. I'm sure they would still be able to "do their business".
Hopefully others have better insight.
Good luck!
Marla and Daisy
My Two Tripawds...Biscuit 
and Spirit Daisy 
oh elizabeth, this is just so concerning!! i have seen a video of a dog with a 'front cart', and it seemed to work ok for him..can't remember his name, but seems he was in north carolina... sounds like you are doing all of the right things to make sure there are no other issues causing this. only you know how sammy's quality of life is affected by this. being such a big boy, it's probably pretty painful to try to hold his weight on one front leg, that has a bad socket...his pain is ours in all of this. we're sending our best ET juju and i know gayle is looking over him and trying to send healing thoughts as well.
charon & spirit gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Hi Elizabeth, I'm so sorry to hear about Sammy. I saw this video a while ago…
The dog is much smaller than Sammy, but it seems like if you can find an appropriate wheelchair , that there's no reason Sammy could not be as mobile as the dog in the video. I think in that case, the owner built the wheelchair , and even built "skis" for use in the snow.
Oh, poor Sammy. I'm sorry I don't have any advice but we are sending pawsitive thoughts your way that you can find a way to make him comfortable.
Hang in there, sweet Sammy!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Elizabeth,
Sorry Sammy is having trouble with his shoulder.
FYI- Shanna did not have a blog for Trouble. Trouble had very bad arthritis. If you want to talk to her send her a PM- hugapitbull.
From this site here is some discussion about wheelchairs and doggone chairs.
There is another company called Eddie's Wheels.
And Handicapped Pets.com has equipment and information.
Of course our resident expert is Daisy's mom Julie, posts as daisy2010.
I hope you can find some relief for Sammy.
Karen and the pugapalooza
I don't have any advice, but wanted to send you some support and hugs for Sammy. Hope you get the answers you need.
Micki
 |
~ ~ Rio ~ ~ |
Oh Elizabeth - I'm so sorry. What does Dr. Pam say? Can it be fixed?
I don't have any advice. Julie would definitely be the expert in that area as far as wheels. But Daisy had problems with her back legs, not front.
The only thing I do know is that MRI can be very, very expensive. I was quoted $4600 total for a CT scan and xrays. But we are probably expensive here in Vegas. Because of that, I made sure I got dog insurance that would cover it in the future, if I needed it.
Here's hoping with all my heart that Sammy can be relieved of his pain. Sending you lots of good thoughts.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Elizabeth you are doing everything right, please know that.
First, write down all of your questions and take them to your doctor. Don't leave until you get them answered in one form or another.
Now, has Sammy been evaluated by a canine rehab vet? I'm imagining that your chiro/accupuncture doc is working with one. Having Sammy looked at can get you on a good plan that won't break the bank.
As for wheel chairs, here is a Tripawds article with tips for using carts with dogs.
You have a great team working with you, please try not to worry. I'll bet Sammy is already feeling so much better!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Elizabeth, I am so sorry you are facing this with Sammy. It is just so difficult when there is no spare. My experience won't help much. Trouble's problem as someone else pointed out, was severe arthritis. We considered a cart as well, but were afraid it wouldn't work because her problem was with the right hind leg on the amputation side. And besides she was a fraidy wimp and it would have terrified her. Had we thought for one minute it would work we would definitely have gotten her one. It sounds like the PT may help. We didn't have many options where we are.
You are a great mom to Sammy and I know in my heart you will make the best decision. If you have any other questions, just PM me, the notifications come straight to my phone.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Okay guys, I knew I could count on all of you, Charon, Jerry, Jackie, Ge'Lena, Shanna,Micki, Karen. Thank you. I have about 20 minutes here before I have to pull dinner from the oven.
Sammy went for his 3rd acupuncture and Chiropractic treatment. His vet there (Dr. Sodhi) is a rehab vet. I played him video's of Sammy running and playing recently and he told me he thinks we can get back to that. He wants to do water therapy with him, along with 2 times a week acupuncture.
The bank is breaking, but I will press on until it busts. I will check out all of this probably this weekend and process all of your smart and worldly information.
Thank you so much, we are in the trenches together, and nobody knows the war like us soldiers. Thank you fellow cancer fighters,
you rock!
Elizabeth and Sammy
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
Just wanted everyone to know how much the group really looks out for one another. I got a Facebook PM from Shari with a link to this topic and asking me to respond. We truly hang together through it all.
Thank you Shari for being a friend.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
This sounds very encouraging Elizabeth! YAYAY!!!!! (double Yay!)
Keep us posted!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Sounds like there is hope and that is a WONDERFUL thing!
Keep fighting for sweet Sammy and we will keep rooting for you both!
Banks....smanks...not the best advice but the one I went with !...just ask Visa!
Elizabeth, I am sorry you have yet another obstacle to overcome. Sometimes when I get on this site I find myself silently screaming, "No fair, no fair!" You and Sammy are such fighters that I know you will do what is best for your family. It is encouraging to know that the rehab vet thinks he can help Sammy.
I wish I had great advice for you, but our Sammy's situation was different with cancer attacking his remaining front leg. Nevertheless, Rick purchased wheels, wood and other stuff to fashion a cart for Sammy. We didn't get the chance, but in hindsight we think our best bet would have been to make a low wagon-like structure to help get him outside. like your Sammy, he seemed happy as long as he was with us — his tail thumped and he "talked" up a storm. In fact, he seemed to like being dictator!
We will cross our fingers for you,
Beth and Spirit Smilin' Sammy
P.S. I promise I will post my pennies story soon
Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.
We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.
1 Guest(s)
