Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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The following guest blogger post was submitted by tripawd pawrent Kelli Nichols. It is the first in a two-part series about chiropractic care for Tripawds. Stay tuned for the second guest-blog post, coming soon!
While owning a tripawd is an extremely rewarding experience, there are extra considerations when it comes to health care compared to four-legged dogs. One thing I have found to be tremendously beneficial with my tripawd is regular chiropractic care.
Tripawds often compensate structurally for only having three legs and this can create stress on joints and recurring subluxations in their spine. Having regular once-monthly or more appointments with a vet trained in chiropractic care can increase mobility and help keep your dog pain free and active.
My dog Molly once was having a hard time walking after a short rigorous hike and a visit to her chiropractor immediately returned her to her normal, jolly self. I am learning that it takes some fine tuning to find the balance between keeping her in shape and not overdoing it. This can be hard sometimes when your dog loves to play! I have also found that proper nutrition and additional high-quality supplements such as mercury free fish oil
To find a dog chiropractor in your area please visit the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association website.
Good luck and may your tripawd live a long and healthy life!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks, this is very timely for us. We have our first chiropractic visit next Friday and have high hopes that it will help keep Shelby all lined up and ready to play!
I was wondering about that myself, actually. It seems like it would have to be hard on the alignment. Problem is I am so tapped out financially from the amputation and chemo that it will have to wait a bit.
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
A good chiropractor isn't really that expensive. You are usually able to get most issues resolved in 2-3 visits, roughly $50-70/visit, depending on the chiropractor and what they offer. Ours also does acupuncture and suppliments, along with chiro adjustments.
I thought I'd give this thread a bump and a thanks to Jerry and Kelli Nichols for the info! Using the link for finding chiropractors and another link for finding acupuncturists, (sorry I don't remember which post I got it from, but it was here!) I found the one vet hospital in town that has both and, on further inspection, I think it would definitely be my first choice for Gerry's care (if it is to be) and, frankly, any dog I get in the future. Thanks!! I was wondering how I'd choose a vet given there are so many in Madison (too bad this one isn't a little closer to my side of town, but they sound worth it). Cross your paws for reasonable costs to boot 
Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.
He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.
Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com
GerrysFosterMom said:
Using the link for finding chiropractors and another link for finding acupuncturists, (sorry I don't remember which post I got it from, but it was here!)
You mean the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association website link in Jerry's first post above?
FYI: Jerry's got a followup chiro vet blog post coming up soon, so stay tuned!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Another post had a similar link for finding acupuncturists, but it was a different one. I can't remember what I was searching for when I came across that one. But that link and the link above for chiropractic are both eventually led me to Truesdell Animal Hospital in Madison.
Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.
He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.
Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com
GerrysFosterMom said:
Another post had a similar link for finding acupuncturists…
Perhaps it was this recent post in the Tripawds Downloads blog :
Natural Solutions for Easing Stress and Pain in Dogs
Or Jerry's Acupunture visit video post:
My Visit to the Animal Acupuncture Doctor In Colorado
Or maybe Jeanie Marie Craft's Four Paws Acupuncture site:
Saturday, 10/17/09: Listen to Tripawds Acupuncturist Jeanie Marie Craft
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
On a related note, don't miss today's blog post from Jerry:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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