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.
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Hi all, I'm new to the site and just started researching more about 3-legged dogs. I had no idea there was such a large support group out there. My little boy Auggie was a rescue from the Humane Society. The previous owners had relinquished him at 3months with a fractured front right elbow that needed immediate surgery. They claimed he had fallen down a flight of stairs and could not afford the surgery. The injury was so bad, the Humane Society vet decided to amputate. I don't know of all the exact details, other than when I walked in to the dog viewing area I saw this little scrawny boxer with an e-collar, shaved body, stitches and the most endearing expression ever. I had to help him and felt not many people would want the extra burden of caring for a 3-legged dog. So it was my mission to adopt. I already have 2 other adult boxers and love the breed.
The HS was feeding him the worst dry-food kibble ever. I already am feeding my other 2 RAW since they were only a couple months old. I've done my homework researching RAW food diets, and found it to be the best. I was preparing my own, but with the 2 it just got so time consuming, so I rotate RAW and PRIMAL RAW food patties with extra supplements. They have all been thriving on this diet…now they are 8yrs, 4yrs, & 1yr old. I'm truly looking for a resource to see how everyone else is doing to ensure that my little guy won't have too many issues down the road.
He plays very well with my other 2, faster at times, can cut corners like no other, and is adapting very very well. I just wonder, do I need to take it easy with him and limit his play time. I know his bones are the most fragile in terms of growth…so I always let him take rests, not go for too long of walks and make sure he's not jumping up or down too often. Luckily we don't have stairs that he needs to climb everyday to the house.
See the link below to my video page of Auggie and his brother Austin & sister Avari, around town (San Diego, CA & our winter trips to Mammoth, Ca).
Nice to meet all of you and I'm sure I will keep reading many stories.
Thanks! Robbyn
BOXER VIDEOS
Welcome! Looks like Auggie is getting around just fine now. Our dog Chuy lost his lft. frt. leg when he was about 4 months old due to an injury. The rescue we adopted him from said the leg was dead and that is why they amputated it. The only restriction I place on Chuy is that he doesn't play too rough. Other than that, we just let him be himself, he knows his limitations and how much he can do. One thing we do with him is take him swimming, it helps him keep the muscle built up. Chuy had FHO surgery on his left rear leg last May, so for a while he was a 2 legged dog, the swimming really keeps him going. As for walks, take Auggie for a couple blocks and see how he's doing. If he is doing well, try to increase the length gradually until you feel you are going far enough. Chuy only goes 2 blocks, but at least he goes!
I'm sure you will hear more and better advice from others here.
Chuy's story is posted here in the forums and he also has a blog.
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
Robbyn, you are a ROCK STAR for adopting Auggie! What an awesome pack to join, he's such a lucky boy.
I came from a similar background. I had awful pawrents who kept me tied up all day and the rope got tangled around my leg when I was about 7 months old. The stupid people ignored my screams for help, then when they finally saw my leg was infected, they took me to the vet. The vet said it had to come off, and they told him to put me down! Can you believe that? Me?! So some good peeps paid for my surgery, then I met the awesome girldog Codie Rae from Oaktown, and before I knew it, I met my pawrents, the founders of Tripawds. They took me in last August when I was just recovered from my amputation. I was all skinny and mangy too but I'm lookin' pretty good now if I do say so myself.
I think Auggie's gonna do great with you. I would keep his exercise highly regulated for a while till he recovers. Some dogs may take a couple of months, and front leg amputees work extra hard, so keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't get too wiped out. Spirit Jerry was a front-legger, and a big boy too, and it took him about 3 months before he could handle more than 20 minutes at the beach. Just make sure Auggie doesn't overdo it and you'll be OK.
Check out our Nutrition blog for some great health tips, and oh yeah, my pawrents will soon post a Tripawds News series about exercising your Tripawd, so stay tuned for that.
Thanks for joining us here, we can't wait to hear more about Auggie's adventures with your pack!
Wyatt Ray Dawg . . . The Tripawds Leg-A-Cy Continues!
Read all about my adventures at my Tripawds Blog
Welcome and thanks for joining! Don't miss the Tripawds Nutrition guest post from fellow primal/raw eater Maggie. And please feel free to submit your dog's nutrition plan for us to share with others.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
What a lucky dog to find such an awesome family! Auggie looks great in the video – what a beautiful trio of dogs you have! Holly's a rear amp, and is also dealing with osteosarcoma. She's also smaller than Auggie (she's a Wheaten Terrier). She has been able to resume fairly long walks. We did what someone else already recommended – gradually increased the length of her walks over time. She lets me know when she's had enough – some days she wants to go farther than others. Based on what others have said here, we've started Holly on Glucosamine, which is a joint supplement. Her oncologist thought that was a good idea to help the remaining 3 legs.
We look forward to hearing more about Auggie and his brother and sister!
Holly and Holly's mom
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
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