Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We are planning on adopting a puppy with three legs. We are very close with our breeder and have her half brother and another boy from her. Peggy would be our third. She was born with three legs, so I'm just wondering if there's anything I should be concerned with. She's only 3 weeks, but she's already sitting so her coordination seems to be good. Any advice would be appreciated. I'm thinking the boys will be very protective of her. My husband and I spoke to our vet and he didn't think she would be any different. I'm worried about the boys being too rough with her, they play fight nonstop. They're all very small, the biggest is 15 lbs, her brother is 13 and she should be around 11 full grown.
I don't think being a tripawd is going to make a bit of difference to Peggy. My dogs are much bigger--their avarage weight is probably 75# more--but they play just like they did when they all had 4 legs. Lucky Peggy won't even have to make the adjustment! The boys may not treat her any differently from any other dog because she herself won't feel weak. That's my guess.
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Thanks Cemil. We're very excited about our new additional. It's one of her front paws. I'm glad to hear they play just the same. Any other health risks I should be aware of?
Hi Shaylih, thanks for joining! Sorry, I just missed you in the chat.
Peggy will never know she was supposed to be born with four legs. The only concern is that she no longer has her spare! You may be surprised how "normal" she will be ... running fast, playing rough, and loving life. Bless you for adopting her.
Just be sure to watch her weight and consider chiropractic care or massage and acupuncture as she grows since her system may more easily fall out of adjustment due to her asymetric gait.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I think that because she was born with three legs she will be just fine. There won't be any adjustments for her to go through and she hasn't lost her leg due to cancer so I wouldn't think she will have health issues due to the absence of her leg. Bless you for knowing that tripawd dogs are valuable.
Debra
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.
Thank you for all your advice. My husband and I weren't in the market for a third dog, the two we have now get along so well we don't need to rock the boat, but my breeder told me about Peggy and my heart just went out to her. My breeder said she didn't want Peggy to go to anyone except my husband and I because she knows the kind of love we'll give her and she'll always have updates on her. I'm not even sure if I'm ready for puppyhood again! But I'm sure once I see her there's no way I'll be able to resist. I think her weight will be fine because her brother is a long bean pole! They are Coton De Tulears. Her bother Guy is the skinny one on the right and Hooch is from a different line. Hooch was a champion and even graced the cover of Maxximum dog food for 2-3 years!
You're in for quite a lot of amusement, I bet, as Peggy grows up and learns to keep up with her brothers.
Yoda had to have his front right leg amputated almost three months ago due to cancer, but he showed no hesitation about getting back to the dog parks and playing with the other dogs, which would have been totally understandable. He can't always keep up like he used to, but he sure has learned to compensate! This past Sunday when he couldn't keep up with the little leader of the chase, he leapt over a rock (boulder, really) to cut the distance and keep after him/her. You should have heard the Oooo's and Ahhh's and Whoa!'s of the human spectators. (I would totally post the video to share with everyone - yeah I got it on tape! - but my camcorder is from like 1995 and I don't know when I'd be able to get around to converting the tape and learning how to upload video).
Peggy will be a star!
Yoda&Mom united: 9/5/06 …….… Yoda&Leg separated: 6/5/09……… Yoda&Leg reunited: 10/14/09 ……… ……………….………….………….……. Yoda&Mom NEVER separated! …………………….….……....….…… Though Spirit Yoda currently free-lances as a rabbit hunting instructor for tripawds nationwide
Oooo! I already love Peggy. I think sometimes doggies get arthritis because of the extra weight, but with her being so small, I wouldn't think that would be a problem (just guessing). When do you get to bring her home?
Peggy will be the biggest blessing in your life. You'll wonder how you ever made it without her!
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.
I think the brothers may need to learn to keep up with Peggy. Radar runs just as fast and plays just as hard as the rest of my gang. Like others have said - there will be no adjustment for her so it will be even easier. And..... she will have all that puppy energy to back her up. Hold on to your hats.
Connie & Radar
We'll probably bring her home in November. We're just so excited. I wonder how they'll all fit on the bed! It's a good thing we have a king! Two years ago, before we had Guy my husband wasn't even a dog person! Now he's agreeing to a third. They've really won over his heart. As soon as I told him Peggy's story and how the breeder specificially only wanted us to have her I knew she'd be ours. It was meant to be. I'll keep everyone updated.
Hi Shaylih! Welcome to Tripawds. Our dog Chuy lost his leg when he was 4 mos. old. due to being hit by a car. I don't think he even remembers having the 4th leg. He runs, jumps and plays with our other dog just like normal. He even had FHO surgery on his left rear leg (he's missing his lft. frt.) last May and is totally back to what we call "Doing Chuy things."
Sounds like you are going to have your hands and house full with Peggy and her brothers. If you have alot of tile or hardwood floors, I suggest you get some carpet runners to help Peggy keep her traction on the floors. Other than that, keep her at a normal weight and she will do just fine!
Eleanor & Chuy
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
You all will fit fine on the bed. I sleep (just me) in a regular double with at least Cemil (148#) and Radzi (about 70#) and a lot of nights, Mujde too (also around 70#). Of course, I don't get to move around much, but I don't think there's anything better than sleeping in a pile of dogs. It's like being in a bath of love.
Don't worry. You'll do fine. Everybody finds their place.
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
We got Peggy last weekend and she is a firecracker! She's already beating up her big brothers and stealing their food. She's not playing with the puppy nylabones, nope she wants the big galileo bone and she steals it right out of Guy's mouth!
She has no idea there is anything wrong with her and she does everything the big dogs do. She's only 3 lbs, and she went up the stairs! She's a little scared of them now because she fell down a couple times, but I'm sure in a few days she'll be running up them again.
Hooch is very protective of her and washes her face and her butt. The first 2 days he didn't let Guy near her, but now she and Guy are playing up a storm. Sorry the picture is so blurry, but these two won't stand still!
No wonder they won your husband's heart!! Peggy seems to love her new family!! 
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