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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Three months ago, Bart got hit by a car and somehow survived with "just" a fractured left femur. We had a plate placed, securing his femur. Within a week, the plate failed, causing a spiral fracture. We then took him to our preferred vet who called in an ortho specialist who placed an IM pin and a bigger plate. We had big hopes and temporary success. At week eight, he began "tripoding" and not using his leg. Turns out, his leg was not healing, so we decided to amputate.
Those three months were incredibly stressful on our marriage and our lives. He had his leg amputated last week and has been home for four days. His spirits are high, his mobility is good, and he is adjusting well. We are gradually increasing his activity and adjusting ourselves.
We look forward to a long life with Bart and hope to help him experience life to the fullest.
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He is just the cutest boy EVER! Welcome to our little group. There is TONS of great info here for tripawd pawrents, and wonderful folks to offer support as Bart recovers and enjoy the great stories as he lives the great tripawd life.
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.
He is so adorable! I love the flying puppy shot. I know what you mean about it taxing the marriage with the stress of it all. My husband has been good about things but the pups always seem to look to mom to make things right. It has been overwhelming at times this week.
The good news is that Bart lost the back leg instead of the front. I hear that is easier for dogs because the front has more of the weight bearing responsibility. What kind of puppy is Bart?
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.
Aww Bart is such a cutie!! He looks like he wants to go skiing with you guys... Hope he has a speedy and uneventful recovery!
-Chloe's mom
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
hi bart, welcome to the family. sorry to hear about your leg, but now the pain is gone, and you can go about being a wonderful example of how well we tripawds manage!! tell mom and dad it will get better with time...especially if you get plenty of hugs and treats!!
gayle and charon
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
Bart, you've just joined the club nobody really wants to join, but hey, now you're ready to go out and pawty again! Just watch it around cars mister, OK?
We can't wait to get to know you better, you look like a heckuva lot of fun!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Bart, will you teach me how to fly?
I'd like to add that to my repertoire!
Let's pawty!
Wyatt Ray Dawg . . . The Tripawds Leg-A-Cy Continues!
Read all about my adventures at my Tripawds Blog
Oh my gosh! What a cutie boy! I love the picture of Bart flying! All of us on tripawds can probably relate to the stress of what you have been going through. The good news is that because Bart's amputation was the result of an accident and not cancer your life can go back to nornal soon.
I agree with Elizabeth and Sammy. It does seem that it is easier for tripawds to have lost a back leg. Emily was a back leg amputee and could still run like the wind and jump on the trampoline. Remember though, he still will have additional stress on his other legs so be sure to start Bart on a good glucosamine chrondroitin. Although it is not as important for a back leg tripawd, raising his food dish will still help with balance issues.
Now that all the surgeries are done I think you will see Bart just as happy and active as before. Give him a big hug from me.
Debra & Angel Emily
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.
Wow Bart you are one cute boy. Love the baby picture!
Welcome to the group, glad you found the site. I truly hope you find as much support here as I have.
Best of luck to you as you regain your balance and enjoy your life as a Tripawd!
Angel JD's mom
JD
One Tough Girl
(1999-2010)
-Diagnosed with osteosarcoma of her left front leg –
-Amputation July 23 2010 –
-The cancer didn't get her, but she is gone-
-She fought the cancer and loved life till bloat brought her down August 29th, 2010-
Now she watches over her mom and two new sisters, the Quad-Paws Serena and Maya
I got Bart out nordic skiing today. He was really excited to get out and did very well.
http://vimeo.com/17382742
bartdog said:
I got Bart out nordic skiing today.
Pawesome! 
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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
WOW! That was such a great video of Bart! He looks so happy!
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.
Bart is one handsome dog. So sorry for his accident and what all of you have had to go through. In finding tripawds - you have found a wonderful group to go through it with though. I have been frequenting these forums for just over a month now and can attest to that! welcome to the group and good luck to Bart and the whole pack!
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
Wow! That video is amazing! Just watching him run through the snow - he looks so happy. Way to go, Bart!!!
Hugs,
Holly, Zuzu and Susan
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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