Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Everyone,
I'm here for the support that we will need when our new GSD puppy Serge loses his left rear leg. We have a 4 1/2 yr old female GSD "Raven", and Serge is our new GSD male puppy 9 wks old. The hock did not develop at all in the left rear leg, and consequently the foot just flaps around. The breeder asked us if we would consider taking him, as he will be a companion for Raven, and as I am retired, I can devote my time to looking after him 24/7. Raven has been mothering him since we brought him home a week ago, and he scoots around with no problems. Because there is no hock at all, th vet explained that there would be no "mechanical" way of adequately supporting the lower part of the leg, and as he grows older, he can easily injure and infect the "flailing" foot. A hard choice, but amputation is the only viable option. I have seen a lot of "tripod" dogs around over the years, and for the most part, they appear to lead happy lives. We meet the vet again this coming Friday, and I will have a photo. of his x-ray, and a normal x-ray for comparison. I can hopefully post them when I get back. The vet was astounded at the x-ray, as she admitted that she had never seen a similar birth defect. I look forward to the help and advice I'm sure will be forthcoming, both pre and post surgery....
Regards
Richard
"No matter how eloquently the dog may bark, he cannot tell you that his master is poor, but honest".....Bertrand Russell
Welcome and bless you for helping Serge. Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
As a pup, Serge should recover quickly and adapt well to life on three legs. There are indeed, however "mechanical" alternatives that may help Serge over the long term, if you plan ahead. Consider contacting Orthopets and consulting with a certified orthopedic surgeon to see if a prosthetic device or brace may be a viable option.
Watch our Orthopets video interviews for more information. Rear limb prosthetics are possible, but only if planned appropriately ahead of the amputation, and only if you are up for the dedicated rehab and training required.
View all Tripawds orthopedic videos.
PS: Serge and Raven are beautiful. Please keep us posted. Wyatt wants to see more of them!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for your kind remark. A couple of photos of little Serge and Raven, copy and paste from Gandalf Media blog
Even the cat joins in the feeding.
"No matter how eloquently the dog may bark, he cannot tell you that his master is poor, but honest".....Bertrand Russell
Hi Richard,
Welcome to Tripawds from some fellow Canadians - Linda and Tucker - though we hail from southern Ontario.
Serge is an adorable puppy and will likely adapt quickly to his new normal as he already does not have use of the leg that will be amputated.
Give him lots of snuggles from us - and Raven and the kitty too of course - and keep us up to date on how he is doing.
Ohhhh what sweeties! Thank you for joining us.
We would love to see bigger photos, they're too cute to leave them so small. Instead of copying and pasting the thumb nail, follow these instructions for posting in the Forums. Let me know if that makes sense, we're here to help.
Here are the photos:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
And I wanted to add, Serge and Raven are two pretty lucky pups to have you as a dad! No dog could ask for more, you're in for some great adventures.
Good luck at the vet appointment this week, keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
jerry said
And I wanted to add, Serge and Raven are two pretty lucky pups to have you as a dad! No dog could ask for more, you're in for some great adventures.Good luck at the vet appointment this week, keep us posted OK?
Thanks a lot Jerry. As a retired IT manager, I should have figured it out..lol...... Don't worry, after 25 yrs as an IT manager in manufacturing, I have no ego left to shred.. I'll post some more photos shortly.
"No matter how eloquently the dog may bark, he cannot tell you that his master is poor, but honest".....Bertrand Russell
Richard.. welcome to a great site full of great hints, resources, reading material and most importantly.. people!!
How lucky your pups are to have such an awesome pawrent!
Although many of us here have had our tripawds due to that nasty "C" word.. (cancer!!! grrrrrrr) there are many that have had amputations due to birth defects, or accidents too! The lucky thing with Serge is that you and he do not have to deal with that nasty "C"!!!!
It is amazing how well they do as a tripawd. It think it is harder on us than them!!
My guy was a front leg amputee so I do not have much knowledge of dealing with rear amputations, but many here do!
Keep us posted... we would love to join you on Serge's journey and growing up adventures!!!!
Christine.... with Franklin in her heart♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
Hi there, Oops,,wrong forum..should be in my "hello/introduction" post. Can admin please move it.
The last few "Hello" pictures...including his damaged rear leg (bottom photo)
Where should I post the x-ray pictures I will have tomorrow after the visit to the vet ???
"No matter how eloquently the dog may bark, he cannot tell you that his master is poor, but honest".....Bertrand Russell
gandalf said
..should be in my "hello/introduction" post. Can admin please move it.
Done. Thanks for sharing, you have a beautiful pack there!
Where should I post the x-ray pictures I will have...
Feel free to either share your photos in this topic to document Serge's progress, or start a new Treatment & Recovery thread to specifically discuss his ongoing care.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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