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 there everyone! Found this website and couldn't think of a better place for advice than this! So in my small town a lady was going to put her dog down because she was moving away and couldn't find anyone to take care of him. He is half bull mastiff, half labrador. He is a BIG BABY. Most gentle loving sweet dog i have ever met, so of coarse I took him in.
He just turned 6 today, but for the first 4 years of his life he was tired to a chain in someones back yard, rarely fed, once he escaped he was taken to the humane society where he was going to be put down because he was half bull mastiff, and very underweight. One of the employees fostered him, and then gave him to the lady in my small town. When he was 4.5 he tried to run, still very underweight and broke his rear leg. For the second time in his life the vet said he should be put down, and thankfully the owner said no way, do the surgery I am ready for this. It has now been a year and a half since his surgery and he still is not walking. I know that he was living in a small apartment, and possibly given no attention. But It saddens me too much. I am determined to get him walking!
He typically just drags his butt across the floor. He is missing his rear right leg, with some encouragement he can get up on it for about 20 steps. For example when the neighbors dogs are outside he can magically walk 
He does suffer from Arthritis, and we are giving him two pills a day for that as well as two aspirin a day. But after a trip out the back door to go potty, he is so worn out and sore. But when we pulls his toys out, he plays like a big baby. He is about 160 pounds we are guessing. Haven't figured out how to get him on a scale yet 😉
ANY ADVICE TO HELP MY BABY GET WALKING IS VERY APPRECIATED!! THANK YOU ALL!
Welcome and best wishes for your Baby! Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
You will find lots of rehab and exercise recommendations with professional tips and how to videos in Loving Life On Three Legs , now available in the Tripawds e-books library. Search these forums and the blogs for more helpful articles and videos. Our best recommendation is to consult with a certified rehab vet, or consider starting with our CARE video interviews.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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WOW!! What a journey this fella' has been on!
My Hapoy Hannah .....a big ole' "plus sized model, fluffy, chunky" Bull Mastiff jad her rear leg amputated and was able to walk jist fine. Clearly this dog has been neglected and needs a lotof patience and care n orfpder to strengthen his underdeveloped muscles, etc.
Sounds like at 160 lbs. he may be more Mastiff than Bull Mastiff!
Anyway, jave you jad him evaluated by an Orthopedic Specialist, as well as a Physical Therapist? This shoud be the first step to realy clarify what his issues are.
Also, there are lots of slkmgs and harnesses on here dogs can wear and be helped bytheir human to walk and to fpget up and down with relative ease.
What ishe taking for arthritis? Two aspirins a day..not causing anyside effects right?
So glad this gentle giant jas a home withnyou now! Yiu are very kind! We MUST see pictures of this sweet dog! Do post some when yu can....there are links on here how to do that.
I hope readingthe links snd getting an appointment lined up with a specialist can help Regardless, the harness will definitelynhelp. Searchthe site here..-.-a lotof people here use Webmaster .
Look forward to hearingmore updates.
Take care and big hugs to ou both!!
Sally and Happy Hannah
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
I agree, that poor baby sounds like he has been neglected. A mastiff in a little apartment, oh my!! Sounds like he probably spent a lot of time laying around which I'm sure has caused some muscle wasting. Are there any vet speciality places where you live? I think a physical therapist is going to be your best bet to help get him moving in the safest way. Also, there are quite a few people with giant breed experience on here so I know the big pups do just as well as the little guys.
Glad you found him. With some tender loving care, your big guy will only get better from here! What is his name?
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Good morning
I agree with what everyone else has said.....a thorough examination and PT are likely what is needed.
As I learned in my early days, walking only builds endurance...not core strength....and it sounds like your lovely pup needs to build up his core.
Good Luck with your pup....things will only get better - for both of you - from here on in!
Hugs
Linda and Tucker
I agree with everyone: an appointment with a physical therapist would probably help very much. Also, are you giving him human aspirin? If you are, please check with your vet before giving him more. I believe the rule of thumb is not to give human aspirin to an animal, as it can cause many problems. Good luck with your boy!!
Thanks so much for giving that big sweetie a chance; he's a lucky boy. Count us among the PT fans. Also have heard that aspirin alone can cause GI issues, as some others mentioned.
Any updates on your boy? Would love to know his name and see some pics. Good luck, and keep us posted!
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
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