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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Drats, I was hoping he would be better today. I think it's a good idea to monitor his pain levels and if possible, wait to see your vet.
Until then I would keep him as quiet as possible. It could be anything at all, soooo hard to say. My first thought after your last description of how he's falling, is a cruciate tear. I'm hoping Sally sees this so she can compare notes to Frankie's symptoms when he went through this injury. I sure hope that's not what it is, poor guy.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
By knuckling I mean does he walk on the top of his toes- with his foot turned under. A test for that is to turn the foot under and the dog should immediately put the foot back the right way. If he is 'gripping' the floor sounds like he is feeling some pain or afraid to fall.
At his age and with all his issues it could be so many things. I wasn't trying to diagnose or anything- just some things to think about and observe when he is having trouble. It might help your vet too. I had a Pug with a neurological problem (from birth) and one of her symptoms was knuckling her feet- one of the early diagnostics they used. I was also told that knuckling could indicate a neck or back problem.
It's so hard to tell with a Tripawd too since they can't limp like 4 legger. You said he was eating, drinking and eliminating OK? No constipation or butt scooting? (anal glands). Maybe the bowel problem coming up again? Was it bowel or bladder- now I don't remember...
Keep us posted on how he is doing.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
I will try the knuckling test, but I haven't seen him walking on his toes. I do agree his is afraid of falling. I think maybe when he hops and breathes hard some of it may be nerves. He always breathes lime that if he is nervous,like going to the vet. It's very heaving painting, bit when I pet him he calms down.
It seems the hardest thing for him is getting up. Even on carpet sometimes he will scoot in a circle in order to get up.
I think the bowl issue is back because he can't get up fast enough. No problem with number , just number two. And the condisinty is normal.
I know you were not trying to diagnose just appreciate your input.
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
I recently talked to a rehab therapist about pooping accidents with tripawds. Wyatt was recently having vowel issues which is why he was at her clinic in the first place. I plan on writing about this soon but here’s the short of it:
Her take is that if the poop is totally normal otherwise, a pooping accident issue in a Tripawd
is likely related to lower back / hind end pain. When the nerves are firing all crazy because of pain, it’s hard for the rectal muscles to act normally.
So this could be what Brownie is experiencing. I think a call to his therapist would be helpful.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank makes sense. I don't think he is in much pain or he is hiding it very well. When I massage him he acts like he limes it. He lets put "this feels good moan".
What happened to Frankie?
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
And just to add to the we are "not diagnosing " posts, look at my post on previous page of "not diagnosing " arthritis, spine/neck sprain, etc. 😉
Nellie also has some normal poop pop out sometimes like Wyatt. Bet said basically same as his Vet.
She also does ,that circle scoot thing as she tries to get up. And yes, in her case I do know she has pain, arthritic and has sprained her neck muscles as well as spinne as a result. Her panting is from pain.
Reference Jerry mentioning Frankie's cruciate. Definnately pain involved. Tried to hold up his back leg and walk on one front and one back. I would think Brownie would be showing more extreme sysmptons if that.
So, some more non diagnostics😎 The cumulative experience of all the dog members here has to be worth at least one Degree in Veterinary Medicine!! Kidding of course, we are not Vets and not giving Vet advice.
Keep the pain meds going and rest as much as possible and, of course, lots of treats...low cal pf course!
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!
We're typing at same time. Fra kie jad surger two years ago on o e pf jis remaining back legs for torn cruciate, and then a year later (this past December) another surgery for the other backlog! The second surg7 qas a much more secure surgery and that leg is doing much better than the first. The first is something rhey call a fishing line aurgery snd rhe. second actually involved plates (I think).
As mentioned earlier, you would know if thst happens. I do recall in one of the scenarios though, I had a few days "warning" with slight limp, etc before fullh blowing out. Of course, didn't know it at the time.
I know I keep referencing Nellie and I know her case is different because of kidney, and older, etc. But she loooooves massag around her neck and shoulders and moans joyfully too. Hard for me to massage her back because she collapses. Have to hold her up under her tummy. GETTING OLD SUCKS!!
Some have results with acupuncture.
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 know nobody is giving a diagnosis just like to hear input so I am prepared when we go to the vet. Otherwise he will be talking over my head...
Thank you all!
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
So when Brownie saw I was hanging the Christmas Stockings he got a little pep in his step. So hopefully Christmas morning he will be so excited he will forget about what is ever going on with him for a bit.
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Awww......that made me smile 😊 A good sign indeed. Of course you'll have to hang a stocking for him EVERYDAY jow ro leep thst pep in his step going!!
Merry Christmas to you Nancy and your beloved Brownie too❤❤
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!
Aww I hope Santa brings Brownie even more pep!
Thanks for sharing Frankies experience Sally, that is good info to know, I will try to keep it in my brain for future reference.
Hoppy Christmas everyone!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Santa came! I knew he would!
I got stuff toys, lots of treats and a big stick that taste like Rabbit! Sassy and Max got stuff too. We all got matching sweaters and I also got a Christmas scarf. It was a great morning! But mom said getting toys and treats is fun but we must not forget what Christmas is about. So later today we will be gathering up our old toys to donate to the animal shelter.
So tomorrow is my 10 month milestone. But we are not celebrating tomorrow because grandpa is staying with us, and that is a whole nother story. Mom took Monday off, so we are going to have a mom and me day! She said we might drive thru McDonalds and have a pinic in the park! I Love McDonald's. But before we celebrate we have to go to the vet to see what's going on with me, and why I keep falling on my back end. I don't like the vet, but I guess I have to take the good with the bad!
Merry Christmas everyone!
Mom took pictures and she will post later.
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Of course Santa brought you lots of gifts! Any doggy as good as you deserves toys and treats and fashion accessories! And to top it off, you have a day with your Mom tomrrow AND Cheeseburgers!
The Vet visit is actually a good thing cuz he can stop you fron topplng over! Bet trips require TWO cheeseburgers!!
WOW!! TEN MONTH AMPUVRESARY!! CONGRATULATIONS BROWNIE! After the cheeseburgers maybe you can have some oce cream and cake😎
A very Merry Christmas to uou8, your Mom and Sassy and Max too!❤❤❤
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Santa knew you were a VERY good boy this year Brownie, he could never furget you!
Ten months is amazing. You are a true rock star! Congratulations! I can't wait to see photos of your big celebration.
Have fun with gramps and don't furget to tell your mom to share pictures here: https://tripawd.....iday-pics/
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So Brownie had his vet appointment today. As soon as we got there he went into panic mode.
The good news: blood work normal and lungs are clear.
He is showing arthritis in his spine which is causing him pain on the back end. They added Gabapentin to his medication. His doc could not believe how well he is doing without chemo. Then he said, "so it's been 10 months, so the rest of his time is just icing on the cake". I told him Brownie and I are too stubban to listen to that, and don't under estimate the power of love and prayer.
Since Brownie was a pretty good boy he got his happy meal!
He did gain 2 oz. Holiday cookies.
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
3 Guest(s)