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!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
I have recently rescued a "three legged" pooch. I use the term three legged but in reality he actually has four legs but of which, only three work properly. The fourth leg had been injured before I got him and the owner never got it fixed. I have spoken with a vet about the possibility of getting it fixed and she explained that it would be multiple surgeries, long recovery, and thousands of dollars. She also has given me the option of cutting off the leg... I am not sure if I could do that to him. He is the sweetest and most loveable dog and I want the best for him. Please help! Any advice on what to do would be greatly appreciated. The bum leg doesn't bother or hurt him, it just kind of "hangs out."
I really enjoy reading about everyone and the adventures that you all have with your pets. It is truly an inspiration.
Meet Tripp!
Welcome to Tripawds, your future posts will not require moderation.
Tripp looks like quite a happy boy, you did a good thing adopting a dog with what others perceive as a challenge.
Is it a front or back leg? How old is he?
I would think amputation would be a good idea if the leg gets in the way, gets caught on things, or causes him to fall.
Amputation is not something we do to our pups, we do it for our pups. If it would improve his life quality then you should consider it if he is otherwise healthy.
I saw a pup at the dog park yesterday with a back leg that did not work. It was like a little anchor, and clearly got in the way when the pup was trying to run and play. We have had other pups here where the deformed leg was carried out of the way and rarely was an issue.
Having had a tripawd for four years, and meeting more than 30 tripawds over the years I now know how easily dogs adapt and have good life quality after surgery. Read more stories here, and watch some tripawd videos. It might help you make a decision for Tripp.
As long as you make the best decision for your pup you can't be wrong. Do you have any specific questions?
Karen and the pugapalooza
Tripp is such a lucky boy! To be giving such a loving forever home. The fact that you are already concerned for Tripp's welfare means you will find the correct solution for him. If he has adapted to the leg as it is, it might be best to leave it alone. Jake's surgery was the right thing for him, but it was complacated by a second surgery and infections. Complacations can... well, complacate things.
Welcome to the tripawd community.
Hello and welcome. Thank you for giving this sweetie a great home. He looks like a ball of energy!
Karen is so right, amputation is something that we do for our dogs to give them a better quality of life when no other realistic or better options for leaving it exist. All situations and all dogs are different though. Some dogs with a deformed leg will do fine if the leg is left there while others will find that it gets in the way.
If you are at all in doubt I would seek a second opinion and have him evaluated by a certified canine rehab vet (a vet with 'CCRT' or 'CCRP' after their name) to find out if this is affecting his gait, balance, whether or not he's actually using it, etc. Sometimes a deformed limb will lead to more problems than being three legged, especially as a dog ages. Amputation is major surgery so we don't take that decision lightly here, but as you can see most dogs will get through it fine and go on to live healthy happy lives.
Keep us posted on what you decide to do.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
What a happy baby! He's so cute!
I would agree with the advice you've gotten. It's not an easy decision, but if it is necessary because the lame leg is causing problems, then he should do fine. Dogs adapt amazingly well. The recovery period is hard, but our dogs do way better with all this than we humans do!
Keep us posted and we're here if you have specific questions,
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
1 Guest(s)
