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
So it's been just over 4 weeks now since Baxter lost his leg (I think the vet amputated some of his manners, too!).
I noticed he was favoring his left rear leg while on walks, and would lick his right paw when he lied down. His paw is hurt, but nothing seems broken (I ran my finger between his toes, etc and applied pressure to his bones, but there was no pain), but when I lightly sqeeze his entire paw, he's clearly in discomfort.
Has anyone had this experience, too? I'm wondering if it could be because of the amputation that he put too much stress on that leg, and now his paw hurts. It's been bothering him for a handful of days.
Offline
Hi Baxter, we unfortunately didn't experience any of that, but I do believe that others on the site have. It could be phantom limb pain or something else. I would suggest calling your Vet right away and seeing what he/she has to say. I, personally, would insist on bringing Baxter in ASAP.
Keep us posted!
Zeus and Mom
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Hi, sorry that Baxter is having a rough time of it.
How old is Baxter? Am I right in assuming this is a front left amputation? Is it possible that he has some arthritis? Is he using stairs or jumping down off furniture and such - could be putting extra pressure on the front paw. He may also just have sore pads as he isn't used to using his feet the way he has to now. If this is the case some paw wax may help in that regard.
As for favoring the rear leg - Radar did this also only to the point of crying "a lot". My vet felt it was a pulled tendon due to overextending the leg while trying to get his balance. Baxter doesn't sound nearly so bad and it may be just a little muscle strain in the rear. I would watch to make sure he doesn't overdo it. A little extra rest and relaxation and give him a bit of help on stairs and such. If it gets worse or you are concerned, don't hesitate to contact your vet.
Connie & Radar
Hi Baxter,
Thanks for writing. I'm really glad you are able to go on walks and stuff, but how far are you walking? Four weeks isn't a very long time to build up muscles in your legs after an amputation, and I'm thinking you might be overdoing it.
If your paw still hurts, please have your pawrent call your vet.
Keep us posted OK? Good luck!
Your pal,
Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I took Baxter to the vet and he said it's just his skin that's sensitive which he said suggested it's a food allergy!
People have given me treats for him since his amputation, and one he's particularly fond of. So all his new treats took a dive into the garbage can.
Regarding walks, we go around the block, and it's not much of a block. He's gotten to the point, though, that he's not sitting down to take a break (often, if not every walk). So that's awesome.
Thanks for the replies!
Ooooh, that is good news, thanks for the update. Food allergy? Who knew?!
I know what you mean about the short walks. My Mom and Dad used to take me on walks twice a day, about two miles each. After my amp, for the first few months, I was only able to walk around one tiny block. No biggie though, we were just happy to be walking like a family again.
Be sure to keep us posted on how Baxter's doing. We're here for ya!
Your pal,
Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
1 Guest(s)
