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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This is Printz, Presa Canario. He just turned 5 months and has a rare condition - Congenital Head Radial Luxation. His radial bone in his front right leg was deformed and not sitting in his socket.
We weren't sure on how to approach this rare disease but in the end, the best decision for him was to amputate his leg.
We are 3 days into recovery and the first 2 days were pretty rough on him even though he handled it like a champ.
He has some bleeding the following days which we re-bandaged and now he seems to be doing better. His strength, courage and resilience is oustanding and I look up to him for his desire to keep fighting.
I feel 90% like my husband and I made the right decision, its just that mother's worry that will never go away.
In such a short time, he has taught us how to be more patient, caring, affectionate and resilient in life. We couldn't imagine our life without him. The rest of his brothers and sisters (cane corso, mini poddle & pomeranian) are slowly adjusting, giving him space to heal and looking out for his best interest. Couldn't ask for more.
Any long term suggestions are appreciated. Things you learned that you wouldn't do or should have done to improve the quality of their life. We are always looking to improve ourselves so our dogs have a confident, strong and happy life.
Thank you for having this channel available to share as it's been quite overwhelming with knowing what's best for him.
I was trying to add pictures/video, but couldn't figure it out.
Hi Prinz's Mom, welcome to the club nopawdy wants to join. So glad that things are going well with recovery!
I'm really sorry for the fast reply but I'm on my way to a meeting. Wanted to get it approved so that others can chime in too!
Be sure to check out our What to Expect articles , and our book, Loving Life On Three Legs .
Here's how adding images works. Holler if you'd like help.
Back in a bit with some feedback.
Aside from creating a blog and uploading from a website, can I upload my pictures directly from computer ? Thanks
Hi I'm back!
So images need to be hosted somewhere first, then posted here. You can upload them to a Tripawds blog, or a photo sharing site like Imgur.com. We don't recommend trying to share Facebook or Instagram because their algorithms change all the time and images disappear (they hate it when you leave their sites lol!). Upload them somewhere first, then copy/paste the URL here in your forums post. If you're on mobile you should be able to just copy the image itself, and paste it in here. Hope that makes sense. If all else fails message me and I'll post them for you.
Any long term suggestions are appreciated. Things you learned that you wouldn't do or should have done to improve the quality of their life. We are always looking to improve ourselves so our dogs have a confident, strong and happy life.
Of course! I think that this post says a lot about what we would do differently with Jerry, and even our second Tripawd Wyatt Ray to an extent:
Tripawd Health Tips to Avoid Injury to Remaining Legs
Since Prinz is a bigger dog and he didn't lose his leg to a terminal cancer like a lot of folks here, he will have a long life ahead on three legs. The best thing you can do is to have him evaluated by a canine rehab therapist so they can guide you on how to keep him strong and injury free. Tripawds Foundation can even pay for your first rehab visit ! If you'd like help finding a therapist near you just let me know.
It's so funny you joined today. I saw a Presa Canario dog this morning. He was huuuuuuuge! They're such big loves!
Thank you for the suggestions. I went on Imgur and copying the link doesn't seem to work. Seems a bit complicated or I'm too old to figure it out...lol.
Jist catching up on your sweet Spring. He is a very Licky boymto have such a wonderfully caring and loving home. Prinze had quite a "unique" pack to share adventures with.
If you want to PM me pictures. I can ppst them here for you. I'm not techie at all, but I know how to post them that way for you. Look forward to seeing uour crew.
Hugs
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!
Try copying and pasting the image url here and I'll take a look. Otherwise yes send the pics to one of us and we can help. We can't wait so see them!
Thank you ALL !
Looking forward to sharing our family. We were never able to have kids so we over compensated with furry babies !! lol. I'm one lucky mama, they are all so beautilful and bring so much joy to our lives.
Can wait for you to see the pics. I've sent the links to benny55 
Aww darn we can't see them. Here's why: Unfortunately Dropbox isn't a public photo sharing site. You could see the images and video because you were logged in. Nobody else can because everyone would need to be assigned access individually. A public site where anyone can see is something like Imgur.com, or a Tripawds blog which you can get here.
Another attempt om posting pictures, hopefully you can see the ones above.
Today day 5. Printz is much calmer and relaxed. It's like he is starting to accept his new life and how to navigate his missing leg.
His spirits were down yesterday but I also recognize that Presas in general do not like meds and Gabapentin. He start acting weird like it makes him more anxious and that is a side effect.
Previously owned a Pres and saved his life to having to put him down. He had an ggressive background, we tried for over 2 years but he almost killed me one night and my arm paid the long-term price. The point is, he was put on meds a couple of times to see if he would be more maangeable and then at the end, when we had to ut him down. He did not like meds at all and didn't react well which probably was a chemical reaction. The sooner I can get Printz odd the meds, the better but obviously right now he needs them after such surgery.
As mentioned in other posts, they will probably have to get adjusted.
The cook part about his recovery is that he has his brothers and sisters, that always cheer him up. He is a tail wagging monster greeter and eagerly waits for mom & dad to come back in the room after not seeing them for a few hours. His face lights up and that happy tail starts flying and clearing all tables.
He whines from time to time when he hurts his incision but for the most parts, he doesn't complain much and takes it like a champ.
I wish us humans were like that. I probably would be the whinest baby and he just moves forward with every new step.
Can wait to see him in a month from now, pain free and enjoying his days on a new level.
Yay! So happy you didn't give up on the pics. What a love 😍!!
There are certain guard type breeds that just take pain control differently than others. Our Wyatt was very tough when it came to meds, he hated feeling out of it, German Shepherds are always on alert. He would also act anxious. I assume Presas are the same way.
Really glad he's got a cheerleading squad at home to keep him happy, and I love the way you are seeing the big picture! Keep it up.
We took Printz to the doctor today for a check up, 7 days post op.
The vet was very suprised how well his incision is actually healing. He didn't need draining and he is getting around so well.
He even decided to hop into the backseat of the car and didn't hurt himself. I'm just amazed by his healing and progress.
With that said, we don't "over do it", he gets constant cuddles and support. His brothers and sister is always keeping an eye on him and try to cheer him up.
We give him leg, back, foot, neck massags, which he loves and we are trying to ease his pain where it may form in other areas.
We are considering pet insurance and making sure he is taken care of long term.
Now it's up to him to live his best life.
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