Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello Everyone,
My name is Violet, I live in Vancouver BC with my 9-month-old wiener Millie.
3 weeks ago, Millie was attacked by an unleashed pitbull on our walk when we were visiting friends. Extremely irresponsible owner.
Her front leg is completely broken with serve radial nerve damage with a very low hope of good recovery from the fracture repair. She became a tripawd.
She recovers really well from the surgery, I guess it's because she is small (10lbs) and has short legs already, she was able to hop around pretty well 2 days after the surgery.
(When we picked her up after the surgery, she walked out with the vet on a leash. My partner and I were like WTF)
Before Millie became a tripaw, she LOVES playing fetch but never wants to give the ball back...
After the surgery, did anyone order a sausage burrito?
Millie Walking, you can barely tell she is a tripawd LOL
I am happy I found this community! Nice to meet everyone!
Welcome Violet and Millie! Your future posts will not require moderation.
Millie is such a cutie! I'm so sorry to hear that she was attacked, but I'm glad she's recovering well. My dog, Loki, lost her leg around 3 months after being hit by a car. I adopted her a couple of months later, so I haven't been through the recovery. I can tell you that young dogs adapt remarkably well to life on three legs. Loki also doesn't like to give the ball (or tug) back when we play...
Jist catching up on your ADORAVLE Millie. She is absolutely preciois.
The video of her mastering the tripawd gait is apot on. She is balanced and flows effortlessly. Proof that long and low slung dogs can handle live on three just fine👍
Yeah, repairs like what she would jave endured are rarely successful. Failed sirferie, redo, infections, etc. You definitely made the right decision for Millie
And she can still play fetch. Just want to make sure she doesn't have to jump up in the air or make really hard sudden stops. Love that she keeps the ball. Such a character.
And please, more pictures of this little Burrito!
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!
mischief said
Welcome Violet and Millie! Your future posts will not require moderation.Millie is such a cutie! I'm so sorry to hear that she was attacked, but I'm glad she's recovering well. My dog, Loki, lost her leg around 3 months after being hit by a car. I adopted her a couple of months later, so I haven't been through the recovery. I can tell you that young dogs adapt remarkably well to life on three legs. Loki also doesn't like to give the ball (or tug) back when we play...
Tripawd since puppyhood!
May I ask if you took Loki to physio? I am a little lost around this topic, we haven't talked to our regular vet since the incident yet (Millie did her surgery in the critical care hospital). The ER nurse said she prob won't need physio/rehab since she can walk really well. But she is a long dog and is now more prompt to have back issues, I would like to get her to start doing physio just for prevention purposes.
Dunno where to start:(
Good for you for thinking avout betting her jnto a Rehab Specialist. Where do you live? Search Certified Rehabilitation Specialist in your area..
It's not about how well they walk kn three (although Millie is doing great!), it's about keeping them fit and free from injury. Tripawds are pronto joint issues, muscle strains, etc from overdoing in the wrong way. A Rehab will show you how to build core strength, special stretching exercises, etc. You'll learn different techniques for protecting their joints AND spine.
The Tripawds Foundation will pay for the first consult.
If you are having trouble finding a Spectacular, let us know and we can help.
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!
benny55 said
Good for you for thinking avout betting her jnto a Rehab Specialist. Where do you live? Search Certified Rehabilitation Specialist in your area..It's not about how well they walk kn three (although Millie is doing great!), it's about keeping them fit and free from injury. Tripawds are pronto joint issues, muscle strains, etc from overdoing in the wrong way. A Rehab will show you how to build core strength, special stretching exercises, etc. You'll learn different techniques for protecting their joints AND spine.
The Tripawds Foundation will pay for the first consult.
If you are having trouble finding a Spectacular, let us know and we can help.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Ha this makes more sense!
I have reached out to our vet to see if they can refer us to a specialist. Thanks!
I did not take Loki to a rehab/physio vet for a couple of reasons. First, I adopted her over 2 months after her amputation. She was healed and getting around well. She was incredibly lucky to have a foster who is a vet tech and has her own tripawd squad. So Loki had skilled help during her recovery. The other reason is I have an acquaintance who is a rehab vet. She's been very generous with her advice for keeping a tripawd healthy. I'll make an appointment with her if I ever feel Loki needs it. For now she's doing well.
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