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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Hello Everyone.
I have a 5 month old lab/pit mix that we rescued. She was hit by a car and required amputation of her hind leg. I am worried about long term issues because she is so young and will endure this issue for her whole life. I am aware that she will need to remain lean and take joint supplements. I also plan on utilizing some of the fitness modules suggested once she recovers. Should I be concerned that she is so young? Also, what are the most important facts to worry about right after surgery?
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Hi Maddie and family, welcome to Tripawds. I'm sorry to hear about the accident but so glad to hear she's recovering.
It's good that you're thinking about these issues, because while Tripawds can do just about anything that four-leggers can, that doesn't necessarily mean they should. If you want her to live a long healthy happy life, I highly recommend picking up a copy of our ebook, "Loving Life on Three Legs," where we discuss the best ways to stay strong throughout life, nutrition, aging, etc.
For example, being vigilant about her activity levels is the most important thing you can do for her long-term health so that she doesn't place unnecessary stress on her joints and body. That doesn't mean she can't have a good time, it just means making sure that she doesn't always play to the point of exhaustion. For example, rehab vets have told us that a Tripawd should never walk for more than 20 minutes at a time, and that's something you build up to. Instead of one or two long walks during the day, break them up into mini-walks so she has time to recuperate. If a dog sits down on a walk, it means they've gone too far and you need to cut back for a while until they can build up strength.
One blog post of ours that I recommend reading is "Why Long Walks Won't Strengthen a Tripawd's Leg Muscles."
Another tip: keep her slim, slimmer than other dogs her size and age. The less weight on a Tripawd, the better.
Other folks will have great suggestions, so stay tuned! We're glad you joined us, your future posts won't require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Maddie-
Glad you found the site. You've already gotten some great advice. I guess I will add - make sure and put down area rugs or something similar if you have hard surface floors so Maddie will have traction . You might also check with your vet regarding when to begin giving her a joint supplement to help maintain the rest of her limbs.
Being a baby she will probably adapt very well. There are several on here who were pups and don't know that being a tripawd is not the norm.
Take care and keep us updated. FYI - Sally will be requesting pictures so be prepared!!
Luanne & Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Thank you for your prompt replies. This resource definitely makes the transition easier and makes us feel supported. It has been a rough few weeks for our family and its nice to know that there are great people out there to help us along the way. I have already downloaded the ebooks and I am about halfway through them. They are answering a lot of important questions. Also, thank you for your suggestions. I was unaware of the walk restrictions and also traction is a great point. We do have hardwood floors throughout. I just brought some rugs up to help her out. This may be a silly question but given that she really cant walk for too long is it safe to say that she will not be able to go on runs with us? Before the accident she was able to go on short run/walks with us and she enjoyed them very much.
So glad you found the site!!! It is a great resource and sooooooo helpful at times. Certainly a good place to ask questions and chat with others who have gone through the same thing!
The good news with your pup becoming a tripawd is that he didn't have to deal with that nasty "C" word!! He will grow up and have a blast being a dawg!!
And yes.. oh yes.. we love pictures here.. please feel free to post as many as you desire.. (or until we stop bugging you.. lol)
Christine..... with Franklin in her heart ♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
Rear amps seem to be quite different than front amps... due to the amount of weight on each end. My TJ is a front amp and I would not even consider talking him on a 1mile walk without a buggy to haul him back in and not make him strain his other front leg.
Rear amps have to worry about not only the stamina issue, but back issues and the 'new way' they walk twist the leg and spine to make the limb more under the body and allow to balance.
With enough conditioning to get the muscles strong enough I would say that you could run a rear amp... but long term my personal opinion is not to overdo it. Tear an ACL, arthritis, back issues etc are all possibilities.
You have a dog with three legs. They can live happy, healthy life's, but at best you have a dog that is 75% capable as a normal dog. No, a tripawd is not as strong or as resilient as a 4 legger. They can be happy and active, but they are no up to the same activities as a 4 legger. This may not be a popular opinion... but your puppy has a long adult life to get through.
Wow, you guys are great! So quick. Thanks for your kind words and helpful advice. I was weary about running her myself but our doctor did not seem too concerned. i think we will start with our strengthening exercises and go from there. I truly just want her to live a long healthy life. I would love to post pictures. Where on the site is the best place to post them?
Hi and welcome.
First about pictures- they have to be hosted somewhere on line. A Tripawds blog is a great place to post pictures, or you can link from a site like photobucket. Here are Instructions for Adding Photos.
My little pug Maggie was a rear amp. It took her about 6 months to work up to walking about a mile on her own, a little less than half the distance she could easily walk before her surgery. But Mag was 7.5 years old, quite stubborn, and tended to the lazy side 
.
Each pup is different- I think strengthening is really critical, then see what she can do. She is a lab and a puppy- she needs to be a dog! That being said, the consequences of hurting a leg when the spare leg is gone are much tougher to deal with. You have to balance keeping her happy with keeping her healthy.
I have an Uncle in Montana who manages a 6000 acre cattle ranch in the mountains. One of the cowboys that help him move cows has a three legged cattle dog named Gabby, a rear amp I think. I haven't met her in person, but I have worked a little on the ranch and seen my Uncle's dogs work- and they WORK! For every mile the cows move the dogs do at least 3 miles. They don't treat Gabby any different and she pulls her weight. In my mind there is huge risk in letting her run around the mountains and work cattle, but that is what is in her blood and she loves it. Gabby's pack has decided that for her it is worth the risk.
The first couple weeks after surgery can be full of ups and downs. Don't get discouraged if Maddy isn't herself for awhile. Stay positive around her and show her everything will be alright. Some of the younger pups here seem to sail right though recovery, hopefully Maddie is one of those lucky ones!
Keep us posted on Maddie's progress.
Karen
Now how on earth sid I miss this post? Heck yeah we love pictures around here!
Looks like you have a really good foundation of information from everyone, so I'll just say a HUGE welcome to you and Maddie!
What a rough start she's had, but what a wonderful new befinning with loving and spoiling and more loving! The bond with a tripawd is incredible! They are true heroes..... and you are her heroes!
(((((((hugs to all))))))))))
Sally and Happy Hannah.......looking forward to photos!
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!
Arrrrg. I just wrote a long reply and my computer ate it. Harumph. Let me try again.
Your pup is going to do great. Cora is a 9 month old pup now. She had her front leg amputated at 3 months. The two big challenges I found for a puppy is that she has a puppy's energy with lack of judgement. Puppy's are not so good at resting. And puppy's are clumsy. Especially labs. So life on 3 legs that keep growing and a center of balance that keeps changing can be challenging. And as her person you have to be able to let her sort out some of that stuff on her own while also setting limits.
Cora has injured herself twice now. Once was an injury to her stump which is a whole other story and the other time she mildly strained her back leg. But Cora has some additional challenges to your pup. Due to brain damage she is also blind and has some coordination issues and some weakness on her left side (she's missing her right front leg). Cora is a happy, rowdy mutt most of the time now so your girl is going to do great.
As far as setting limits go, I agree with Karen that you have to let her be a dog. The others have given some great advice. I do think it's another challenging area for a pup as their abilities are constantly changing. So you really have to tuned into your pup. Watch how they are doing in the moment but also pay attention to how they are the next day. Time outs can be great. It can let both you and your pup figure out how you are doing. Pups are tough things and you need to be tough too. If she falls most likely she's going to bounce right back up. If she does get sore, she will heal. I'm not saying you want that to happen, but to not panic if it does.
I'm glad you are looking at exercises. Rehab is great and I bet swimming would be a good thing for your girl. We are working, slowly, at swimming rehab for Cora. Cora can walk a mile and she did a two mile hike once and then I stuck her in a stroller and rolled her back home.
Topher
Vet Assistant (in school to be a licensed vet technician)
1.5 years Oncology department, moved to rehab & sportsmed December 2024
Tripawd Angel, Cora the Determined <3
Hello and welcome!
If you combine the responses of Karen and TJ's human, I think what you get is this: Adult activity recommendations will depend on your dog's temperament.
TJ's pop cautions a conservative approach, looking at the dog's lifetime. Karen mentions a dog made for nothing except running all day, everyday. And that's really how you have to decide. If your dog is a lab-pit mix, then she won't really need to be running all the time. If she were a border collie pup, then you'd have to find something active to do with her or she would lose her mind. And you'd lose yours.
Being a puppy, you want to make sure she doesn't do anything that sets her up for future problems. The safest way, I think, is to provide her with stuff for her brain. Maybe get her involved in nose work or rally, something that will let her use her smarts without damaging her joints. Try a few different kinds of activities until you find one that clicks with her. She may not be a running buddy, but she can be active and involved. And a busy puppy is a blessing. A busy puppy isn't tearing up your $800 tent. 
Shari
From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.
Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/
Chris, usually if you think your post disappeared it really hasn't. Just click the back button in your browser to get back to the post, then hit reply and usually your post will reappear. Usually.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I tried that 
It was gone. Poof.
Topher
Vet Assistant (in school to be a licensed vet technician)
1.5 years Oncology department, moved to rehab & sportsmed December 2024
Tripawd Angel, Cora the Determined <3
Hi Maddie!
My Maverick is pre-op for a front leg amp so he has a stump right now due to a deformed paw. Since he was born that way his muscles have already started to get stronger and he can go for a mile walk as long as we stop when he gets tired. Being a mini aussie he's only 16 pounds right now and just over 4 months old so I can pick him up and give a ride when he needs it. I have definitely noticed that walking on sand or soft soil makes him a happy camper compared to asphalt. We live in NJ too (Jackson Twp) so I know there's plenty of sugar sand to go play in 
Remember to bring a bowl and water bottle with you on every walk since they do get thirsty quick. I love my collapsible silicon bowl that I got from Petsmart for $10, it has more than paid for itself. If you ever want a puppy play date just let us know, we'd be happy to oblige.
Mandy and Maverick
Maverick is a wonderful miniature australian shepard born with a malformation of the front right radius/ulna, amputation performed on 11/4/13 at 6 months old. Follow his story at mavericksjourney.tripawds.com.
Awwww. Play date! FUN!
The folks that have active Tripawds do it every day, with significant training each day and strengthening/balance exercises before they're totally "let loose." Like for humans, it'd be dumb to all of a sudden get up from your couch and run a marathon. We all need training. So once things have healed and you're on the right path, start slowly and listen to your pup. Is she saying "Yes, please mom, let's keep going!!" or "Er, I'm kinda tired and this isn't so much fun anymore."? She'll tell you what's up. She's a smart girl! If it's important to have her come along, there are dog strollers ! Some dogs totally love them and get very excited. Sure, some people might stare or say things, but if your girl is beyond thrilled to be "on runs" with her pack, feeling that rush of wind in her fur and smells, go for it! Buy a stroller!
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
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