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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I joined this community after we took on a 4.5 month old Great Dane puppy. He had a deformed front left leg at birth that was amputated while he was still early on in his little life. Shortly after his amputation surgery he developed an infection in the leg directly behind the amputated one. He basically went from his breeder to the vet and lived his life there while recovering. Sadly....sometime between the time his breeder dropped him off and we picked him up.....his rear left leg was shattered. Although the vet claims the leg was just left deformed from the infection (that whole mess is another story for another time I think)
Now we are moving forward with my vet and trying to make the best decisions for little Riker. The vet said if he was just facing life as a three legged dog it wouldn't be a big deal but they are recommending he be euthanized because a two legged Great Dane supposedly won't have a quality life. At this point I'm not ready to give up on this baby boy. I'm seeking a second option in from an ortho vet and reaching out to companies who deal in canine prosthetics . I know his rear leg can't be fixed but I don't feel that his life is over. He's such a happy puppy. He has figured out a way to maneuver himself around through a series of wiggling, hopping, and using his bad rear leg as a kickstand. He has a huge appetite, loves to play, loves yogurt, loves his people......and the biggie for me....shows little to no signs of pain.
In my heart I believe he can have a partial amputation of his rear leg and be fitted for a prosthetic or be fitted with a cart. I think that Riker will tell me when he's had enough....
If any of you have experience with giant breeds and amputations or mobility issues.....I'm all ears. Came here to learn and stayed for the inspiration.
Andi I am really sorry that you and Riker are going through this, how awful! I hope you don't mind I moved your post here but this "Size and Age Matter" forum is a great place to hear and read stories of other giant breed Tripawds.
I don't know of anyone here who has experience in this area but that doesn't mean someone has dealt with it successfully. It sounds to me like you are doing exactly the right thing; don't take one vet's word for it, get a second and even a third opinion from ortho specialists and board-certified rehab vets. Better yet if you're near a veterinary teaching hospital that's an awesome resource for someone with a pet in a tricky, complicated situation. Be sure to check out these OrthoPets videos that talk about the possibilities of life with a prosthesis, I think they'll give you a lot of hope and optimism. I would also make an appointment with an ortho vet who is working with OrthoPets to learn what your options are.
Keep us posted OK? Lots of hugs to you and Riker, he's such a lucky dawg to have you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ohhhh, this just breaks my heart. Yet, at the same time my heart is warmed becausw Riker has found such a loving and caring human to show him what love and joy feel like. Whatever time he has on this earth...and no dog comes with a time frame stamped on their butt, he will be happy and loved!!!
Yes, DEFINITELY get a second --third opinion from a Specialist AND talk directly with the people at Ortho Pets. Also, a wheel chair or a cart may be an option. Eddie's Carts or Eddie's Wheelchair....I think that's the name.
There is a dog here named Cora who was fitted with a cart after one of her remaining back legs became a problem (front leg amp.).
And, now this is unbelievable, but there's a dog on here named MILES....get ready...who has inly TWO LEGS...YES, TWO LEGS...AND THERE'S A VIDEO OF HIM WALKING AND RUNNING AFTER A BALL!!!!!! Now, I'm not saying thate an option for Riker...I'm just saying I bet you can find a solution! That little guy sounds like he's a fighter and has a whole lot o f spunk!!
I'm not computer savvy at all, so I can't give you the link to his lost.....hopefully someone else can!!!!
Yes, please keep us posted! When you can, we would LOVE to see pictures of this cutie pie!
Hugs to Riker...and a big hug to you! Thanks for giving this little fella' a chance to be loved and to be happy!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
So sorry for you... Riker seems to be ok with things. I agree that a second opinion should be sought. Not sure where you live. I have a friend that is in the process of having "wheels" made for her baby. It is in Shelburne Falls MA. They do wonders and the price is astoundingly reasonable. Keep on advocating and we are here for you!
Laurie
Honestly I'm at a low point today. Sent the X-ray to lots of people. The back shattered leg is not repairable the specialist said. There is not enough good leg left to be fitted for a prosthesis after an amputation. So....unless the ortho vet Monday has an amazing idea....we are back to a rear amputation and a wheelchair or euthanasia.
I feel totally beat down. Second guessing everything. Trying to decide what kind of life he will have. It's hard to watch him try so hard to walk normally, tail wagging....and think he could be put down. He's such a normal puppy other than the leg issues.
Does a two legged Great Dane have any hope?
Ohh I'm so sorry, that had to be so disappointing to hear. I just thought of something though; North Carolina State (and probably others by now) are making huge advances in prosthetic implants. If this is within your budget (I've heard that implants can run upward of $8-10k without complications, it's something to consider. Also, have you seen a rehab vet yet? That's another opinion that can be quite different from an ortho doc. Finally, don't forget about seeing a university teaching hospital with a solid background in orthopedics, like Colorado State. They're another good option. What state are you located in? We might be able to point you in the right direction.
Hang in there, and try not to feel defeated, there's other avenues left to investigate.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Okay, take a deep breath...several of them! B R E A T H E......B R E A T H R.....
where there's a will...theree a way!! And Riker clearly has the will!!
As long as Riker is not in pain and is enjoying life...which he apparently is doing quite well, then you have time to continue to research!!! As Jerry said, there are still other avenues to check out!
You need not second gues anything...you are committed to doing what is best for Riker and this kind of strong willed determination and positive attitude are exactly the kind of advocate he needs!!!
Okay, now you are defintely on a path full of bumps and boulders, but you just keep moving forward. We are right here with you helping to push those boulders out of the way. I really feel like you are on a path to a solution.
Keep doing your research and, as hard as it is, try not to think about the future, just stay in the present right now with Riker. Riker is having a blast and he is finding out what love feels like. No one comes with a time frame stamped on his butt. But not every dog or cat, regardless of how long or short their lives are, gets to live a life full of love!!
We're here cheering you on. Let us know how we can help.
Sending hugs and love!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
We did have him scheduled with a canine physical therapist until we found out the rear leg was shattered. Now we are kind of in limbo.
We are located in Nebraska. He sees the ortho vet tomorrow. It sounds like he is facing the two legged life as the opinions so far have been amputate or euthanize. We have watched him basically walk on two legs and use the shattered leg to tip himself back into balance so I'm hopeful he can do a rear cart and a brace to protect his front good leg. Orthopets is going to review his case tomorrow after the vet sees him.
fingers crossed for good news
Ohhh I'm so glad Orthopets will give some feedback! Please let us know what they say. Hugs to you both.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You hang in there, okay? Riker sure is!!
ll paws crossed in Tripawd Land
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!
I am sad to report that we sent our sweet baby boy to rainbow bridge this morning. He had his consult and it was recommended by yet another ortho vet that he be euthanized. He said that not only did the back leg need to come off but another portion of the front stump and his shoulder needed to be removed. He said that even barring those surgeries....Riker would not have a quality life. Mobility would be hard, he would have to be put in and taken out of the cart every time he wanted to move or go outside, arthritis would set in and pressure to the remaining limbs and sores would also be a concern.
so...we made the painful decision to let him go now while he still knows happiness. This was probably the hardest decision I've ever had to make for a dog in my care. I wanted so desperately to believe we could get him mobile again. And while we could have....he could never truly know the carefree dog life. I'm all about quality over quantity. My heart aches but now I have a vision in my head of that beautiful baby boy running on all four good legs at rainbow bridge.
We love you Riker. We didn't get to have you long but you are in our hearts forever.
Ohhh...I'm so very, very sorry.....we only knew Riker here... briefly...hrough a computer.....we all cry with you.
Rivker made a HUGE impact on us...on everyone who had the privilege of knowing this strong little Warrior, this brave soldier, this fun loving guy determined to make the best out of whatever time he had here on earth!
AND BECAUSE OF YOU....RIKER HAD A SPLENDID TIME WHILE HE WAS HERE!!!! Riker left this earth feeling lpved...knowing what joy felt like...knowing what being cared for felt like. And yes, he is at the Rainbow Birdge running aroundl like crazy. In fact, he wouldn't stop playing until someone put a bowl o f ice cram in front of him! Riker woofed it down and then starting romping and running, barking and wagging the whole time!
And you know what else? Riker is telling everyone about you and what a great time he had with you! He's telling them je felt like the luckiest dog in the world because you showed him what love was!!!
Please know we are all here for you and we know the pain, the hurt and the void you now feel. But we also know he left you with so many smiles and a whole lot of love nestled snuggly in your heart.
Thank you for loving Riker enough to let him transition on without pain........you are a very special soul.
Surrounding you with love,
Sally and My Eternal Light Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Ohhhh my gosh this has got to be one of the hardest, most difficult decisions anyone can make for a young dog. My heart just breaks for you and I don't even have the right words to say, except that your decision was noble, compassionate and made with the greatest love out of concern for his well-being and long-term happiness. You put him over your own sadness and heartache, there is no greater love for an animal, as hard as this was.
Please feel free to share any photos or stories about Riker, we would love to celebrate his short but powerful and unforgettable life with you. {{{{hugs}}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
This is so sad! These things should not happen to puppies.
What matters is that Riker was very loved and he will be missed.
Daniela & Johnnie
Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet. Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues. Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle. October 17: started having seizures. Taking fenobarbital for seizures. April 18: started prednisone.
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