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 all! I am new to the tripawd community and wanted to share an interesting case. I am a veterinary technician and recent owner of a three-legged baby. This cutie came in to the hospital I work at to be put to sleep. He was 5 days old, belonged to a stray, and had a necrotic back leg that was falling off. The people who had taken him away from the stray did not have the ability to raise him, and he could not continue to live with the mother. I happened to be there when he was brought in and decided to give him a chance at life. He weighed 10 oz when he came in, and lost an ounce over night after refusing to drink formula. It was tube feeding for the next few days, and also minor surgery to take off the dead leg (his rear right). Since then, he has caught on to bottle feeding and has been doing great. He now weighs 1 pound 4 oz. For the first few days I considered myself fostering this baby, but I he has stolen my heart. I am happy to introduce baby Bertram to all. He will be having a second surgery to amputate mid femur when he is older and stronger. I look forward to sharing his story as he grows and develops, being connected to other tripawd parents, and hearing stories of their three legged children.
I cannot get images to post at this time, but I will work on that.
what a darling little boy!!! bravo to you for rescuing him and opening your heart and home. looking forward to more pictures, and following bertram's story!
charon & spirit gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Thanks for joining, and bless yu for saving this little guy! Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Here are instructions for adding pictures to forum posts. If you don't already share photos somewhere online, the easiest way may be to start a blog so you can upload them to your media library.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
OMD, he is adorable!! I think Bertram just might win the prize for tinniest tripawd!
You are so sweet for taking him in. But you will find that you are the lucky one. It is an awesome thing to be a tripawd pawrent! Welcome to the club.
Can't wait to hear more about how he does.
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Oh goodness! What a little angel Bertram is! And what a saint you are for making him your own! Is is going to be a big dog or little dog?
I can't wait to hear more updates!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Wow! I think he's the tiniest Tripawd we've ever had the pleasure of welcoming here!
What a big hearted, compassionate person you are. Thank you for all of your dedication and giving this guy a chance at a good life. We can't wait to follow along with his Tripawd adventures!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
OMD, so adorable! If I could, I would give his tiny cheeks a pinch. Keep us updated on his progress. You are an angel for saving him.
Cadence's Mom
Cadence Faye: Born 10/30/04, stepped into our hearts 12/23/2004. Rear leg tumor found 7/24/11 by mom and dad, Xray on 7/25/11, Osteosarcoma suspected 7/26/11, amputation 7/29/11, Carboplatin started 8/23. Met free so far!
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It is so nice to hear from everyone! Thank you so much for your support and kind words!
Here are pictures:
Top: Day 1: The Dead Leg
2: Day 1: Close up of Dead Leg
3: Day 2: Dead Leg has been Snipped Off (luckily with no complications!)
4: Day 16: Eyes Open!
Last: Day 20: Play Pen Set Up (Bertram is rapidly learning to walk now!)
More to come as Baby Bertram seems to learn something new everyday!
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cometdog said
Oh goodness! What a little angel Bertram is! And what a saint you are for making him your own! Is is going to be a big dog or little dog?I can't wait to hear more updates!
I have no idea what breed he is! The people who brought him in said the mother looked like a "Mini Golden Retriever" and they had no clue what the dad was! It will be a surprise as he grows, but he does seem to have a longer coat.
I would totally love to snuggle that little guy! You'll have to post a zillion pictures because of how fast he will grow. His coat looks like a white golden, doesn't it?
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/
The photos are showing image cannot be found. OH NO! Is anyone else having this issue? I am dying to see his pictures.
Cadence's Mom
Cadence Faye: Born 10/30/04, stepped into our hearts 12/23/2004. Rear leg tumor found 7/24/11 by mom and dad, Xray on 7/25/11, Osteosarcoma suspected 7/26/11, amputation 7/29/11, Carboplatin started 8/23. Met free so far!
Yes Heather, I also see that message. It's not you! Maybe there was a problem with the pictures and hopefully they'll be back. I did get a chance to see them yesterday and tried to show my son this morning. Poof!
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/
OH MY GOODNESS! What a doll baby!!!
Oh no! I just thought of something....what if he grows up to look like Monkeybutt!??? I see a little bit of resemblance!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
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