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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Hi, not sure whether this is still "treatment and recovery" or "life on 3 legs" - a little of both, but I have some questions so decided on treatment and recovery. Some of this is a repeat of a post to the "missing normal" post but also relevant here.
Questions:
1. Car rides: seeking any advice. It is my personal believe that no living creature should be on the Long Island Expressway without a padded bubble encased in steel protecting them, but in lieu of this invention Ajax has always ridden in the back seat in a seatbelt harness. He doesn't love it, but he's never known any other option so he tolerates it. As a 75 lb Lab, he doesn't have the option of one of those little seats.
Now he has much more trouble shifting positions on the drive, as the seat is slippery underfoot and then he loses balance and gets twisted up in the harness.
Anyone had and/or solved this problem?
2. We have a "go for it" from his doctors. Anyone have any tips on how to tell when to stop him? He seems to be "going for it" until stopped (see below). I have no concerns other than I don't want to stress the remaining back leg too much
3. "Phantom function" - Ajax keeps turning his head to scratch his chin, and the hind quarters where the leg is missing twitch. This is a little heartbreaking, but easily resolved by just scratching his chin for him. In the last couple days, however, as he has gotten more confident, he has twice tried to "mark" Central Park. Historically this was done by lifting whichever leg was closest to the object in need of marking. Twice in the last 2 days he has tried to lift the remaining rear leg - he actually seems to hover for a few seconds on the two front legs before realizing this is a bad idea, and then turning around. He doesn't seem particularly troubled, but I am little worried about safety. Any thoughts?
Stories:
Well, we continue to get "old" Ajax back in leaps and bounds. 21 days after surgery, here are a few tales from our weekend (which would be better illustrated by photos if I could get them off my blackberry and upload them, but I'm technology and time challenged):
-- this Friday, we were fortunate to have a place to stay out at the beach. We stopped on the way at a winery that has live music, people sit on the grass, children run around, etc. Well, Ajax took his 3 legged self right into the middle of everything, flopped down and pretended to be tired while all sorts of children petted and kissed him. (Only problem was when a kid holding his 3 year old standard poodle with no parental supervision let him jump on Ajax, but Ajax just calmly got up and joined me in a line). Anyway, I got in line to get a grown up beverage, in plain view of Ajax, who chose that moment to haul his 3 legged self up and over to the nearest cheese plate and help himself. (Clearly it is time to reintroduce discipline)
-- while he refused to get up on the bed (he still gets uncertain where there is a slippery floor), he had NO problem barking his head off poolside because I was not throwing the floaty Kong fast enough as he swam and swam. On a "silver lining" note, we can now swim laps together without him scratching me to death with his toenails, as he is a little bit slowed down)
-- we have a neighbor at the beach who has a Yorkie. We visit frequently, and Ajax has been known to eat the Yorkies food as he cannot comprehend why that silly dog would leave uneaten food. So after a long day of swimming, Ajax pulled me up the hill (street) and up the driveway (another hill, and pebbled) and up a flight of stairs to get into their house. The only way I could have stopped him was to pull, hard (still working on that issue, as I hate to pull on him now). It was nuts, because he got up the stairs but we had not yet tried anything more than a couple of stairs before. However, the motivation of the dog food on the floor was enough, and he got down the (carpeted) stairs with flying colors as well.
-- He tried to play his favorite game, tug the leash and bounce like a kangaroo, this morning. (I drew the line there).
All good here.
Have no fear - Ajax will have you properly trained in no time 🙂 Sounds like he's having a great life. I have no suggestions. We have a small SUV/crossover and Trouble has a bed in the back. She lays on the bed and puts her head through the front seat opening to nuzzle me when we go for a ride. She isn't belted in, which concerns me some, but I'm not on the Long Island Expressway either.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Sounds like Ajax is doing great. 
For the car rides I use a Noz2Noz crate. It's fabric but has a metal frame. Love it as it protects Cassie as well as my car. Hope it's okay to share this link. If not please remove it if not.
Overall a pretty darn good update!
1. Car rides: seeking any advice.
Hmmm, I take it that a crate is out of the question because of the type of vehicle? There was a discussion a while back about balancing in a car that might help.
2. We have a "go for it" from his doctors. Anyone have any tips on how to tell when to stop him?
Dr. Waldman of CARE says that any kind of explosive activity is a no-no. That means things like jumping in and out of vehicles, off beds, and long chase / play sessions at the dog park. Generally you should be able to tell when he's had enough. If he sits down during walks, takes breaks at the dog park, or seems very tired and sore the next day, he's done too much. The best thing to do is give him his rest and cut back on the activity for a while, then slowly build up again until you know about where his tolerance level is.
Twice in the last 2 days he has tried to lift the remaining rear leg –
he actually seems to hover for a few seconds on the two front legs
before realizing this is a bad idea, and then turning around. He
doesn't seem particularly troubled, but I am little worried about
safety. Any thoughts?
Dogs are so darn smart. They figure it out pretty fast. Save your worry and fear not.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
cassiesmom said:
Hope it's okay to share this link. If not please remove it if not.
http://www.firs.....#038;id=35
Oh yes, we love knowing about cool products that pawrents like! Thank you!
But pawrents, if you decide to check out products like this, search using this Noz 2 Noz link for the Firstrax Sof-Krate, because shopping via the links we place will help support the Tripawds community! Thanks a bunch.
Here's a pic and link to more info for the Firstrax Sof-Krate 2 Indoor/Outdoor Pet Home
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
kazy55 said:
We visit frequently, and Ajax has been known to eat the Yorkies food as he cannot comprehend why that silly dog would leave uneaten food.
LOL! What is with that anyways? Leaving food?!! Catie and Riley agree that's simply not right.
Great update. 
Don't have any advice really; we have a SUV with a dog bed in the back and we don't have to travel on an expressway. I'd be wanting one of those padded bubble thingees myself.
Catie's physical tolerance levels ebb and flow; some days she's more active than others although I would say she's definitely not prone to great athleticism. She's an excellent ambler and grass-grazer and napper though.
Jerry's dogs are pretty darn smart. Ajax will quickly figure out his limitations and make any necessary adjustments. like trying to balance on his front legs to raise his remaining back one. One face plant and he won't try that again.
Pleased to hear that everything is going so well!
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
kazy55 said:
"Phantom function" – Ajax keeps turning his head to scratch his chin, and the hind quarters where the leg is missing twitch. This is a little heartbreaking, but easily resolved by just scratching his chin for him. In the last couple days, however, as he has gotten more confident, he has twice tried to "mark" Central Park. Historically this was done by lifting whichever leg was closest to the object in need of marking. Twice in the last 2 days he has tried to lift the remaining rear leg – he actually seems to hover for a few seconds on the two front legs before realizing this is a bad idea, and then turning around. He doesn't seem particularly troubled, but I am little worried about safety. Any thoughts?
Sounds like Ajax is doing great!! Maggie the pug was also a rear amp and did the phantom scratch thing for awhile- and yea that was hard to see. Of course one of those silly human emotions- Mag didn't seem upset- she would 'scratch' for a bit, then actually look sort of satisfied .
I became responsible for scratching the left jaw when she wanted me to. She eventually stopped doing the phantom scratch- Ajax will probably stop at some point too.
He will figure out his balance and how to appropriately mark. Of course Mag didn't have that problem- but she always had to spin before she could do a BM. I think the reason she didn't poop for 4 or 5 days after surgery is because she couldn't spin. She would try and spin but fall and just sit there and look so discouraged. That was really hard to see, but she did figure it out. She was a left rear amp, and would always spin clockwise, so once she gained her balance she figured out she could still pivot on the right back foot and started spinning again!
As far as the 'go for it'. Mag was a little more reserved at 7.5 years old. She was always obstinate and got bored on walks before her amp and would act like she couldn't take another step. So it was a little challenging to tell after her amp if she was really tired or being a obstinate pug. I would look for the wobble in her back end. If she was wobbling a bit before sitting down I could be sure she was tired. At the beginning she would not spend much time standing still, if she wasn't moving she would sit down. As she got stronger she could stand still for longer periods.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Hey Ajax,
Glad to hear you're doing so well... Got no good advice to give you... Just enjoy your life to it's fullest... but don't overdo it... Ya only got 3 legs left, ya know!!
Angel Jake and Wolfie's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
Sounds like a GREAT report to me too!! 
I, too, used to use a seatbelt on Maggie...and I have tried since she's been a TRipawd...but man oh man, she has a tough time of it..because she can stand up and then of course, now she looses her balance and just gets all in a ball... So I haven't been belting her...nor crating her...although her sister is crated so she doesn't walk all over Maggie!
As far as too much exercise... I would caution you against Ajax'making the rules' and doing what HE wants in that department. I have to watch Maggie as sometimes she'll do too much and then pay for it the next day...
Yes, the trying to itch with the leg that is now gone....the first time I saw Maggie do that....oh, I was sooooooooooooooooo sad for her. But now, we just jump right up and scratch it for her 
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
First, let me just say...what a wonderfully organized post! 
Second, it's always terrific to hear good news! I'm just thrilled Ajax is doing so well and is so happy and making everyone around him happy!
Since we are female front leggers, I can't offer much advice on potty and chin scratching issues! We also jump in and scratch the ears since it's a little hard. And anything that needs to be held with two paws is usually done by sticking some one's handy shoe in front of whatever it is, so it doesn't slip out of reach for Comet.
Exercise...I never knew any better to care what she did! For over 11 years, I just let her do what she wanted. I may not get the 'best dog mom' award but I had to play it by ear since I got no manual on a 3-legged dog! She has never, ever (knock on wood) had any issues with her front good leg. She blew out her back knees. But I've had an old chow do that and all she did way lay around!
You guys are doing so great! It makes all of us so proud!
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.
So enjoyable to read your stories and to hear that Ajax is doing so well. Speaking of the LI Expressway I would want a padded bubble too if I had to drive that but I have to drive the 405 freeway in LA and not quite sure which one is the worst of 2 evils. Mackenzie has always sat in the back seat of our SUV (not the way back) and is so comfortable just lying horizontal on the back seat - no harness (I know that sounds terrible but I've never had a problem and she loves the car.) They have those car seat covers that have a lot of grip to them too (unless you're riding in a taxi cab of course, car seat cover may not work).
Glad to hear that you are getting your old Ajax back every day!
Kami (Mackenzie's Mom)
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
Hi everyone, thanks for the responses. I'm just writing back, as apparently blogging about my dog is NOT my full time job ... who knew?
(BTW, Cometdog, I Laughed at the organized posting comment ...occupational hazard, I think.)
No crate option for the car as crate big enough to fit AJax would not fit into car ... but I'm interested in all the info. Ajax's experience sounds a lot like Maggie's as described above - Thanks, Tracy. We'll do another car ride this weekend w/ 2 humans and see if we can figure out a solution, I appreciate all the comments. It was stressful driving and trying to watch him in the rear view mirror. Normally he just sleeps in the car, but I don't blame him for feeling like he is going to slide around now ...
Kami - LIE is WAY worse than 405. Imagine the 405 on the stretch between Sunset and the South Bay exits, on a summer Friday, populated by people with really nice (fast) cars, who have driven at most once a week for the majority of their adult lives ....Then give the drivers the level of impatience of NY'ers in general. Then imagine everyone ignores the "pass on the left" rule that generally applies if traffic is moving well in SoCal. 'Nuff said. Though I do take your point.
The other option to belting him is to attach it so they can only lay down and NOT stand or sit... I haven't tried that with Maggie either. Do you have that option with your seat belt harness? My harnesses I have are "Roadie's" brand.
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Ps. 2 questions:
1) anyone else's pup lose their hearing along with the leg? I don't want to pull too much on Ajax, and you hate to speak harshly to your newly 3-legged buddy, but Ajax has clearly recognized this and has decided to ignore all non-essential -- as he deems them -- voice commands. Hence, lady losing her cheese plate last Friday.
2) Who is the Golden who is pictured at the edge of the pool on the running pictures at the top of the site? I love that photo - Ajax does exactly the same thing, I thought he'd fall in when he had 4 legs (he didn't) and he still seems to be able to do it on 3 ....
1 Guest(s)
