Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Charlie had his surgery ten days ago, but I noticed that his remaining front leg is larger than it was before (the last two-three days) Is this potentially muscle build up, or should I be concerned? It doesn't look like the osteosarcoma that was in his other leg. He is now placing it in the center of his chest versus where it used to be (which I would assume to be a good thing, giving him more balance).
Anybody else have this experience with the remaining leg becoming larger?
"I don't know where I am."
I remember that Jake's remaining front leg started building up extra muscle after his surgery too. All that new extra weight he had to bear. Sounds like that may be happening with Charley. But when in doubt, it's always a good idea to have the vet make sure nothing else is going on.
Angel Jake'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!
i think gayle's left leg looks stronger too, but i agree on having it checked if you are concerned. she does definitely plant it in the center, so she is an 'equilateral triangle' now..which results in a slight curve to her spine over that shoulder. it's one of the thing our acupuncture vet is addressing, to reduce the stress there...
charon & 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
I'll echo eveyone else. It is likely nothing at all, but have it checked for your peace of mind. Trouble's remaining front foot is about twice the size since her surgery.
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.
Yes, we've had other members experience it here. Yep, the remaining leg on the amputation side does get a lot more muscular, but since it's so soon after Charlie's surgery, it could be something else.
Here's a good post that Tazziedog, our favorite vet, had some insight on:
Give Charlie a smooch from us and hang in there OK? Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
As long as the foot/ankle area is not hot, squishy, or sore it is probably nothing. It is normal for the muscles to get bigger and for the foot to spread out.
Pam
Brandy is at 1 month, 3 days post amputation and her front remaining leg has also gotten pretty beefy. It looks like it is about 2 times as big as it was originally. She is a big girl. She weighed in at 121 lbs before the amputation. Now she is 101 lbs, which is still a good size girl. I am pretty sure that is what happened, her leg naturally gained muscle and the foot spread out a bit to handle the weight.
Best wishes to you and Charlie 
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