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. My name is Mikaela and I'm new here. I live in finland. I found your web sites when I was looking for information about three legged dogs,but I cant find any information here in Finland. I think they dont do many amputations over here ,they put dog to sleep instead =(.
Anyway,here's my story. I found a wonderfull dog and I get maddly in love from the first time I saw him. He is an German shepheard dog and has only 3 leggs. He has been hit by a car and missed his front legg one year ago (he is now 3 years old). He is an S.O.S dog from Russia and has been living on the streets but now he lives in "rescue" family (Lady who brings rescue dogs from russia to finland and finds a new home to them). I havent seen the dog yeat (only in pictures), but i've been callin to the "owner" and I think that this is the right dog to us. I'm going to see him next week and find out if he gets along with my kids.
Now I'm starting to wonder what a 3 legged dog brings with him? I know allready (thanks to you)that they can live just as good life as an "normal" dog,but how is it whit the shoulders and haunches (?) or further health? I would be greatfull for any information about what to expect in the future?
Hello Mikaela, welcome
I only have a minute now, but wanted to let you know about Bonita, a dog someone from Norway rescued this year. They seem to be very happy and are relatively near to you (well, compared to North America). This is one of the links to her post. You can search "Bonita" in the forums if you want to find more.
http://tripawds.....el/#p19824
Three legged dogs do just fine, but I'm sure people will give you many details.
Bless you Mikaela for thinking of bringing a three legged dog into your life. You will find that a dog with three legs is mostly like a four legged dog. Some are sweet, some are shy, some are curious, some are bold! The only two real difference you will see are 1) the dog has three legs and 2) your dog may not have the same stamina that a four legged dog might have. Although they do great with three legs there is additional weight on each other the other legs so I would make sure that you give your dog a good joint supplement. Because he has been without his fourth leg for a year you will not have to worry about him learning how to balance and you don't have to worry about amputation recovery. Because it is not cancer you don't have to worry about treatments or life expectancy. I would say the only thing left to worry about it how fast you can give him his forever home! He will add such joy to your life. Good luck and God bless. Keep us posted!
Debra & Angel Emily
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Hi Mikaela,
Welcome to our Tripawds family!! So glad that you found us, all the way from Finland! 
That is so wonderful that you are considering to adopt the 3-legged German shepherd from Russia!! You will see that he can get alot just fine with only 3 legs... Plus, he's already been 'hopping' along on 3 legs for a year now... so he is very used to it.
Just a few things you will have to think of... is to make sure he doesn't become overweight... it's just more strain on his remaining 3 legs. Also, make sure to put him on joint supplements (like glucosamine) to keep his joints healthy... and most importantly.... love him with all your heart!!! He will give you back so much love in return!!!!
Can you post any pictures of him here? I would love to see! I have had German shepherds all my life... My Golden retriever is the one that had to loose his leg due to cancer...
Good luck when you meet him in person... I really hope that he gets along with you and your children.
Looking forward to hearing more from you about the 3-legged German shepherd!!!
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!
Thanks for the answering my question. I will keep you posted when i've been seen him. I would put a picture of hin here but i dont know how to do it.:?:
I can try like this but i dont know if it works.
http://www.kodi.....Itemid=171
Welcome Mikaela!
I suppose his name is Kapu? He is such an adorable boy!
A few more tips for you! …
- Raise his food/water bowl
- if you have hardwood floor, put runners in the areas/paths he will go to often.
- hopping on ice can be dangerous for front-leg amputees. Watch him closely when on ice.
Jerry has put together two articles in which also covers how to prepare welcoming a tripawd home…
The Top Five Questions About Amputation And Coping with Bone Cancer
Five More Questions About Amputation and Coping with Bone Cancer
Hugs!
The picture insert worked...he is beautiful! Look at that face. All dogs are special angels from above - a gift - but I think we all have a special place in our hearts for tripawd dogs. You and he are meant to be together...I hope that it works out for you.
There is nothing a tripawd dog can't do that a four legged dog can do...except like people have already said they may wear out a little faster. Keep his weight down and give him supplements for his joints and of course, the most important thing in the world to any dog is tons of love and lots of time together.
Good luck and please keep us all posted 
Love Heather and Spirit Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Hi Michaela! He looks healthy and happy and gentle (kitty didn't look afraid of him)--I think you've made a wonderful choice and I hope it works out. I can't add anything to the advice you've already gotten, I just wanted to say Welcome and bless you for what you're doing.
Mary
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
Welcome and thanks for joining! Be sure to read those two posts Genie llinked to about whet to expect when caring for a three legged dog. German Shepherds manage very well on three three legs, just check out Codie Rae, Wyatt Ray Dawg, Travis and Bandit. Most importantly, be sure to keep his weight down.
Can't wait to see pictures of your pup. Starting a Tripawds Blog is the easiest way to share photos, but here are instructions for embedding images in forum posts and how to upload your user profile avatar.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh, he is beautiful. Three leg dogs are really no different from one with four legs. They can do all the things on three legs that others do on four.
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.
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