Any special care for 3 leg dog?

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   peeplesposted 11 years ago

   Any special care for 3 leg dog?
   
   We got a very high functioning 3 legged dog this week. I was sort of shocked when our vet said it wouldn't have any special care. Surely there is something we should know right? Or maybe I over estimated the care?

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   Sarra Garrettposted 11 years ago

   I have a 3 legged dog who gets around better than my 4 legged friends.  They adapt just fine with 3 legs.  You may have to watch the dog to see if it can go up and down the stairs so it doesn't fall, but otherwise it will play just like a normal dog.  Thank you for saving a dog.

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   1. 93

      peeplesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      It amazes me how well she does with the stairs, but so far I've been picking her up most of the time. It's quite amazing watching her run around like she has 4 legs. Great addition to our family!

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      Sarra Garrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Awsome!  My 3 legged dog is 4 lbs so I pick her up when going up and down the stairs too. But she gets on the bed before I do and plays with my 70lb dog.  Dogs are just great anyway!

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3. 96

   DrMark1961posted 11 years ago

   Hi Peeples there is an organization that gives this sort of help, information, and support. The founder is a hubber, tripawds, but you can contact them at:
   
   http://www.tripawds.com
   240 Rainbow Dr., #14065
   Livingston, TX  77399
   Tel: 707-845-3129
   Good luck. I had a small three legged dog years ago and he did fine without any special care, but if your dog is larger they need a little more.

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   windygreenposted 11 years ago

   NOPE ... If you attempt to treat it special or "baby" it ... you actually do it a disservice..
   
   Dogs have an inherint neeed to feel useful not needy..
   
   He/she will learn to function on his/her own  just fine ... and will be a stronger animal for it .
   
   Ever heard of the story of the butterfly breaking from its cacoon?
   
   The butterfly struggles to break from its cacoon... it is very hard for them.. If a person seeing this .. "helps"  the butterfly get out of the cacoon , it dies shortly after . 
   
   It is the struggle that gives the butterfly the strength it needs to live.
   
   
   Same with your new dog.

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   agilitymachposted 11 years ago

   I say yes.  Any animal who loses a limb or body part goes "off" in structure.  As an owner and handler of high level agility dogs, I understand the importance of canine structure.  In agility, if a dog is sore in one leg, the leg on the opposite side will also show soreness as the dog uses it more to help keep weight off of the sore limb.  So, if the dogs left front leg is injured, the right back leg will also be sore.  If the left back leg is injured, the right front leg will be sore.
   
   An average house dog owner would never notice this affect, and in fact, probably wouldn't notice the original injured leg.  But because of the intense rigors of the sport, agility owners are constantly watching their dog's gait for injury that will need immediate attention.  Canine chiropractors and canine massage therapists are in huge demand at agility trials as competitors work to keep their dogs' structures in-line and limber.
   
   We also make sure our canine athletes are well exercised using various canine exercise products.  A very popular product is the "peanut" exercise ball.  I've written a review hub of that product.   These products help our dogs develop strong muscles to help prevent injury in the first place.  Most agility dogs competing at the higher levels are on some sort of regular exercise program.  My agility dogs are on a regular exercise program.  They also see a chiropractor when needed, and proper warm up, cool down and massage is administered before and after each agility run or practice. My dogs also see a canine sports vet who specializes specifically in structure ailments in the dog.
   
   I would recommend you examine the importance of canine massage and perhaps chiropractics for your dog.  Also, start Googling and looking around at the importance of strength exercises for the tripod or injured dog.  There is a ton of excellent information out there, but you need to go searching for it.
   
   Yes, other than keeping your dog's structure in good shape, there will only be a few nods to his handicap.  Dogs are amazingly adept creatures.  However not to acknowledge that your dog has a structure deficit and not doing anything about it could lead to early arthritis and other pain later in life.  It does in agility dogs, especially if they incur any important injuries during their careers.

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      peeplesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for the in depth answer. I want to keep her healthy. She's gone through enough. I will have to do some more research!

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   Peanutritiousposted 11 years ago

   I've got a three legged border collie and you'd never know he was impaired in any way! He's a little trooper and has a real zest for life. I got him from a farm as he would have been drowned for being the runt of the litter. He wasn't born with three legs, his fourth hadn't formed properly so when he was two, I had it removed, he's been so much happier since, his deformed leg seemed to hinder him and he'd get it caught etc. He's nine now and you couldn't meet a nicer dog. People are always surprised when they notice his front leg has gone as he runs as fast as any other dog. I give him cod liver oil supplements to help his joints but he's never had any problems at all. I hope you and your dog have a happy life together. Tara

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