A tripod dog is a dog with three legs. The loss of a leg can be due to many reasons including cancer, leg trauma (car accident), or congenital deformities (born with a deformity).
I am privileged to share my life with a three legged Siberian Husky, called Shania. She had a congenital deformity called radial head luxation, i.e., the bones on her left front leg were misaligned, and she was unable to put weight on it. This condition is rare, especially for a Siberian Husky, and the cause for it is unclear.
We speculate that it may have been from birth trauma, since she was a c-section puppy. We had hoped to correct the problem with orthopedic surgery, but unfortunately, there was too much cartilage damage in the joint, and the surgeon recommended amputation.
It was a shock when she came home with three legs, and a BIG bandage around her torso. However, Shania recovered quickly from the surgery and is now a happy, bouncy, and somewhat spoiled member of the family.
Here are some things to look out for when living with a three legged dog –
1. Keep a tripod dog slim.
The most common health issue with three legged dogs is that they may develop arthritis earlier than other dogs. Because they are missing a leg, more stress is placed on their remaining joints, and there is more wear and tear. Therefore, it is very important to keep them slim, so that they do not have to deal with additional joint stresses from excess weight.
Feed a three legged dog a healthy and balanced diet, but do not overfeed her.
2. Keep our dog’s foot-pads clean and healthy.
Proper foot care is very important for a three legged dog.
They may develop cracked foot-pads because of the additional weight placed upon each paw. I now apply DermaPaw cream to Shania’s footpads to help keep them protected.
Previously I was using Tuf-Foot by Bonaseptic, but I find that the DermaPaw cream brings better results, is easier to apply, and stays on for much longer than Tuf-Foot. However, Shania will often try to lick the cream up, so I apply it right before she takes a nap (e.g. when we come home from our walk), and I supervise until she settles down.
I also keep Shania’s nails short, and trim the fur at the bottom of her feet. This allows her to walk comfortably, and without slipping.
3. Watch out for Elbow Hygroma.
An Elbow Hygroma is a fluid-filled swelling around the dog’s elbow. It occurs, when the elbow bone causes trauma to the soft tissue around it. This usually happens in younger dogs who are constantly lying down, or falling down on a hard surface. It may also happen when a dog leans, or consistently places too much weight on one elbow.
As a dog matures, a callus will form to protect the elbow and prevent this condition. Dog beds may help, but some dogs prefer to sleep on cooler, hard surfaces.
Young three legged dogs are especially susceptible to elbow hygroma, because their elbow calluses have yet to form, and their activity level is high. Shania developed this condition when she was less than a year old. However, the swelling was small, and our vet advised us to let it heal on its own. In more serious cases, where there is an enormous amount of swelling and/or infection, surgery may be needed.
We now have a cool bed for Shania in her crate. It helps to keep her cool during the summer, and provides her with a nice soft surface to lie on. Remember to regularly clean and air out the water bed, so that mold does not accumulate on its wet undersides.
For outside the house, we use the Coolaroo outdoor dog bed. It is durable, provides a soft surface, and is elevated from the floor. The elevation allows free air-flow during hot days, and prevents water from accumulating during rainy days.
4. Manage slippery surfaces
Make sure that there are not too many slippery surfaces in the house.
Three legged dogs have less balance, and can easily slip on hard surfaces like wood, tile, linoleum, or marble. This is especially true when they are running or playing.
If there are many hard, slippery floors in the house, it may be time to go rug shopping! Rugs also provide a nice, soft surface for a dog to rest on.
I get natural hand-knotted rugs, that can stand more wear and tear from the dogs. Consider getting a light, earth-tone colored rug, that can hide dirt and dog hair more easily.
In addition, I check the backyard, and make sure there are no deep holes. Shania can trip on uneven surfaces and hurt herself. I also clear away large piles of sticks and leaves. Larger sticks may sometimes catch on a dog’s nails and cause damage.
It helps to get raised water bowls, so that our tripod dog can drink without having to bend down too much.
5. Let a 3 legged dog be a dog
When we share our life with a tripod dog, we naturally want to protect her from as many things as possible. It is important, though, to let a dog be a dog.
If a three legged dog is kept from doing all the things that dogs love to do, she will have lived an unfulfilled life.
“A life lived in fear is a life half lived” ~ [Spanish proverb]
I wrote in earlier, when I found out my Puggle, Gracie had to have her leg amputated. It was such a hard blow! I am so thankful I found your website and all your helpful hints and encouragement!
It’s been about 8 weeks. And life is going on basically normal. Everything is okay, and Gracie has been adjusting well.
To all those who are struggling, please know, it is okay in the end.
Thanks again for your support and website!
Michelle McNiven- Montana
Hi Michelle,
It is awesome that Gracie is doing so well. Thanks for the update and big hugs to your brave little girl!
i’m waiting on surgery for my yellow lab.He is having his back left leg amputated.I’m very nervious abt. the surgery,and his recovery.It’s reassuring to hear abt. your exp. thank you.
I also have a tripod. He has my heart wrapped around that one good leg. He is a 26 pound dog, pretty small. My qyestion is should I walk him daily? If so, for how long and what distance? I worry that my dog will get very worn out very fast because it is soooo hot here in Texas. I would love some advice. Thank you for posting all this info, I needed it!
Shania usually likes to go out daily. During her walk-time, she will come to fetch me by placing her head on my lap or my computer keyboard. 😀 The only times I have noticed her not wanting to go out is when she is not feeling well, or when it is extremely hot outside. If she doesn’t want to go, we don’t go.
I also let her set the pace and distance of our walks. How long she wants to walk depends on many different things, e.g. her current energy level, the temperature outside, how she is feeling, etc. If she has a rigorous play session in the morning, then she probably will not want to walk as far.
In addition, Shania heats up more easily, so we do not go very far when it is hot outside. I make sure to walk in areas where there are many shady spots, so that we can take many rest-stops along the way. She likes hanging out outside, looking at people, and smelling the wind. I bring enough water with me to keep her well hydrated. I also bring my iPhone so that I can read while Shania is resting, and so that I can call for help if there is an emergency.
I also try walking her earlier in the mornings or later in the evenings when it is cooler outside.
Here is more on my walking adventures with Shania.
Note that there will be differences depending on breed, energy level, temperament and more. I think the most important thing is to listen to our dog, and let him tell us what he is most comfortable with.
Big hugs to your Furry One!
Have you noticed whether or not Shania has “phantom” pain from the amputation? I hear about this with people and wonder about pets. I know this can be very painful and difficult.
Yeah, I think Shania did experience some of that in the first few months.
http://shibashake.com/dog/walking-with-a-3-legged-dog/comment-page-1#comment-22775
I’m considering adopting a 3 legged young pit mix (8 or 9 months, medium size) who has a deformed and unusable front leg. Her good front leg looks a bit odd and I’m wonder if it is the elbow hygroma condition mentioned above. I’m also concerned about navigating stairs. What has been the experience of others with dogs missing a front leg?
If her other front leg looks odd, I would get a vet to check it out to make sure that it is ok. I am very careful about Shania’s legs, because if she hurts any of them, it becomes really difficult and painful for her to move around. I supervise her more, manage her environment, and her activities.
In terms of stairs, Shania can go up stairs really well. Coming down is more difficult and stressful on her joints, because she is missing one of her front legs. The same is true for coming down steeper hills. I make sure that she does not run down stairs or hills at high speeds, because that would be bad for her front-leg joints.
Now that she is older (over 5 years old), I am starting to limit her stair and hill activity. When we go on walks, we will go up steeper inclines, and come down on the more gradual side. If I think a trail is too steep, then we go another way. We also installed a baby gate on the stairs in our house.
Hi. Just reading over some posts and I am very glad to hear 3 legged dog can still live a good life. On Sunday there my girlfriends wee Pom had to get it back leg cut of. The wee dog is still very sick and in a lot of pain. But it’s been good to see that they can recover well. I am just praying that our wee dog recovers too. Thanks
Yeah, Shania adjusted well after her amputation. I supervise her more, take some added precautions with her environment, and she gets along very well. I think I worry more about her than she does about herself! 😀
Big hugs to your Pom. Hope she feels better soon.
Thank you for this post. I adopted an adorable 1.5 yr old puggle, Gracie, two years ago, after the owners ran her over (I hope on accident). They took her to the vet and asked to put her down, “She is too energetic, and not worth the hassle.” I was told.
It’s been two years; we’ve gone through two major surgeries. I just found out yesterday that the last operation, two years ago, was a “none union” meaning the bone never fused together. She has a chronic infection at the implant site.
She is a total trouble maker, smart little whip, and the sweetest, happiest cuddle bug I have ever had. The options given to me weren’t all that great. Amputation was the best out of the four evil choices. And it breaks my heart and turns my stomach in knots. I cried all day yesterday.
She goes in for the procedure tomorrow morning. I had no idea how tough and difficult this decision would be. My Supervisor suggested I Google success stories of tripod dogs. I am so thankful to read your story, get some ideas. Deep down I know she will be okay. My puggle, Gracie, basically has been on three legs during the five months we were going through the surgeries to “fix” her. So being three legged won’t be new to her.
It’s heart wrenching for me. It was comforting to read that my heartache is normal.
I’ll keep in touch and let you know how we are doing.
Michelle
Ps. Sorry, I can’t get the picture to link in or upload.
Hello Michelle,
Thanks for sharing Gracie’s story with us. How is she doing? Is she back home now? She sounds like an awesome girl and a big time sweetie! She is also young, and smaller dogs have less weight to carry, so they bounce back and adapt pretty quickly.
Big hugs to Gracie. Shania sends her love and some wet Husky licks.
Thanks for the reply. Gracie has been home for five days now. She has been very mellow, tired and sedated. Which is VERY strange compared to how she behaved with the other surgeries; however, is good, because she might let herself heal now.
The amputee sight wasn’t as dramatic as I imagined in my mind. All I knew about amputees was what I saw in the movies. I imagined bloody gauzed bandages, and a stump. They took her shoulder blade as well as her leg. It’s a clean cut site and stitched really well. I haven’t had to deal with any blood, gauzes, or anything. Once the fur grows back, I think it will look really good – all things considered.
She is beginning to get around better and better every day. The suggestion of rugs for traction I think has been very helpful. I can almost literally see the relief in her face when she is on a rug or traction strip (I laid down those shelf liners for traction strip) vs. plain wood floor. Along with the warning of how people behave when they see her. You are right about the kind of people who are out there. I have found a short version of my story to tell. (Which is great, cause I am so long winded!)
Everyday is getting better. Every day I am feeling better about the decision. We are adjusting and we will get through it.
Thanks for all your support. Give Shania cuddles from Gracie and Michelle.
Thanks again for your site!
Michelle
Thanks for the update. I am glad that things are going well and improving every day. Big hugs to Gracie. It is good that she has such an awesome mom!
She is a doll. My Barton is a looker, too. He was hit by a truck at high-speed. He was left to die but crawled into the ditch where ice cold water from snow ran over the area he was hit (hips). he was in the Vet’s office within 15 minutes of being found thanks to a dear friend and his son who grabbed an old sprung cot as a strecher and a blanket.
After three surgeries to save both legs it became obvious one was going to be all I could hope for. After his rear leg was amputated be began chewing his tail. I think it was due to his spine being broken right at the tail. I’ve broken my back 4 times so I know how it can feel. He couldn’t feel his tail. I had to have it removed, too.
The first four months he was adjusting but after all is said and done he is as happy as ever, rarely shows any sign of pain and is as much a part of my family as I am. I admire him so much!
Thanks for sharing Barton’s story with us. It is amazing how quickly he adjusted to everything. Big hugs to your very brave and awesome boy!
Mahalo for the information. My baby girl, Li’i, has a growth on her right elbow which causes her pain and discomfort. Vet said it’s not cancerous but recommended that her arm be removed to help her as “dogs are resilient.” The information you shared is greatly appreciated. Aloha 🙂
This touched my heart. I know im not the only person with a three-legged bestie, but it’s nice to be able to relate. I have an 8 yr old pom who lost his front right leg at 2 yrs. He runs and jumps off the couches and my bed. It’s amazing. I try to discourage him from doing things that might hurt him, but he’s a trooper. Thanks for making this website 🙂
He sounds wonderful! Big hugs to your Pom and thanks for sharing his story with us. 😀
What a lovely website! I have been thinking about adopting a puppy for a long time and just fell in love with a tripod online through petfinder. She’s 5 months old and I would love to give her a home. I guess I am a little nervous though, with all the care. I have my own health issues and I’m only 20. I think it would be a good fit, but still nervous!
Hello Allie,
Yeah, I was nervous and worried about Shania as well, after her surgery. I was not sure how well she would adapt and whether I would be able to help her with the transition. Happily, she adapted quite well and very quickly. I was very happy to see her running around playing and exploring in the backyard.
Shania does require some added care and more supervision, but I am very glad to be part of her life. She is such an awesome girl. I still worry about her, and take special care to keep her safe. Very likely, I fuss over her too much, but she tolerates it with grace. I tell her it is my job to worry about her, and it is her job to be a happy dog. 😀
Is your puppy a larger dog or a small dog? Is she missing a front leg or a back leg? Would love to hear more of her story and hope you will give us an update on what you decide.