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3 legs

Snoopy

Hi
We were considering adopting this 3 legged dog. He is missing one of his front legs. His body type is long with a a short front leg (like a corgie body type). So all of his weight seems to rest on this one front leg. We were worried about long term health problems from this (back problems, arthritis, muscle issues etc) which would mean costly vet bills. We can't affort this so would be doing this guy a disservice if this were the case. Would this be true or would his body just adapt with limted future health problems associated with this?

Thanks alot for your help!

Brad and Jen

• Experienced Advisor Selena Carnell says:

  February 10th, 2008 at 09:57 AM

  Hi, Nice to see that you are looking at adopting a 3 legged dog. Often these are over looked but can still live a very healthly life.

  If you are worried about his health, it would be worth finding out how he lost his leg? if he was involved in a road traffic accident then you may find he might have underlying problems. But even a 4 legged dog may turn out to have health problems that you were not aware of, it is a risk you take with a rescue dog. Also check with the kennels to see if he has insurance as this can help.

  You will find that his body will compensate very well for the missing leg and his front leg will be much stronger, but oviously you would need to keep a close eye on his weight as anything excess with cause health and mobility problems.

  But i feel that any any animal that is taken on is always a potential risk as the history isnt always clear, and there is a risk as with any animal of a disease or illness that would incurr lots of vets bills.

  Good luck in your decision, you may find that he dog will be up for adoption for  quite a while.

  Regards

  Selena Carnell VN

   

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