Tripawds Blogs » Recovery

Amputation Wound Care for Post-Surgery Dogs

jerry — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 22:30:51 +0000

Caring for your dog’s amputation incision is usually as easy as ensuring that nature is taking its course and healing the site.

Most dogs like Tripawds Founder Spirit Jerry have minimal problems at the wound, but unfortunately some dogs like Tripawds Spokesdawg Wyatt Ray and Valentina the Great Dane experience surgical wound complications, such as continuous serum (blood and bodily fluids) leakage that requires extended veterinary care and longer recuperation times.

If you’re about to start your Tripawd journey, take time to be prepared for wound complications, just in case.

Here’s a quick rundown of some things to keep in mind:

Keep a Post-Amputation First Aid Kit Handy

Your vet may want you to change bandages or clean around the incision. Be prepared by stocking a pre-made pet first aid kit or making one yourself. To care for amputation wounds, your kit needs:

Muzzle
Sterile gauze pads, large
Scissors
Surgical scrub solution
Small towels
Flexible vet wrap
Digital thermometer
Cold and hot pack
Gloves
Flexible, strong adhesive tape
Rescue Remedy holistic calming aid (for both you and your Tripawd!)

To Bandage or Not to Bandage?

Your dog may or may not come home with a bandage over the incision, or a drain.

Our Tripawds Amputation Survey shows that more dogs come home without a bandage and drain, but it’s up to you and the vet to determine if these things are necessary. Most times they aren’t; usually it seems that a bandage is applied to lessen the shock value when pawrents see the wound for the first time. An old t-shirt can be worn by front-leg Tripawds to keep the incision site clean and help prevent licking. Boxer shorts can be worn by rear-leggers, with the tail through the flap.

Wound Drains

We never had firsthand experience with a “Jackson Pratt” or JP drain until our Wyatt came home from surgery last week. Had we known he was getting one, we might have asked about whether or not it was necessary, since ultimately it clogged and didn’t release any of the fluid that was building up.

JP Drains

One end of the drain tube is inserted into an incision near the surgical site to help release fluid accumulation. To the other end is attached a bulb that is compressed to create negative pressure, causing suction of fluid from the wound.

As a pawrent, your only responsibility is to empty the bulb when it looks full. Your vet will supply you with large syringes to measure the fluid amount.

The JP drain’s interior needs to be kept sterile: do not use water to rinse the bulb or tube, simply replace the bulb after emptying the fluid. Be sure to squeeze it before sealing it closed to reactivate its suction.

After JP drain removal:

Wyatt’s JP drain was removed four days after surgery. The drain’s bulb never filled up, so we and the vet assumed there was no drainage occurring. We were wrong. Almost immediately after removing the drain, Wyatt leaked copious amounts of serum in the vet’s office. Clearly, the drain had clogged somewhere and was holding back tons of fluid.

To help the area drain but prevent infection at the drain site, Wyatt’s vet sewed a series of loops around the drain site in order to hold a large stack of gauze over the hole. As an area that’s difficult to bandage, he thought that keeping the gauze in place with the loops and surgical tape would work.

Unfortunately we didn’t have time to take a photo of this impromptu experiment since it fell off almost immediately after leaving the hospital. The gauze was too full with the weight of the fluid to stay in place. A taped-on bandage was more effective. Using a low-tack adhesive tape is recommended, however, to avoid painful removal when changing the dressing.

Incision Healing Progress

Without complications, the amputation incision site will heal within 10-14 days. A permanent scar forms between 14-21 days.

Bruising and redness is normal after surgery, but to a point. Excessive redness and irritation can be a sign of something else going on, usually just an infection that can be cleared up with antibiotics.

This great article at PetPlace.com, Is My Dog’s Incision Healing Normally? offers terrific insight into how a wound develops, heals and what to watch out for, such as:

Foul smelling discharge: Tell your vet about any discharge that isn’t clear and odorless.
Excessive fluid drainage: Some dogs will get a seroma, which is a combination of blood and bodily fluid buildup at the incision site. Seromas usually aren’t serious and can be drained in a vet’s office, but you need to tell your vet your dog is having one to make sure it’s not more serious. You can try to prevent a seroma by keeping your dog calm for at least a week after amputation: too much activity can ramp up the immune system and lead to excess fluid buildup.
Missing stitches or staples: If sutures fall out, this can indicate infection and an inability for the skin to heal. Also, if you see a wide gap (larger than ¼ inch) between the wound or tissue sticking out from the wound, call your vet immediately.

Whatever you do, DO NOT clean the wound with anything that your vet hasn’t prescribed. Do not use hydrogen peroxide on the incision, it can kill the cells trying to heal causing further complications. If the wound area gets soiled, use warm water only to clean around the incision and ask your vet what you should to do if further cleaning is necessary.

Itchy Wounds

Stitches are usually removed 10-12 days after surgery. After removal, most dogs go crazy trying to soothe the incision area as it dries and becomes more itchy. Unfortunately the cone of shame is the only surefire way to prevent your dog from damaging the wound.

In our ebook, “Three Legs and a Spare – The Tripawds Canine Amputation Handboook”, we share tips for preventing your dog from bothering the incision, such as:

Use a Bath Towel: Loosely secure a large rolled towel around your dog’s neck (not too loose that she can slip away). The thick towel can serve as a barrier between her neck/chin and the incision.
A special sock like Power Paws Traction Socks for Dogs or dog boots like Ruff Wear’s Grip Trex and Skyliner can be used to keep your dog’s paws from scratching at the site, but dogs with degenerative mobility issues should not use them.
Use of an anti-inflammatory spray such as DermaCool HC.
Over the counter medicines to relieve itching, such as Benadryl and Chlorpheniramine
Some vets recommend using ointment such as Neosporin. Others suggest using nothing that may prohibit natural healing of the incision.
Homeopathic remedies suggested in The Whole Pet Diet, include Calendula, Comfrey and Myrh which all have antiseptic and healing properties.

We hope these tips will help as you care for your three legged dog’s amputation wound. If you are having any post-op complications, please call your vet and then join in the Discussion Forums for a shoulder to lean on from Tripawds pawrents who’ve been there.

Tripawd Tips for Using Wheelchairs and Carts

jerry — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 23:33:34 +0000

Are you thinking about a wheel chair for your three legged pal?

If so, you’ll want to read this brief interview with our favorite canine rehab veterinarian Dr. Jessica Waldman, VMD, CVA, CCRT, co-founder of California Animal Rehabilitation Center in Los Angeles.

We asked Dr. Waldman when and how a wheel chair or cart can benefit a Tripawd and how it should be used. Here’s what she had to say:

Under what circumstances are carts appropriate for a Tripawd?

Carts are appropriate if the pet has severe compensatory issues or severe pain and therefore dysfunction with mobility. This should be considered after appropriate pain management, rehabilitation, and acupuncture.

Rehabilitation veterinarians or physical therapists* can aid in this decision and in measurements and fittings for the cart.

If the pet is unable to walk comfortably or without rest for more than 30 feet after these other approaches have been tried, a cart may be acceptable.

(*Qualified rehabilitation therapists have the initials CCRT: Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist or CCRP: Certified Canine Rehabilitaiton Practitioner after their name. To find one, visit the Canine Rehabilitation Institute or the University of Tennessee Animal Rehabilitation program website.

What are benefits and drawbacks of using a cart with a Tripawd?

Carts can be helpful to increase mobility, but a pet that uses a cart must use it in moderation (starting with just a minute or two at a time a few times daily.)

It is also important for owners to know that pets may do short walks (I would always limit to 15-20 minutes maximum) in carts, but that they cannot lie down in a cart and shouldn’t because it stresses their back.

Carts are really just a walking aid. Carts do not replace the need for strengthening, range of motion, or flexibility issues.

Are there steps can a human take to avoid needing a cart for their Tripawd?

LOTS!! Rehab, exercise restriction is key, acupuncture, pain management, strengthening!!!

What kinds of qualifications/experience should a human look for in a company that makes carts?

Good question. Reputation, experience. Check the Better Business Bureau. Ask: Do they make rear wheel carts only or both front and rear limb carts (meaning, the more variety they have the more understanding they have)? Do they provide carts with counterbalance?

How do you know if a cart is properly fitted?

Hard to say, we have physical therapists do this because it isn’t easy to explain. The dog needs to be in “as normal an anatomic position” as possible.

Many thanks to Dr. Waldman and California Animal Rehabilitation Center for helping us bring this valuable information to you. If you are lucky enough to live nearby, be sure to visit Dr. Waldman’s incredible facility and see how her staff can help your Tripawd dog stay strong and live hoppy!

Check out Tripawd Daisy and her Eddie’s Wheels Cart:

Click here to view the embedded video.

For more information about rehabilitation therapy, wheel chairs and wheel carts for three legged dogs, please see our previous news stories:

Tripawds Recover and Relax at Canine Health Resort

jerry — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 04:24:31 +0000

If you think that getting care for your Tripawd at a long distance medical facility seems logistically impossible, think again: there may be a Canine Health Resort type of facility near that provider.

Canine Health Resort is a healing center for dogs who are recovering from major medical procedures at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital (and other local providers).

Founded by Connie Fredman in 2006, this specialty facility provides rest, relaxation and rehabilitation in a down-home environment for dogs who live too far away to commute back and forth for care at this world-famous institution.

Not Your Vet’s Recovery Ward

Set among 75 pastoral, fenced acres with shade trees, a pond, places to explore and a cozy farmhouse where dogs rule, Canine Health Resort is dramatically different from the sterile cages, cold floors and fluorescent lighting found in veterinary recovery wards.

Patients spend days or weeks with Fredman while recovering from conditions like paralysis or amputation surgery. Some are receiving chemotherapy treatments or getting daily rehabilitation therapy. Others have come from as far away as Alaska for the care that Fredman, a 25-year veteran in animal health care, provides.

She’s a regular Florence Nightingale for dogs, handling everything from picking up patients at the airport, to giving daily medications, to driving them to their appointments. Patients of all ages reside in her fully carpeted, handicapped-equipped home and receive all the care they need for a great recovery.

Patients are Loved, but Not Babied

While residents are given lots of TLC and 24/7 care, they are also expected to adhere to the rules of the pack, and quickly learn to fit in with the other patients. Fredman is strict about house rules, which include no free-feeding, and no chasing after the resident cats.

Fredman runs her facility like this because doesn’t believe in babying or humanizing dogs. Doing so can hinder recovery, she says.

“They don’t think the way we do, we can’t baby them,” she advises canine pawrents. “The sooner they’re up, the better they’re going to recover.”

While many pawrents want to sleep on the floor with their Tripawd after amputation surgery, Fredman advises against it.

Just as when human patients have back surgery and are made to start walking the next day, Fredman says this kind of approach is also the best way to get Tripawds to start living life on three legs.

“The dog has to become independent again,” she says. Live your life as you normally do, and if you think you need to sleep on the floor because you’re worried he will have to eliminate in the middle of the night and might need your help, sleep in your own bed but set your alarm clock and then see if he has to go.

The Secret to a Good Recovery

One of the secrets to a good recovery is to find out what motivates your dog to walk and feel good again, and use that as much as you can during recovery.

From car rides to ice cream, the things that lift your dog’s spirit will also help speed up healing, Fredman says.

She also advises Tripawd pawrents to explore rehabilitation therapy, and says that Cosequin and Dasuqin can help prevent and alleviate arthritis related to a Tripawd’s physique.

We hope that more providers like Fredman will pop up around the country, so that more dogs can have access to a higher level of veterinary care when they need it.

Until then, if you’ve ever considered having your Tripawd treated at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital but thought you lived too far away, think again; Canine Health Resort can help make that dream a reality!

Canine Health Resort

How Do Canine Siblings React to New Tripawds?

jerry — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 20:11:34 +0000

If you’re part of a multi-dog pack and considering amputation for your Tripawd, you’re probably wondering how your other dog will react when the Tripawd patient returns home to recuperate.

Will your quadruped take advantage of your Tripawd? Is there a chance that your three legger can get injured?

Rest easy. Not once have we heard of a Tripawd being injured by a four legged sibling, at least on purpose. Not to say that it can’t happen, but usually the quadruped in the family senses that his Tripawd packmate needs extra loving care and some space. They usually react as Cooper did when Guinness came home, as shown in this video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

The biggest risk for most new Tripawds when they come home is getting too tired from rough play with their pack mates.

Do your best to keep your patient in a separate area where he can see what’s going on but feel safe enough to rest.

Here’s what 35 month bone cancer survivor Dog Darcy Deerhound’s rest area looked like. Darcy’s mum, Bev, says:

“We sectioned off an area of the living room for Darcy so that everyone could see her and she could see everyone, but nobody could irritate her or accidetally step on her in those early days after surgery. . .

Nobody ever tried to ‘break in’ to Darcys bed space but they could lay beside it if they wanted to.”

When Nova came home from surgery, her sibling Emmy reacted with care. Nova’s mom Sue says:

“What was really amazing is that Emmy (the 4-legged one) almost instantly knew something was wrong with Nova (Tripawd), and “knew” that she should be treated with care. For the first week or so she just was a little stand-offish, and they did not snuggle up as usual. She could tell Nova wasn’t feeling herself, and gave her space.

Now they are back to snuggling, but Emmy is cutting Nova a lot of slack in many ways. She lets her eat first and is patient with her when she plays with her toys, even if she just stole a toy or bone! And she no longer roughhouses with her.”

Be sure to carefully observe your other dogs for signs of feeling left out. You may be so focused on the patient that you forget to notice that they aren’t getting enough time with you. They may not want to eat or revert to bad puppy behavior.

If this happens, be sure to carve out extra time with your other canine kids. Even just 15 minutes of ball playing or walks with you alone can alleviate any feelings of being left out.

If you have a multi-dog household, how did your other pups react when your new Tripawd came home?

Share your experiences here or in the Discussion Forum topic to help put nervous new Tripawds pawrent’s fears at ease.

Nobody ever tried to ‘break in’ to Darcys bed space but they could lay beside it if they wanted to.

Tripawds “Ask a Vet” Chat This Weekend: Saturday, 7/10 8pm EST, 5pm PST

jerry — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:49:21 +0000

Get your rehab and general canine health questions ready! Dr. Jessica Waldman from California Animal Rehabilitation Center is dropping by. Dr. Waldman can answer just about any canine health questions you have: amputation, surgery recovery, exercise, mobility, alternative medicine, diet, aging and more.

Saturday, July 10

8:00 PM Eastern / 5:00 PM Pacific

In the Tripawds Chat Room

Jessica H. Waldman, VMD, CVA, CCRT

Dr. Waldman is co-founder of California Animal Rehabilitation Center, one of the few rehab centers in the country with both a doctor and a physical therapist on staff, both of whom are certified canine rehabilitation practitioners. Dr. Waldman speaks at veterinary meetings on the subject of Canine Rehabilitation and she has a special interest in neurological rehabilitation and in nutrition for all life stages. She loves to see her patients’ quality of life improve, and she counsels in nutrition utilizing a combination of Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine for the best possible outcome.

Dr. Waldman completed a certificate program from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist. She is also a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist through the Chi Institute. She is one of the founding members of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians.

If you haven’t already watched our blog post series with Dr. Waldman, check them out:

Canine Rehabilitation: Exercises and Stretches with CARE

Canine Rehabilitation: Amputation Recovery Advice with CARE

Canine Rehabilitation: Pain Meds and Supplement Tips from CARE

First Tripawds Required Reading List

jerry — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:04:35 +0000

We love how whenever a new user joins Tripawds, community members will often point them to various places throughout this site that can help answer their questions!

But over the past few years, tripawds.com has grown to include a wealth of helpful information that often goes overlooked. So in our continuing efforts to provide the best advice and support for those facing amputation for their dogs, we have developed the following Tripawds Required Reading List.

This compilation of links provides answers to many of the most commonly asked questions about canine cancer and amputation for dogs.

Now, whenever a new pawrent is looking for advice, you can just point them here!

Believe it or not, this extensive list is just a small sampling of informative posts from the Tripawds Featured Blogs. Much more advice can be found by searching the discussion forums.

Bookmark this post now for easy reference! And please reply with links to other Tripawds blog posts and forum topics you have found helpful. Thank you for helping us help others.

NOTE: Posts identified with an exclamation mark may be especially helpful to new members and guests seeking answers.

Amputation Survey Results: Diagnoses, Breeds and Side Effects

jerry — Thu, 27 May 2010 01:20:45 +0000

The Tripawds crew has been working hard summarizing all of the Amputation and Cancer Care Survey submissions that pawrents have completed so far.

As far as we know, the Amputation and Cancer Care Survey is the first of it’s kind to ever address amputation and the Tripawd lifestyle.

We hope that pawrents will be able to see what others have experienced with their own Tripawds, and find the kind of information they need to make smart decisions for their pup.

Eventually you can download the information as one spreadsheet to draw and share your own conclusions, but first here’s some basic data for your review.

Meanwhile, please keep in mind that:

We aren’t statisticians
This is a small, relatively unscientific sampling
Some questions were left blank within each survey

Tripawds Amputation and Cancer Care Survey Analysis Part 1:
Locations, Gender, Amputation Reasons and Surgery Side Effects

Where are All the Tripawds?

California Tripawds make up the majority of members, with 16 reponses from the Golden State. Texas and Colorado follow closely, and then the rest are thinly scattered in groups of 3 to 6 per state throughout North America. Overseas members from as far away as Portugal and New Zealand also responded but comprised less than 5 responses.

Reasons for Becoming a Tripawd

Survey responses show that the number of male Tripawds to females is evenly split. But, bone cancer has affected more female pups than males here; 43 females became Tripawds because of bone cancer, versus 33 males.

Most interesting of all, it seems that more male Tripawds are missing a leg because of accidents and abuse (10 total), versus only three females.

Females

Cancer = 43
Accident = 3
Birth Defect = 1
Bacterial infection = 1

Males

Cancer = 33
Accident = 9
Birth defect = 2
Bacterial infection = 2
Abuse = 1

Breeds Most Affected by Bone Cancer and Amputation

Most Tripawds members join the club because they’ve been diagnosed with bone cancer. According to the Veterinary Cancer Center of Santa Fe, each year over 8,000 dogs are diagnosed with bone cancer in the U.S., and most are large dogs. Our small survey sample backs this up.

Most Common Tripawd Breeds:

German Shepherd / German Shepherd Mixes = 10
Labrador / Labrador Mixes = 10
Golden Retriever = 8
Rottweiler = 7

Other Tripawd Breeds:

Alaskan Malamute = 1 (cancer)
All American=9 (4 cancer / 2 accident/injury / 1 birth defect / 1 unknown)
American Bulldog=2 (2 cancer)
Australian Kelpie Mix=1 (cancer)
Australian Shepherd=1 (accident)
Australian Shepherd Mix=1 (bacterial infection)
Belgian Sheepdog=1 (cancer)
Border Collie Cross=1 (cancer)
Boxer=1 (accident)
Boxer Husky Mix=1 (cancer)
Cane Corso=1 (cancer)
Chihuahua=1 (accident)
Deerhound=1 (cancer)
Doberman Mix=3 (3 cancer)
English Mastiff=1 (cancer)
English Shepherd=1 (cancer)
English Springer Spaniel=1 (bacterial infection)
Flat Coated Retriever=2 (2 cancer)
Flat Coated Retriever Mix w/Spaniel=1 (accident)
Great Dane=2 (cancer)
Great Pryenees Mix (Samoyed)=1 (bacterial infection)
Great Pyrenees Mix (Collie)=1 (cancer)
Greyhound=1 (cancer)
Jack Russell=1 (cancer)
Jindo=1 (accident)
Leonberger=1 (cancer)
Pitt Bull=2 (1 cancer / 1 bacterial infection)
Pitt Bull Mix=4 (cancer)
Rat Terrier=1 (accident)
Saint Bernard=1 (cancer)
Schnauzer = 1 (cancer)
Siberian Husky=4 (4 cancer)
Siberian Husky Mix w/Lab=1 (cancer)
Standard Poodle=1 (cancer)
Wheaten Terrier=1 (cancer)
Wolfdog=1 (cancer)

Common Post-Amputation Difficulties

While all dogs are different in how they respond to amputation surgery and recovery, the most common amputation surgery side effects are:

Bruising = 33
Emotional Distress=29
Appetite Loss=27
Restlessness=26
Mobility Problems=23
Seroma / Swelling=20
Constipation=17
Nausea=6
Bleeding=5
Diarrhea=3
Respiratory Problems=3
Phantom Pain = 1*

Three dogs were lucky enough to experience no symptoms at all!

Conclusion

We hope this has given you some good background information on the Tripawd journey. If you would like us to present the information in a different way, have questions or would like to add your feedback, please do in the Tips and Resources Forum Discussion we started for this post.

Stay tuned for our Downloads Blog post, where you’ll be able to download the survey in its entirety.

*We’re sure there are more Tripawds who experienced Phamtom Limb Pain, but we accidentally forgot to include it in the potential answers, and their pawrents didn’t mention it in the “other” field for this question.

Chat Live with Dr. Wiltzius Saturday 5/22

jerry — Wed, 19 May 2010 09:37:00 +0000

Please join us this Saturday for another live Ask a Vet Chat. Bring your Tripawd questions to us in the Chat Room, at 8pm Eastern, 5pm Pacific, and chime in for another great discussion about life on three legs.

Our special guest will be Dr. Pam Wiltzius, DVM, Mom to Tripawd Spirit Tazzie and major contributor/lifesaver/incredible resource in the Tripawds Discussion Forums.

Dr. Wiltzius is a veterinarian in Puyallup, Washington. She graduated in 1992 from University of Wisconsin-Madison. She currently works at River Road Animal Hospital, and has a big place in her heart for giant breed dogs like Spirit Tazzie.

See you there!

Massage Techniques and Tips for Tripawds

jerry — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:59:19 +0000

Tripawds can do just about anything a quad dog can do, but there are simple precautions that pawrents can take to avoid injuries. Canine rehabilitation practitioner Leslie Gallagher McMahon, CCMT, CCRT of Two Hands Four Paws Canine Massage and Rehabilitation in Los Angeles, recently shared her advice for doing just that.

Healthy Living and Massage Tips for Tripawds

Physical therapy and massage is especially important for Tripawds, says Leslie, “because Tripawds will always have gait issues, muscle tightness and soreness from compensating over the missing limb.” Leslie also says soreness can be kept to a minimum by watching your Tripawd’s weight. Did you know that one pound of fat on a dog is the equivalent of five pounds of fat on a human?

While all dogs can benefit from massage, there are subtle signs you can look for that indicate your Tripawd is in pain. Signals include:

Struggling to get up or lie down, especially during the morning or in cold weather.
A dog in pain will seek a cool surface to lie on, because cold feels good on tired muscles. (Be sure to check out Tripawds’ Gear Blog for cold and hot pain relief products like Bella’s Pain Pack and ThermaMat Dog Beds).

If your Tripawd is overall healthy and you suspect he overdid it at the dog park, here are some tips for massaging tired muscles:

When massaging, use the same amount of pressure you would use on a baby or elderly person.
Don’t work on the surgery site itself, it can feel uncomfortable to a dog.
Keep massages to 15 or 20 minutes, especially for dogs who have never had a massage.
Look for the “belly” of large muscles, avoiding direct massage over bones.
Work on one area and switch to another, then return. Don’t work on one area non-stop.

Read part two of our dog massage advice and tips post now!

Please be aware that we are not veterinarians. The information presented here is not meant to be construed as medical advice or guidance, nor should it be substituted for professional veterinary assistance. Always discuss any remedies and treatments you wish to pursue with your veterinarian.

Reminder: Tripawds Survey Contest Deadline 3/22

jerry — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:58:15 +0000

Thanks to everyone who’s submitted their answers to Part I and Part II of the first ever 2010 Tripawds Treatment and Recovery Survey.

We’ve received 32 surveys so far. The comments have been enlightening, and will serve future Tripawd pawrents well. Some of the heartfelt details pawrents shared included things like:

“I went through “anticipatory grief” where I felt like he was dead even though he was perfectly fine. I think I cried every day for about a month . . . I no longer worry and know he will let me know when he is ready to move forward.”
“he did really well, so i did well, for me it was hell making the decision to amputate because it felt like i was meeting my needs not his”
“Day to do I didn’t worry but as soon as anything seemed ‘different’ I worried. A lot.”

Remember that by taking the time to answer the survey questions, you will be helping many others hopping along the same Tripawds path. Plus, you get to be entered into a drawing for another $10 Café Cash gift certificate. One lucky winner can use it toward anything from the new Tripawds Gift Shop.

To be entered in the drawing, just fill out Part II of the survey (and Part I if you haven’t already done so), no later than Monday, March 22 at 12 midnight, Pacific Time.

We’ll continue taking responses indefinitely. Stay tuned for our findings from your answers, here in Jerry’s blog and his three legged dog discussion forums. Thanks for taking time out to help us with this impawtant research.

Tripawds Blogs » Recovery

Amputation Wound Care for Post-Surgery Dogs

Keep a Post-Amputation First Aid Kit Handy

To Bandage or Not to Bandage?

Wound Drains

Incision Healing Progress

Itchy Wounds

Recommended Reading:

Tripawd Tips for Using Wheelchairs and Carts

Tripawds Recover and Relax at Canine Health Resort

How Do Canine Siblings React to New Tripawds?

Tripawds “Ask a Vet” Chat This Weekend: Saturday, 7/10 8pm EST, 5pm PST

First Tripawds Required Reading List

Tripawds News Blog

Tripawds Gear Blog

Tripawds Nutrition Blog

Tripawds Downloads Blog

Tripawds Amazon Selections Blog

The Tripawds Story

Coping With Loss

Fun Stuff

Amputation Survey Results: Diagnoses, Breeds and Side Effects

Chat Live with Dr. Wiltzius Saturday 5/22

Massage Techniques and Tips for Tripawds

Reminder: Tripawds Survey Contest Deadline 3/22