Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We didn't have drain tubes, but I know some members did. I think all you have to do is observe them for signs of infection (just as you do the incision) (smell, bloody discharge or pus, hot spots, excessive swelling) or clogging. The surgeon should be able to tell you how much seepage is normal and the color/consistency. You might want to buy some of the large dog pee pads to line the kennel. They will absorb any seepage and are easy to remove and change.
So glad he is out of surgery and on the road to recovery!
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
I've been poking around this excellent website and learning about drain tubes. (Apparently they can get clogged!) So I'm feeling a bit more prepared. Large dog pee pads is an excellent idea! Thanks.
So glad to hear surgery went well! I was wondering how things went for Sami.
Im sure he is not happy with the collar, glad he is chatting;)
Can you get a soft cone for him? That might be a great help for when he comes home. They have soft ones and inflatable ones.
This is a 24 hour clinic yes?
I understand both of your point of views! I wanted Purrkins home and Mark wanted him to stay . We didnt have a choice with Purrkins, he did stay 3 nights one night before the surgery 2 nights after. He was under great care and that is what mattered most. The first night and the second are a great idea, so they can really medicate and monitor him.
As for the drain?? I am of no help ??. Im sure someone else can provide some info. Ill be interested to learn too!
Glad you have a friend that can help with the cage.
Im sure you are well versed , you have been doing your homework.
Hugs
Holly & Purrkins
Glad the surgery is over and now on to recovery! Has he stood up? I have heard the vet wants them to stand before release. I am also unfamiliar with drain tubes. As for the collar, I think that can stress a cat as much as the amputation. We used an inflatable one found at Petsmart. We took it off sometimes and had him wear a vest. If you watch him, maybe you can remove the collar at home off and on. If he is that unhappy, I would go get him home when you can...
CAMI AND ROCKY
Homework or obsession? I'm not quite sure. I bought Sami an inflatable cone (learned that tip on this forum!) and sent it with him. So glad he is not in that big plastic thing. I just read about a kong collar (made for dogs) that one trikitty used when she couldn't tolerate the cone.
No, not a 24 hour clinic. Sadly. They said someone will be there until after 8 p.m. and then early tomorrow morning. I can't think about him being there "alone" so I'm blocking that image!
cami said
Glad the surgery is over and now on to recovery! Has he stood up? I have heard the vet wants them to stand before release. I am also unfamiliar with drain tubes. As for the collar, I think that can stress a cat as much as the amputation. We used an inflatable one found at Petsmart. We took it off sometimes and had him wear a vest. If you watch him, maybe you can remove the collar at home off and on. If he is that unhappy, I would go get him home when you can...CAMI AND ROCKY
Not sure if he is standing yet. I'll ask that tomorrow morning! I hate to call AGAIN today. (: Yes, I bought the inflatable cone at Petsmart as well. I've been reading about the Kong Collar and considering that as an option as well as the vetgood suits.
If not 24 hours I would get him if you can!!!! You will then be the 24 hours!!
Yes on the obsession it can definatley become that and learn as fast as you can! Total understand!
Great on the cone. I agree no cone is best if you can watch him!!
Dont worry about calling them !! Please if you are inclined to call CALL! you have or will be paying them!
They can answer the phone and ease your worry. This is what they get paid to do ok? You are not a bother!!!
I am only speaking for myself but if it was not 24 hours, I would become the 24 hours.
That way you know someone is seeing if something isnt right!
Mona's drain was quite simple. It was a tiny latex tube, maybe .25" in diameter and runs under the skin and comes out another little incision so both end of the tube are outside the skin. So what happens is that any fluid comes out of the tube and on to the cat's skin. I cleaned off Mona's skin often so the drainage did not dry. I was told to "snap" the tube a few times a day so that it didn't stick to the skin. It's held in with two stitches. Here's an illustration.
Mona did not wear a collar. I asked the vet why not and he said because she wasn't fussing with the incision. I don't know how he knew that when she was sleeping most of the time when she was with him but he was right.
It'll be nice to have Sami home. Happy healing Sami!
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
cami said
If not 24 hrs, I would go get him when you can....Cami and Rocky
I knew this was recommended by you veteran tripawd moms. Definitely will rethink our options. Thanks!
kazann said
Mona's drain was quite simple. It was a tiny latex tube, maybe .25" in diameter and runs under the skin and comes out another little incision so both end of the tube are outside the skin. So what happens is that any fluid comes out of the tube and on to the cat's skin. I cleaned off Mona's skin often so the drainage did not dry. I was told to "snap" the tube a few times a day so that it didn't stick to the skin. It's held in with two stitches. Here's an illustration.
Mona did not wear a collar. I asked the vet why not and he said because she wasn't fussing with the incision. I don't know how he knew that when she was sleeping most of the time when she was with him but he was right.
It'll be nice to have Sami home. Happy healing Sami!
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Whoa! Very helpful. Thanks!
purrkins said
Here is a link on drains, not sure if this is the one you were reading.
Yes, that's the one. It's mostly referring to dogs but much of the information applies to cats too.
If your cat does not bother the incision, he may not need a collar, but I would make sure you are know this without a doubt before he is unattended long. Ironically, our cat's biopsy incision was huge...like a shark bite...and he never once bothered it, but he was tenacious after the incision from his amputation two weeks later. Do you know what kind of pain control he will have? I ask because part of our reason for the collar was to keep him away from the pain patch which is toxic if swallowed.
Cami and Rocky
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