Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Sami's surgical suit arrived today! We are so hoping that when his drain tubes are removed on Wednesday the vet will ok the suit but I'm a bit skeptical now because the opening for litter box use is quite large and it the back of the suit may not cover all his stitches. If anyone has an advice on this, please share! I read one tripawd kitty blog where the surgical suit was used. (This is where I got the idea.) The size had to be adjusted but she didn't specify why. The suit will enable him to LOSE THE CONE!
Are you referring to Tia's blog with surgical suit?
If so you could ask on her blog and hope she responds. If it was Tia , I thought she had to order a differnt size .
"The medium was so tight on her torso it was making her “freeze and flop”. The large size fits better in the torso, but the bottoms were too big. So, I am using the smaller size bottoms and the large top. She no longer freezes and flops over and seems to be mobile in this new configuration."
Sorry can't be of more help rear leg amps harder to cover then us front legs.
If you can sew, I would try sewing the larger opening closed to make it smaller?
Hugs
Holly & Purrkins
Yes it was Tia's blog. The bottoms "too big" issue may have been because of the whole for litter box usage. I am taking needle and thread to the vet and will whip it up on the spot if necessary!
Yes, it was Tia! I left her a comment on her blog and didn't realize until tonight she had answered my question. Here is the info for anyone interested:
It worked OK. She tended to get it dirty when using the litter box, so it was rotated with the cone for washings fairly frequently. It did keep her away from the stitches and she seemed more comfortable vs the cone.
If one was a little more crafty than me, you might be able to sew up the extra fabric where the missing leg is, which might help keep it cleaner when using the box.
Good memory Holly!! And love the little thumbs up, hands clapping!!
Hope this works for Sami!!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Hi! Did vet say when stitches would be removed? It was a couple of weeks for us but may be closer to a week for some lucky ones.
Cami and Rocky
What a difference a week makes! Sami had drain tubes removed yesterday and is able to rest on his left side (which is his preference)! The surgical suit was NOT approved by our vet. It covered the stitches but he didn't like the tight fit (said Sami looked like a sausage even though I bought the largest size) and something about oxygen and circulation. So we still have the dreaded cone. The vet tech mentioned rubbing Neosporin on the stitches to help with healing. Any thoughts on that? It was a big no-no when I've had skin cancer surgery so I was surprised by the suggestion. They said stitches can come out Wednesday but that I can email pics on Monday to see if it could happen sooner! I'd love to post a pic but the image icon only gives "source" as an upload option.
Sami Cat's Mom said
The vet tech mentioned rubbing Neosporin on the stitches to help with healing. Any thoughts on that?
Many vets disagree on that, be sure to ask yours.
tripawds.com/2011/08/14/amputation-wound-care-for-post-surgery-dogs/
I'd love to post a pic but the image icon only gives "source" as an upload option.
Right, here are detailed instructions for adding photos to forum posts
. If you don't already share photos online somewhere, you can start a free Tripawds blog
any time and upload them there. Need further help? Post in the Tech Support forum
and we'll be happy to help! 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ok. Thanks! I'm checking on topical solutions for stitches. I'll check out the photo options.
Good news that the stitches are out!
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.
Glad to hear the drain it out and yes it is amazing what days , week can make and just wait until the stitches come out;)
You will see bigger change again. Sorry about the surgical suit that stinks!
Im surprised by the suggestion on the neo too, I'm no expert by all means.
We were not to put anything on the incision, we did do warm wash cloth in baggy (warmed in Micro) That was our instructions
Don't you have 2 vets? One that was local or closer if I remember right? I Maybe you could call the other and ask over the phone. Im surprised by the suggestion too, but Im no expert by all means. Just a thought, it never hurts to ask another when you are not comfortable. Follow you instinct!
Cant wait until those pesky stitches come out ! You will really see Sami come into his own again!
Hugs,
Holly & Purrkins
Hello Tripawd Emotional Support Group!
We are a month out from Sami's surgery and he is doing FANTASTIC! He is ruling the household just like any tripawd should! My husband asked how this pitiful street cat could turn into kind of the jungle in such a short period of time. And he did it on three legs.
The roughest part by far was the dreaded cone. It made him and us crazy. Despite wiping him down with natural cat wipes, the poor fella STUNK from not being able to bathe. I picked up lots of tips from the people on this forum and devised a few of my own so I plan to put it in one place for others to access when they get the news.
I have to admit it was a very emotional experience and I'm so grateful to everyone who chipped in with advice and encouragement. Sami and I have a special bond after spending three days and nights sequestered alone together. But my husband is the cat whisperer so Sami sleeps between his ankles at night!
Please contact me if anyone is in need of encouragement so I can pass it along.
Thank you!
Karyn
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