TRIPAWDS: Home to 22969 Members and 2152 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Join The Tripawds Community

Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:

Instant post approval.

Private messages to members.

Subscribe to favorite topics.

Live Chat and much more!

Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Register Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon-c
Swelling in remaining hind limb following amputation - is this normal?
sp_NewTopic Add Topic
London, UK


Member Since:
15 December 2015
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
16
4 April 2017 - 3:44 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi Bella and family,

I'm just so sorry you are going through this. It is so, so distressing and, in some respects at least, seems so unnecessary. I'm not surprised you are feeling angry. I feel pretty angry on your behalf.

I think Jerry and Sally talk a lot of sense. In my own experience, all I can say is that once I got Meg away from the hospital and took her elsewhere, it was like opening a window, I suddenly started to see the whole thing in a very different light. It really was the most tremendous relief just to acknowledge that things weren't working (I'd been trying to persuade myself that they were, that there was no alternative, it was such a highly regarded hospital etc. etc.) and take my dog elsewhere. It turned out that once others saw what was happening they shared my concerns (to put it mildly) and it was just so transformative in every way to feel part of a team once more. I was so worried and scared before we left, but really the moment we did I knew it was the best possible thing we could have done.

Your situation is different, of course, as every situation is. But just please don't feel that you have no options. (though how well I remember feeling just the same). You do have options and above all you need and deserve to be fully informed as to the situation so that you are able to make informed choices as to what is best for Oakley.

We are all of us with you in this, Bella. You are not alone. We are right there beside you. Stay strong. Stay connected.

Sending you a great big hug,

Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
17
6 April 2017 - 10:45 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Please update when you can. We care and we are here with you!

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!

London, UK


Member Since:
15 December 2015
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
18
7 April 2017 - 7:35 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Ditto Sally. Thinking of you xxx

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

Michigan
Member Since:
2 April 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
19
7 April 2017 - 9:37 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I would say, are they providing any care to Oakley that you cannot provide at home?  If not, then I would go there and tell them that you want him discharged.  You have the right, tell them you will sign an AMA (against medical advice) form if you need to (I assume they have them just like people hospitals do).  His incision does not need to be fully healed for him to be discharged.  You can apply cream to his sores at home.  You can give him oral pain medications and antibiotics at home.  The other alternative would be that I would be at the vet's office every single day, all day if need be, to see what kind of care is being taken.  My dogs are not used to being in a crate, they haven't been in one since they were young, so I can't imagine them being in one for a week or two.  That would create so much more stress & anxiety for any of them.

Donna

Donna, Glenn & Murphy 

Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17  
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs

Donna.png

London, UK


Member Since:
15 December 2015
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
20
11 April 2017 - 12:21 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

Thinking of you and do so hope that Oakley is feeling better. Please update us when you can heart

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

Member Since:
24 February 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
21
12 April 2017 - 3:28 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi guys, so I picked oak up Saturday afternoon. Although I did burst into tears it was not such a shock as I thought it would be. I guess he had been away for 2 weeks so there were no stitches or staples and he has fuzzy hair growing. Sunday and Monday he wouldn't keep still. Turn your back for a minute and he had hopped off down the garden. However yesterday and today he has slowed down a lot and can only go a few yards and he has to stop. I don't know if he has overdone it or the excitement of being home has worn off? he still has an opening on the surgery site which leaks when he moves around. I was hoping this would have cleared up by now. Otherwise he is eating lots and drinking, wee and poo ok. Anyone else had a doggy which slowed down before getting better? Xxxx

London, UK


Member Since:
15 December 2015
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
22
12 April 2017 - 3:39 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Oh I am SO pleased to hear he's home. That must be such a relief! It will be important to build up his activity gradually, especially as he  has been relatively confined for the past two weeks. His body is undergoing a major adjustment, not just in terms of the missing leg but all the muscles and tendons down his back etc. as he shifts his stance to accommodate the missing leg. It would be great to start doing some core strengthening exercises , if you haven't already, as these will help him hugely. You could also consider seeing a rehab vet just to get you off on the right track. We've found the experience invaluable. Is he on any pain Meds? It's a nuisance re the opening. Did they explain why they think it hadn't yet closed? Great that he is eating and drinking fine and, above all, just fantastic that he's home where he belongs. 

Big hug,

Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
23
12 April 2017 - 11:35 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

pedrosafan26 said
Turn your back for a minute and he had hopped off down the garden. However yesterday and today he has slowed down a lot...

That explains that...

Anyone else had a doggy which slowed down before getting better?

Yes, many members have reported what we refer to as the "recovery crash". Please consider checking out some of the many helpful links in Jerry's Required Reading List or downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers. For starters, it is important to closely moderate activity so soon in the recovery process....only short leashed potty time at first. Focus on rebuilding strength before allowing free-play and running around. More frequent very shorter walks are important. You can Try These Simple Starter Exercises for Tripawds, and slowly work up to more strengthening exercises and balance work.

FYI: Walks do not build strength, only endurance. If Oak has overdone it, cut way back on any exercises and start over. He will bounce back, all in good time...

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
24
12 April 2017 - 12:47 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

OOOOOOMM. DDDDDD!!!! We have all been on pi s and needles and really getting concerned when we didn't hear from you!!!!

And it was well worth the wait!!!! YAAAAAAAAAY FOR BELLA! She is home and in the road to recovery! 🙂 🙂

As Clare and Admin Guy explained, these kinds of "crashes" are normal for the next two, even three weeks of recovery. Rest, rest and more rest for now. Lots of gentle massage all up and down neck, back, etc.

Yeah, curious about what the Vet thinks about how long before the "spot" will heal and did they give you any instructions?

EATING, DRINKING, PEE, POO....YAAAAAAAAAY 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

We know you have yiur hands full, but PLEASE keep us posted as recovery continues! We worry about our family 🙂

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

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!

Member Since:
24 February 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
25
2 May 2017 - 4:37 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hello guys, I am sorry I have not been on here for a while. Oakley had swabs on his wound and although it has now dried and started to close, my vet called me at the weekend to say that the swab shows he has contracted e-coli..

He has to either go back to the vet who did the op and be put on a drip for a week, or my local vet can fit a catheter in and apply meds daily.

This road seems to be never ending at the moment! I just feel sorry for Oakley 🙁

I am going to opt to take him daily to my local vet. The operating vet is 2+ hours away and I don't want to leave him there for a week. Knowing my luck it will end up being 2 then 3 weeks.... At least if he is home I can keep an eye on him.

His walking still a bit hit and miss but maybe he has felt rough due to this infection. He has had chronic bad wind since I brought him home and I wondered if this could be a side effect from the drugs or even the infection? He has never suffered with this before and he has been back on his usual food for a couple of weeks.

Thanks and hugs to you all 🙂 Hope everyone well xx

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
26
2 May 2017 - 9:21 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Oh my goodness! Oakley certainly is having a rough time!

The approach you're taking with your regular Vet sounds like a good one. Oakley can be at home and he can get a drive-thru cheeseburger on the way home from each Vet visit!

Just curious. Is this the first time a swab had been taken during the whole time the opening has been there?

Talk with your Vet, but I woukd certainly think this type of infection coukd make him feel lethargic and less than chipper. May be the cause of "passing winds" too...dunno. Ask the Vet about allmof this and ask the Vet when you can expect to see some turn around from the antibiotics.

And to show my ignorance...I thought e-coli was caused by bad food. Guess this was contracted "somehow" during his lengthy stay at the clinic??

Thank you soooo much for updating us! We've been waiting for one! At least now it sounds like Oakley is getting the treatment he needs to help him turn the corner and put all this recovery stuff behind him!

Keep us posted, okay? We're cheering for him! 🙂

Hugs!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

PS...apologies for calling you Bella earlier! You are a handsome boy dog named Oakley! 🙂

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!

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
27
2 May 2017 - 3:10 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

Okay....here's something I found on Dr Google and it piffes me off that Oakley has been through soooo much!

Causes also include contact with an infected animal or objects, such as bedding, that has been contaminated by an infected animal. ... Less commonly, dogs can get E. coli infection from contaminated food or water.

I re-read your posts. They kept Oakley TWO WEEKS!!! He had sores (infection) on his leg supposedly from peeing on himself in the kennel. I don't think a one time pee thst had been cleaned properly and the ken el cleaned properly would result in that.....perhaps MANY times would have though!

The wound has been an issue and they are just NOW saying he has e-coli?

I would make sure your regular Vet checks him from head to toe with blood work, urine, fecal.....everything to make sure Oakley doesn't have any other type of infection!!!

At this point is your Vet sure there is nothing else going on? Staph? MRSA ?

And yes, according to Dr Google e-coli can DEFINITELY cause weakness. The good thing is he still has a good appetite and is not vomiting!

I'm certainly no Vet and I'm certainly not trying to upset you, okay? I just would not leave any stone unturned as far as running every test possible on Oakley to make sure there are nomother types of infectious going on that need a different kind of antibiotic.

And ask the Vet about fluids and a good nutritional supplement (or injection/IV..if there such aa thing).

I don't know the procedure, but Inp woukd think the clinic you took Oakley to needs to be reported for an unhealthy enviornment that may lead ro e-coli....as well as the infection from laying in lee or unsanitary conditions.

And I may be waaaay out of line....just throwing stuff out there because I care and wwouldn't want something preventable to happen to any other dog or cat.

WE'RE ALL CHEERING FOR YOU OAKLEY!!! 🙂

Lots of love and hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

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!

Michigan
Member Since:
2 April 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
28
2 May 2017 - 8:18 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I agree with sticking with your regular vet.  I'm not sure that Oakley was getting the best nursing care at the other place, and I never say that kind of thing lightly.  e coli can be contracted many ways, but I would suspect laying in his crate as much as he did while he was there may not have helped things whatever

Keep us posted!

Donna

Donna, Glenn & Murphy 

Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17  
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs

Donna.png

Member Since:
24 February 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
29
4 May 2017 - 7:47 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hey all,

Oak had his first injection last night and waiting for his blood test results on Friday to check his liver/ kidney function ok. My vet cannot tell how he contracted this bug, but I am 100% sure he had it when I picked him up after the op as his leg was still weeping badly for nearly 2 weeks. I will be making a complaint and will be knocking my extra vet bills off their final invoice!

Still trying to work out how to upload piccies! Will keep you posted on his progress. Thanks for posting, it really is good to know you are not alone 🙂 x

 

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
30
4 May 2017 - 6:05 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

pedrosafan26 said
Still trying to work out how to upload piccies...

Pictures? 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

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online: tazziedog, Jennifer_19
Guest(s) 89
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1268
Members: 17731
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18610
Posts: 256797
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG