Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives

Hi Titus and family, welcome! You sure are one adorable Tripawd my friend! What was the reason for the amputation?

It sounds to me like you are thinking of a seroma , not a sarcoma, which is a tumor. A seroma usually isn't painful, it's just a pocket of bodily fluid build up that results from the loss of a limb. Yep, usually as long as the fluid is more liquidy than bloody, more pink than red, it's harmless and the fluid will reabsorb right into the body.

You can help speed things up by applying a warm washcloth to the area for a few minutes, 2 or 3 times a day if he will let you. If it doesn't go away ask your vet to drain it in the office. It's no big deal and can be done in like 15 seconds! Keep an eye on it and if it turns smelly or changes color than you definitely want your vet to know.

Regarding walks, he shouldn't be doing anything other than short, leashed potty walks right now if his stitches are still in. If not, you can start him out slowly, just a few minutes at a time, to help build his stamina again. And on leash too. 

We have tons of great exercise tips in our Tripawds Gear blog , and our e-book Loving Life On Three Legs . Our most recent interview series about Tripawds fitness is also helpful.

Hope this helps!