Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat. Explore 17+ years of forum archives for stories and answers to questions about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery. Enjoy fresh discussion and connect with members in the new Tripawds Support Circle.
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Any tips on compression other than bandages? Dealing with a leaky seroma and lots of trips to the vet for bandage changing, not to mention lots of emotions. I have a vet med recovery suit but it seems like it will make her hot... living in California without AC. Is there something similar to the suit that's not full body length? I saw the post on sewing a shirt but I definitely don't have the skill or tools to do that. Help. We are 11 days post op, front leg amputee
Hi Halona's Mom,
Welcome! Your future posts won't require moderation so post away.
Did the vet double check the seroma for infection? Test the fluid? Just making sure. Seromas usually clear up after a few days. How does the incision area look?
As for the bandage? Which leg was amputated? If it's the rear, it's pretty hard to cover that area. But interestingly enough, Lily's mom just mentioned how she's using breast pads for Lily's incision, which we had never heard of. Apparently they have adhesive on them to help them stay in place. Let us know if you give them a try.
A front leg compression bandage can help but I would check with your vet first so they can wrap it for you. Many vets just want the area to air dry, however, and don't use bandages.
The VetMed Recovery Suit is pretty lightweight. Is Halona a thick-coated dog? What was the reason for her amputation? I'm nosy!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi! Yes she has been to the vet A LOT since the surgery. They took the bandages off 4 days after (I think) and it looked really good actually. I was surprised, but then the fluid started coming out... and so did my tears. I rushed her to the vet who has assured me it's just the body ridding all the inflammation and build up from the trauma of the amputation. She is now on an antibiotic in addition to her Rimadyl. We've been going every few days for bandage changes but sometimes it still leaks through. I have tried to manage the "ooze" on my own but I feel incompetent as I'm having a hard time; driving to see her doctor everytime. They now have us on a regimine to go in for the changes everyday few days. I'm worried because I have a trip planned to go to Palm Springs for a few days, dogs will be coming too, but I feel you might have an idea to help. She's not going on walks and we aren't letting her in the yard to keep her calm. Halona is a Doberman, so short hair. The dreaded news came about a month ago that she has osteosarcoma. Front left leg. Lungs and chest were clear thankgod. I don't want to do chemo, a decision that I'm contemplating everyday.
Which I guess brings me to another question... reccs on herbs, supplements, food etc to help her live her best life without chemotherapy.
Thankyou so much for this site and all the help you've given.
Hey I'm in the Tripawds Chat right now if you want to talk. I'll be there for at least another 30 min. Back in a sec with some thoughts.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
First, know that you are most definitely not incompetent. You are asking great questions and seeking advice from others who get it, that doesn't sound like incompetence to me! Give yourself a pat on the back, this isn't an easy ride but hang on, you can do this.
Sounds like your vet is doing exactly what need to be done. They are right: the body will rid itself of the extra fluid that was circulating when the limb was there, and it will take the path of least resistance. We write about that in our e-book Three Legs and a Spare , check it out if you haven't already. And we also have tons of nutrition and exercise input there too, as well as in our Loving Life On Three Legs . For now, here are my recommendations:
Chemo is optional. If you are not comfortable with it, don't do it and don't beat yourself up if you opt out. All your sweet Halona wants is for you to be happy. She will not hold it against you if you decide chemo isn't right for her. And when it comes down to it, there are no guarantees with or without chemo. Some dogs beat the odds when they've had chemo, some live way long times when they haven't had chemo. And while chemo statistically gives a dog a bigger chance for a longer life, there are still no guarantees. It's a huge crapshoot, so you need to do what works best for your pack. There are no right or wrong choices and nobody will judge your decision.
Check our Tripawds Nutrition blog for lots of ideas about food and diet. The Dog Cancer Survival Guide is also an indispensable book. Whatever you do, don't let yourself get too overwhelmed. There is a LOT out there about treating dog cancer and not all of it is legit. Work with a vet who specializes in the type of treatment and diet you want to pursue, for best results. If you'd like referrals let me know.
Oh speaking of referrals, the Tripawds Foundation blog can pay for your first rehab visit ! It will be especially beneficial for Halona because you will learn tons about how to keep her injury free!
Osteosarcoma sucks, but as these Tripawd Doebermans show, it's not the end of the road. Halona will get her mojo back and show you that she is still the same dog, living her best life on three and all she wants is for you to be happy so you can all get back to the business of FUN!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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