Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My pittie mix Tipper gets his staples out on Friday - 10 days after front right amputation.
Each day I am more deeply grasping how much I underestimated recovery. He's getting around well and has not had any fluid leakage.
He does have a ridge/swelling along his stitches. Vet says this is from too much activity (though I'm doing my best to keep it minimal) and the office suggested icing. It doesn't seem to help much. I've seen people mentioning compression, but I don't want to exacerbate the problem. Any thoughts? If there's no bruising or leaking, how much should I worry? He HATES the ice pack.
After the staples - I'm restrict to realize staple removal is not an "all clear". How long can I expect to need to restrict his activity so much?
I know all dogs and recovery is different. But what are some "ballpark" expectations? How long will I be in a state of worry regarding the incision?
Thanks!
Hey Tipper and her human!
Okay, let's put an end to your "state of worry" starting now because it sounds like Tipper is having a really good recovery!!
As far as the swelling, did you email your vet a picture? That's the best way to get a clear assessment. It's possible it could be a seroma , but doesn't sou d like it. You can click on here to find out more. They aren't anything to worry about...just keep an eye on it.
Ice packs should have a cloth or towel or washcloth between the skin and pack. They should only be left on for a few minutes at a time. Some swelling is normal,some bruising is normal and even a little tiny fluid seepage is normal. But Tipper doesn't seem to be having any real issues with anynof these. No worries!
As you mentioned, all dogs are different and every recovery is different. Most dogs...but certainly not all...recover from the actual surgery itself around two weeks. Most dogs, but certainly not all, adjust mobility wise at avout the one month mark.
Yiur vet will tell you Friday if he thinks Tipper can resume his "normal" activity. Tripawds need a lot of rest while on walks. Being a tripawd is hard work!!
My Happy Hannah was pretty much a couch potato and she monitored her activity just fine! If Tipper is a highly active dog, you'll have to make sure he doesn't do any crazy jumping or walking so much Tipper gets exhausted quickly.
Just follow Tipper's lead. Dogs have a pretty good handle on monitoring their own activiy...MOST of the time anyway!
Somput your worries aside and just jump into the now with Tipper! Tipper isn't worried about a thing!
Stay connected. We look forward to hearing more great updates on Tipper...AND PICTURES!!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
I would wait and see on Friday but it sure sounds like nothing to worry about. Some dogs just don't like icing, our Wyatt Ray is like that.
How long are you leaving the ice pack? And are you putting a towel between the pack and Tipper? If you're leaving it on too long that could be why he's uncomfortable. Try reducing the time.
Restricting activity is good advice. Once he's released from vet supervision, there is still the matter of watching him carefully to make sure he doesn't over do things, which is very easy for us to allow our dogs to do. He shouldn't be allowed to attempt walks that he used to do, you'll need to start slowly and carefully to ease him into it. Have you checked out our e-book Loving Life On Three Legs ? It has tons of tips for exercise and fitness after recovery. So does the Tripawds Gear blog and Tripawds Downloads blog , so hop over to check 'em out by searching for words like "fitness" and "rehab."
Let us know what happens on Friday! I'm sure things will go as planned and Tipper can go on to love what he loves most, being a crazy pup!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sometimes an incision is raised right where the 2 edges come together, it's not from too much activity. As a nurse I've seen incisions do this a thousand times! As a doctor he probably has too. I think it's more from the way the edges are brought together when they were stapled. As long as the incision looks good, and you said it does - no drainage, bruising, does it look infected? Murphy didn't really like the ice pack, either, and we only did it for the first week or so. After that there shouldn't really be any more swelling, so the ice won't help anyways. Massage will help to get the extra fluid get re-absorbed. It honestly just sounds like a normal incision, sometimes it just happens. It will eventually start going down on it's own.
As far as restricting activity, I don't think we really restricted Murphy much. He sort of restricted himself and we let him decide what he was up to. He didn't jump on furniture for awhile and I picked him up to get in the car for vet trips. I would say start with some short walks, maybe just up the street & back and see how Tipper does. Then after a few days you can increase it a little bit at a time. You know him best and can decide how much he can handle. Murphy told us that our normal walk was too far by just laying down on the sidewalk, "I'm done!" lol
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
Thank you Donna, your experience as a nurse is greatly appreciated!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks everyone!
It is true; Tipper's Mom is in a state of worry, doubt, second guessing. Going back to work this week had made for a tough road - Tipper's timing with eating, drinking, and peeing are off, and he has peed in the bedroom twice. Today it was on the bed. So, tonight I may be sleeping in the living room in the dog bed if Tipper won't get off the couch.
Along the staples is definite swelling that wasn't there initially. I thought I had heard something abt massaging the area, so it's good to hear that again.
Once my dude is off restrictions (and medications), he's going to fly!
Here he is this afternoon clawing at me to get him a treat.
Don't worry about the random peeing in the house (yes, it's annoying/frustrating/feels worrisome) ... my dog peed in the house on the carpet three times in the two weeks following surgery, not counting the first night when she both peed and pooped right where she lay. I think the pain meds goof them up some there.
Izzy (my pup) is coming up on 4 weeks post amputation and definitely has a firm ridge along the incision. She's been to the vet for a check up and there were no concerns. Scar tissue is forming and just isn't the same as "normal" skin. My girl is also a chow hound since surgery, always begging for more food or treats. Holy cow! She also wakes me up just about every night trying to get in my bed, which was never allowed before but she sure as heck is trying now.
Overall, it sounds like things are going well, so try not to worry!
Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.
Having your dog sleeping in bed with you is like stepping into Paradise! Keep trying Izzy, nobody can turn down a tripawd as cute as you!
Yo Tipper!! Where is that picture of you clawing your mom for a treat?
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!
tipper said
Along the staples is definite swelling that wasn't there initially...
Swelling and bruising are to be expected, as is the development of a seroma , or fluid build-up. Don't miss this information about seromas, with a slideshow of pictures illustrating both healthy healing of stitches and staples gone bad. We also have a video with Dr Pam discussing seromas, phantom pain and other common complications.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Here's Tipper! Tipper's human is having a hard time figuring out how to post photos, what with the business of worrying and medication, and lack of sleep... Not sure if this link will show.
I would like to qualify and say my house isn't always this dirty - alas, that would not be the truth. All the marks on the walls? Tennis balls. Concrete floor...carpeting ripped out after loss of our lab Lexy to hermangiosarcoma and entry of Logan the Shy shortly following. Doggie messes of all types had that carpeting messed up! Lots of yoga mats and throw rugs keep Tipper from slipping, but I'm getting estimates for carpeting.
So the marks on the walls - Prince Tipper is SPOILED. And his favorite thing is TENNIS BALLS. So, the marks on the walls are signs of love and fun. Granted, I should wipe them down more often. At this point, however, would that we will soon be adding to the mess!
When Tipper demands a tennis ball (he knows where they are; he will claw me then lead me to the closet and bark at a high pitch until I get one out) I will know we are back in full swing.
Life after staples...
Tipper's staples were removed yesterday and he was quite the champ. The "swelling" (What? Me worry?) was where muscles had come together and apparently was there when I picked him up after surgery. Sleep deprivation?
Everyone at the clinic was impressed but not surprised by his progress. They saw in him exactly what I see in him, which is what led me down this path. He's a fit machine and a big personality.
They told us to drop the Tramadol and Gabapentin. I've read about side effects of cold turkey on Gaba, but they did not seem concerned. We will stick with Rimadyl for some arthritis at the bum end of his spine.
The Webmaster Harness - so, I did EVERYTHING wrong with the harness and the SurgiSnuggly. I've spent enough time in training classes and working with my dogs to know how to introduce slowly. I did not expect the harness to be a negative for him at all. I put it on him last night just to adjust the straps and his TAIL WAS BETWEEN HIS LEGS! In 9 1/2 years, I have NEVER seen this boy's tail between his legs. It was heartbreaking.
So, our next fun task will be to make that harness super wonderful.
He's still pretty sore and lazy and I'm not sure what to do with regard to meds. I want to keep him off the tram and gaba so he has a chance to function with all of his mental faculties. I can't tell if it's the surgical site that hurts or if it's sore muscles. It seems like the muscles shouldn't be sore day after day after day.
Tips? Should I go ahead and give tram or gaba along with Rimadyl if he's still in pain or just let him get used to not having them. He is so STOIC that it's hard for me to tell. He had MUCH more energy and spirit with his tumor leg attached than he does now. However, I know I would have had to let him go by now if we had continued down that path.
I should probably start a blog instead of clogging up this forum and keeping you busy with my thoughts. 😉 I'm a verbal processor and I usually need to talk through my thinking. Writing works too. I keep thinking, "who would want to read about my journey?" but realize that a.Other people's writing on this site has been incredibly helpful to me and b. it doesn't matter if anyone else reads my blog because it will still be a positive experience for me! 
benny55 said
Yo Tipper!! Where is that picture of you clawing your mom for a treat?
Didn't notice any house issues ... TIPPER IS TOTES ADORBS!!!! He should meet my Izzy. Cutest puppy love ever!!! 🙂
I stopped Izzy's pain meds two weeks after surgery. That said, she was taking tram, gaba and rimadyl all at the same time. The gabapentin and Rimadyl started two weeks before amputation when we discovered the fracture, so she spent almost a month on pain meds. She is a front amp like Tipper and still has her moments of discomfort, which are hard for me, but really, the majority of the time she's perfect. She will randomly yelp, hop up from her bed and take off hopping ... no idea why ... but day to day, she is good. She does LOVE a muscle rub on her neck, shoulders and remaining front leg. She's an old lady (12 this month), so sometimes I put a warm towel on her and she loves that, too.
His muscles probably *are* sore day after day. He's now lugging 65% of his weight on just one leg instead of two. Maybe try the doggy massage and warm towels? Doggy day spa, here Tipper comes!
Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.
Murphy was on all 3 also for 2 weeks after his surgery. We were told to start weaning off during the 2nd week.
Tipper you really are adorable! Murphy, well really all 3 of our dogs, love their harnesses because they know that they are going somewhere lol
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
Did anyone have a specific taper schedule for gabapentin and tramadol?
I have lots of tramadol, so I think I'll keep that at every 12 hours instead of 8, then maybe go to one pill every 12?
We will keep the rimadyl indefinitely - at least until things are smooth and then we'll refer to our reg vet.
I only have a handful of gabapentin. Not sure if it's beneficial to keep giving. It would be a couple of days.
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