Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We are 5 days post op. I'm feeling very lucky - Tipper's incision has been clear so far, with only a bit of bruising after his little brother jumped up and knocked him right on top of the incision. He's left the incision alone so far, but I still worry about protecting it. We've tried all sorts of tees and tanks, and even followed directions for a cut and tie up for a custom fit. NOTHING stays securely over the incision. It could just be a combo of his shape and the angles of the incision. We even tried a thindershirt, and even that doesn't cover us. Are there any products that are actually made for this?
Hi Tipper thanks for joinng. Please start a new topic so we can better help you and your pup.
Have you seen a Surgi Snuggli? Search for it in our forums, i know we've talked about it. Sorry to be brief but I'm on my phone. I'll check in tomorrow ok? Hugs to you both!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I used a Ruffwear Cloud Chaser jacket and sewed up the arm hole. It worked like a charm - the jacket goes up to the neck and the material on the inside is similar to fleece- it never got stuck to the incision. And because we sewed up the bottom of the arm hole, the jacket didn't touch the incision.
What size is Tipper? And is he a front amp?
Jerry - I thought I did start a new topic - t shirt woes? If that's not a new topic, how do I make one? Thanks!
I will look into both of these shirts! Thank you!
Tipper is a 65# (I guess was, before amputation - that is still surreal to me) I think he's a pit/pointer mix - his shoulders are very narrow, he looks much more lean than a typical pit. He is more narrow than my lab was.
And yes, a front amp. I'm finding even when I've closed up the extra arm hole, the next still stretches and exposes staples. Hopefully a snuggli or jacket will be better.
We're getting staples out on Friday, but I'm back to work this week. He hasn't been licking or scratching at the incision at all, but I would feel better trying him out in some kind of cover - hoping it will curb the need for the cone. It's getting tougher to convince him to go anywhere confined where he thinks I might get out the cone!
Hi Tipper & family!
Shirt fit is tough on this kind of pup. I know, my Izzy is an Am Bully mix of about 55 lbs (less now), so has a deep but narrow chest and a tiny waist. I found that the all cotton (old school) size small boys shirt I found in my child's closet has been the best fit for her. That said, I've had a lot of success using hair elastics to narrow the head opening as well as keep the waist close to her body. You might also try stitching the head opening or putting snaps on. Now that I think of it, a big onesie would be perfect but I think Tipper is just too darn big.
My first day back to work, I was so worried she'd scratch or lick that I took a large abdominal pad (giant, thick pad) and placed it over the incision, then used stretchy adhesive tape wound all the way around her. You could also use an ace bandage, but either way, have to be careful not to wind it tight. Then I put the shirt over that.
Izzy does manage to wriggle out of the shirts and I've found that thicker, less soft shirts are better. They stretch less and while still not perfect, have done well for me. If you have a Walmart nearby, they just put doggy sweaters out that have SLITS instead of sleeves. YES! I got one and will sew up the arm slit I don't need. They are nice and snug (if you get the right size ... I'd guess Tipper will be an XL). You could also try a shirt under a harness ... no moving that bad boy!
Hope you find a good fit! I put some photos of Izzy's configurations. These are all from her 1st week post op.
Boy's Circo size small Harness (1 buckle undone) Hair ties to the rescue! (x2)
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.
tipper said
Jerry - I thought I did start a new topic - t shirt woes?
Yes, this is the new topic you started.
"Jerry" (aka Rene) was clearly tired at the time... 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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