Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi ALL
Does anyone have any tips on how to cover up Boomer's area of incision. My wife has too hard a time looking at her and some of the neighbours were quite upset when they saw her outside. I am ok with it but others are too upset , Any suggestions would be helpful, it is her rear left leg that was amputated. She is eating well and drinking a little and of course she is moaning, and very restless. Boy it has been a long day so far an dit is only 330pm. Now I know what you all meant by rest, thiis is not for the faint of heart.
Boomer and Ruben's Dad
Hey Boomer's Dad,
I'm so sorry people aren't being very nice about it. I would say to them: EAT MY SHORTS! Ok, maybe I'd be a little nicer and say something like "Gee, it doesn't seem to be bothering Boomer now, does it?"
Covering up rear leg stitches is difficult but you can try this:
New Rear Leg Amputees: Keeping Incision Covered
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
well, here in east tennessee, here's how we'd handle the neighbors...next time boomer had to go out to pee or walk....we'd make sure we took our pants off first, so they neighborhood got a complete show... of course we'd leave the shirts and shoes on....
he's a survivor and should be proud of it...those same folks probably have a problem with disabled veterans as well...
just my two cents...
charon
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
I was told we could use boxers - you can put the tail through the hole, but you'll need to remove for potty breaks.
I ended up not using anything - I had purchased boxers just in case, but returned them.
~~~~ Denali ~~~~
June 9, 2010 OSA suspected
June 17, 2010, July 14, 2010 Clear X-rays – no mets
July 1, 2010 Amputation
July 9, 2010 OSA Confirmed
November 23, 2010 Cancer took you from me - Never forgotten, Always Loved - Forever
Supporting the Fighters, Admiring the Survivors, Honoring the Taken, And never, ever giving up Hope
Here's a tip: Ask your wife to reframe the situation with a question like: "Would you rather see her limping around in pain?"
Seriously, the incision should be a reminder that Boomer is free of pain and on the road to recovery. And scar is only temporary as the fur will grow back.
Maybe it would be helpful to get your wife involved in Tripawds.com. Once she sees how well adjusted the dogs are and how supportive the group is, maybe she can begin to accept that this is a GOOD thing for Boomer.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Many new members have also found the book Without Regret very helpful in coping with such human emotions that naturally follow amputation for their dogs.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I know this is really late since the original post was in 2010, but I have used opaque panty hose. Cut them off wherever you need them to cover on the leg or hip and cut off the side you don't need. Works like a charm when you put a surgical bandage on top of the stitches or wound. I also use boys or mens stretch boxer shorts on my standard poodle.
Great idea! We would love to see photos of Shane if you try it for him.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I would also appreciate suggestions for covering up a rear leg canine amputation site - not for cosmetic reasons but to protect it.
The doctor said not to try to bandage it tightly - just let it be open. But, Ginger likes to sit outside most of the day, and I don't want flies or other bugs getting into her incision. She sits on clean blankets to protect her from the dirt, but that doesn't protect her from bugs.
I also want to prevent her from licking it at night (without using the clinic collar/cone) when we're not watching her.
We tried putting shorts on her, but when she slid her butt around on the floor after a few time, she had pulled them down so the elastic was sitting on the incision which probably isn't good.
The rear is such a hard area to cover and protect. I'm not a vet, but I think that the big risk of infection would come from getting poop or urine on it, not necessarily from flies or bugs. Still, I can't blame you for worrying. Have you seen these Tripawds Gear blog posts with incision cover ideas?
Idea for Rear Leg Amputation Wound Cover on Female Dogs
The Suitical Pet Recovery Suit Makes Amputation Healing a Snap!
Easy DIY Pet Surgery Recovery Suit Ideas for Cats and Dogs
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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