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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Member Since:
4 August 2010
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11 August 2010 - 6:35 pm
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Daisy is back home!  Our vet was off today but told them to discharge her if her temp was still normal and she has a new antibiotic BUT I didn't really get any wound care instructions.  The tech showed me how to change her bandage but I think a lot of you just left it off and rinsed the wound daily.  That sounds so much easier.  How did you care for the wound when your tripawd got home?  Will they lick if it's left uncovered?

Thanks!

Candace in Oklahoma

Mom to Daisy, Tripawd since 8/05/2010

Kaiser, huge 4 legged labradoodle

Babs, old crunchy toy poodle

Rosie, scrappy little rescued chihuahua

Two human teenagers and one 5yo boy.

On The Road


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11 August 2010 - 6:45 pm
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candace said:

BUT I didn't really get any wound care instructions.

Yeay! Glad she's home.

Because of her complications, I would just do what the tech advised. Don't put any salves or disturb it. Most of us who didn't have a bandage and didn't really mess with the incision also didn't have infections to fight. If you are at all concerned, dont hesitate to call the vet, it's what you've paid for OK?

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
4 August 2010
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11 August 2010 - 6:45 pm
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Argghhh.  We took the bandage off because it had become askew but she's just licking like crazy and I have a feeling we can't have that.  Is it bandage or large collar of shame?

Candace in Oklahoma

Mom to Daisy, Tripawd since 8/05/2010

Kaiser, huge 4 legged labradoodle

Babs, old crunchy toy poodle

Rosie, scrappy little rescued chihuahua

Two human teenagers and one 5yo boy.

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
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11 August 2010 - 8:44 pm
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I have nothing on wound care.  Trouble's incision had internal stitching and looked like a plastic surgeon had done it.  No bandage, no wound to deal with.  I'm with Rene' - follow the tecnician's instructions to the letter and call them if you have ANY question at all.

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.

Edmonton, Alberta
Member Since:
11 January 2010
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11 August 2010 - 8:58 pm
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Nothing on wound care to help you but wanted to say: YAY! Daisy's HOME!! superstar

Catie -

Birthday – November 4 2003

Amputation – January 13 2010

Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011

 Catie Caitlin 

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11 August 2010 - 10:22 pm
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I think part of the problem with bandaging is that she still has her shoulder.  Now that she's slightly more active you can see her work her shoulder as she's getting up or trying to move as if she's trying to use that leg.  But all that movement under there dislodges the padding.  (We're currently using baby diapers.)  Just a theory.  I wonder if it's any easier with no shoulder?

I bought a roll of that ouchless tape and wound it around her and the diaper.  We used the whole roll and it lasted about 3 minutes.  Maybe not quite that long.  My husband went back out and bought an ace bandage.  We wrapped that around her and it seems to be working better.  She's just been sleeping since so it will be morning before a big test.  

way-confused

Candace in Oklahoma

Mom to Daisy, Tripawd since 8/05/2010

Kaiser, huge 4 legged labradoodle

Babs, old crunchy toy poodle

Rosie, scrappy little rescued chihuahua

Two human teenagers and one 5yo boy.

Kirkland, WA
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11 August 2010 - 11:11 pm
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I would call the vet and ask about what they recommend for wound care.  If she's licking the site and then it's being covered, the wetness of the wound can lead to nasty bacteria and infections (yuck!).  Jack had his leg and scapula removed so his right side is completely smooth (no stump).  He was going to come home without a bandage but I didn't feel comfortable with that so I had the techs wrap him up.  I would take him back like every 3 days to get it changed.  If you don't feel you are bandanging him correctly, by all means, have your vet explain it or show you how...that's what they're there for!  Good luck!

 

<3 Laura and Jackson5

Las Vegas, Nevada
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11 August 2010 - 11:52 pm
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That's great she is back home!

The important thing with an incision is to keep it from getting wet either by licking or water.  And the obvious, try to keep it clean.  I will jingle up the vet and ask all the questions you have.  But if she wants to lick, then you'll have to put a e-collar on her.  Embarrassing yes.  But it's vital she can't mess with the wound.

 

Good luck! 

Her Retired AvatarComet - 1999 to 2011

She departed us unexpectedly  January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.

She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.

Wesley Chapel, FL
Member Since:
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12 August 2010 - 1:44 pm
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Get Daisy a couple of T-shirts to wear to cover her incision... Hopefully that will help some... If not, then it's the cone of shame , unfortunately. You gotta keep the incision clean and dry...

Good luck!!

Angel Jake and Wolfie's Mom

Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!

Member Since:
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13 August 2010 - 9:48 am
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I actually think the licking is keeping it drier.  She's been without bandage for almost 24 hours.  She only licks when it oozes, so the oozing stuff isn't sitting on it.  It looks nice and dry and not pink.  Wet bandages seem the opposite of what we want.  I will, of course, let my vet know today and see what he says.  way-confused

Candace in Oklahoma

Mom to Daisy, Tripawd since 8/05/2010

Kaiser, huge 4 legged labradoodle

Babs, old crunchy toy poodle

Rosie, scrappy little rescued chihuahua

Two human teenagers and one 5yo boy.

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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13 August 2010 - 10:05 am
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candace said:

How did you care for the wound ...

Sorry for the delayed repsonse here, but you may find these surgery wound management tips helpful:

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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14 August 2010 - 11:00 am
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Thank you, admin.  That was helpful!

Candace in Oklahoma

Mom to Daisy, Tripawd since 8/05/2010

Kaiser, huge 4 legged labradoodle

Babs, old crunchy toy poodle

Rosie, scrappy little rescued chihuahua

Two human teenagers and one 5yo boy.

Member Since:
4 August 2010
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14 August 2010 - 11:18 am
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Now there is a hole, dime to nickel size, right in the middle of the incision.  Looks like some dead tissue fell out.  It's the only part that is still leaking.  It's kind of creepy and deep.  Not angry or inflamed looking.  I've seen other posts where this has happened so that's somewhat reassuring.  Yes, I told the vet.  He said he wouldn't restitch it so keep it lightly bandaged for the mess.  I'm not worried about the mess so much as the hole!  way-confused

Candace in Oklahoma

Mom to Daisy, Tripawd since 8/05/2010

Kaiser, huge 4 legged labradoodle

Babs, old crunchy toy poodle

Rosie, scrappy little rescued chihuahua

Two human teenagers and one 5yo boy.

Las Vegas, Nevada
Member Since:
14 August 2009
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14 August 2010 - 3:40 pm
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I actually think the licking is keeping it drier.

 

The tongue has bacteria and it's a big no-no to lick it! 

 

But it's good your vet is aware!  Have you tried the T-shirt? 

Her Retired AvatarComet - 1999 to 2011

She departed us unexpectedly  January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.

She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.

On The Road


Member Since:
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2 June 2011 - 12:31 pm
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FYI: Heidi's mom just posted about Heidi in Her Underarmour Copression Shirt

using a underarmour compression shirt to protect the incision site on dogs after amputation.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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