TRIPAWDS: Home to 24898 Members and 2182 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Join The Tripawds Community

Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:

Instant post approval.

Private messages to members.

Subscribe to favorite topics.

Live Chat and much more!

Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Register Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon-c
Bleeding, Day 4.5 after Amputation- Sad Update
sp_NewTopic Add Topic
laravissant
1
29 January 2011 - 1:35 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi I'm new to the group.  I am so glad I found you!! 

I work with a local rescue and my new foster is a sweet 3yo Boxer boy named Maximus.  Max got hit by a car and his didn't want a scarred up or 3-legged dog so they asked the vet to euthanize and he called us to see if we could help the sweet boy.  We fought 2 weeks to get the shattered elbow to heal.  I only had him at home for the first 2 days before he broke a pin and had to go back for a second surgery.  He stayed at the clinic so he could be more heavily sedated for a few days.  Then came the infection. before I was even able to take him home again.   More time at boarding at the ves for daily anitbiotic injections, cast/bandage changes and draining of the incision site.  In the end it was no good.  The vet took the leg off this Tuesday morning, 1/26 and I just brought him home tonight.  I'm honestly relieved to have it over and done with.  Treatment decisions are not mine to make but I wasn't thrilled at the prospect of months of painful fighting to "maybe" keep the leg. 

So it's been about 4.5 days since the surgery.  The vet said he hasn't been whining much during his time at the clinic and didn't send home any pain medication at all (he did give me an antibiotic).  He has whined almost non stop since he got home.  I had the tramadol left over from his 2 day stay with me and when I asked, the vet said "It's fine to give to him but I really don't think he should need it"  He fricken got his leg cut off 4 days ago!  Um I think he's probably in pain!  Anyways, I started with just one tab, then a few hours later gave him another two because it didn't seem to be helping.  Now he's finally quieted down.  I've been reading a lot on this site about the pups getting addicted to it and bad withdrawls, so now I'm a little scared and upset about giving it to him. I was in keeping with the directions on the bottle so it's not like I gave him too much but now I'm just worried about whether I should continue it. 

My main question is about bleeding and drainage.  How much is normal?  The vet said some "plasma seepage" dripping out now and then was normal and suggested that after I take the bandage off tomorrow I should have him wear a t-shirt to soak up any drips.  That makes it sound to me like there shouldn't be very much.  The bandage they sent him home in had a tiny bit of blood soaked through when I picked him up and now there is a patch about 3 inches x 3 inches where blood has soaked through.  About an hour ago I noticed there was some actual dripping.  I'm worried he damaged something in there.  He kept standing up in the car on the way home so he could have bumped it.  He hasn't fallen since we've been home but he is still having trouble laying down and getting up. Tomorrow I'm supposed to take the bandage off and have him go with just the Tshirt.  I'm nervous about taking the bandage off after all this bleeding.  How hard is it going to be?  I'm scared it will be all stuck to the stiches and incision site. 

He's going out to pee all except one accident, just layed there, wide awake and peed.  I imagine I wouldn't want to get up either.  The vet said he has been drinking a lot and peeing a lot.  The tech said that he doesn't seem to try or can't hold his urine cuz he's drinking so much.  Vet tested his urine and kidneys.  Said it didn't look like diabetes.  Little bit of protein in the urine but could have been caused by the heavy duty antibiotics he's been on.  I'm supposed to keep an eye on his temperature because it's been slightly elevated but he said that's normal too.  Any thoughts?  I have yet to see him poop in all the times I've taken him out so I don't know if he's figured out how to manage that outside yet.  Not totally strange for a dog, only been 7 hours but I'm afraid he'll have to go after I go to bed.  Oh well.  hehe 

krun15
2
29 January 2011 - 9:59 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

Welcome to Tripawds,

You are awesome to foster Maximus.  You should always call your vet with any concerns- that is what they are there for.

I hope you don't mind that I moved your post to Ask a Vet-  since so much of your post was about vet questions.

 

In my experience dogs need pain meds after a major surgery, it sounds 'old school' to me for a vet to say they don't need anything.  And while some dogs experience some side effects that is a necessary evil.  And there are more choices than tramadol.  Maggie was sent home after surgery with a fentanyl patch and tramadol.  Pain meds can cause constipation and for the dog to not be himself (again my experiences) but as I said there are several choices.  And dogs react differently- Maggie did not do well on tramadol, but my quad pug Obie had a sever eye injury and was on tramadol for two weeks.  He had no side effects and did not have any withdrawal symptoms.

I did not have drainage issues with Maggie's amp- but many here have experience- again call your vet if you are concerned.

An elevated temp can be a sign of infection- the guidance from my vet was to call them if Mag had an elevated temp.

 

Karen and the pugapalooza

Galt, California
Member Since:
19 December 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
3
29 January 2011 - 10:10 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I am not a vet and do not pretend to be one.  When we brought out right front amputation home, we were told that there might be some drainage but that it should be clear or pinkish.  We did not have any drains in and did get a little bit of drainage from the incision but not to the level you are describing.  If it was cloudy or red, we were told to call the vet. 

One thing we were also told was to apply a warm compress several times a day because it would help stimulate the body to reabsorb any fluid around the area.  I would talk to the vet first before you do it since your fluid sounds red.  Maybe others here have more experience or you can possibly even ask Dr Pam in the ask a vet forum.

Las Vegas, Nevada
Member Since:
14 August 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
4
29 January 2011 - 10:46 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Bless you for you devotion!

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.


Member Since:
22 August 2008
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
5
29 January 2011 - 10:51 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

If the discharge is a light pink that can be normal.  Red blood is not normal and could indicated an open blood vessel.  I usually change the support bandage daily for a few days until discharge is minimal or dried up.  At a minimum most dogs are on an NSAID for 10-14 days as well as Tramadol.  Most dogs do fine on Tramadol although some may seem sedated or lose their appetite.  I also like to add gabapentin to prevent phantom pain .

How high is the temp?  103 degrees would not concern me much but any higher and I would add an antibiotic.

Pam

Member Since:
20 May 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
6
29 January 2011 - 11:13 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I am horrified that your vet thought Maximus didn't need any pain medication!  Can you imagine having any kind of surgery without pain medication!  

Everyone has already said what I would have about the bleeding but I wanted to welcome you to tripawds.  Bless you for bringing Maximus into your life.

Debra

Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.

Vancouver, BC
Member Since:
22 January 2011
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
7
29 January 2011 - 11:13 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hi everyone,

Daisy is now just over a week from her surgery and the vet said she has a small pocket of fluid that may need to be drained. Does anyone else have any experience with this? Can the fluid maybe go away before next week when she gets her staples out? Is there anything I can do to help?

Thanks everyone for your help.

 

Courteney

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
8
29 January 2011 - 11:37 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

laravissant said:

...didn't send home any pain medication at all... 

oh-my It's odd how some vets tend to overmedicate while others prescribe no meds at all. Most pups do go home on Tramadol, if not also an NSAID.

...My main question is about bleeding and drainage.  How much is normal?

Swelling, bruising and seepage are all normal after amputation. But you do want to keep an eye on the drainage, to ensure it is not outright bleeding. You have good timing with your post as we just uploaded this interview with Dr Pam Wiltzius discussing Seromas and other common post-amputation complications.

Please consult your vet with any specific concerns, or consider getting a second opinion. You can always ask Pam (aka: tazziedog) in the Ask A Vet forum.

Hope this helps. Welcome and thanks for joining! Please keep us posted about Maximus.

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

laravissant
9
29 January 2011 - 12:30 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Thank you every one! Sounds like the bleeding I'm seeing may not be normal then.  It does seem to have dried up and stopped over night but I'm now even more worried about removing a bandage that's probably really stuck on there with all the dried blood.  I'm just afraid I'm going to start more bleeding or find something not good when I get it off.   I put in a page to the doctor so I can talk with him before I attempt to remove the bandage, just so I can get a little reassurance.  I do feel bad calling him on the weekend but I suppose I'm better safe than sorry right? 

 

I'm not sure if I'll get this right, but here is a picture of how it was bleeding through last night

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af91/torstenthomas/bandage.jpgImage Enlarger

 

And here is Maximus

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af91/torstenthomas/mmmmmaxx.jpgImage Enlarger

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
10
29 January 2011 - 12:40 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Sending good thoughts for a speedy recovery.  Maximus is a beauty!

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.

Mount Pleasant, Ia
Member Since:
27 October 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
11
29 January 2011 - 1:05 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

dont feel bad about calling the vet on the weekend , thats why they have emergency numbers. That does look awfully red. How long has the bandage been on? Our vet put a bandage on Cooper when a hole opened up and it trapped moisture and infection set in - I am not a big advocate of bandages on the incision site. I am no vet at all so dont get me wrong, but after what I saw happen to Coop - it just gives me a bad feelign about bandages. I would much rather call in and be safe than sorry.

Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn

http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com

the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state


Member Since:
22 August 2008
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
12
29 January 2011 - 1:52 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

That looks like fresh blood to me and should be rechecked.    Don't worry about calling on a weekend; we are used to it!

Pam

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
13
29 January 2011 - 5:57 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Please take Dr. Pam's advice. (tazziedog is a vet.) That definitley looks like bleeding and not your normal seroma fluid. Good luck and please keep us posted.

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

laravissant
14
30 January 2011 - 3:39 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

hi just wanted to come back and update.  We have had a very very long day, but it has a good ending. *big relieved sigh* I'm tired! lol Today Max had his fourth surgery in the last 16 days.

This morning Max didn't seem well when I got up. He literally hadn't moved all night and there was significantly more blood that had soaked through his bandage. He had drunk no water despite all the pee in his blankets and wouldn't sit up or barely lift his head to drink more or eat. I took the bandage off as instructed and of course it started bleeding heavily because of the slight movement that required.  I didn't even roll him or anything to get the underside of the bandage  off, just cut the top piece and removed it very carefully so I didn't  pull on any stuck parts. There was a section of skin about 2 inches long and half inch wide that was black, not bruised. I've seen dead skin before and really had no doubts about it. It smelled bad. There was the section that was bleeding and looked to have loose stitches and the black section was oozing what looked like blood mixed with pus. I paged the vet when I couldn't get the bleeding to stop.  On the phone either I didn't give a good enough enough description of what was going on or he just figured I was over reacting or exaggerating. Made me mad but also made me second guess myself. "maybe I am overreacting". When I described it, he said to wait till my appointment monday. Said it didn't sound great but wasn't an emergency.  I asked him what I should watch for that would show it was taking a turn for the worse and I should rush him in and he said oh you shouldn't need to rush him in, I'll see you monday. I was actually pretty mad. I did almost all the things he suggested for the bleeding, cold pack, pressure. He suggested I give him one of the sedatives to lower the blood pressure to slow the bleeding that way and keep him still. He was already still tho. Too still, and his gums were pale. I really didn't think lower blood flow and sedation would be a good thing.

I called my shelter director and she was much more concerned which was reassuring in a way and her advice was the only thing that got the bleeding to stop! I caked it with flour. I know sounds messed up but it worked.   I'm adding a baggie of flour to my first aid kit now. She made a bunch of calls and got me in at a different vet that we work with. Then while I was on my way there, she was finally able to get a hold of the original vet and she must have told him "this girl doesn't exaggerate, this is bad" cuz he came straight in and I drove Max straight over to him after the first vet did a quick blood test to make sure he wasn't bleeding out. Red blood cells were low, but not "OMG he's dying low" thankfully. Once the 2nd vet of the day, the one who has done all the surgeries, saw how it looked he definitely realized I wasn't messing around.

He opened up the incision to see what was going on and causing thebleeding. Turned out two big pockets of blood, fluid and blood clots had started to get infected and the patch of skin I was concerned about on the surface was dead like I thought. The bleeding was coming from the biggest infected pocket through a couple stitches that pulled loose.  He totally opened it all up, cleaned it all out and trimmed away the dead area. He put in two drains/shunts, one for each pocket to try and prevent this from happening again. He stitched him back up with stainless steel sutures instead of fiber ones so there is that much less increased risk of infection. The vet took him home for the weekend so he could keep a close watch on him and flush the shunts frequently. I stayed to watch the surgery, fascinating stuff. I was very interested and I also just wanted to have all the details for once and leave knowing exactly what was going on with him. It's frustrating being the foster mom sometimes.  The first few operations the vet would call my director instead of me (logically) but then I'd get it second hand from her and she never seems to ask all the questions I want answered.  She's used this vet a lot so she just trusts him and doesn't stress over the details much.  Me, I'm a worry wort momma!  lol  But the vet seems to have figured out that I'm going to be the one pestering him so he better give me the details.  hehe   So to sum it up prognosis is still very good. Max definitely seems to be prone to infection and we really need his immune system to kick in and help the antibiotics fight things off to get him healed. We caught this infection early though and got the dead skin off before it could get any worse. Things would have been very bad if I'd waited till monday. Thank God for that intuition/6th sense He gives us when something is wrong! Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. Anyways, all in all, a good outcome for what started off as a terrifying day. I really was afraid he was going to die before I made it to the clinic.  I'm not usually a cryer but I was fighting back the tears all day.  I lost my princess, a border collie huskey mix named Whisper, in October and it's all way too fresh still to spend the whole morning and early afternoon thinking I'm going to watch another one die.  Whisper's death was very unexpected.  She had a massive tumor in her abdomen pressing on her spine, intestines and multiple other organs.  She was only 9.  Ok, I'm getting off topic and weepy!  Thank you all again and goodnight. 

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af91/torstenthomas/DSC_0056.jpgImage Enlarger

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
15
30 January 2011 - 4:29 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

OMG, what a story.  You are a real trooper, and I'm afraid I would have had to pummel the vet when he finished the surgery.  How maddening that experience must have been.

I am so glad it turned our well and hope Max now has a speedy (and uneventful) recovery.

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.

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 149
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1286
Members: 18440
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18856
Posts: 258951
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG