Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We adopted a chihuahua in September of this year, he had his front leg amputated at the beginning of August due to the previous owners causing multiple breaks on it. The amputation was conducted below the shoulder joint leaving a little nub, enough that you can see it wiggle when he stretches.
Yesterday we noticed it was getting red and appeared swollen. The day before he had slipped down two or three icy stairs. We visited the Vet today to ensure that this was not going to be a serious problem. Just so happened that while at the Vet the nub started bleeding slightly or maybe just a slight pus. The color seems to be a slight pink/red. The Vet gave us some antibiotics and pain relief pills for him. She stated that the bone feels sharp on the inside and this may be causing the sharp bone to "rub the skin" causing the bleeding or pus. She told us that if it continues then they may need to make a slight incision to round the bone off so it isn't so sharp.
I know you cannot give me a final decision off a forum but was wondering if we could get a second opinion on what it could be and what options we have? Also he continues to try and lick the nub, should we stop him from licking it or let him continue to clean it off? Third question, should we attempt to clean it off with a Kleenex or let it play itself out. We appreciate any help on this matter!!
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
What is your boy's name? You are awesome for adopting him!
While you wait for Dr. Pam to reply I'll share what I've seen here. Unfortunately when a front amp has a piece of the leg left it seems to lead to continuing problems. As you have seen it is prone to being bumped resulting in injury. If he has a wound on the stub I would not let him lick at it, it might not heal and could cause or continue an infection.
If you don't want to do another surgery you might be able to create something to keep the nub covered. It is not easy to keep something on the stub but it might be worth a try. I don't know if they make anything small enough but you could check the DogLeggs web site.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
We greatly appreciate your input. Thank you for the link, we will definitely take a look at it while waiting for Dr. Pam's input. His name is Cooper.
My Meg had surgery to round off the point of her elbow. It sounds grim, I know, but as surgeries go, not that big a deal, I think, if this would resolve things. Another potential option would be to remove the scapula, and therefore get rid of the stump altogether. Whether this is an option/desirable in your case, I obviously cannot say. Or, as Karen says, a covering. We used Doggleggs to keep a dressing in place on Meg's elbow, and they proved very successful.
In terms of cleaning. From my experience with Meg's elbow, which had an open wound caused by a chronic infection, I cleaned it gently with saline solution and dressed it with manuka honey. If Cooper does have a mild infection, Manuka honey has powerful healing and antibiotic properties. We used laser on her wound as well. Oh, and definitely I would try to stop him licking it.
All best to you and Cooper, and do please keep us posted.
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
It sounds like this dog will need more surgery. I usually prefer to take the entire scapula/shoulder bone out so that the dog has a smooth surface to lay on but this might not be as important for such a small dog. At the very least the humerus bone probably needs to be shortened and padded with muscle tissue.
Pam
Been a couple weeks but just wanted to provide an update. We had his scapula removed to try and avoid the issue getting any worse and to prevent any further issues in the future. Tomorrow will be a week since he had the surgery and we just picked him up today since he was being boarded at the time for the holiday. We called the day of the surgery and the Vet said he was already walking around the day of the surgery, I'm sure already being used to having 3 legs helped there.
He is home now though and seems to be doing very well.
Oh gosh!!!! So good to hear from you!! What wonderful news ro hear how well Cooper is doing!!!
I know he is THRILLED to be back in his furever home!!!
Tha ks for the update! We'd love ro see pictures of this cutie!
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Aww that is GREAT news, thanks for letting us know. Here's to you being a great advocate for him. And yes, start another topic elsewhere and share photos with us, we'd love to see them.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Great news! For what it's worth, I'm certain this was the right decision. Deal with the issue once and for all and prevent further problems. Welcome home, Cooper. And here's to a great New Year!
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Glad he is home and doing so well, but makes you wonder why the original surgeon didn't foresee this as a potential problem? So glad Cooper is in his forever home for the new year.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
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