Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi all,
Sorry if this isn't the right section for the post or if it has already been answered - still learning how to navigate!
My boyfriend and I recently adopted our kitty, Hopper.
Hopper had his amputation before we adopted him. He had his surgery on 10/26, and when we adopted him about 8 days after we took off the cone (the people at the shelter said that was okay). However, in his wellness vet visit 1.5 weeks after adoption, they said the cone needs to stay back on so he doesn't pick at his wound.
After 2 cone options and a spray on bandage option, we went with the plastic cone 🙁 poor baby
Anyway, to the main point - as his wound was healing, it grew that outer layer (scab?). The scab began falling off, as a giant flap. Now, the under part is fully exposed - it is red, but rarely bleeds. We have a follow up with the vet on Tuesday, but until then, are there any precautions we should take? He still has the cone, and we put saline spray on it.
Also wanted to make sure this is all normal, and what the typical healing process for that is.
I appreciate any insight! Thank you!
-Emily
It sounds like some of the skin became necrotic and fell off. That can happen sometimes and the wound should heal. Sometimes an antibiotic is needed.
Pam
kuzulamb04 said
Hi all,Sorry if this isn't the right section for the post or if it has already been answered - still learning how to navigate!
My boyfriend and I recently adopted our kitty, Hopper.
Hopper had his amputation before we adopted him. He had his surgery on 10/26, and when we adopted him about 8 days after we took off the cone (the people at the shelter said that was okay). However, in his wellness vet visit 1.5 weeks after adoption, they said the cone needs to stay back on so he doesn't pick at his wound.
After 2 cone options and a spray on bandage option, we went with the plastic cone 🙁 poor baby
Anyway, to the main point - as his wound was healing, it grew that outer layer (scab?). The scab began falling off, as a giant flap. Now, the under part is fully exposed - it is red, but rarely bleeds. We have a follow up with the vet on Tuesday, but until then, are there any precautions we should take? He still has the cone, and we put saline spray on it.
Also wanted to make sure this is all normal, and what the typical healing process for that is.
I appreciate any insight! Thank you!
-Emily
tazziedog said
It sounds like some of the skin became necrotic and fell off. That can happen sometimes and the wound should heal. Sometimes an antibiotic is needed.Pam
Thank you!!
Is it a front leg or a back? If it's a front leg, you could put a baby onesie t-shirt on him to cover it up & keep him from getting to it. There are several posts that show how to fit them - I believe Purrkins did it, and sewed the one arm hole closed.
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
I was thinking of that, a couple friends recommended it as well. It's his back leg 🙁 I attempted again with that liquid bandage and he's still licking it! That bitter taste seems to not keep him away.
Thank you!
midnighter94 said
Is it a front leg or a back? If it's a front leg, you could put a baby onesie t-shirt on him to cover it up & keep him from getting to it. There are several posts that show how to fit them - I believe Purrkins did it, and sewed the one arm hole closed.Donna
Hi Emily,
Congratulations on your new addition, do you have any pictures? Liquid bandage? Did you get that from the vet? I just read your post and I would not put anything on it that would seal bacteria in. Is the cone stopping him from licking? If not then you need a longer cone. Keeping it clean with warm facecloths applied should keep it good until your vet visit as long as he is not getting to it. Most important things, keep it clean and don't let him get to it. If the cone is working please make sure to leave it on, you don't want to chance him getting an infection after a major surgery. He will be a pain about it, they all are lol. It truly isn't worth the risk. If it does not fit, see if you can get another from a vet or petco, petsmart, etc.
Looking forward to seeing pictures!
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
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