Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Zuke had his left front leg amputated in early June due to osteosarcoma. Since the original op he has been re-stitched SIX times, twice under GA. It just seems that his skin keeps pulling apart before the wound has had the chance to heal. In fairness, the original incision must have been about 45 cm long and the problem area now is only about 10cm so we're moving in the right direction but it just seems crazy to have been stitched so many times. The last time was about 10 days ago and again he stitches are beginning to gape apart up to 8mm or so in places. The vet has told me to apply manuka honey twice daily but I am not convinced this is actually making a difference. He is back for another check up on Friday. I am just getting fed up with it all for the poor boy. We don't know what his long term prognosis is and all I want is for him to have a decent quality of life for however long he has. Any advice would be very welcome. 
Welcome to the forums- your future posts will not require moderation.
I know we have had a few members with problem incisions- not sure I've heard of 6 times though!
Hopefully one of our vets and members with this experience will be by soon to help.
Karen
It is very odd to need so many resutures. Is there tension along the suture line? Any infection or drainage? Is he currently getting any chemo injections that might decrease his healing? It might be a little late for this but I would consider Power Mushrooms or other immune boosters. Culturing the area to look for resistant staph could also be beneficial if there is any discharge. Honey can work wonders so I agree with that approach.
Pam
Hi, thanks for replying. No infection or discharge at all. He's not having chemo. It does look as though the skin is quite tight in that area. He's a skinny breed of course so there isn't much give anyway. I haven't heard of Power Mushrooms but he is currently on 'K9 Immunity '. Do you know of that? Can I use power mushrooms as well? I'll keep on with the honey. I was also recommended Calendula by a friend who is a homeopath so I might give that a go too. We're back to the vet for a check up this afternoon so I'll see what she says too.
ZUKE! You are one fine looking up! Now we've gotta' get this "stitch thing" resolved and out ot the way, okay!!
Just now that, even though this is frustrating as all get out, Zuke's quality IS far better than the pain of bone cancer and, slowly but surely, you are making progess!
A lot of us use K9 Immunity Plus and Apocaps (has a lot of power muchroom)
Chin up! Try and focus on the fact that some progress has been made. Have you co sidered a second opinion other than the one who did the surgery?
Hang in there! We are with you! Please keep us updated.
((((((((hugs))))))))
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
You don't need to use the Power Mushrooms if he is already taking K9 Immunity . It is good news that he does not have any infection. I guess I would see how the honey goes.
Pam
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