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.
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Willow is an 11(ish) year old whippet/collie x who had a front amputation at around 1 year old. She gets 15 min walk a day and is on NSAIDs for severe arthritis in her front wrist. 10.5kg.
Over a week ago she cut her remaining front paw on glass on her walk. Taken straight to vet, who stapled it. Been kept covered, clean and dry, no licking etc. On return to vet to get staples out one part of the paw healed well, but another part isn't at all, the vet described it as disintegrating. We were given manuka honey to apply to it for a few days and to bring her back after that.
If the honey doesn't help her pad heal. What, realistically, are our options? The vet mentioned they might be able to operate to repair it, but that the operation itself runs a lot of risks and can have variable success rate.
Oh I'm so glad you decided to post here. Poor Willow! This is a tough situation for sure, I know you must be really worried. How is she doing now?
I'm not sure how much help this will be, but if you don't like the answers you're getting from your primary veterinarian you can always get a second opinion from another surgeon. Also, try not to jump too far ahead. Stick with the plan and if it doesn't work by the time your vet wants it to, then take it from there.
Meanwhile how is she getting around?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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She's doing well in herself.  She's now able to hop around as if she's fine; but only does it to go from bed  bed, or for food.  I'm happy enough with that as the less she uses the paw, the better chance it has to heal.  We lift her outside to toilet, thank goodness she's not a large dog!
I'm happy with our current vet, but will get second opinion if I feel I need one. 🙂
It looks like it's gonna just take time. Â Fingers crossed that it does heal on its own, without operation. Â And that we can continue to prevent any infection.
What great news! Â This is every tripawd parent's worst fear! Â Glad she is keeping quiet to allow for healing!
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. Â
Wherever they are, they are together.
You AND Willow BOTH have a great attitude! I love that you both are dealing with this temporary hurdle with patience and a "go with the flow" attitude! You have every reason to be optimistic about a good recovery, even if it's slooow!
Lots of 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!
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