Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello,
I have not posted for awhile. Tess is a 14 year old border collie/blue heeler cross, and is two month post amputation (left rear) for a recurring soft tissue sarcoma. Her recovery has gone very well, and she is in rehab on the water treadmill once a week, as well as home exercises.
She has what I think are abrasions on front and rear right paws. The hair is also wearing off her front right paw (bottom), and the very tip of her tail. I thought it was a skin infection or rash at first, but am really thinking it is because of how she gets up now. Except for the tail tip, it is all on the opposite side of her amputation. Anyone else experienced this? I don't know how to manage this, as I assume it will be a permanent thing. I am thinking it could result in serious infection. She has had some bleeding from the front paw. I will have the vet look at it when she goes to rehab Monday, but worried in the meantime. Her elbow callouses are much worse, as well. She has lots of soft places to lay, but it is always on the ceramic tile floor she lays. Have tried various things for that, but nothing helps a lot.
Thank you!
Hey welcome back. I'm glad Tess is doing so well overall. That's awesome.
Definitely let the therapist know about the abrasions. Oftentimes it's because something about the dog's gait has changed.
Yes, this happens quite a bit. Pressure sores are common. Our Wyatt Ray also had quite a few abrasions over time.
The rehab therapist should be able to look at her and tell which side is bearing more or less weight, and hitting the ground at an unnatural angle. They may prescribe other exercises and stretches to help her even out her gait. Do they do anything else with her besides water therapy?
As for her hygromas, they are so so tough to manage once they get started. Of course we can put all the mattresses and carpets down and our dogs will lay on the hard flooring. There are these funky elbow protectors you might want to try. Not all dogs will tolerate them but if you can get her to wear them for a week or so, they can help the hygroma heal.
Try not to worry. It sounds like it's a normal part of managing life with an older Tripawd. Let us know how the visit goes on Monday.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Good to hear from you and to know Tess has been doing so well, even with current paw issues.
As Jerry said, the Rehab Specialist should be able to help evaluate her gait.
Jist in the FWIW column....Just wondering if the water therapy should be put on hold for a bit as the water may be keeping the pads too soft? Maybe hindering the healing? Have zero idea if that could be a valid thought, but threw it out there anyway.
And Jerry can confirm or dispel this, but seems like a cabbage poultice, as well as Manuka honey (legitimate high grade) may have been effective in those elbow sores.
Thanks for the update. Tess is quite the inspiration for senior dogs facing this journey ♥️
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!
benny55 said
Jist in the FWIW column....Just wondering if the water therapy should be put on hold for a bit as the water may be keeping the pads too soft? Maybe hindering the healing? Have zero idea if that could be a valid thought, but threw it out there anyway.
And Jerry can confirm or dispel this, but seems like a cabbage poultice, as well as Manuka honey (legitimate high grade) may have been effective in those elbow sores.
That's a great point about the water therapy interfering with healing. It makes total sense.
As for the Manuka honey, yeah ask your vet about it. A cabbage poultice too may help.
Here are two blog posts we wrote about these two DIY wound care remedies (be sure to check with the vet first):
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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