Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Just thought I'd share an update on Fern, it's been 10 days since her amputation.
The wound is healing well in places but not in others, there's still some leaking (which we're told is fat and tissue from the second operation breaking down) but it's not as bad.
The stitches are due to come out tomorrow and it'll be interesting to see how well it has healed, there are still a few 'holes' where staples / sutures didn't hold but the vet says it's looking good under the skin.
We've been sleeping a lot better lately, mainly due to the reassurance that the wound will heal well, so physically she'll be in good shape. Psychologically we're slightly concerned as Fern seems to be a little 'down'.
She walks ok when we call her, goes out to sniff around the garden and go to the toilet, but we've only seen her get up once or twice (other than to change positions) and that was to drink. She still shows no real interest in water or food unless we take it to her. We tried the 'tough love' approach at the weekend but it didn't work and the vet (and her surgeon) both said we should make sure she gets food so we're back to 'bed meals'
I'm sure she'll perk up soon, she show interest in her tennis ball and will 'fetch it' once or twice when we roll it to the other side of the room but the rest of the time she rests and sleeps.
I'm sure she's still in tired and in slight pain (from the 3 operations and the additional workload on her left leg) so we don't think it's a major issue. These things take time and can't be rushed, I think we're comfortable with that most of the time and on the whole a lot happier.
As a post script, our vet called in on Fern yesterday to check her over, and gave me a bottle of Malt Whiskey for Christmas ! I guess we've funded his holiday celebrations but I don't begrudge a single penny.
I'm guessing she'll perk up - the darling girl's been through a lot!
What a lovely vet - a bottle of Malt Whiskey!! Enjoy every drop.
Catie -
Birthday – November 4 2003
Amputation – January 13 2010
Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011
Thanks for the update! What medication is Fern still on, if any? Most people see a vast improvement in their pups once weened off all the pain meds. Though I imagine the whiskey may help ... you, not Fern! 😉
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
She's been on Metacam for 4 weeks (almost every day since the first operation)
When we brought her home we gave her 1 tramadol and then another the next morning but then that's it for pain relief.
She's been on Clavaseptin for 3 weeks (since the skin graft operation) and Baytril for 1 week (I believe these are both antibiotics)
(I had to go out earlier and when I returned I noticed she'd sneeked to her bowl and eaten the beef I'd cooked for her...so maybe she is just being fussy)
Sounds like Fern is doing pretty darn good considering all she has been through. Sending positive healing thoughts your way. That's great that she decided to help herself to some beef!
Fortis'Dad
Golly, Fern nearly gave us a heart attack, she just ran up the stairs all by herself...we just stared in shock but she managed it really well...I'm guessing going downstairs may be a little more tricky.
Too funny! I think that dogs do that to show humans, "Hey! Look what I can do!" so they stop worrying so much.
Well, keep an eye on her while she goes back downstairs. Walk alongside where her limb is missing, she may want to lean on you for support.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sounds like fern is doing great! Did you say whether she had a drain? I didnt remember , but I do know that the holes Cooper had after his second surgery healed within a couple of days as soon as the drain was removed, in fact I couldnt believe how fast they closed up. So it sounds like all is well with Fern! And yes! they do seem to have a knack for doing that daring trick to show us what they can do, and though it scares the tar out of you, when your heart begins to beat again, you feel that much more reassurance!
Cooper and gang
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
Took her in this morning to have the stitches and drain removed and the vet says there is a lot of 'bad tissue' inside that needs to be removed. SO it's operation number 4 this morning and we'll have her home later today.
Good thoughts for Ferns surgery and wishes for a speedy recovery.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
wow, that brings back memories, as Cooper had virtually the same thing happen. I am sorry to hear that Fern must undergo yet another surgery. We are sending prayers and pawsitive thoughts your way for a good surgery and super fast recovery so that Fern can get on with living..
Cooper and Coopsdad
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
Geez....you guys deserve a break already. Like the Cooper family, we are sending our prayers and positive healing thoughts your way. Please keep us updated. Hang in there!
Fortis'Dad
Well, she's home safe and resting on her bed. The surgeon removed 2 fat 'globules' that were just sort of 'sat in there' breaking down and seeping out.
She has a new drain and a new row of staples and is obviously feeling a little sorry for herself (again) but we are all hoping that's an end to this episode.
Thanks once again for your kind and supportive comments, they really are appreciated.
Thanks for the update! More good thoughts headed your way from Tripawds HQ...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Fernsdad thank you for the update. Just keep taking care of that dear girl! we are sending tons of prayers up for fast healing and for Fern to soon be on her feet and back to normal life again! you alreadyknow she is a fighter so keep on with good positive thoughts and just give her tons of love!
Coopers pack
Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn
http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com
the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state
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