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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Glad to hear Sophie is home! That's always such a relief, like the worst is behind you, and now you can get down to the business of recovery. Tell that girl of yours to take it easy, and get lots of rest yourself. And don't be discouraged if she has a few bumps in the recovery road. That's very normal. We'll be here if you have any questions!
Micki, Rio's momma
 |
~ ~ Rio ~ ~ |
You're not rambling, you're a proud mama! That's wonderful news.
Take it easy and make sure she does too. The recovery process can take a week or two and there might be ups and downs, but we'll be here with you every hop of the way.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well everybody told me rest rest rest yesterday I only got 2 hours of sleep! I had so much going on. Now she is home, and doing well. She is in bed for the night YAY ME 😉 Now we can move on to day two! NOw I gotta get her nice and healed so we can get her a pretty new hair cut so she can feel so much better! The groomers havent been willing to take her sinc she got hurt ;( Anyways, rambling again.... Thanks for all the support, I have one question, but bumps in the road, and ups and downs what are the bumps and what are the downs that you all talk about? Just so I know and prepare myself for htem? Thanks so much to everybody!
Hi sophiesmommy.
Well, some things that often happen when new Tripawds come home from the hospital:
- Dogs often come home really energetic and excited. Oftentimes that's the painkillers doing their magic, and the dogs think they're invincible. Usually about two days later, they crash hard and start sleeping a lot, and losing their appetite. Most times, this is normal.
- Many dogs will start to overdo things as far as being able to walk long distances and keep up with other dogs. Although Sophie may look invincible, it's up to you to monitor her activity and force her to take rest breaks in order to avoid other injuries.
- Sometimes fluid buildup will occur at the amputation site, or the wound won't heal properly.
These are just three examples I can think of and I only mention them so you can be on the lookout. If you notice ANY behavioral or physiological changes with Sophie, call your vet immediately.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
It's different for everypawdy, but some of the things to keep an eye on: swelling and edema (cold packs); lethargy (usually just let 'em sleep -- if you can't wake 'em up, that's a different story); lack of appetite (give them anything they will eat -- hot dogs, bacon, cheese -- yeah, this is the dog typing right now... So???); crying (scary, but can be pain med related); fever, bleeding, redness, oozing with odd smell (possible infection -- call vet immediately); any sign of something that scares you -- call your vet. That's why they get paid the big bucks. Less serious questions, just post them here... Somebody here will likely have seen it before and know what to do.
Hopefully, you won't encounter any issues. And do try and get some sleep -- when you're tired, it's tough to keep a positive attitude, and that's essential to Sophie's recovery, too.
Rio's momma, Micki
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~ ~ Rio ~ ~ |
Things are going well for sophie so far. She wanted to "fight" with me today just wanted to bite my hand (or anything we put in front of her face) LOL... I do have a couple questions though, one is it feels sort of like fluid in there right now, maybe it is just the way the muscle feels in there i dont know but just wanted to tell you guys that, and also it is starting to bruise pretty bad... is this normal? Other than that she is still doing awesome. She is wanting to be VERY picky about what she eats, but she just had a limb removed so we have been pretty good with still getting to eat although she is SPOILED! It is a gloomy day here and i am praying it does not rain since she has a splint/wrap on the good leg so we cant let her get it wet. I cant wait tilll that can come off and we can see how she does actually walking with 3 legs since right now she is honestly walking with 2!
sophiesmommy said
...it feels sort of like fluid in there...
Buildup of seroma fluid is perfectly normal, and bruising is to be expected. Watch Dr. Pam's video describing common post-amputation complications and check out the Tripawds galleries for photos of other dogs after surgery. Always contact your vet if you have any serious concerns.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Sounds pretty normal but again if you have any concerns and things don't feel right, call your vet.
It sounds like she has a seroma . The bruising is pretty normal.
Here are some blog posts that have information about bruising and seromas after amputation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Wow I love this place! It was funny, I was talking to my fiance about the bruising, and all of a suddent it clicked in my head where to ask about it. I am like you know where I should ask about it? he is like no i wish i did.. im like i do! like a light went on in my head LOL 🙂 As far as the "seroma " it seems like that can be "normal" and it can be bad is that right? because it is only the first day, so for now i am having her wear the e collar, and making her stay as quiet as possible and hoping the antibiotics take care of any sort of infection. She is still doing well, and getting around pretty good! It still is so weird to me how she is walking on two legs (sorry i know i keep saying that) I just am like in aw of it I guess. When the wrap comes off I bet she is going to do so much better! I cant wait to take her for her first couple of walks and take her out and about around the town! I know people are all going to stop and want to pet her LOL. I know she is definitely going to love all that attention 🙂 That is FOR SURE! It is also werid watching her go potty, I was worried about that, like how will she keep her balance? etc... for going potty, but even with her leg splinted straight she is finding a way, and not falling over. The weirdest part about the hole experinece for me so far, is the fact that she now has three legs and is getting around better now than with the hurt forth leg. It really was starting to make her mad a lot! It was awful too because when we would take her potty it was in the way and she would get it all icky and she had to take way too many baths! I am excited and also ready to try to find a groomer that is willing to help us with her so she can get a pretty spring hair cut and hopefully a pretty bandanna too! Maybe bows in ears? Hmmmm maybe that is too much LOL (my fiance would say so) But sometimes I feel liek i said she is my little girl, my second LOL 🙂 ok.... again done ranting and for those of you still reading! THANK YOU AND TALK TO YOU AGAIN SOON! I am enjoying all the friends/support! I hope you guys dont get sick of me always talking!
sophiesmommy said
As far as the "seroma " it seems like that can be "normal" and it can be bad is that right?
Generally it's not bad, worst case you will just need to get it drained at the vet's office which takes about 10 minutes and doesn't require any type of surgery. Keep an eye on it and make sure there is no odor or funny smell coming from the incision, which could mean infection.
Your pawsitive attitude will take you far!
We're always hoppy to help you when you have questions. But I just have one suggestion: it would be a lot easier to read your posts if you used your Enter key a lot more and broke up your one long paragraph.
Like
this
see what I mean?
It's just a lot easier to find your questions within your post, so we can help you out faster!
Hope your Sunday is restful!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I hope you guys dont get sick of me always talking!
Of course not! That's what we are hear for! No one wants to be alone even if it's sharing the good news! And you've got some good news to share! I'm so glad to hear Sophie is doing so well and you have found peace of mind!
I get the bows in hair and pretty hair cuts! I had a girlie girl that loved being clean with pretty bows! (my girl is the banner dog with a big pink polka dot bow around her neck)
Hopefully Sophie will be all pretty soon for Spring!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Here are some pictures of my pretty girl! These are all after her surgery 😉 She is quite the trooper! I think I am learning as pet parents, we may be more scared than these tough fur kids are!
Sophie, how are you doing? It's been a while since we heard from you. Post an update soon, we hope you're all healed up!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello old friends! It has been a while since my mommy has been on here to update this! So much has been gonig on and I feel like she never stops working! BUT one awesome thing is one of the houses she works at lets me go with her! We stay up all night long and watch tv and snuggle! Plus there are other people there who love me and want to come snuggle and pet me too! This is a good thing (sometimes) but sometiems mommy says they need to go to bed and tells me not to be so cute because the residents want to snuggle and pet and feed me all night long!
Any hoo My mommy says she posted a surpise thing for me in her blog about something called a birthday? we are going to have a party (whatever that is) but I do know it sounds fun! I know my human sister had one of those and lots of people came and there was shiny paper and there was cake and ice cream too! I am wondering if all my friends would like to help me celebrate! If you read my blog there is more info there! or you can reply here and my mommy will give all the exciting ino! 😉
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