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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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6 weeks after amputation and still having complications
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Member Since:
28 November 2013
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28 November 2013 - 2:03 pm
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Hello, this is my first time posting on the website and I just have some questions.

I have a 3 year old white German Shepherd that was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma and had a front leg amputation on Oct 17. He had some complications with an infection at his surgery site and having his incision re-open several times. He has already gone through 3 surgeries to stitch it up again and I just noticed today that it is re-opening once again. I'm taking him to the vet on Saturday to see if they have to stitch him up a fourth time. He is supposed to go through chemo treatment but the vet wants to wait until his incision is completely healed. I keep a T-shirt on to protect it and he has a cone so he doesn't bother it. I don't know what else to do to try and speed up the healing process. Has anyone else had trouble with a long & complicated recovery time and have any advice to give?

Thankssmiley





Member Since:
16 October 2012
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28 November 2013 - 8:08 pm
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Welcome and I am sorry to hear about your babies diagnosis.  I can not speak on the re-opening of the site as Sassy never had that problem.  I know hers had a scab on it when they went to take the stitches out it and a slight area that looked open but it was just from the scab.  My vet almost put off doing the 1st chemo but decided it was healed enough to proceed but the reason they would have delayed is that chemo slows down the healing process. 

Someone else can jump in on their experience of the site opening up

 

 

Good luck

Michelle & Angel Sassy

sassymichelle-sm.jpg

Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013

05/04/2006 -  Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19  fought cancer for 4 months.

"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."

Columbia, MO
Member Since:
10 December 2011
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29 November 2013 - 5:54 am
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Oh my.  This has to be frustrating for you and your pup.  What's his name?  Daisy didn't have that issue either but I know there are members here that have had problems with their incisions not healing.  Some had issues due to ongoing infections such as staph that were really tough to treat and there have been some that had issues with the internal stitches.

You might try searching the forums if you haven't already.  Hopefully those with the same type issue will chime in.

I know it's tough but try to hang in there and hopefully you and the vet can figure out what is going on.

Marla and Daisy

My Two Tripawds...Biscuit and Spirit Daisy

Rock Hill, SC
Member Since:
28 November 2011
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29 November 2013 - 8:38 am
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Our pup Merlin (not a tripawd) had incision complications from a TPLO surgery for a torn ACL.  There was a tiny little part of the incision (less than 1/2 inch) that just would not close and it turned out to be from the internal stitches.

With most major surgeries, including TPLO and amputation, there are actually two layers of stitches - an internal set and the external set that you actually see.  In Merlin's case, the vet had tied off the internal stitches and left the "ears" of that final knot too long.  Since the stitches are very stiff, those two "ears" were just moving back and forth and constantly poking/ripping the flesh above them back open and not allowing that small area to heal.  They ended up opening the wound back up a little, trimming those stitches all the way back to the knot, and re-closing the external stitches above that area.  Healed up fine after that.

I'm sure there are many reasons for what you are describing, but this might be worth checking out.  Good luck!!

Lisa

Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11.  A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/

Orange County, CA
Member Since:
28 November 2008
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29 November 2013 - 9:07 am
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I don't have any experience with what you're describing, but I just wanted to say I hope this is just a little "bump in the road" and your boy's incision starts healing up real soon.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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29 November 2013 - 9:26 am
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Gosh I'm soooo sorry. I know this is a tough road to be on, and it feels so discouraging. Rest assured that based on member experiences here, this situation isn't uncommon but it should be treated very carefully and watched with an eagle eye so it doesn't develop into something more severe. I'm not sure how your vet is treating it as far as with antibiotics and such, but if you don't like how it's being handled you do have the right to ask for a referral to another vet, preferably a board-certified surgeon if your vet isn't one. Meanwhile I would ask your vet for a complete clarification on the treatment protocol so you know exactly how it's being treated, with what, and what the backup plan is if this next surgery doesn't do it.

Be strong and know that you guys can get through this! We're here to lean on OK? I apologize for not giving you an official welcome yesterday, we were away for Thankgsiving but we're back now. Keep us posted.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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29 November 2013 - 10:58 am
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Geeeeez, all the "side effects" that can pop up due to the surgery are soooooo frustrating. So sorrynyou and your wonderful German Shepherd are going through this.

AllI can sayis ditto to what everyone else has said.....especially Zeus and Jerry. Really hope kt's just the stitch "issue", as that can't be fixed so quickly. LOVE the idea of gettng a second opinion and I'm sure your vet would be glad to have a different perspective presented. Sometimes a second pair of eyes are all that's needed to quickly solve this.

PLEASE, come back and post as soon as you can with any update. Let's get this issue resolved! You are a very strng person cuz I know this has to be crazy vrustrating!!! I'm really n the side of a new set of eyes checking n this...or at least an additional plan as re-stitching just doesn't seem to be doing it! Again, it could be the situatin that Zeus had too!

You are family now and we all care you! We look forward to following your progress AND seeing pictures! There are links here n how to download pictures.....and we have Jerry as our "download back-uo"!

A white German Sheperd.....my heart's melting already!! Alrighty, all tripawd paws are crossed for you and "Handsome"! So look forward to your update!!

(((((((((Lots of hugs to you both))))))))))

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!

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