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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First, I'd like to say I'm a new member, but my 11.5 yr old chocolate lab had her left rear leg amputated 3.5 weeks ago (due to fibrosarcoma that had invaded her bone) and this site helped me make the decision and prepare for what to expect - so thank you all. While it was such a tough decision to make, Tatum has made an amazing recovery and I am happy we made the decision.
My question is that Tatum has yet to lay on her amputated side and we found a large scabbed sore (assuming bed sore) under her fur on her hip of the good side. I accidentally pulled the scab off when examining it, but I've been keeping the sore clean with hydrogen peroxide and neosporin (per advice of my vet). I'm just wondering if this is fairly common and best way to help it heal considering she spends all her time laying on that side.
Thanks.
Kat
Hi Kat, welcome, your future posts won't require registration.
I'm glad that things are otherwise going well for Tatum. Most dogs learn to lay on their other side eventually. Pressure sores do happen occasionally. What kind of surface does she lay on? Is it carpeted? The softer you can make it the better it will be for her.
Thank you for the kind words about this community, I'm so glad you found everything so helpful.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi kat,
Welcome to you and Tatum. Snoop started lying on his amputation side consistently about one month after his surgery. We have for him an orthopedic bed
for support with a bolster on the bad. It gives good distribution of weight and support. I think it helps him feel secure and he snuggles down and comfy.
Good luck.
Esther and her Snoop
Hi Kat and Tatum!
Glad Tatum ks on tne road to recovery!
Did the vet look at the sore to make sure that's what it is? It's been checked thoroughly to make sre noting is "stuck in the leg" t cause this.
My Happ Hannah tooks five wees before she would lay on the amp. side! zThat's when I really k ew all the pain from sjrgery was gone!
And as others have suggested, a supportive bed is crucial.
Sending you warmest wishes for a continued smooth recovery. Tatum ks lucky to have you as his advocate. We'd love to see pictures of Tatum when yo can!
HUGS!!!!!
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!
Check out the Tripawds Gear Blog "Beds" info for some suggestions.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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