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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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bruising after surgery???
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Member Since:
27 October 2011
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1
2 November 2011 - 6:50 am
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Today is Charlie's second day home after surgery.  We picked him up yesterday.  He had a right front leg amputation.  Our first night was last night with him.  He did great.  We just have concerns about the increasing bruising on his abdomen behind his incision.  Any suggestions or ideas?

krun15
2
2 November 2011 - 8:23 am
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Welcome Charlie and pack.

Your future posts will not require moderation.

From what I have read here bruising is very common- but my rear amp pug had dark skin so bruising wasn't so evident.  Others will share their experiences.

And always- if you are concerned call your vet.  Don't worry about calling too often- better safe than sorry.  And if it gives you peace of mind it will help both you and Charlie during the healing process.

I hope you have read a little here so that you know the first couple of weeks of recovery can be full of ups and downs so don't get discouraged.

You might read through Jerry's required reading list or down load the e-book Three legs and a Spare.  Lots of good info there on what to expect.

Tell us more about Charlie!!  Why the amp, does he have cancer?  How old... etc.  We are kind of nosy laugh.

 

I hope Charlie's recovery goes smoothly.

 

Karen and the pugapalooza

Member Since:
22 August 2011
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2 November 2011 - 8:46 am
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Hi Charlie and Family. Bruising is normal and common. Infection, pus, bloody leaking and funky odor are not. I remember freaking out about Cadence's spreading wine colored bruising the days after her amputation. It started very small and was not very worrisome. And then each day spread and looked progressively worse. I was worried and jumped online to look at pictures of other post-amp dogs. After seeing the photos, I felt better and just relaxed and let nature take it's course. Sure enough it really spread and then started turning green  and then yellow and then brown and went away. She is pink skinned and everything showed up on her. I have some pictures but i can't post until I get home because they are all on my home machine. But as long as everything else is normal, i would relax. If you are really concerned, snap a photo of it and send it to your vets office for review. Cadence actually has discoloration still on the skin on that side which never went away. 

 

BTW, Welcome to the Tripawd family and I'n glad Charlie is doing good so far. 

Cadence Faye: Born 10/30/04, stepped into our hearts 12/23/2004. Rear leg tumor found 7/24/11 by mom and dad, Xray on 7/25/11, Osteosarcoma suspected 7/26/11, amputation 7/29/11, Carboplatin started 8/23. Met free so far! 

Member Since:
15 March 2011
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2 November 2011 - 8:52 am
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Welcome Charlie - what a handsome boy!  So glad to hear the first 2 days have been ok so far....that's amazing!  Our Sam had lots of bruising - it's a lot of work they do in there to amputate so it is very natural.  Sam's brusing got worse in the first few days - witin a week it started to fade.  The info above is right...watch for redness getting worse etc.  Def never hesitate to call your vet/surgeon...that's what they are there for!  Hang in!  xo Sue and Sammy

San Diego, CA
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29 October 2010
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2 November 2011 - 9:01 am
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Welcome to you and Charlie. You have found the site no one wants to join but everyone is glad they did. I'm pretty sure you won't find a more supportive, nice group of folks on the 'net anywhere!

We didn't have bruising with Abby, but as others said it is normal.

These next 2 weeks can be rough. Be prepared for ups and downs. Charlie may not start to really act like his old self until the staples are out/meds are done. Be sure to come here with questions, or just when you need some support. Please keep us updated and, yes, we are noisy - we'd love to hear more about your handsome boy.

All the best,
Jackie, Abby's mom

Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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2 November 2011 - 12:51 pm
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Welcome Charlie! Paws up for a great recovery!

The bruising will get worse, then get better. It's very normal. Our Tripawds photo gallery has many pictures of bruising.

If there is any discharge or foul odor, call your vet. It may not be serious but it's good to keep the docs aware of what's going on. And us too, we'll help however we can. Good luck!

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

Plainfield, Illinois
Member Since:
14 May 2011
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2 November 2011 - 3:47 pm
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Hi Charlie's Pawrents,

 

Chili Dawg had horrible bruising- and it was not pretty.  That's actually how I found this website.  When I googled post-amputation bruising, one of the websites that came up with pictures was the tripawds site.  What everyone else said is true, if there is a discharge or foul odor call your vet.  Get some rest- the first 2 weeks are tough, but you found a great place to come for support and encouragement, so welcome!

 

Jenna & Spirit Chili Dawg

Diagnosed with OSA: 5/2/2011 Ampuversary: 5/11/2011 OSA returned in hip: 8/26/2011
Chili Dawg crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 8/30/2011 & is now pain free. He was my heart dog, and I miss him every day.

Member Since:
13 June 2011
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2 November 2011 - 3:55 pm
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Bo was a front left amp had pretty bad bruising too. It was deep purple/pink/blue, swollen, and like Jenna said, not pretty. We did lots of "ice therapy" on the incision. Just an ice pack wrapped in a dish towel on the incision site for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a day. It helped with swelling/bruising and pain as well. Of course, if you are concerned definitely call you vet.

Good luck for a safe recovery and keep us updated!!

Member Since:
27 October 2011
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3 November 2011 - 2:22 pm
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Wow...you all are so wonderful...I'm crying!  Wish I could hug you all!!!  So nice to talk to people who relate.  I'm still trying to figure out how to use this site and post Charlie's story, etc.  I have had to come back to work today, so, have not really had the time.  My husband and in-laws have been right there with him today and will continue to be.  I don't know if we'll ever leave him home alone again...We have been sleeping by his side since his arrival back home!  Our 2 year old daughter insists Charlie just needs a bandaid and everything will be better!  I wish it was that easy!  His tail was wagging yesterday and he has quite a team to cheer him on when he rallys up the ramp into the house my husband built him his first night home.  I know he really needs his rest these first few days.  He hasn't pooped yet...any ideas...I'm assuming the pain meds/surgery have been holding "things" up?  Again thanks sooooooooo much!  We did talk to the surgeon yesterday morning and she said the bruising was normal...phew!!!  Charlie was diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma on his right front wrist.  We assumed it was a lipoma/cyst from injury, etc.  He has had it since May with no symptoms of pain to indicate anything scary to us.  When we just brought him back for a biopsy of the mass, because it hadn't changed, grown, or reabsorbed, our world was turned upside down with his diagnosis.  We really believed that the amputation would eventually be the best thing for Charlie.  We hope we've made the right decision!!!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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3 November 2011 - 2:39 pm
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charliecheese said:

I'm still trying to figure out how to use this site and post Charlie's story, etc...

So far so good! You're posting in the forums just fine and dandy! smiley

You can either add a new topic in the Share Your Story forum or start a blog to provide ongoing updates about Charlie.

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

San Diego, CA
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29 October 2010
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3 November 2011 - 2:40 pm
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It's pretty normal to not have pooped still. Abby's first poop was on day 3, so you should be due soon. (I never thought I'd be one of those parents that shares a poop story, but it was pretty funny if you could use a laugh - http://poochsmo.....great.html) I think some on here didn't see any "bizness" gettin' done until 5 or even 6 days out. Yes, the meds definitely mess with their little systems.

Abby has OSA, so I don't know much about soft tissue sarc. but others on here do and I'm sure they'll chime in.

Hang in there! It is easy to question your decision the first week when things are all crazy and you are sleep deprived, but don't do it. You DID make the right decision. There is no looking back. Go with Charlie's lead and live for today!

He sure is a handsome baby. Please give him some extra kisses from me and Abby,

Jackie, Abby's mom

Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!

krun15
12
3 November 2011 - 5:10 pm
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Yes, you made the right decision.

As Jackie said- there is no going back.  And you made this decision in Charlie's best interest and with love for him so by definition (at least around here) it is right.

Maggie didn't poop until about day 6.  But she had this spin routine she always had to do first, and she couldn't do it without falling down at first.  She was a rear amp.... and figured it out by day 6.

As far as leaving him home.... well I wouldn't worry too much about what he won't be able to do, or extra help he might need.  Let him heal up and get his balance- I bet he will surprise you!  Maggie was never left alone until her stitches came out after about 10 or 14 days.  But I had the luxury of having retired family nearby to supply day care.  Once past the sutures we were back to normal pretty much as far as a schedule.  By then I knew she could get around fine, including in and out the dog door and up and down a couple of steps.  I was comfortable leaving her home alone when needed.

Keep us posted with Charlie's progress, and come back with questions or if you just need a little support!

 

Karen and the pugapalooza

knoxville, tn
Member Since:
12 February 2010
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3 November 2011 - 5:36 pm
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geesh, gayle had a soft tissue sarcoma on her right front wrist too (grade three)...   it's a cosmic connection!!  we agree with all the prior posts, poop will come when it comes...  i think we were at day two or three when we saw poop...  we do recommend you watch the left elbow for 'scuffing'.  gayle took quite some time to figure out getting up and down with only one front leg, and she ended up with a vicious infected sore on her remaining front elbow...  just saying.  we did do five rounds of chemo, and are now doing continuing acupuncture to help with her immunity and joint issues.  keep posting your progress!!

charon & gayle

Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included).  She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.

Love Never Ends

http://etgayle

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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3 November 2011 - 8:28 pm
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I'll bet by tomorrow you'll be doing the hoppy poopy dance! If you're concerned about the lack of movement, slip some fiber in his food...steamed or canned pumpkin pulp, squash or even Metamucil will help. A teeny bit of fish oil, or even olive oil will also move things right along.

Another bit of advice....try to get back to your normal routine as soon as possible. This will reassure Charlie that you have confidence in his abilities and that everything is alright. In so many ways, your daughter is right....Charlie doesn't care that he's missing a leg, and he will get along just fine as soon as he heals. Just wait!

Glad you talked to your vet...it is so reassuring just to give them a call, isn't it?!

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

Morgantown, WV
Member Since:
26 October 2011
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3 November 2011 - 10:45 pm
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Hi Charlie's mom!  Just wanted to chime in...my Katy was diagnosed with soft tissue sarc (most likely liposarc) and her left front leg was amputated 2 days ago.  She is PURPLE!  I mean her whole chest, looks like she's been doused in fine wine.  But it's normal, there are a lot of blood vessels in there that get broken and such, a lot of tissue gets rearranged.  I'm doing ice packs 3-4 times a day for about 20 minutes at a time; Katy's a bit sensitive yet and doesn't like the towel touching her, but I tuck it into her T shirt and she ends up laying on it, all good.

I know what you mean about not wanting to leave him alone.  I'm pretty fortunate in that I'm a vet tech student and I can take Katy to school with me as needed, she's been quite the case study for us.  🙂  Oh, and it is the pain meds that limit the pooping, opioids slow down the motility of the intestines.  As long as Charlie's eating, it'll come out eventually.  🙂

I'm Crystal, but you can call me Katymom.  :)  I'm Triproud of my Tripawd!

Katy Sue Sarcopski – born approx 2/03, found "the lump" 9/7/11, suspected soft tissue sarcoma (most likely liposarcoma) 10/11, became a Tripawd 11/1/11, official diagnosis of infiltrating lipoma 11/23/11

Follow her "tail" at katydidit.tripawds.com!

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