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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Bruising after Surgery
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Sacramento
Member Since:
2 March 2009
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8 March 2009 - 12:22 am
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Montana who had her leg amputated on Mar 3, we have noticed that her bruising on her incision sight has gotten worse is this normal ?

She also seems alittle more lethargic and more reluctant eat last nite and today is this to be expected also?

Metro Kansas City
Member Since:
23 October 2008
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8 March 2009 - 3:41 am
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Is the bruising a seroma ? Seromas are common at this point after surgery and can be very mild to large ones that need to be drained. Is it hot to the touch?

During these first 2 weeks you will go through a lot of different things. I think the lack of energy is pretty common at this point. Many of us have tried all kinds of foods to get our kids to eat during the first couple of weeks post-amp.

Hang in there and take it one day at a time.

Janie & Calamity

Janie & Calamity http://www.trix.....gspot.com/

Member Since:
17 December 2008
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8 March 2009 - 11:18 am
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This post brings back memories! Max had lots of bruising, too and just like a human bruise, it looks worse as time goes on and then fades. If you arent comfortable, though, call your vet. Its the best way to determine if something is really wrong and will put your mind at ease. Most of us have called about things we later thought were silly, but at the time, really freaked us out. These first two weeks are RUFF!!!

As for the food…..my gosh, Max would only eat a small amount of canned food ONLY and would only drink water with ice in it for the first 10 days. I had to bring it to him…otherwise it was no water or food.

 Remember that the meds make them feel differently and Im sure things dont taste the same either. Max lived on small amounts of canned food and deli ham and turkey for most of the 2 week recovery time. Ive even seen posts where people have fed cat food to get their dogs to eat. The smellier the better!

Max slept for most of those 2 weeks too.....their bodies have been through alot and are healing.

Its all part of the journey, but you will come out of the dark soon and things will be back to normal.Laugh

Keep us posted on your progress!! Sending lots of pawsitive thoughts your way!!

Paula and Spirit Max

Northern CA
Member Since:
23 December 2008
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8 March 2009 - 12:37 pm
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Janette,

Wrigley had bruising- she had seromas, she had hemotomas, she had leaking from the incision site ( that took us back to  VCA on a Sunday) . There are so many things that may go on during this 2 week recovery period.  Her appetite was good some days, bad the others. I fed her cooked chicken, beef, and lots of canned food during that recovery period just to get her to eat. And most of the time she only ate if I brought the bowl to her and sat there with her while she ate ( especially the first week). Just try and remember their bodies have been through a lot, they are medicated so they are not feeling themselves so this recovery is a very trying period. But it really is only 2 weeks. After that you will be amazed at how different they can be.

I made several trips back to my vet to have them "check things out" for me, just to put my mind at ease during this time, so if you have any doubts, Paula's right, give the vet a call, and don't hesitate to have them check it out.  Montana had her surgery  at the VCA referral didnt' she? That is good since they are there 24/7 so call them if you need to put your mind at ease.

Hang in there - stay strong- 2 weeks will be over before you know it.

Seanne and Wrigley

Seanne and Angel Wrigley

Livermore CA
Member Since:
24 January 2009
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8 March 2009 - 1:55 pm
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I can report the same experiences, except the bruising.  Cemil didn't have much of that, but he drained a lot, and slept about 23 hours a day.  And he wouldn't eat unless I hand fed him, with ground turkey, cottage cheese, yogurt, sardines, eggs, cheese, and some kibble.  He didn't stand up to eat or drink until close to the end of the 2 weeks.  Now, almost 6 weeks after, he's happy to eat kibble with a dollop of yogurt on top (with his pills hidden in it).  Every once in awhile, he has an off day and I have to put warm chicken broth over it to entice him, but most days, he eats well.

For me as well, the two weeks were "ruff", and Cemil took another two weeks to gradually get back to something like normal.  Too many changes to get accustomed to, and medication to get off of, but after all that, I bet you'll see improvement.  Hang in there.  And if you have a 24/7 vet like I did, call  if you aren't comfortable with what's going on.  They are the best ones to advise you. We can share our experiences, but they know your dog.

Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today

Cemil's blog

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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8 March 2009 - 5:15 pm
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The bruising is probably normal healing. Don't be too concerned if fluid builds up. It can be easily drained. Lethargy and appetite are most likely related to side effects from the pain meds.

But I'm no vet, so we're glad you also posted this question in the Ask A Vet forum.

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

Seattle
Member Since:
22 February 2009
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8 March 2009 - 9:15 pm
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Oops! I posted in the "Ask a Vet" thread.--oh well

We also took Willy off the pain meds after only a week, because we assumed that the lethargy was a result of them. He didn't seem to be in pain, but I now wish that we had left him on them a bit longer. He also had some strange pain spikes--yelping when just sitting or laying down, not moving. We attributed those to the notorious "phantam limb pain". He hasn't had one of those for weeks.

Willy--diagnosed with osteosarcoma January 5, 2009 (amputation January 27, 2009) left us just after his 11th birthday on December 2, 2009 to join all the other brave tripawds. We'll always love you!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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9 March 2009 - 1:07 pm
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That's OK, sometimes experience is the best teacher. That's why we set up these forums! thanks for sharing.

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

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