Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone,
First I would just like to thank this entire community and the support you provide for so many scared tripawd (or soon-to-be) parents.
Our story is unfortunately not an uncommon one: Finn is a 6-year-old Great Dane who weighs 160 pounds. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma 5 weeks ago and was told he was not a candidate for amputation. Thank goodness we read lots of things here and went for a second opinion. Today is 4 days post-op from removing his front left leg. He is doing relatively well although I have noticed his bruising swelling is going down into his good front right leg. Has anyone else found this to be a normal recovery side effect?
finnthedane said
I have noticed his bruising swelling is going down into his good front right leg...
Yes, bruising can get ugly. Check the Treatment Pics Gallery for many examples. But we are not vets, please consult your vet with any serious concerns. Post a photo so we can all provide better feedback and check the various posts about post-amputation side effects in the Tripawds News blog .
While you wait for comments from others, use the Advanced Search above to refine your forum search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback. You can also search all blogs here . Or, consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to common concerns and feel free to call the toll-free Tripawds Helpline anytime!
Please keep us posted. Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Finn's family! Griffin also had forelimb amputation surgery and experienced a lot of bruising which spread down his torso and covered his groin. He also had multiple seromas (fluid filled swellings) that started in his belly away from the incision and then migrated up to his chest. I took photos and sent them to his surgeon just to be on the safe side. The vet said that bruising is very common and is more noticeable on light colored dogs and that the seromas would resolve on their own (which they did). I hope you were able to contact your vet for reassurance and I look forward to following Finn's recovery! Sending healing vibes from NYC! ~ Stacy
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
Thank you both for your responses. I believe that the blood and fluid might just be migrating from the incision site down his leg. And yes, because he has such short and lighter fur, it is much more noticeable. Overall his swelling has gone down significantly in the last 24 hours which I’m thrilled about. I planned to keep an eye on his leg and contact the vet if it gets too concerning. I tried to post a picture but couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong!
Regardless, thank you. And thanks Stacy for the healing vibes, we definitely need them <3
Online
Welcome to the family Finn! Sooo glad your hooman got a second opinion so you can now have a xhance at a quality pain free life!! We've had many wonderful Great Danes here live lofe to the fullest once that bum leg was gone.
Recovery is no fun about two weeks, but doesn't last furever. Yeah, if you have any c about the bruising/swelling contact uour Vet. As others have said, it sounds pretty normal though.
Here's a link for adding images . Can't wait to see pics of this handsome boy.
Keep us posted and let us know if you have any questions.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Thank you so much, Sally! The swelling looks to be much better this morning.
I’m going to work on blogging his journey to keep everyone in the loop and to maybe help another Great Dane parent feel at ease that even the big guys do well.
Here is our sweet boy resting yesterday.
Such a handsome boy! Thanks for the picture, we always like seeing our TRIPAWD ROCKSTARS especially when they're this handsome.!
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!
Finn! It's so good to see you here! I was away yesterday and what a treat to see that you and your momma have posted in the Forums. Welcome!
I'm happy the bruising seems better. How's everything else? Appetite? Thirst? Any 
?
It would be terrific if you started a blog. And if you'd like technical support for it just holler. I see you already figured out photos, good for you!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you, Jerry 🙂 we are honored to be a part of this group!
Everything else seems to be great. He had his first 💩 this morning which was a relief (for both of us). His appetite and thirst are back to normal. I think he definitely turned a corner this morning because we even got some smiles and tail wagging while lounging in the front yard.
What a handsome fella! Yay for the first poop and yay for eating/drinking normally! Griffin and I are sending healing vibes and we hope Finn's recovery continues smoothly! ~ Stacy
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
Wooohoooo! Yay for the first doo-doo! That's terrific news and reason to celebrate! Spoil that boy rotten, he's on his way.
He does look very alert in the photo. I'm so happy to things are good. Paws crossed they stay that way. Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
WOW! We have poop and smiles and tail wags already?
And we have eating and drinking normally too?
Now that's what we call around around here, ahead-of-the-curve! 😎😎
Just thrilled to read this update. Thank you so much for sharing.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Thank you, guys! We are also praying recovery keeps going like this.
There may be something about this already on the site but I couldn’t find anything. Has anyone had their pup prefer to lie on their incision side? He has been alternating sides throughout the day and he seems just as comfy, if not comfier, when on his incision side. Not good? Or OK?
Hi! Griffin did the same thing pretty soon after surgery. He had internal stitches, so there was nothing to poke him and I figured that the compression maybe felt good. I found a forum here from a few years ago that addresses the question of laying on the incision - I hope it helps! ~ Stacy
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
Actually, that's a good indication the incision is not too painful, so that's good! And as Stacy said, the "compression " feels good. No worries.
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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