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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Freaking Out Day of Surgery
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Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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5 October 2018 - 11:52 am
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YAAAAAY FOR PEE IN HER BED!!!   YAAAAAY FOR RUNNY POOH!!!  Yeah, it counts!!😎

YAAAAY FOR STARTING TO GET HER SEA LEGS BACK!!

Peggy is one tough gal.  And rest is really good right now.   

Update  when you get back from the Vet.  Sounds like her "stink" is more from her pooh than any infection  in the incision .  Her poop will normalize shortly.  All the hospital  meds, etc can make for yucky poo.  

Give that sweet gal a smooch for us ❤

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!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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5 October 2018 - 3:55 pm
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Things only a new Tripawd mom could appreciate! That's great news that at least she went. And so smart of you to take her in just in case. Good job! 

Let us know what the vet says about the odor. 

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

Member Since:
1 October 2017
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6 October 2018 - 9:10 pm
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How is your little girlie doing? Odor gone? Hope all is well ❤️

Hugs,

Jackie and Huckleberry ❤️

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

Member Since:
3 October 2018
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7 October 2018 - 12:53 pm
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Had a hard recovery night last night. When Peggy had her surgery, they sewed on a bandage and a larger wrap around her torso — they just didn't want to take any risks with her going after the wound. Last night, we saw a little bit of seepage coming out of the bandage. It looked like seroma seepage, but still, wanted to be sure — and see if the bandage needed to come off — so we took her to the emergency vet. (Luckily, it was the same amazing emergency vet who worked with Peggy after she was in the car accident). 

They upwrapped her and clipped off the bandage and there is indeed a seroma . A lot of swelling, and a few "raw" spots around the staples. The staples haven't come out at all, but a lot of the seepage is coming out of those raw spots. They cleaned the wound with soap and warm water, upped her anti-biotics, instructed us to periodically and gently with soap and warm water, and said that the rest of the incision is in amazing health.

We've been icing with a bag of peas every other hour. The site does not smell, and there's no pus, but wow the seroma fluid just keeps coming, and I hate the look of those raw spots. We've checked in with the vet a few times and they've assured us it's okay — we're going to see our normal vet, who performed the surgery, on Monday, and they'll see how to proceed. She's still eating a ton, pooping solid (although not on her own outside yet, one thing at a time), and on sedatives. (When they wear off, she's very alert and happy and doesn't seem to be bothered by the cleaning or the seepage). It's just a lot to deal with! I slept on the floor with her last night and cleaned the seepage every two hours. My partner took over in the morning and I got some uninterrupted sleep, but hoping the worst of it is over.  

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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7 October 2018 - 1:09 pm
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Overall it sounds like she is doing great...good job!

Keep doing what you are doing- the seepage will slow down eventually.  And keep talking with your vet and keep and eye on the incision just like you are doing. 

Can you get some incontinence pads or puppy pads?  Both work great for absorbing fluids.  I like the incontinence pads for people because they come in bigger sizes than puppy pads. The pads might save some laundry.

Since she is alert and happy off the meds, and is eating and eliminating I would guess there is nothing to worry about.  Keep doing what you are doing and see your vet tomorrow to be sure. 

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Member Since:
1 October 2017
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7 October 2018 - 3:04 pm
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Sounds like you are all over it, way to go! I know the seepage is gross but definitely better out than in. That's a good sign that things are moving in the right direction. I agree with Karen on pads, they will help keep things protected and save you on laundry duty. Lord knows you need every little break you can get right now.

Slow but sure you are getting there. I know complications are worrisome and frustrating but this really is fairly common and as long as you stay on top of it you should all be fine.

Hugs,

Jackie and Huck ❤️

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

Member Since:
3 October 2018
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7 October 2018 - 4:09 pm
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This makes me feel SO much better. I'm still concerned about the raw spot near the staples in one area, but yes — so long as it's not infected, and she's eating and drinking (and peeing and pooping), then I can deal with seepage all day long. The cold compresses really seem to help as well. 

Thank you all for your assurances, it really means the world. Will update after vet trip tomorrow. 

Member Since:
1 October 2017
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7 October 2018 - 6:00 pm
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Good deal, will look for your post. Honestly, those staples look rough, I can just imagine it, but it beats them having to create another hole and put a drain in. That would probably have happened if it didn't leak on it's own. The higher antibiotics will help ward against infection setting in, and after the staple removal and it heals you probably won't even know it was there. 

Huck was feral, he decided to take a few staples out on his own and I was a mess. He was re stapled, and omg a few of them made my skin crawl they looked so nasty. He did fine. Even if Peggy gets a few little scars, you will be amazed at how much you WON'T see after this is all done. You are doing everything you are supposed to. Those compresses and that draining are the best thing for her right now. Hopefully soon she will be on her feet and starting to go outside to eliminate, but right now keeping her quiet is so important. Activity can make the seroma take longer to heal. I know it is a double edged sword, but if you can get some pee pads, incontinence pads, anything easy to dispose of that will help you. 

Eating, drinking, medicine, rest, and being able to pee and poo are top priorities right at this time and it looks like you are all over it heart

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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7 October 2018 - 7:47 pm
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Give  yourself a pat on the back.  You are doing a GREAT job!!   Now give Peggy a vig smooch for us  and tell her she's  doing a great job too!!😎

I'm  sure you're  already doing this, but put a cloth  between her skin and the ice pack (or frozen pea bag), just to make sure those "raw spots" don't  get freezer burn.

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!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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25
8 October 2018 - 8:24 am
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I know it's so scary but it's not that uncommon for loads of fluid build-up. And it sounds like she is doing great otherwise, that's terrific! I really love the way you are so vigilant and watching the area around the incision. As long as you keep an eye on it and remain in contact with your vet (remember, you are NOT bothering them, things will go smoothly. Let us know how the vet visit goes today!

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

Member Since:
28 August 2018
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8 October 2018 - 4:34 pm
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Wow you've got your work cut out for you but what dedication! Glad there was no infection and hopefully the drainage will slow down. Thanks for the update.

Valheart

Member Since:
3 October 2018
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10 October 2018 - 1:43 pm
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Hi all — Went to our regular vet on Monday, who advised to stop cleaning quite so much (and thus allow it to heal a little more). Such a fine line between letting all the seroma fluid out but also wanting the rough spots to heal! The vet said that this is something that happens about once every 20 amputations, and of course we're that lucky 1 in 20. On Tuesday, vet rebandaged her to protect it a bit more, and it's still oozing but slowly decreasing. No infection, and I felt comfortable enough with it covered last night to put her in her crate in our bedroom with her e-collar and a pair of boxers (instead of sleeping next to her on an air mattress in the living room). 

She's going in every day to have it professionally cleaned and rebandaged, which is a great relief. I feel very lucky to have such a vigilant vet.  

Member Since:
28 August 2018
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10 October 2018 - 2:04 pm
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Aww I just love Peggy's smile! Glad you got to sleep in a real bed last night!

Valheart

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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10 October 2018 - 6:32 pm
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Whew that's a big relief! I think your vet is terrific, how wonderful they are taking such great care of her! Glad to hear you are finding your new normal too. Good job!

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

Member Since:
1 October 2017
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10 October 2018 - 7:03 pm
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Wonderful news! So glad she's moving forward and you finally (hopefully) got a more restful sleep. 

You are doing a phenomenal job, just phenomenal!! Please give her some belly rubs ❤️❤️

Hugs,

Jackie and Huckster ❤️

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

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