Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi,
Saturday was Fergus' one month ampuversary! He is doing well except his incision is not closing. He still has staples in a 3 inch long portion of the original site. I spoke with the vet this morning since I have run out of antibiotics (and patience). We are still limiting his activity because he is not fully healed. We have not allowed him to attempt steps because we don't want the opening to increase in size during falls. The vet wants to "go back in" and trim away more of the bone. He said with the large breeds (Fergus is an Irish Wolfhound), he thinks you need to take more of the bone. Well, now what do I do? I don't want to subject Fergus to another surgery, along with the recuperation again. I am annoyed that the doctor didn't take enough of the bone in the first place. We are a month into the process and Fergus still doesn't have his freedom. I have given up on the cone and the no bite collar. He is so long, he can contort his body so he can still lick the incision. When he has the cone on, it cuts into the incision and makes it worse. He only licks when it is oozing. Has anyone else had this issue? What did you do? Help!!
Thanks,
Tara & Fergus
Before you do anything, get another opinion. Not sure what he meant by taking more of the bone. Was this a full or partial amputation?
This isn't normal. Also, post this in "Ask a Vet." Dr. Pam has a ton of experience with giant breed Tripawds, she may be able to provide some insight.
I'm so sorry, I hope that he heals soon.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Gerry was able to lick around his original cone collar too and that delayed the healing of his incision an extra couple of weeks. Don't see why cutting more of the bone would help that issue, but I'm not a vet. Anyway, Gerry's vet had a longer-sized cone collar to offer him and that's what finally made it possibly for Gerry's incision to heal. He was so sneaky about it, I didn't even see him lick around his collar until after the two-week appointment, when they told me he must have been licking. Anyway, my advise would be to ask your vet and/or shop around for a bigger/longer cone. I don't think it is going to be able to heal as long as Fergus can keep licking it.
Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.
He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.
Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com
Hmmm, I too might be getting a second opinion. The only reason I would think he wants to take more bone is if he feels there is a part of the bone that is putting pressure on the incision and not letting it heal, not sure if that is possible but I'm just trying to think of a reason for taking more bone. Those can't be the original staples, are they? Is there any oozing or bad smell, I'm sure you would have noticed that. I sure would want to avoid a second surgery unless an absolute fix to the problem is certain. I sure wouldn't be afraid to ask a ton of questions, and hopefully you will get answers that make you feel comfortable . You might want to go with your gut if something doesn't seem right, if it says I don't like his/her answers or reasons then I wouldn't agree to a second surgery without a second opinion, and if he feels he didn't take enough bone out, I would hope they wouldn't charge you, at least full price for something that should have been done right the first time. Good luck, Spirit Gus and Dan
My buddy Gus had a left front amputation on April 7, 2010 and lived a great life until July 26,2010
Thanks for your responses! I visited with our vet this evening and he believes if he removes the staples which are still there (not originals), he can put multiple layers of sutures which should hold the incision for good. He will not touch the areas where the staples have been removed and are healed. He doesn't think he will need to trim the bone, his concern is since Fergus is constantly moving the remaining stump he is applying internal pressure to the incision. Plus, since he is so large the pounding of his body with each hop doesn't help. There is not much of a stump but with the pressure from the almost constant movement, the incision can't heal. I have decided to go ahead with the procedure. He said it should be very quick and he will draw his bloods at the same time (Fergus is due for his first post chemo blood check). He is not charging me for the procedure.
Keep your paws crossed!
Tara & Fergus
paws crossed that this procedure helps fergus get over the hump!!! it's so very stressful for all of you we know.
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
I'm glad to hear that the vet wants to make it right and without being very invasive. It sounds like a good plan. I hope it does the trick. If it won't get in the way of the new sutures,you might want to consider a rough wear harness to help keep pressure off the stitches when walking or going up the stairs. Good luck and keep us posted
Lisa
Sadie is my 9yr old Rott/Shepherd mix. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right scapula 1/28/10. Our brave girl had her amputation 2/13/10 and her last chemotherapy on 6/6/10. Unfortunately, a tumor appeared in her back right leg and on 10/7/2010 Sadie's earthly journey came to an end. On 10/24/2010 we adopted Ranger, a handsome Rott/Lab mix tripawd (got hit by a car) I think Sadie sent him to us.
http://ranger.t.....pawds.com/
Wishing the best for the procedure! YAY for 1 month!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Good luck- I hope this procedure gets that incision healed up.
Happy one month ampuversary!
Karen and the pugapalooza
Happy 1 month ampuversary to Fergus! Hopefully the procedure will let the insision heal . Any chance the vet has a mongo collar to keep him from licking? Poor guy. Hope he feels better soon.
I just heard from the vet and Fergus is in recovery. He said when he opened him up, everything that was "cushioning" the bone had shifted and needed to be re-stitched. He said because Fergus is not very gentle (like a bull in a china shop), he has banged it around too much. He has never winced in pain as he slams his body down on the floor and has slept on the amp side almost from the beginning. Now he has 3 levels of interior sutures and external staples. The doctor said he should remain dry. He is back to leash walks through Sunday and the dreaded cone is on. Hopefully, this will be the last of the amp recovery process!!
Thanks for your positive wishes!
Tara & Fergus
Wow! That is some stressful stuff to go through!!! I have a very large Great Dane and her recovery was prolonged and very stressful also. Not the same problems as Fergus but alot of healing problems and I felt like I was trapped in a bad nightmare that would never end. But we made it through and Valentina is doing absolutely fantastic now.Her 4 month Ampuversary is today and we couldn't be happier! Hang in there and as hard as it is, stay positive!! I am glad the vet figured out what to do about the problem and he isn't charging you for the second surgery. Valentina almost had to have a second surgery but she ended up getting better right before we were about to do that. So sorry that the two of you have had to go through a second surgery. I do think that it can be alot harder for the Xlarge breeds to heal than smaller Dogs. I will pray that Fergus will have outstanding healing this time around. 
Poor Fergus. Hope he finishes healing up quickly now!
He is such a handsome boy!
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!
I vote that this surgery fixed everything and once healed Fergus will be on his way!!
Karen and the pugapalooza
Fergus came home from the procedure last night which was quite an adventure. He was high as a kite!! He couldn't walk on his own, had his tongue hanging out of the side of his mouth, wandered around in circles on potty walks, wouldn't eat/drink and whined. Needless to say, last night was rough. This morning he woke up and was a happy, normal guy. He was looking to play with his brothers and wanted a hearty breakfast. He must have had a bad reaction to the pain meds. It was much worse than when he had the fentanyl patch post amp. Best news...he is no longer bleeding! YAY!! After cleaning him and his bedding for a month +, this is huge. The incision looks great. Hopefully, this will do the trick. Thanks again for all the positive thoughts.
Keep your paws, fingers and toes crossed that Fergus is on his way to being staple and stitch free!!
Tara & Fergus
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