Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Hi - first post! My greyhound girl Flossie had right rear amputation last Friday. She's doing really well, happy, eating well moving around brilliantly. BUT I am having real problems stopping her licking the wound. Stitches are coming out on Tuesday. Have tried T shirt, Boxer shorts. tights- she can even reach it wearing the vet collar!!! Greys have long necks and noses!! Any advice welcome. Am SO proud of her coping so well, so don't want a setback with an infection.
Brilliant site - soo glad I've found you!
Hi Flossie and mum, welcome! I'm so glad she is doing well! Yay!!
Yes the wound licking can be tough when it comes to a dog with a long neck and muzzle. When our Wyatt Ray has had surgeries of any kind we have had to "double cone" him with the plastic cone of shame and a second disc-shaped one:
The collar is a life saver. He cannot get around it with that giant muzzle of his. I'm pretty sure a Grey wouldn't either. See our blog post:
https://gear.tr.....-e-collar/
You may be able to get this collar (by Jorgensen Laboratories) on Amazon UK, let us know OK?
Also have you tried putting any anti-itch gel around the incision (not on it)? Check with your vet first but we found that a product like Microcyn or even just aloe vera gel helps ease the itch that makes them want to bite at the incision.
One last thought: sometimes dogs who aren't on enough pain medication may also take out their pain on their incision. What medications is she on?
And of course keep us posted on how she is doing. We'v had many greyhound members through the years and they do soooo well on three!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi
after reading your advice I contacted a local greyhound rescue and have managed to borrow one of those collars! (why didn't I think of that before?!) It has worked really well and she can't lick any more. I don' think she is in pain as she doesn't try to lick when I take the collar off and I am around to keep an eye on her it's only at night or if I have to leave her for a short while. Scar looks better already! She is quite a "licky" dog anyway- loves to give slobbery kisses! so I think it is a bit of a habit.
I will get some Arnica gel for after the stitches come out while the skin is still healing.
Still doing well -had a little run in the garden this morning chasing a squirrel!
Thanks again - I feel much less stressed now and so good to know we are not on our own.
Flossie sends love to all her fellow Tripawds out there.
Hi Flossie & Flossie's mum, just wanted to pop on and say welcome.
What a good idea checking with the rescue group! I would never have thought of that! Flossie sounds like shes making great progress in her recovery. Look out squirrels there will be no invading the yard today 😉
❤ Bev, Moe cat, autumn angel Roane & angel dog Gypsy
Hugs ❤ Bev, nurse Moe cat, Autumn's Angel Roane & Angel dog Gypsy 🐾
My sweet soulmate Roane was diagnosed with osteo in June of 2019. Had a rear leg amp on July 2nd & crossed the rainbow bridge to be with her sister Gypsy on the first day of Autumn Sept 23 2019.
That IS a great idea! Which collar did you borrow, the floral disc? Either way take a pic and post it here, we would love to see what worked.
Whew! Glad you got some peace of mind.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi - stitches all out yesterday! Flossie was so good and didn't complain at all. As she had already taken a couple out herself, the vet decided they could all come out! Wound looks really good and she's much more comfortable. Had a walk today and met some of her friends who were pleased to see her and her "New Look."
The collar was the floral one and really worked a treat, can certainly recommend it and seemed quite comfortable for her too.
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