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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Hello to all. I just discovered this site, and am VERY happy that I have done so. My 10yo white german shepard had her left front leg amputated last Wednesday due to fibrosarcoma in her ankle.
It has been one rough weekend what with morphine whinning, being bitten three times (owch) because Angel was totally out of it and was not going to be pushed, and everything else.
I was hoping someone could give me a little encouragement right now. This morning I was noticing her incisions. The one where her leg was is raised (the swelling from surgery has gone). The skin is red, but I think that is just bruising. It is warm, but not hot to the touch, and I think she was just laying on that side earlier. I was hoping that it is just irritated tissue around that site. My vet is out until tomorrow, and I'm trying not to panic.
Any other tripawed's have something like this?
Sorry to hear of the rough weekend you had. If she gets agitated like that, maybe she just wants some quiet time and rest.
I think it is common to have the skin around the incision to turn pinkish or even red, and a little puffy. Genie had that too the first week post-op.
Before you can get to see the vet, perhaps wrap an ice pack with a towel, and apply to the area 20 mins on and off, just to give her some sense of coolness.
Hope everything is fine. Keep us posted!
Hi Equinut,
Sorry things have been so rough for your girl. I agree, a little quiet time may be in order. Radar didn't want to be bothered but didn't want to be alone either. Just being in the same room was enough for him but each dog is different in this. Radar had his first dressing change yesterday, and yes there was redness around the incision. The vet said this was normal and should subside. but she did take his temp to be sure.
If you girl isn't running a temp and is on antibiotics I would not panic at this point in time.
Hi and welcome. I'm sorry to hear about Angels diagnosis and surgery but I'm glad you've found us. I hope we can make the journey a little easier for you.
Where abouts in the world are you?
Darcy – tripawd since 16th October 2007.
***Darcy would love to be your friend on Facebook - just search for Darcy Deerhound***
Likewise, thank you so much for joining us. We're sorry about the diagnosis, but hope we can help make it easier in some way.
Everyone's advice is spot on (thanks all!). I too had swelling, which did turn into a seroma and it had to be drained in the doc's office. But that isn't life threatening in any way, and is quite normal. Just keep an eye out for excessive puffiness and swooshing around near the incision. You'll know it when you see it. If that happens, a vet visit is probably in order.
The next few weeks will be a challenge, to say the least. But do try to take heart in the fact that your girl is still with you, and that she is out of pain and ready to love life all over again. My pawrents like to say that they look at us dogs, and get inspired by our resiliency and courage. Once you see that in Angel, things will be easier to cope with. Stay focused on healing, and things will get better.
We're here for you, please let us know how we can help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks to all of you!! After reading all of your comments, I feel a little better. Last night Angel came up the stairs to greet me, went outside, did her business, and came back in and ate a full meal. I was so excited! I gave her some pain meds before bed.
This morning, she went outside, did business, came in laid down and wouldn't eat. She growled at me when I brought her food, and looked like she was disoriented. I was thinking maybe it was the meds, so I didn't give her any this morning. We'll see how she is later on. The incision was cool to the touch, so with all of your comments, I am trying to keep positive. Thanks again to all of you. (I'm in Utah, by the way).
Sounds like you're thinking is correct. The pain meds are most likely making Angel grumpy, I think that's what she's trying to tell you. Watch her for signs that she is in pain, and if you don't think she is, then wean her off the meds.
Yes, stay pawsitive, it really makes a BIG difference in our healing!
Love,
Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Angel - I hope you're feeling better. I had a very hard time with the meds too - I just sat there and panted and stared at mom. It's a little bit of trial and error the first couple weeks...we're trying to adjust and figure things out like stability, stairs and potty...even just getting up and laying down is hard to figure out at first! Not to mention - wow - we just had major surgery and darn it - it hurts a little bit...the skin itches and is red and swollen. I felt so much better after 2 weeks when I went and had my bandage and stitches removed - it was amazing the difference...my old personality was back. I still have some days where I'm more tired than usual, but that's the way it goes and mom and I just remember that I'm here and that's all that matters.
Mom made me rest a lot and read to me and just hung out with me...she stayed really positive and upbeat even when she felt like crying about what I went through. It helped my recovery immensely.
We're sending lots of love and positive healing energy your way...please keep us posted.
Love Zeus and Mom.
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
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