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!
I am new to this group but glad i found it. I have just rescued a 4 month old puppy who was hit by a car, vet suspects the injury was 7-9 days old by the time I found him. The compound fracture, breaks and awful infection led to his back leg being amputated. 4 days after his surgery i brought him home, with the vet advising me that he should have space to move around to keep his joints moving and allow him to adapt to movement on 3 legs. I was quite shocked that he was able to move around so quickly after surgery, I kept him in him confined area big enough to walk around but not so big for him to over exercise (he is in a small bedroom of the house). However, yesterday I was horrified to see bloody fluid pouring out of his wound (through the staples). I rushed him to the vet, and she told me this fluid build up was normal, which has been drained and now flushed in case of any infection. She also said it is likely because he has been moving too much? I am confused now, I have done some research and most sites advise getting the tripod moving as soon as they are able, and now he has build up of fluid from moving? Should I crate him and bring him out periodically for small amounts of exercise? He doesn't move around that much as it is, mainly when I go to feed him or he needs the toilet are the only times he's been hopping around. Any advise on post op treatment would be greatly appreciated...this is my first time 
Hi and welcome! We're glad you found us to. What is your puppy's name? He's a young one and so lucky to find you.
Yes, that was a seroma that occurred and it's very common (see link for info). As long as the fluid isn't more bloody than watery, doesn't smell or look green, it's normal. It does occur when a new amputee gets too much movement, usually it's more common with front leg amputees but it's not unheard of for rear leggers.
We've been told by vets that keeping a patient quiet and in a confined / limited space during recovery is the best way to avoid too much movement and help them heal. I think the definition of "exercise" and "movement" is very subjective so that's where the confusion happens. For amputees, yes, you do want to make sure they're getting up and able to drink water, eat, and go potty. But anything more than leashed potty walks is too much work until stitches come out. Even then, you have to take it slow afterward and build up gradually. Our Tripawds Gear blog and e-book Loving Life On Three Legs has lots of tips.
Young amputee puppies have a unique situation because they haven't quite built up motor skills necessary to get around as well as adult dogs. If you are able I'd highly recommend having your dog assessed by a certified canine rehab therapist who can show you safe and effective ways to exercise your dog as he grows. Here are some posts that explain about rehab therapy:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hope pup is doing well!
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
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