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, my name is Grecia! My dog just had his front leg amputated and I was told by the vet to remove the bandage myself after 48hrs of surgery which is today. Any tips on best practices when removing the bandaging? I’m kinda nervous to do it, also my vet didn’t tell me if or how to care for the area. Also, when he goes to pee or poop he lays down and sometimes he lays of the side where the leg used to be. I’m worried that dirt will get on the healing wound, but vet said to take off bandage and not re-bandage it. Is that gonna be safe?
Hello Grecia! Welcome. What is your dog's name? I'm sorry for the amputation. What was the reason for the surgery?
Ok so it sounds like your dog is home and recovering, that's great! What kind of pain medication is he on? We always like to make sure that recovering Tripawds are receiving enough pain management to keep them comfortable. It makes recovery sooooo much easier.
About the bandage: I'm not sure what type your dog was given. If it's vet wrap, you can usually just unroll it and toss. You'll do OK, it's not hard. Many dogs don't come home with any bandage so it sounds like your vet is being extra safe, which is good. It should be totally fine. To keep the area clean you can just put a t-shirt on your dog. Make it a small one and knot the end of it so it doesn't drag on the floor when he walks.
You mentioned he's already laying on the incision site? That's terrific! Sounds like he's super comfortable already!
So, if you haven't already seen our What to Expect articles, I encourage you to hop over there and check them out. Jerry's Required Reading List also has good material to review, as do our e-books. And feel free to ask any questions you'd like OK? We are here to help!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you Jerry! His name is Sol, he’s 8 and the reason for amputation was due to a suspicious mass growth on his elbow. Started off as arthritis, and a tumor eventually grew. Leg was sent to Histology, should find out in about 2 weeks what it is.
He is currently taking tramadol 50mg (3 tablets every 12 hrs), Carprofen 75mg (1 every 12 hrs), and Amoxi/Clav 875/125 (1 every 12hrs).
The bandage is the wrap around! So gonna try taking that off shortly. I will def try the t-shirt idea, thank you.
I did just notice some redness/ irritation near the incision, is this normal? Can I upload a video or picture here?
THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE HELP
Hi Sol and Grecia! I'm sorry I missed you in the Chat again. I'm back there now for a little while if you want to talk.
If he's only getting Tramadol for pain, please keep an eye out for pain signals OK? If he got a 3-day injectable drug known as "Nocita" he's good for at least another day. But nowadays the majority of dogs come home with a nerve pain drug called Gabapentin in addition to Tramadol, which really helps lessen the risk of phantom leg pains.
OK let us know how the unwrapping of the bandage goes. As for the irritation, as long as it's not oozing a smelly, bloody fluid (it should be more watery and pink than dark and thick), it's probably fine.
This is how adding images to the Forums works.
- Upload pics to a photo sharing site like imgur.com or your own Tripawds blog!
- Right click and copy the Image URL or just copy the image if you’re on a phone
- Return to your Tripawds Forum post and paste the image URL (or the image itself) in your post. It should automatically appear.
If you’d like help figuring out the process let me know. Don't forget to include some cute pics of Sol too!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Okay I figured it out!
The unwrapping went perfectly fine, your words gave me the confidence I needed. Sol was so patient and calm as I unwrapped him, the incision area looks great with just some bruising.
He is walking and doing SO so well!! It amazes me how strong he is and I’m so happy I found this community! So far things are going great and this is only day 3.
This is Sol and his brother Rollie pre-surgery! Thank you again for all the helpful information, I’m so relieved to have found this site... thanks a million!
Awwwww! I'm so hoppy you found us too. And you got the pictures up, I'm even hoppier that he is doing so well! Yes, the incision does look great!
How is Rollie around him? Is he acting any different?
Sol is very fit looking. As long as you keep him slim (hard to do when it comes to a Lab!), he should do just fine on three legs.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Rollie is fit too! They are two really good looking Labs!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Rollie was a little nervous around him the day Sol got back from surgery, he stayed away but today they bonded and cuddled together! He was gentle and sniffed him and let Sol lick him. We also have a kitty her name is Nori- she’s been sleeping next to Sol.
So yes, I’m definitely being mindful that Sol doesn’t gain any weight! He’s def a true fatty at heart haha
What good boys! I'm always curious how siblings act around one another after surgery, it's something a lot of people worry about.
And Nori kitty was good too? WOW what a great pack!
Sounds like your furbabies are gonna do just fine.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yes I wasn’t sure if Rollie was going to jump on him with excitement like he normally does, but he saw his brother in pain when we got home and he just knew to be gentle- it was the sweetest thing! The more he saw Sol getting better, he would get a little bit closer.
Thanks again Jerry! You’ve been so helpful 🙂
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