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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Post-Op Incision Infection Care
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1
7 February 2012 - 5:37 am
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Hi. My dog has an infected incision and its required a drain and day patient treatment at vet for flushing and care. I do it at night. The vet is good, but also has me worried. Talked about necrosis of tissue and flesh eating bacteria and stuff. Has anyone else had this happen?

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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2
7 February 2012 - 10:55 am
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Sorry to hear about Sadie's complications. We've moved your post here to a new topic where it will get the attention it deserves. We'd hate for your question to get buried in Happy's thread where you originally posted.

Post-op seromas and fluid buildup are to be expected. Infections are not. This video discussing common post-amputation complications describes what to look for in seromas gone bad, among other things. Below are a few other posts from the Tripawds News blog you may find helpful:

Amputation Wound Care for Post-Surgery Dogs

One Vet’s Canine Amputation Surgery and Recovery Tips

Dog Leg Amputation Seromas: What You Need to Know

Hope this helps! You can search all blogs here.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

3
7 February 2012 - 12:31 pm
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Thank you for all the info. It is sooo helpful. You have been so generous with your time and patience! ( me and technology) 🙂 I started  out on this site, explaining and explaining and then realized....you guys get it!!  Please know how you have helped me. Sadie is in "day patient" care to flush drain and infection several times/day. I do cares at night. No news yet as to further tx plan or how things are looking. One day at a time. I look forward to the end of "hell weeks"...the vet left me with this: "Sadie says "thank you for giving me a chance." Ahhhh, perspective---eyes off me and on her! 

On The Road


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4
7 February 2012 - 12:45 pm
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Sounds like you now "get it" too! 🙂 Please keep us posted.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

krun15
5
7 February 2012 - 1:00 pm
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Hi Dee40,

Welcome to Tripawds.  I'm sorry Sadie is having complications.  In the best circumstances the recovery period is tough- but I think you guys are unfortunately at a whole new level.

One day at a time is the only way to deal with any of this stuff.  What is the vet saying about recovery time?  Necrosis and bacteria are scary words!  How is Sadie doing otherwise?

You have found a whole community of folks here who 'get it'.  I don't have any experience with infection at this level, but I have dealt with serious eye ulcerations and bacterial infections in all my pugs and I know what effort it takes to get over them. I am rooting for Sadie to get over this hurdle.

Keep us posted on her progress.

 

Karen and the pugapalooza

Member Since:
18 January 2012
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6
7 February 2012 - 7:07 pm
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So sorry you're going through this complication!  It's tough enough to deal with the normal amp recovery without infections to worry about.  Remember to take care of yourself so you can be up and positive for Sadie. Get rest when you can and don't forget to breathe!

I'd love to learn more about your precious Sadie when you get a chance.

May you have many wags and wiggles when you get through this temporarily terrible time.

Judy and Baby

Las Vegas, Nevada
Member Since:
14 August 2009
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7
7 February 2012 - 8:47 pm
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Oh, I'm so sorry to hear!  I know you've gotten good advice from admin.  I don't have any experience, but just want to send you healing wishes.

Her Retired AvatarComet - 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.

8
8 February 2012 - 5:42 am
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Sadie continues her "day treatment" but today I'm concerned. Last night her incision and drain put out alot of junk and her skin is affected despite our strict regimen. My husband and I were up throughout the night changing and cleaning her. She won't eat or drink and is very warm...I know she has an ongoing fever. Yesterday was 104. Her incision is also bulging more and rock hard and hot to touch.  I am on my way in with her now, but I do not see any improvement. At this moment, I feel she is suffering.

Rock Hill, SC
Member Since:
28 November 2011
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9
8 February 2012 - 7:12 am
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Judy said:

Get rest when you can and don't forget to breathe.

So funny that Judy said that.  During that first couple of weeks I would find myself holding my breath quite often.  Greg would tell me to calm down and breathe.

I am sorry you have encountered these issues.  I hope the vet is able to get this under control quickly.  Please keep us updated!

Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11.  A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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10
8 February 2012 - 10:05 am
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Oh poor girl. Hang in there Dee, lots of dogs have ups and downs after surgery, it's not uncommon. If you are not satisfied with the answers you are getting from your vet, take her elsewhere. Paws crossed for a speedy recovery. Keep us posted.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

WYO
Member Since:
10 February 2011
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11
8 February 2012 - 4:07 pm
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I hope the visit went ok and she got the help she needed!

Is she on antibiotics too?

Said a lil prayer for you three!

12
8 February 2012 - 5:23 pm
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Hello. So sorry that Sadie had to have a complication. I know how awful and scary it is. My Valentina has complications also. She had extreme drainage and did end up getting an infection. The smell was horrendous. The vet did say that some of the tissues inside were liquifying . She had to go to the vet also and have the flushing done. They put liquid antibiotics right inside of the incision. And she was on large doses of oral antibiotics. At one point a piece of her flesh actually came out of one of the drainage holes. After that things started to get better and she finally healed. But it took 5 weeks for it to start to get better. After the 5 weeks there was a little improvement each day. Even after the incision seemed healed together it opened up a little a few times. But it ended up being ok. She was on the antibiotics for about 6 weeks total I think. I really hope that Sadie will get rid of this infection quickly. For me it was a long process and it seemed it would never end but it did. Then we went on to have 7 wonderful months together. I am so happy that I did the amputation even though the recovery period was a horrible time. Valentina was a 150 lb Great Dane. Big Dogs can sometimes have trouble healing. What kind of Dog is Sadie? Let me know if you need anything. PM me if you want. My experience may not have been exactly the same but I will try to help you in any way I can. Praying for Sadie to get rid of this infection so she can go about her life as a new Tripawd and  so you can rest your mind. 

 

Angel and Valentina Angel Dane

Las Vegas, Nevada
Member Since:
14 August 2009
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13
8 February 2012 - 10:56 pm
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Oh no!   Please update us!

Her Retired AvatarComet - 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.

14
9 February 2012 - 10:16 am
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Sadie continues with day treatment. After the bad night Wednesday, ( I really thought she wasn't going to tolerate anymore)  she went back to vet in morning. It was basically a repeat of everything I'd already been told. He did not feel it was worse, but is concerned about the area where the "L" of the incision connects. Trying to avoid dehissing. Could be looking at ongoing open wound care. However, late last night and this morning, (Thursday), I feel I have turned a corner. I just really  feel everyone's prayers and support. It's the first day I didn't cry to the vet and everyone there! Nothing is really different with our situation, but my attitude. I asked the vet to be straight up with me at all times, and I believe he has been. I know I must give Sadie time to recover, even though it is so difficult to see her in pain, not eating, etc., I just cannot spiral down anymore. My family has been in a tailspin since this happened, but I have contributed to the vibe in our home a great deal..we have talked openly about my tears and nervousness, as well as their thoughts and feelings, But it hasn't been healthy for them either. Having said that, Dr. may take drain out today. She has a hole at that "L" site, I don't know what will happen with this. She is on 7 different pills twice a day in addition to the tramadol every 6 hrs. Antibiotics for aerobic and anaerobic infections...like Staph and those ugly ones. No growth on cultures to give any other info. We will take it day by day and do what we can. Making decisions as they arise and not borrowing trouble. I haven't really talked to any neighbors yet ( they all know Sadie well), it's hard to tell this story over and over. I have been picking her up around 4:00 each day. I am confident in the vet we have and the care she is getting. It is getting VERY expensive, which I worry about, but am putting in on the back burner right now! We will be smart about this, aggressive while its appropriate, supportive and compassionate with decision making, and again, not borrowing trouble. Thank you all for your concern and prayers. I will update!

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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15
9 February 2012 - 11:35 am
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Paws up Dee, your attitude is getting better and better!

So hoppy to hear that you've got a great relationship with your vet, that really makes such a difference.

As we all learn here, day by day is all we can do to keep the pack sane at times like this. And really, it's a great way to live life too. After all, today is all we really have so why not make the most of it?

Hang in there, we are all cheering Sadie on and hoping for a fast recovery.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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