Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Our chocolate lab 7 years old had front leg amputated due to osteosarcoma on Dec 19, 2019. She worried us by not eating for 9 days, went 30 hours without urinating and just not moving without a lot of assistance. 9 days later she got up on her own and walked and started eating.
The unfortunate thing is in the surgical area there was a triangle of dead skin. It turns out there is a gap between the dead skin and underlying tissue so there was no blood supply to the skin. This is about 1 1/2 inch deep and 2 - 3 inches wide. Additionally in that wound area is a pencil size hole another inch or so deep. We have been doctoring this wound for 2 weeks. We clean it, put ionoform in it (sp). Then apply a wet gauze and cover with nonstick. We keep a white tee shirt on her .... once the dressing comes off keeping the shirt on the vet says air is good for it. It’s healing but we have to keep her on pain medicine and she is delayed starting chemo. I’m so wondering if we are managing this correctly... I worry if we should have a 2nd opinion. Also it’s healing and she scratched it. Oh my my heart is heavy. Any help? Thank you.
Hi and welcome! We are so glad you joined us. Is this Allie's family?
Wound complications aren't uncommon, unfortunately--even for something that lasts as long as your dog's has. Do you have any photos you can share? Here are instructions for adding images to the forums. Let me know if you need help.
And from what you're describing, things could be worse. I know your'e worried, but it does sound like you are managing it well. Is the wound care based on your vet's instructions? If there is any fluid leakage, did your vet take any samples to make sure that MRSA isn't happening?
This is a great time to keep the dreaded cone of shame on her to make sure she doesn't do any more damage. I know it's not fun for anyone to have her wear that, but it's one way to protect the area. Watch tomorrow's Tripawds Gear Blog post, when we review a cone of shame alternative, the VetMedWear Tripawd Surgery Suit.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just wanted to say hello. Brownie also a choc lab had front leg amputation due to OST. Brownie's tumor was on his ankle, but amputation included the shoulder. Brownie has a few years on your baby. Brownie was 10 days before his 12th birthday. I would love to see photos of your girl?.
I can't help with the wound. No experience in this area. Did she have the dead skin before surgery? Brownie was on medication for three weeks. Starting tampering down on week three. Brownie mostly slept the first two weeks. Potty breaks then back to sleep. He was on tramadol, gabetin, antibiotics and a fetinol patch. Brownie came home without a bandage. He only had tape around his fetinol patch to keep it in place. I know this time is scary. But I was more scared then Brownie. I freaked out when Brownie got a pressure sore on his elbow. Have you took her back in for the vet to see the wound?
From one choc lab lover to another I would love to hear more about your girl. I know labs are sweet, loveable, and most of all strong. Brownie and I are sending good thoughts for a speedy recovery.
Brownie always enjoyed belly rubs during recovery. Can't wait to see some pictures of your girl.
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Hi Jerry,
thank you for the response. We are under vet supervision, we go once a week to examine the wound and evaluate. The cone of shame didn’t help, she is not trying to lick it but use her hind leg to scratch it. We lay a towel over the shoulder an$ put dog boots on, at least she won’t catch it with a nail. I’ll get a picture to post on next cleaning time.
Thank you.
Check out our Gear Shop for the after surgery suit. That may help.
You're doing a great job under challeging circumstances.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too !
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Sorry to hear about the wound not healing. I'm not a vet and not experienced in healing wounds but your story reminded me of a cat who had the same problems. The name Hattie seems to ring a bell. I believe the cat was taken to a holistic vet who found the cat had a yeast infection.
All the best,
Kerren
benny55 said
Check out our Gear Shop for the after surgery suit.
Yep! Here it is. The recovery suit we've all been waiting for!
Finally, an Amputation Recovery Suit for Tripawds!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Today’s follow up vet visit included a suggestion to surgically bring the skin together and hope we don’t get a pocket and the skin attached to the tissue and thrives. We decided yes let’s do this. Next will be a consult with the oncologist.
You might ask your vet about applying (pharmaceutical grade) manuka honey. Meg had problems healing after previous surgeries and this seemed to help. It’s naturally antibiotic and also soothing, which may help with the scratching if it’s itchiness that’s causing her to do it.
Meg, Clare and Angel Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
megstamum said
You might ask your vet about applying (pharmaceutical grade) manuka honey.
Great point! Yes many Tripawds here have seen success with honey wraps. Here's a blog post that discusses how it can help.
How Manuka Honey Helps Heal Wounds
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Jackie,
I am also Jackie and I brought this here so that we don't hijack Brownie's thread. I found your thread so that maybe we can help you. Has your pup had problems since December?? Pain this whole time? What happened to the incision area, as I see here you were having a problem with healing.
Did she ever fully recover? You mentioned in Brownie's thread that she has been this way a long while. So, when you took her in was this the same doctor?
I hope you get this and if you can give us more information maybe we can help you. Is your pup's name Jade?
I am so sorry you are going through this. Please respond and maybe we can help you with this.
Hugs,
Jackie and Huck 
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Hi, I just so your post in Brownie's thread. I'm so sorry you are going thru this.
Brownie was also very vocal, but after surgery he didn't make a sound. I finally bribed him with cookies to get him to bark.
Are you sure she is not in any kind of pain. Dogs are so good at hiding their pain. They feel it is a sign of weakness, and will be eliminated from the pack. Of course we know that won't happen!
Brownie developed arthritis in his spine and the vet put him back on Rimidyl and pain meds for night. It did help. He also enjoyed a massage.
Please let us know how she is doing. Positive thoughts.
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
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