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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Problems with incision nearly 4 months post-op!
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Member Since:
20 March 2013
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18 July 2013 - 1:51 pm
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I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced anything similar. Neiman was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and had his front left leg amputated in March. Last Friday I came home from work and was petting him when I noticed blood trickling down his shoulder at the amputation site and dripping onto his bed. When I took him to the vet, they shaved the area and found that the incision appeared to be opening up. They cut away some dead tissue and stapled the area. Does anyone know why such a thing would happen? Is there any way to prevent this from ever happening again?

Rock Hill, SC
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28 November 2011
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18 July 2013 - 7:07 pm
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We did have an incision problem with our dog Merlin after he had TPLO surgery for a ruptured ACL.  He seemed really bothered by his incision - sometimes he would wince and jump a little and then look at it like something had pinched him.  Also, one tiny (1 cm) spot in his incision didn't seem to be growing together like the rest, even though he never licked or bothered it.  We finally took him to the vet and here's what we discovered:  With most major surgeries (amputation included!) there is an internal set of stitches and also the external ones that you can see.  Apparently, the surgeon had tied off the internal stitches and left the "ears" of the knot too long.  Since the stitches are very stiff, those "ears" were working back and forth when he moved and basically ripping the incision back open over and over in that one spot.  This led to the exterior incision also not healing.  The vet had to re-open the outer incision a bit, clip the "ears" from the knot on the internal stitches and then sew up the outer incision in that spot.  That seemed to do the trick.

Not sure if that is what is happening with your kiddo, but worth keeping an eye on!  Good luck!

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


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24 September 2009
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18 July 2013 - 7:29 pm
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I'm so sorry, how scary! I know incision problems can indeed happen this late after surgery, and I also think a lot of times its the internal stitches that were the culprit. I'm doubtful it could have been prevented really. What did the vet tell you?

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

Member Since:
20 March 2013
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18 July 2013 - 8:37 pm
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Unfortunately I was not able to speak to the vet - they were swamped when I called in a panic, and one of the techs squeezed him in between appointments. I need to stop in tomorrow to pick up Neiman's thyroid meds, so I can ask then if she's not too busy.

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18 July 2013 - 8:38 pm
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Thank you for the responses - That's so troubling that internal stitches can cause such a huge problem!

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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18 July 2013 - 9:21 pm
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'Have zero insight to offer. Jist want you to know I'm sorrry ou're dealing with this but it does sound very fixable. I cannot imagie how much better he'll feel omce this "situatin" is corrected? This site is an amaing source of information! "zeus explained it very well!

Kep us posted. Semdimg you a dose of relaxation tonight!

Take care,
Sally and Hapoy Hannah

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!

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