Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Need some advice how to handle this. Jack (front-leg amputee) has a pretty swollen paw - the only one in the front he has now, of course. He's been doing pretty good since I brought him home on Friday. His paw was swollen then, went down a bit for almost two days, and started to swell again yesterday. I've been doing my best to keep him resting and laying down - I think the pain meds are making him loopy because he'll sit up for no reason and stare/sway a bit, until I remind him to lay back down.
I've tried placing his paw on a pillow or towel to elevate it a bit, but he doesn't care for that. Not sure if I should try a cold pack or something else for this. Any suggestions to help with the swelling? I'm concerned, but not yet to the point that I think I need to involve a vet (though if I should, please let me know).
Jack - adopted with a crooked leg at 4 months old, managed for six years, and now much-happier Tripawd as of 5/24/2012!
The 1st two weeks are always a rollercoaster of ups and downs as their bodies are trying to adjust to the new normal & throw some heavy meds on top of that. I will always err on the side of being a pain and call my vet- heck I know how much I have spent over the years (especially the amputation)...thats what they are there for. Hope all is well- keep us posted! In the mean time...maybe an ice pack?? (A bag of frozen peas works well to mold around a paw)
Spirit Samson was Spirit Tripawd Daisys four legged "brother" and ruled as the self proclaimed head of the Monkeybutt Federations East Coast Division. Lady Chunky Monkey stayed from Oct 2011 and left for the bridge in Apr 2012. Miss Perdy is left and has some big pawprints to fill.
Do you have what it takes to be a Monkeybutt? Find out more at the Monkeybutt Federation
I know others here have dealt w/ the swollen remaining front paw issue, although we didn't have that happen. Hopefully they will chime in on how they handled it. In the meantime, yes, a bag of frozen peas might help. No more than 10 min at a time.
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
although gayle's remaining front leg and foot did get larger with time (muscle build-up), we did not have swelling. is jack in any kind of kennel wrap?? if so, that might be constrictive. i agree with samson's mom...i'd be calling the vet to see what they think. jackie is also giving good advice with the icepack or frozen peas, 10 minutes at a time... let us know how you guys progress!!
charon & spirit gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Oh no!
Gosh, I wish I knew more. Comet developed a pressure sore/cyst but not until late in life after using the one front good leg for all of her life. But we didn't have swelling.
I'm with Sasmon007, be annoying, get your money's worth and pester the vet with a phone call! (I do think the vet wants to know so I don't think they think we are pester bugs....well, I was - but I'm sure you aren't)
Let us know what you find out. Maybe he's just been too active?
Comet - 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.
Oh poor kid!
Your instincts are good, I would call your vet and have it checked out. Never hesitate to call, remember that's why you pay them.
If it makes you feel any better, many Tripawds have had swelling and edema issues in remaining limbs. These search results have many good discussions about this issue. Most times it's nothing that requires veterinary intervention but yes, I would definitely call the vet anyways. Please keep us posted.
Hang in there, this is one of the bumpy parts of recovery. It doesn't last forever.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Whew. Thank you all for the help (I must not have searched the right phrase in the forums before; thanks for the link Jerry!). For the record, to help anyone else in the future, Jack's swollen paw was not wrapped at all.
Talked with the vet about the issue. They said that it was expected, just to keep an eye on it. If it got any worse, to definitely come in. They recommended elevating the foot and, as recommended here, an ice pack (I used frozen peas as you all recommended...that worked beautifully!). The swelling has gone down a bit, but the vet said that it might take a few days, that the sudden leg-loss leaves a lot of fluid with no where to go and the body just takes time to adjust; combine that with the fact that more pressure is put on that leg.
I was able to keep Jack's paw elevated by sitting on the floor with him and making him leave it alone...he's been such a pill about recovery and just does NOT want to take it easy. I don't blame him...I go nuts when I have to take it easy. But I think we're on the right track and other than this, we haven't had any setbacks. 🙂
Jack - adopted with a crooked leg at 4 months old, managed for six years, and now much-happier Tripawd as of 5/24/2012!
Nova had this issue after her amp and my vet told me to get her up and moving around on and off. I was of the mindset that she should be laying down and relaxing, but once I started a routine of forcing her up and around frequently, and getting her to drink water to flush her system, the edema resolved itself.
The first few weeks are the most trying time. Don't worry, what you are experiencing is totally normal.
Dane Mom Sue
Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!
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