Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So, Teddy Bear had his back left leg amputated on 6/14. Everything seemed fine. He was able to walk that same evening and even had a bowel movement. Due to some earlier trama, we did not crate him, but one of us always stayed close so he could rest without feeling the need to follow us. He developed a seroma , but no leaking. When we had the stitches removed on 6/25, the doctor decided not to drain the seroma , saying that there was a risk of infection. On Tuesday, 7/3, I noticed that the area around his amputation was hot to the touch and sensitive. We saw the vet and this time, she opted to drain some of the fluid. She got alot out but said there was still alot more. We were sent home with 400mg amoxicillian twice daily and tramadol, 100mg every 8 hours. He is very lethargic and has very little appetite, eating only a litte each day. Though he is still drinking probably 2-4 cups of water each day.
Today I notice that a blister filled with pus has developed where the doctor drained fluid. The area is still hot to the touch and sensitive. Teddy Bear is losing weight at an alarming rate. I am worried and starting to feel like I cant trust the doctor we have been seeing. Please, any advice is apprecieated.
Hi Teddy Bear and family,
I'm so sorry you are going through this hurdle. First off, why did you lose your leg?
OK, about seromas. They usually aren't serious and just require draining, which your vet did. Teddy Bear is probably not hungry because of the antibiotics, but I don't blame you for being nervous. Does he have a temperature?
Did this doctor do the surgery? If not, you can always go back to the surgeon for his follow up care. If this vet did do the surgery, then take Teddy back there and be firm in your request to find out what's going on. We all learn to be good advocates for our pups when something like this happens. You'll need to talk to your vet about your concerns, and make sure they don't dismiss this latest issue.
In the meantime, have you tried other foods to get Teddy to eat? Any stinky, gamey foods will do! Or heck, boiled chicken, rice, the usual sicky foods for dogs. I'm going to bet that as soon as the antibiotics kick in (hopefully this weekend!) he'll get his appetite back. It's a GREAT sign he's drinking water, by the way. Is he still having bowel movements? How is his mobility otherwise? Keep in mind that amptuation is a big surgery and many dogs do take several weeks to get back to normal.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Jerry, thanks for your response. Teddy lost his leg to cancer, though thankfully, it turned out to be chondrosarcoma instead of osteosarcoma. I just got back from the clinic. Teddy is there now. The vet (not the one who did the surgery, the same practice but surgeon is on vaccation) said she is going to drain him again and then flush out the area, as well as add a second antibiotic to his meds. She is also considering adding a drain for the weekend.
I work for a independent pet store and have tried almost every food we carry, including beef tripe and venision tripe! I think next I am going to try the less pungent boiled chicken and rice! His mobility is decreased, though I think it is more an affect of being sick and not eating much.
Again, thank you for your response. It is wonderful that this site exsists; Tripawds has done so much to help our family through this hard time, thank you.
Hello Teddy Bear and pack, I'm sorry you had to find us here. I don't have any advice to add to what Jerry said, but I'll send pawsitive thoughts your way that the antibiotics kick in and do the trick and he starts to get some appetite back.
What kind of pup is Teddy?
Keep us posted on how he's doing.
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!
Paw shucks, we're glad you got the help you needed here, and at the vet's office too. It sounds like a good practice if they have an on-site surgeon. At least you have options for who you see there, at least when folks aren't on vacation.
Teddy's a lucky pup to have a pawrent who works at a pet store! but maybe you're right, try bland food and see what happens. And of course keep us posted, let us know how he's doing. We're cheering you on!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just wanted to let everyone know that Teddy Bear is much improved today after his visit to the vet yesterday! He even wants to eat. He has been drained and flushed, and has a drain in for the weekend (and the cone of shame
back on 
) but he went outside and helped me tend the garden this am, which hasnt happened in about a month. Thanks again to all the pawrents who are giving great advice and sending healing energy.
And, Teddy is a mutt, though we think Rottwieller (he has the markings) and German Sherpard (he has the undercoat) are dominant breeds in his makeup.
glad to hear teddy is doing better now. hopefully the drain and new meds will help get that seroma all cleared up. feeling better physically can make a guy feel more like eating too, so hopefully you have turned the corner on that as well. hope you can post some pictures, he sounds like a handsome guy!! paws crossed for continued 'uneventful' recovery.
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
Hooray for a good update! He's a handsome boy.
Hope he continues to do well and is soon out of the cone!
Jackie
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!
Oh Teddy you are quite the ladykiller! Love those handsome looks.
And we are THRILLED you're doing better. Keep it up my friend.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
This is great news! Love hearing good news. And we love your new avatar picture. Handsome!!!!!
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.
Hi, I'm just catching up on Teddy's infection. So glad to hear that things have improved.
He is a good looking boy (but of course if he has rottweiler in him then he can't help but be good looking 
)
Karen and Spirit Magnum
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
Glad to hear Teddy is doing better! My Bubba is still battling a post-amp infection. We found out that he has an underlying thyroid problem which is affecting his immune system and healing. Recovery is such a nerve shattering journey! Best of luck and I hope Teddy continues to do well.
I understand your concerns. Sweetpea came home with two drains, after her amputation and were removed 3 days later. One drain hole leaked and leaked. Took her 10 days later to have her staples removed and it seemed it only stopped leaking while we were at the vets:) got home and sure enough -it started again. We gave her warm bath and it significantly slowed down and then finally stopped. Bunches of healing prayers & hugz coming to Teddy- he's a trooper:)
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