Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi, guys.
Ollie came home last night. He's doing OK, but as we were warned, there are challenges. He definitely does not have his "spark" back -- the only thing that seems normal is his appetite, so that's good. He did poo for us this morning. Peeing has been difficult -- he is a front amp and we thought he'd be quick to learn he now has to squat, but he keeps trying to lift a rear leg and loses his balance and face-plants, then seems so confused. It's breaking my heart.
Anyway. My question involves suture removal. We go to a high-volume practice and want to schedule in advance, but our surgeon says a window between 10 and 20 days post-surgery is fine, and that seems like a huge window to me! Does anyone have thoughts on how many days after surgery is ideal for suture removal (he has stitches, not staples -- which probably doesn't make a difference)?
Thank you, and keep the positivity flowing. We are struggling a little over here.
-Karen
Six-year-old Ollie, a spunky, 55-lb. Australian cattle dog mix, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma May 1, 2015. Front right leg was amputated May 12. Did four rounds of carboplatin chemo treatment, ending Aug. 20. Lung x-rays still clear as of end of September. The rest of our story is still unfolding.
That does seem like a rather large window (10-20 days). Our Leland's surgeon instructed us 10-14 days and we went to the 14 day mark before having Leland's staples removed. By that point he had healed up nicely. Leland had gotten a few of his staples out on his own around day 8 or 9 and he definitely needed them put back in.
Sorry that Ollie is having a hard time with the peeing. I know how sad it makes you (Leland had a hard time learning how to get himself up off the ground) but Ollie will get it figured out. They all learn to make adjustments and then once they learn you'll think Ollie has been a Tripawd all his life.
Hang in there...it's still really early!
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Hi Karen,
Our Mac had his front right amp surgery done on 4/29 (just over 2 weeks ago) and he had his stitches/staples removed this past Tuesday (13 days after surgery). While his wound is healing generally pretty well (it gets better each day), I might have opted to wait a few more days.
They gave us the same (ish) range for suture removal, but since it was looking so great we thought it was ok to be just shy of 2 weeks. Every dog is different, though! It has now been 2 weeks + 2 days and he still has part of his wound that is open, but we luckily have a nurse in the family who has been debriding Mac's wound each day.
Perhaps you can send your doc a picture of his wound a day or two before you're due to go in so that they can see if he should wait a few more days?
We also have been keeping him in a T-shirt to help keep the wound clean, which I would suggest if you are having trouble with that. It also helps prevent Mac from trying to scratch his wound with his back leg.
In regards to peeing, Mac has always peed like a lady and so that wasn't much of an issue. I'm positive Ollie will adapt and learn how to pee with his new body. It will definitely take time. Mac only turned a corner and started acting like himself again a few days ago!
Just be patient - I KNOOOOOOOOOOOOOW it's hard...trust me, I'm right there with you!!
We adopted Mac in June 2014 from the GRCGLAR and he is our little baby boy, despite the fact that he is 11.5! Almost a year of bliss turned into complete devastation when he started limping on his front right leg and it was discovered on April 16, 2015 that he has bone cancer - specifically Osteosarcoma. We were luckily directed to Tripawds by our oncologist, Dr. Avenelle Turner, which changed our lives and guided us through the amputation process.
Read more about Mac's incredible story on his blog: http://teammac.tripawds.com/
Every dog is different. See if your clinic will let you schedule a couple appointments, and cancel the latter without charge if necessary.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
thanks, everyone.
we're four days post-amp now. there are still many challenges, but we can see ollie making progress. i think our next big hurdle will be making sure he is still ok after we remove his fentanyl patch on monday (he hasn't had any tramadol -- in addition to the patch we've got rimadyl and gabapentin).
Six-year-old Ollie, a spunky, 55-lb. Australian cattle dog mix, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma May 1, 2015. Front right leg was amputated May 12. Did four rounds of carboplatin chemo treatment, ending Aug. 20. Lung x-rays still clear as of end of September. The rest of our story is still unfolding.
Oh Ollie! You are so adorable!! Even druggy and recovering from major surgery, you are just precious!!!
Yeah, getting the pain meds balanced is so etimes tricky. They may act a little whacky, but it's better than being inpain! Did the vet give you Tramadol to start o ce the latch is off? .ost dogs here are on Tramadol, Gabapentin, Rimadyl and antibiotic. Every dog is different though.
As far as the sutures, my vet was more about 14 days...and not to worry if it was a bit longer due to scheduling, etc. It could be a size thing, but I think the two week mark is average.
Slowly, one day at a time...rest, eating, drinking and lotty breaks for now.
You're doing great! And thanks for the locture!
Higs and love to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
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