Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My mini schnauzer Trent had his back right leg amputated 17 days ago because of a mast cell tumor. His recovery has been amazingly smooth! His staples are out, but he continues to try to lick the are obsessively so we keep either a long shirt or e collar on him at all times. I'm concerned that the suture line could open if he keeps at it. He is off all pain meds but is extremely tired and sleeps most of the day. He is normally a very high energy dog, so I'm assuming the sleeping is a normal part of his recovery after major surgery. He does perk up and acts like his normal self when he's outside, just goes back to sleep when he comes back in. Does this sound right to everyone? He is always a little subdued, too, when he wears clothes or the e collar but I think it's too soon to take them off. Any advice appreciated!
Awww, love his avatar picture!
Eating, drinking, pooping, peeing okay? How old is your pup? Has Trent overdone it at all. The first two weeks or so just need to be short potty breaks and rest. How about any signs of pain?
Trent is still recovering from major surgery and, on top of that, adjusting to three legs. Walking on three legs can be pretty darn exhausting. It does tire dogs out wuickly. Check with yiur vet, but as long as there are no underlying issues, for Trent to still be resting and taking it slownthis early in recovery is unusual.
Check with your vet about maybe some bitter apple slray around the incision, or maybe coconut oil to help stop the licking.....only with Vet approval!!
Oh, and yes, many dlgs react very differently when they jave any type of clothing on. So yeah, try and take the shirt off as much as you can while you jave a watchful eye over him.
Keep us updated and, when you can, we'd love to see more pictures!
Hugs to all!
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!
Thanks for the reply! You must have changed all of your good wishes-he was more active today and even chewed his bone! I appreciate any and all advice since this is all new to us and I want to make sure we don't miss or overlook anything!
rjfsnf said
I appreciate any and all advice...and I want to make sure we don't miss or overlook anything!
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Err...clearly I meant to say for Trent to be resting ...etc...this early is NOT UNUSUAL....versus "is unusual"!
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR TRENT FEELING BETTER TODAY!!! 
Every little bit of sparkle that comes back is so thrilling! And his sparkle will continue to come back bigger and brighter than before!
Sending love and a bucket of bones for Trent to chew!!
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!
Awwww . . . Trent is adorable!!!
I can tell you from experience that any time I put "clothing" of any sort, our girls would always slow down and stand around like they were doped. As soon as I would take off the garments, they do zoomies like post-bath. And sleeping all the time is just, in my opinion, prime healing time. The more he sleeps the quicker he can heal.
Our Harmony also had MCT and she was a compulsive licker, so it really made it difficult to discern between licking because she itched or just because she "had" to.
Can't wait to hear more about Trent!
pam
ps - Howdy and welcome!
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
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