How to Care for a Dog After an Amputation

Nothing say's I love you like a pet.
Unfortunately life has thing's in store for us that we have no control of and just can't understand.
Having a beloved pet become gravely ill is very difficult and can lead to some heart wrenching decisions.
The veterinarian can only help so far and then the rest is up to you.
Then money becomes an issue. Some vet's will let you postdate checks.
Caring for an animal after an amputation is time consuming, frightening and difficult.
Dog's can endure a lot of pain before they let us know they are uncomfortable. After an amputation it is imperative that they receive all medications on time and as directed. Keeping your dog comfortable may be the difference between it chewing to the bone or resting comfortably.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Time
• Compassion
• Strength
• a clean place inside to keep them
• One level. No stairs
• Leash
• Towel

1. You have already made the heart wrenching decision and now comes the scary part.
   It is time to pick your dog up from the Veterinary.
   Take a pad and paper.
   Write down thoroughly what the veterinarian tells you.
   Ask about feeding restrictions.
   How to walk them?
   When to give medication?
   Is there a medicine patch?
   Will the sutures bleed?
   What should they look like?
   Do I keep them moist or dry?
   What if they chew on them?
   How much moving around can they do?
   Chances are your vet will already be prepared to tell you these thing's before you ask. Check the layout of your home before picking up your dog. See if there is anything you need to ask about.

2. Take a leash and a large towel to the veterinary's office.
   The leash is for the usual obvious use.
   The towel is for the vet to show you how to fold the towel lengthwise and wrap it under the dog to help support it's weight while walking.
   Get all instructions and write them down.
   Have them show you how to lift your dog into the vehicle.
   Drive slowly around corners to minimize shifting from side to side.

3. Once you are home remove the dog carefully, Hopefully you have a spouse or someone there to help.
   Give them a bathroom break.
   Take them to their current living conditions and lay them down.
   Feed as directed and give medications in a timely manner.
   Keep them near you to keep them from getting bored. Dog's tend to chew when they are bored.
   If chewing is a problem and you are concerned ask the vet for a guard.
   Take them out to go to the bathroom every few hours.
   Walking slowly and keeping them supported. If they hit the ground the staples could come out. If this happens call your vet immediately and return for restitching.
   Dog's are amazing! You will be more upset than you dog and you will be amazed at how quickly they heal.

Tips & Warnings

• Stairs are a real concern because not only is your dog learning to balance on 3 legs but it is also weak from being ill and trying to support it's weight on only 3 leg's now.
• Maneuvering stairs takes at least 3 people to do it semi safely.
• Bijou died 3 months after surgery.
• There are no guarantees that what ails them can be cured.

[femwriter]

on 7/26/2009 I love dogs as pets and this is a useful article with regards in taking good care of them after their amputation, thanks.

[konakai]

on 7/26/2009 This is such a touching story by itself, you have given vital information in this article that will be helpful to so many. Thanks, 5*...deserves a 10.