Recovery From Amputations in Dogs

Some injuries or diseases may be so serious that amputation of a limb is required. Though the amputation of a pet's limb can be a traumatic decision for an owner, you can rest assured that many dogs learn to adapt to three-legged mobility very well and go on to live happy, active lives. The main thing to know is this: For proper healing and adjustment, dogs require the concentrated attention of their owners in the days and weeks after surgery. This allows owners to monitor potential problems that can occur after surgery and helps to reassure the dog during the healing process.

  1. Care Immediately After the Amputation

    • A pet's owner should arrange to stay at home with the dog for the few days after amputation or have someone else be there to monitor the condition of the animal in case of any problems. Keep the dog in a quiet area of the home, away from other pets and family traffic. Anesthesia may make the dog groggy for a few days after surgery. This effect will gradually wear off. It is important to keep the dog quiet and limit its activity in the first few days so the amputation wound can heal properly. Monitor the animal̵7;s behavior for signs of pain. Call your veterinarian for adjustments in pain medications.

    Wound Care

    • An owner should check the wound twice daily to ensure that healing is progressing normally, according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons website. The wound should be dry, with a slight redness along the margins. The edges may be slightly swollen for a few days. You should call the veterinarian immediately if you notice gapping at the edges of the wound, discharge more than just a slight crustiness or increasing swelling. You may see bruising around the wound. This discoloration is normal and should disappear in 5 to 7 days. Clean the wound gently as recommended in your veterinarian̵7;s aftercare instructions. Call your veterinarian if the dog develops a fever or refuses to eat for several days. Keep the animal from licking the wound, which can dislodge stitches or cause infection. Use a small-size T-shirt or shorts to cover the wound to prevent licking.

    Food and Water

    • The dog̵7;s appetite may be reduced for several days after surgery, according to Dr. Daniel A. Degner of the Vet Surgery Central website. The dog may refuse to his normal foods, especially if it is kibble. You may need to hand-feed the animal at first or warm the food slightly in the microwave oven to make it more aromatic. Limit water to smaller amounts at more frequent intervals to prevent vomiting. The dog may not have a bowel movement for up to five days after surgery. You may need to assist the animal̵7;s position while it is trying to defecate until the pain subsides and he becomes accustomed to new balance positions.

    Activities

    • Keep the animal quiet for several days after surgery. Most dogs become accustomed to their condition in just a few days. Gradually increase daily activities as the amputation wound heals. Older animals may need help getting off the bed or sofa. They may also tire more easily due to the increased effort of getting around on fewer limbs. Let the animal̵7;s response be your guide in adding activities.