Many dogs undergo a surgical leg amputation due to injury or illness, such as a car accident trauma or bone cancer. Dogs are able to adapt very well to life with an amputated leg--running, walking and even playing after they recover. Some dogs are even so relieved after having an injured leg amputated that they show improvement in their mood and overall physical state within a few days of the procedure. Your dog will require gentle post-operative care at home.
Things You'll Need
- Dog bed and supplies (food and water dishes, favorite toy or treats)
- Dog food
- Pain medication
- E-collar
- Warm water and clean cloth
- Dog sling/harness
Instructions
Provide a bed for your dog in a quiet, out of the way area where the dog feels safe. Make sure to put food and water dishes nearby so the dog can reach them easily. If your dog has a favorite toy or treat, put that very close to the bed as well.
Encourage your dog to rest as much as possible during the initial recovery period. The incision needs to heal and the surgery itself and medications used during and after surgery take a toll on your dog. Rest is important to get your dog back in good physical health. Typical recovery time is about two weeks.
Follow your veterinarian's advice regarding feeding your dog after surgery. Some dogs may only take a small amount of food or no food at all the night after surgery but will eat normally again the next day.
Administer your dog's pain medication according to your veterinarian's instructions. This helps keep your dog comfortable during recovery.
Place an e-collar on your dog to prevent the dog from licking or biting the surgical wounds. An e-collar, or Elizabethan collar, is a lamp shade-looking device that fits on your dog's regular collar and forms a protective shield around your dog's head to stop any picking at wounds.
Inspect the surgical incision daily to ensure it does not become infected or dirty. Clean the area by gently dabbing away any discharge with a clean cloth and warm water.
Help your dog by supporting it (physically and emotionally) when it begins to walk again. A dog sling (a bit of durable fabric with handles that slips under your dog's abdomen and allows the dog to be supported by a human) may be useful during this period and when your dog begins to navigate stairs and other tricky areas.
Attend all follow-up visits with your veterinarian to have stitches removed (this is usually 10 to14 days following surgery) and to check your dog's recovery progress.