Question:
I need some advice on what I can do. he has been doing real good up until last night , his leg is real swollen and its hot to the touch. i know he has been running a temp. though he acts fine. his hip and leg is red and purple. his next appt with the vet is monday and i don't know what to do because its a holiday weekend and I cant get a hold of his vet or any other vet. there is no such thing has emergency vet here or any where near i have been giving him his meds. i also gave him an asprin for his fever i would like to put him in a luke warm bath but i'm not sure about his insision's he has a drainage tube but it wasn't draining so i pulled it out but it didn't change much what can I do until i am able to get a hold of a vet.
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mosborn
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Answer:
I'm sorry Charlie is hurting! I don't know what to suggest in a situation like this if emergency services aren't available. Can you take Charlie to another area where you can get help? Even if it is a long drive? Or possibly contact a human doctor who might be willing to help? I hope that by responding to your post, I will at least put your string back up to the top where it'll be seen by someone who may know what else to suggest. Good luck! :(

Answer:
The heat, redness, fever and swelling sound like infection, and this could be serious. You shouldn't have taken the drain out and really need to try and find a vet asap.

Answer:
go to a vet emergency clinic they are open 24 hrs

If this isn't close to you maybe they can recommend something

Why didn't you consult a vet, you should never have removed the drainage.

DO not BATH it could send Charlie into shock!!

EMERGENCIES
http://www.lewistown.net/~petvet/emergency.htm
366-1635 cell phones
538-2176 home
1-888-8petvet
Clinic Phone
Mon – Fri 9 – 5:30
538-4181

Answer:
well pulling the drain out was a smart idea because it helped the pus drained, evidentally the tube got clogged. and thats why it wasn't draining. his fever is broke and the swelling as gone down. has far has the suggestion was to get a hold of a vet first. I tried and I callled just about every town I could to find a vet . my boyfriend grew up on a ranch raising cattle and horses. so it was his suggestion that i pull the tube and it worked. tomorrow is his vet appointment I will let you guys know how it went. i was almost tempted in giving him a bath but decided against it. and just put a ice pack on instead. so thakyou for your guy's help i guess i kind of panicked a little.

Answer:
Years ago I had a toy poodle that had to have a drain tube running across his back. (He had been grabbed by a much larger dog and my husband was able to rescue him before more damage was done.) I remember we had to flush it out several times a day with a yellowish liquid to help prevent infection. That tube was running under the skin from one puncture wound to another that was about 4" apart. Do you have to do anything like that with the tube?

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I guess you never tried calling any other vets or even the number I so conveniently placed in this thread for you.

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yes I did luba. I do care about my dog. and Iam not a dummy this is montana and a holiday. i left messeges but no one still has not returned my calls.and I had made several along with my boyfriend. he was unable to reach any one either. I also remember my vet telling me if i wanted i could pull it out myself or bring him back i chose to make an appointment which happens to be tomorrow.

Answer:
Isn't that strange that they state they are 24 hours and yet you can't reach them by phone? WOW if I were you I would have issues with that!

Especially since they invest the money in a toll free number and all, including listing cell and home phones!

Thats so very unusual.

Answer:
well I took charlie to the vet. and I was told that I handled everthing correctly. however charlie is going to loose his leg. he is going back into surgery tomorrow morning. and I will pick him back up thursday. he had said he did build an infection and caused the pins in his leg to come undone. so pulling out the tube and giving him an asprin and an ice pack. was the right thing to do. so see luba before you pass judgement on someone . give them a little credit, i do happen to have some nursing skills. i have worked has a nurses aid in a hospital for some years.i do want to thank everyone for their advice i will let you know thursday how charlie is

Answer:
Mlyn.I am so sorry Charlie will lose his leg,but I am also sure he'll have a wonderful life with only three legs,animals always have an amazing way of adapting to handicaps,puts us humans to shame.
Hoping everything goes ok tomorrow and he'll recover quickly...lot's of good wishes for little Charlie.
I know money is probably the last thing on your mind right now,but I hope the owner of the other dog will help pay for surgery etc....

I

Answer:
I am so very sorry that he has to have his leg amputated. That is awful :( Is it because of the infection or because they can't reinsert the pins? Do you trust the opinion of this vet or can you get a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon?

My concern was not to pass judgement but rather offer you places to call. Sorry that you felt that way. Sometimes, we don't realize the seriousness of a situation, and thats why I was trying to push you to take him sooner rather then later, since infection can spread so fast and cause so much harm. Especially if it spreads to the bone.

You must be going through hell!!! Please keep us updated and not that you're worried about this at this point. But at some point I'd call that 24 hour service that I gave you and rag out on them and tell them what has happened and that they should not advertise 24hrs care if they can't provide it.

Answer:
Mlyn, none of us can second guess any situation. We're all just trying to help whatever way we can. This is a stressful time, we understand that. I wish the best for you and Charlie! You've both been through a lot lately! :(

Answer:
yes this this is the same puppy that was attacked by the pitbull. and no the owner is a jerk and doesn't think he should pay a dime so iam forced to go and file a claim on him. has far has the vet he say's we can still try and save the leg by redoing the surgery, but its going to be a long process and its still a risk for another infection which could possibly kill charlie. i had told the vet i would rather have a three legged charlie then a no charlie. charlie will probably also feel much better. he is turning out to be such a good dog. I can not immagine a life without him now that i have met him. when ever I get a camera I will have to post his pic. charlie has touched alot of people's hearts that have met him here in this little town. people who I pass on the street will stop and ask how charlie is. and Iam sorry i didn't mean to sound so rude to luba I know everyone is just trying to help and i really do appreciate it . i will keep in touch and let you know how charlie is and if i won the law suit on the owner of the pit

Answer:
May I offer you a suggestion?

Perhaps you can find a 24 hour number that you can contact in your area now incase there is need once you get home.

Charlie is at the vets overnight? Is someone there with him or is he alone?
Things to ask the vet.

I'm sure you'll consult a lawyer when you can at a later date.

Answer:
Dogs make out just fine with 3 legs. My in-laws' friend had a black cockapoo. He was hit by a car and lost his back right leg. It didn't slow him down a bit. Didn't even seem to realize he only had 3. Until it rained! He wouldn't walk through a rain puddle. He'd raise his back leg up in the air and tippytoe through the puddle on his front legs. Don't know why, but it was so darned cute! I'm sure that, between you and your vet, you'll make the right decision for Charlie. Good luck!

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