Are antibiotics typically prescribed after an amputation surgery? 3-year old cho

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   Heather L McCreaposted 11 years ago

   Are antibiotics typically prescribed after an amputation surgery? 3-year old chocolate lab.
   
   Within 24 hours of discharge from the Vet Hospital the small wound my labrador's groin area (not near his stitches) that the vet student pointed out to me had grown in size to a half-dollar and the smell was wretched. I had not let him lick his wound and he was wearing a cone. I took him in to the emergency service & now he is in ICU with a damaged liver, stomach ulcers, rotting flesh, bacterial infection & he is septic. Why no antibiotic for him at discharge? Is it routine or common to have an antibiotic? At 2-days post-op only pain meds & anti-inflammatory.

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   Tripawdsposted 11 years ago

   Oh I'm so sorry Heather, I know this has got to be stressful. I'm not a vet, but from what we've seen with Tripawds members, an antibiotic is typically prescribed upon discharge. Did you ask your vet why one wasn't prescribed? Keep in mind that infection can occur for many reasons though, with or without an antibiotic. I'm so sorry this has happened. Have you talked to your vet about it? What did s/he say?

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      Heather L McCreaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      It is very sad. The doctor now says they have done everything they can and it is up to him. He has a feeding tube now, has endured a second surgery, is on iv antibiotics. Poor dog & he is only 3 years old. I am trying to focus on getting him heal

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      Tripawdsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Oh Heather, I am so very sorry. We have fingers and paws crossed that he pulls through, I know this has got to be hard. Feel free to come to Tripawds.com/Forums for more support.

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   libby1970posted 11 years ago

   Absoluetly! It is always important to have antibiotics post-op of any amputations. Infection after amputation is common and must be dealt with before it strikes. I don't understand why they didn't prescribe anything. I'm so sorry to hear about this. It doesn't make sense!

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      Heather L McCreaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yeah, do not understand either. He is still in critical care. He has had a second operation to remove decaying muscle in the amputation zone. He now is receiving 3 different antibiotics intravenously. His culture shows clostridium bacteria.

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