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My dog's amputation incision opened. What to do until vet opens?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 65 lbs

My dog zeke has just had a leg amputated a week ago. He has been home two days and his insistion has busted open and is draining pinkish brown alot. His vet is closed until morning. Can you please give me some advice about what I might need to do to comfort him until the morning?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 22nd, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I’m so sorry this happened! Definitely head to your vet first thing in the morning to assess it and get it repaired if needed.

First, put a cone on Zeke right away so that he cannot lick or chew at it.

Second, try your best to keep him calm and quiet tonight. Keep him in a separate room from other dogs, or better yet, kennel him if he is crate trained.

Third, give him a dose of pain medication if he has some still. Depending on what he has, it may help decrease swelling and inflammation. Even if not, it will at least help make sure he is comfortable overnight. If you are out of pain medication do NOT give anything over the counter as it can interfere with medication your vet may want to give tomorrow. The icing below will help tremendously with any pain as well.

Fourth, Ice the area if he will let you. 5-10 mins every 2-6 hours will go a long way for swelling and pain.

Hope this helps and best wishes to you and Zeke!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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