Damage of newborn puppy leg

[bjab]

I had a litter of Pug/Shih Tzu puppies born on August 7. This was the mother's first litter. Three days after they were born, I noticed that one of the male's hind leg was open and swelling. I called the vet and he had me bring it in. He said that the umbilical cord had been wrapped around its leg and had caused the skin to break open and become infected.He gave me some medicine to put on it but it looks like it is getting worse. The vet said we may have to put the puppy down or amputate its leg. Does anyone have any ideas or a similar problem? I could sure use the advice! Thanks!

[Cindidoxiemom]

I had a litter of Pug/Shih Tzu puppies born on August 7. This was the mother's first litter. Three days after they were born, I noticed that one of the male's hind leg was open and swelling. I called the vet and he had me bring it in. He said that the umbilical cord had been wrapped around its leg and had caused the skin to break open and become infected.He gave me some medicine to put on it but it looks like it is getting worse. The vet said we may have to put the puppy down or amputate its leg. Does anyone have any ideas or a similar problem? I could sure use the advice! Thanks!

Did they put the pup on antibiotics? I think you might want to post in our amputation forum...there are MANY pups that live very happy lives with three legs...I don't see why you would have to put the pup down.
Try posting there...or if you want I can move your thread.
Cindi

[GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

Ask him about a 'wash' or bath to rid from infection. I had a tube placed bone deep within my leg, coming out the skin through a plaster cast to drain infection on a broken leg. This was doable in my case. The drain was, incidently, painless, as it was put in under GA.
And as mentioned above, an oral antibiotic would be his first thought?
And I always say, in cases of life and death and limb, if you aren't happy with the treatment, don't hesitate to get a second opinion.

[critters]

If it's led to gangrene or anything that doesn't respond to antibiotics, I'd amputate in a minute. As you've heard, tripods usually do great; just ask my 2!!!

[luvmytripod]

If the leg is posing an immediate risk to the pup's life, I'd be inclined to opt for amputation. A small dog is going to adapt quickly to life as a three-legger...