Someone please help, dogs op today

[Poorhoundie]

Today my elderly terrier went to have a lump removed from her upper rear leg. The vet had to cut much more than he thought he would, and the wound is huge, with two drains in it. She is indicating that she wants to go out, but when I take her out she wants to come back in again, we have two outdoor steps which leads to a grassy area where she normally wees and I think she wants to go there, but I don't know how to lift her up those steps without hurting her or damaging the drain, so upset at the moment, can't stop crying and feel awful.

Can I post a pic here to show her op site so someone can advise me if I can lift her? Not sure if its the done thing and don't want to upset anyone not expecting to see such a pic.

[bakingtins]

If you have to lift her, put one arm round her chest/shoulders, the other under her abdomen/lower back, avoiding touching her back legs. Be careful that her head is restrained so she can't snap at you even if she normally has a good temperament.
The other suggestion is to use a folded towel as a sling under her tummy just in front of her back legs to take a bit of the weight and help her down the steps, this has the advantage of you not hurting your back lifting her or having your face near hers if she gets a twinge from the wound.

[bakingtins]

sling for dog

[bakingtins]

www.doggiewheelchair.com/2010/12/throw-in-your-towel-at-handicapped-pets.html Sorry, first link doesn't work, try again!

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

We made a sling for ddog2, when she had her knee operations, by wrapping a towel round a spare lead, and stitching down the side (making a tube round the lead).

We could have bought one, but this worked really well - and went back to being a towel and a lead, when no longer needed.

[bakingtins]

If you decide to lift her keep the surgical site facing away from you, less chance of knocking/catching the drain or wound.

[hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman]

Would using a folded towel under her belly help to lift her down the stairs? Poor girl, I hope she makes a good recovery.

[Poorhoundie]

Thanks all, helped her up with the Towel thing and she managed a really long wee on the grass bless her