Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat. Explore 17+ years of forum archives for stories and answers to questions about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery. Enjoy fresh discussion and connect with members in the new Tripawds Support Circle.
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Hi all! We are new here. Lucky is 5 weeks old and is missing his back left paw. The vet thinks the umbilical cord got wrapped around it. He's pretty fiesty and a fighter. My question is - does anyone use kitten shampoo to clean their pals behind? Baby wipes seem to make it worse and I have the unscented sensitive ones. He gets pee and poop on himself whenever he goes!
Barb, Doug, Lucky, Luna, Aurora, Rascal, Smokey & Ebby
Hi Lucky's mom, welcome! We're so glad you joined. Lucky's fortunate to have a parent asking great questions here!
Extremely young Tripawds like this tend to have more challenges at first, because they haven't developed motor skills and balance. In time he will get them, but for now this is probably pretty normal. I would consider making an appointment with an animal rehabilitation therapist. That way you can learn what to expect as Lucky grows, and how to help him. The best part is the Tripawds Foundation may pay for your first rehab visit so please take advantage of the program.
I'm going to let our Tripawd kitty members chime in on your question. For now, what is the litter box you are using like? Is it a typical one? Low sided litter boxes are best. You may even need to make one for now, being that Lucky is so teeny. Check out this blog post for ideas:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Lucky is lucky to have you!
My tripawd Mona, who has long fur, does a great job cleaning herself clean. After her surgery I did clean around the incision with warm, damp facecloths and found that worked really well. I know some people here used pet cleansing wipes.
Does Lucky understand how to use a litter box or is the problem a missing paw? I just read that the natural instinct for the cat to dig and bury is usually at 7 weeks of age. Maybe Lucky has to age a bit to understand litter box etiquette and he will become cleaner.
Is Lucky placing weight on the leg without the paw? How does this affect his squat to go to the bathroom? Like Jerry suggested a rehab therapist might be able to assess him as he ages.
Perhaps Lucky's vet has some ideas. Let us know how you and Lucky are doing!
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Thanks for the suggestions and questions. Currently we are using pads that are meant to be used in the bottom of some litter pans. He is trying to bury when he goes. He sits right down low to go. I think he is trying to balance using the stump.
I will check with my vet about a rehab therapist. I didn't even know they existed until this site!!
Barb, Doug, Lucky, Luna, Aurora, Rascal, Smokey & Ebby
Yep, rehab therapists are there for animals, just like PTs for people! Please let us know how we can help you find one if your vet doesn't have one they work with. We are so glad you joined us!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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