Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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Hi everybody! Our boy Jonesy had a rear leg amputated on Tuesday and is doing pretty well! He was ravenously hungry the first 24 hours he was home, and is still eating fairly well, but has started being a bit finicky. Figuring he was just super-hungry post op and is now greatly annoyed about having to wear an e collar. There are not any other red flags at this time. He is getting around well (been practicing for several weeks with a tucked-up leg), and is alert and fairly active during the daytime hours. He still has 11 days to go of collar wearing and I would like to get him something that will allow him to get back to his old self a little more quickly. We did pick him up an inflatable collar, which he tolerates much better than the hard plastic cone the vet sent him home in, but we're finding that he has figured out how to reach his incision in it. I don't think it will allow for long periods of cleaning, but obviously don't want him doing it at all. Any recommendations for a completely soft, less cumbersome option?
2nd issue is that we want him to have freedom to roam one floor of the house, but need to keep him off the stairs. We have other cats who need to use the stairs for litter box purposes. Anyone found a way to deal with this? We got rid of our baby gates a while ago and wouldn't mind doing something DIY if we can figure something out that will allow those who need to, to have access.
I was really happy to see that there is a community available for families of tripawd pets and appreciate knowing that there are helpful people out there who have been through this!
Thanks!
Melissa
Melissa - mom to tri-angel Jonesy and (only) four other felines
12:48 pm
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
Offline
Hi and welcome to you and Jonesy! I'm sorry you found yourself having to join our community but glad you decided to post! To answer your questions:
Any recommendations for a completely soft, less cumbersome option?
Absolutely! Have you seen the VetMedWear Recovery Suit for Cats and Dogs?
2nd issue is that we want him to have freedom to roam one floor of the house, but need to keep him off the stairs. We have other cats who need to use the stairs for litter box purposes. Anyone found a way to deal with this?
Oooh that's a tough one. I was going to say baby gates but then you mentioned you got rid of yours. Honestly that's about the only way I can see managing this, other than putting multiple litter boxes downstairs temporarily. I'll let our expert Trikitty community members chime in with that one.
I hope this helps! Be sure to check out Cool Tips for Tripawd Cats and our What to Expect articles for answers to many common questions. Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
3:55 pm
Bucketeers
11 July 2016
Offline
Hi, Melissa; welcome to you and Jonesy,
We are sorry you had to find us. What was the reason for the amp?
The first issue Jerry gave you a great option. I don't know how quick it could get to you? We would have loved such an option years ago:)
Purrkins is a front leg amp; we used a baby onesie with permission from our surgeon. That is not a viable option for a rear legger.
weathermel said
2nd issue is that we want him to have freedom to roam one floor of the house, but need to keep him off the stairs. We have other cats who need to use the stairs for litter box purposes. Anyone found a way to deal with this?
Baby gates and cats are tough; we use 3 stacked here and still have to be on watch because yes, they can scale three gates!!!
What works best is to use a room with a door to keep Jonesy contained, and yes, Jonesy will pester you at the door. The other kitties will pester on the outside, but it works to keep Jonesy safe/secure in one room and the other kitties not pestering so close. For a DIY option - make a so-called gate out of cardboard boxes- how secure would that be? You would have to tape it to the wall and test it. Cats are so clever and curious it makes our jobs tough!
The other option is to use a recovery tent such as this, where you would keep Jonesy safe! His litter, food, etc. all enclosed, and take the worry out of the steps altogether; you can walk away when you need to. <a href="