TRIPAWDS: Home to 25302 Members and 2182 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

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.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Tripawd Heroes

Join The Tripawds Community

Register your free account to join the Tripawds Support Circle. Connecting with members and getting the support you need is now easier than ever with the Circle app!

âś… Easy Photo Upload
âś… Direct Messaging
âś… Subscribe to Topics.
âś… Live Chat and much more!

Forums Locked: Search archives for answers & join Tripawds Support Circle to keep discussion going!

Lost password?
Advanced Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
The forums are currently locked and only available for read only access
sp_Feed sp_TopicIcon-c
Overweight cat needs front leg amputation
This forum is locked
6 February 2024
2:05 pm
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 32
Member Since:
10 January 2024
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Hello,

Our 5.5 year old tortie cat, Luna was recently diagnosed with myxosarcoma in her right front paw and we have decided on amputation. The surgeon said it is best if she loses some weight before surgery because it will be difficult for her to distribute her 18 pounds over 3 legs rather than 4. We have started her on a diet and as you know, cats need to lose weight slowly to be safe. She has lost 1 pound since we saw the vet and it is recommended we schedule surgery within a month and a half. Has anyone had an overweight/obese cat go through amputation surgery and if so, how did it go? Any advice?

Thank you.

Caryn aka Luna's mom

6 February 2024
3:35 pm
Virginia
Moderator
Members


Moderators


Helpline Hosts


Bucketeers
Forum Posts: 24581
Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Hi Caryn and Kitty Luna.
We have some wonderfully knowledgeable kitty members who can give you some insight on weight loss for cats.Your post has been approved so stay tune for some up input from others.
Yes, carrying extra weight when on three can cause havoc on joints, balance etc. You are on the right path to help Luna get in tip top shape for surgery.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

6 February 2024
5:17 pm
The Rainbow Bridge

Team Tripawds

Administrators

Helpline Hosts
Forum Posts: 4730
Member Since:
26 April 2007
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Hey there and welcome. Sorry you are having to join our club but so glad you found us so we can support you and Luna! 

With more than half of pets out there being overweight, you are not alone in this situation, I promise. Many people have had to help their overweight cat lose weight before surgery. It's a really good thing your surgeon has you on a plan to do it. What have they prescribed? Any special diet? How is Luna handling the changes?

You are correct, going slow with cats is important. Which is good not just physiologically but mentally, as they can be quite demanding when they feel like they are being deprived of food. 

Some really cool things you can do to help cats drop the weight safely is to choose activity puzzles for mealtimes. That way she gets fed and tired in a good way.

Here are some weight loss tips for cats:

https://nutriti.....ight-loss/

also see Three Games for Tripawd Cat Exercises

Don't furget our Tripawd Cat Handbook can also be really helpful for you and Luna 🙂

I hope this helps! Keep us posted and holler with any questions.

6 February 2024
8:25 pm
Michigan
Member
Members


Bucketeers
Forum Posts: 2822
Member Since:
11 July 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Hi, and welcome to you and Luna.

We are sorry you had to find us and are dealing with c!

You have been given the best input already, wanted  to add our support and share our story,

Have you seen an oncologist? I am a bit shocked that a surgeon would suggest waiting a month month and a half to amputate with cancer. Really? We prefer to get the tumor off ASAP, and yes, we agree an overweight cat will have some challenges getting around, and it is best to get the weight off, but Luna is in this position now. You can continue to work on getting the weight AFTER the amputation.

Congrats on getting one pound off. Whoo hoo. You are correct; cats cannot and should not lose weight fast. It is not healthy and dangerous. A safe weight loss is a goal of 1-2 % per week. We have had many overweight cats join, and Purrkins was one of them. He also had a soft tissue sarcoma on his front left carpus (wrist). Purrkins was six years old when diagnosed and will be on three legs for eight years this July.

Here is an article on a safe weight loss program you might be interested in reading: Feline Obesity: An Epidemic of Fat Cats
It is a very lengthy read, but it is worth it. I'm sure your vet is guiding you on the weight loss journey. Having a scale at home is necessary to watch loss/gain every three days to once a week. We use a digital baby scale.

Purrkins has done fantastic on three. While we all hate that our furmily member has to lose a limb, we are all grateful we could save their life. If we were in the position again, we would not hesitate.

Please inquire further about waiting a month month and a half. If possible, maybe get another opinion.  Let's get the C off ASAP and continue to work on the weight loss.

Let us know how we can help or if you have any other questions.

Give Luna a chin scratch from us, please
(((HUGS))
Holly, Purrkins & Saxton in the sky đź’«

đź’ťđź’ťđź’ť

7 February 2024
7:56 am
Michigan
Member
Members


Bucketeers
Forum Posts: 2822
Member Since:
11 July 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

I wanted to add to my post that I was not thinking when I posted that Luna is a torti female at 18 lbs. I am unsure what size she was when she saw the vet/surgeon. From your post, I assume 19 lbs. She would have a higher anesthesia risk. There is always a risk with any sedation, and it would be more at her size.  We had a 22 lb kitty join and have an amp, so it is possible, but yes, we want Luna to have no issues with sedation.

A Feline Vet would be most helpful; they will ensure you succeed in weight loss and guide you in all aspects. They would better access what is safe NOW - See if you have one in your area.

https://catfrie.....fessional/

These kitties also come to mind.  All these are males, and I hope it may help you to see their stories. 

Castiel's fibrosarcoma diagnosis

Castiels Blog 

Elvis Blog

Harry the Cat - Just Diagnosed (Hi)

Harry's posts

(((Hugs)))

Holly, Purrkins & Saxton in the sky đź’«

đź’ťđź’ťđź’ť

7 February 2024
8:28 am
Michigan
Member
Members


Bucketeers
Forum Posts: 2822
Member Since:
11 July 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

P.S. I wanted to get my facts straight before posting this.

My friend also has a female torti, Rikki, 11 years old & was significantly overweight. She needed a dental and weighed 9.79kg (21 lbs 9 oz). They wanted her to lose 3-5 lbs before surgery. She got her down to 8.76kg (19 lbs 5oz). She did exceptionally well, recovered from the anesthesia, and continued to work on the weight loss. Of course, all cats are different and all have different health challenges. 
(((Hugs)))

đź’ťđź’ťđź’ť

7 February 2024
9:48 am
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 32
Member Since:
10 January 2024
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Thank you for this information. We weren't given an exact weight to aim for so I will ask the surgeon. You had asked if we had seen an oncologist. We had a biopsy done by our veterinarian who is a feline vet. When the results came back as malignant, we then made an appt with an oncologist who told us our options and then we met with the surgeon to discuss the surgical option. 

8 February 2024
9:11 am
Michigan
Member
Members


Bucketeers
Forum Posts: 2822
Member Since:
11 July 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Excellent on kitty vet and oncologist. Yes it never hurts to ask questions.

Keep us posted please

Hugs and scratches to Luna

đź’ťđź’ťđź’ť

8 February 2024
11:07 am
The Rainbow Bridge

Team Tripawds

Administrators

Helpline Hosts
Forum Posts: 4730
Member Since:
26 April 2007
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

I love that you have a really great sounding vet team working with you and Luna. I'm wondering if another reason they want to wait on the surgery is that weight gain is a significant source of inflammation in the body. Cancer = inflammation. Lose the weight, lose the inflammation, and you have a healthier cat during recovery. Just a thought.

21 February 2024
1:27 pm
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 32
Member Since:
10 January 2024
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

We have a surgery date for Luna - March 6. If I post more about surgery and post-surgery, should I start a new topic instead of continuing with this one?

 

Thanks.

21 February 2024
6:12 pm
The Rainbow Bridge

Team Tripawds

Administrators

Helpline Hosts
Forum Posts: 4730
Member Since:
26 April 2007
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Oh wow OK! Now you can get on with a plan. Pawesome! Not too far away but not tomorrow either. How's her weight loss going?

You can feel free to keep updating this topic, or post in Treatment and Recovery. Either is fine. Thank you for asking!

23 February 2024
9:02 am
Michigan
Member
Members


Bucketeers
Forum Posts: 2822
Member Since:
11 July 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Excellent surgery is booked let's get that C off and Luna recovering!

Give her a scratch from us, please

((((HUGS))))

đź’ťđź’ťđź’ť

23 February 2024
1:10 pm
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 32
Member Since:
10 January 2024
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Her weight loss is going slowly but the vet is okay with her having surgery at this time, especially since the mass is growing.

What are the things we should have on hand for when she comes home? So far I've come up with cone and pee pads. Anything you'd recommend that we are missing?  Thanks everyone!

23 February 2024
10:39 pm
Michigan
Member
Members


Bucketeers
Forum Posts: 2822
Member Since:
11 July 2016
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

It is going slow and steady you will get there. To get you started, check out The Tripawds Recovery Shopping List, What to Expect articles and How to Help Your Three-Legged Cat book The book has everything in there, plus all the information is on the site and some in those links above. Anything in orange is a link and takes you for further reading. The main things are cone, asking the surgeon his preference, and whether you can use a onesie or recovery suit. Low or no side litter box, yes, wee pads are helpful, tasty, wet food. The stinkier, the better, if not on a special diet, assuming Luna is with her weight loss plan. Pain meds can mess with appetite. Raised food and water bowls. Traction if. You don't have carpet.

Be sure to find out what meds you are coming home with and the duration We need great pain meds for a smooth recovery. Advocate for Luna 3 days of pain meds is not enough for MAJOR surgery. Since you have a cat vet, it's a safe bet they will ensure this if the surgeon does not. Ask how long Luna stays overnight and whether they are staffed 24/7/.

Im very interested to know if your cat vet is new to you and if you see them regularly for her weight loss.
Scratches to Luna, please

Hugs

Holly, Purrkins and Saxton in the sky đź’«

đź’ťđź’ťđź’ť

24 February 2024
10:23 am
Virginia
Moderator
Members


Moderators


Helpline Hosts


Bucketeers
Forum Posts: 24581
Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Just  wanted to add my pawsitive energy for your sweet Luna.  You are doing such a good job of caring for her.  

As always, Holly has given you stellar advice on prep for the homecoming.

Stay connected  and let us know how things are going, okay?  You've got this!!!

Hugs

Sally  and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

This forum is locked
Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 123
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Top Posters:
eurydice: 6646
cometdog: 4344
paws120: 3465
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1292
Members: 18754
Moderators: 4
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18945
Posts: 259686
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG