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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My baby got hit tonight by someone who drove off. He had open wounds on his back leg (could see the bone)
I raced him straight to the vet. He has been x-rayed and sadly there is a fracture in the leg. We had hoped they would be able To save enough skin to sew him up. But the option now is to try and fix it by fusing his ankle to a metal plate, removing his toes which are mangled. Recovery would be sore and up to 6weeks. It could also fail and need amputating later.
Vet said if it was his cat he would choose to amputate as it would cause alot less pain.
So it looks like we are all going to have to learn with him being on 3 legs.
I'm devestated he had to go through this pain. I live in a small village so the risk is lower as there is no main road.
He is now an indoor cat 🙁
Please tell me This is going to be OK. I'm distraught.
Quinn's mom, yep, it's going to be OK!
Still, I'm so sorry you are going through this awful situation. It's great that Quinn lived though. He will show you that he is more resilient and stronger than you ever imagined.
Have you seen our Cool Tips for Tripawd Cats book? Everything about life on 3 legs for cats is in there. Also check out our What to Expect articles and Jerry's Required Reading List .
Cats do very well on three, even better than dogs! Keep Quinn's weight down and inside your home (consider building a DIY catio!), and he will continue living life to the fullest as he always has.
Oh I almost forgot: Make sure he has very good pain management when he comes home. Too little medication will make recovery very difficult. Stay ahead of his pain by sticking to the dosage and timing your vet recommends (which may need to be adjusted over the next few days), and recovery should be as easy as possible.
Keep us posted OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you. My vet recommended I look for this website.
I can't get the image out my head. I hate him being in there without me. I have to phone them tomorow to let them know my decision. But I can't put him through more pain and a longer recovery if the best thing is amputation.
I am so glad my baby made it back home to me. I was out the door with him to the vets within minutes.
It's his back leg which I hear is better than the front. Vet said he would manage ok. The mom in me dies inside of the thought of him loosing a leg.
Ill keep you updated for sure. If they operate tomorow (Friday) when might I be able to bring him home? I miss him so much already. (but I know he is where he needs to be atm)
I know it's hard to think of your sweetie with a missing leg, but I assure you it's more our issue thank theirs. You will be amazed at how quickly they move on without looking back.
Usually cats and dogs stay one or two nights in the hospital then come home. Some may need an extra night but just as a precaution.
Be sure to check out the links I shared, I think you'll feel better about things.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi quinnsmom!
I am really glad you found us, and so sorry that it had to be this way. Our Huckleberry was a feral kitty that found his way into our yard and our hearts. We cared for him for about a year I guess before he got hurt. We were going to TNR and before we were able he disappeared for several weeks. I never thought I would see him again until the evening that he came back dragging his rear leg. We don't know what happened to him, but we could not just let him live like that so we trapped him and got him vet care. His femur had been broken into 2 pieces.
He is now a happy, healthy three legged indoors only cat and we still adore him (three and a half years later!). After a lot of time, effort, and love he domesticated very well 
He does not let three legs slow him down at all!
It will be scary, stressful for a little while as recovers but things will be ok 
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Thank you for sharing your wisdom Jackie!
FYI Quinnsmom, Jackie is on the Tripawds Helpline this weekend, morning/afternoon Eastern time 😉
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just want to add my support and to cheer for your sweet kitty!
You are DEFINITELY doing the right thing for Quinn! Often times we see members join us after they have spent a fortune kno trying to save a leg, multiple failed surgeries, infections, long confinements. You are doing one surgery, one recovery on confinement short term.
As Jerry noted, Jackiemis a great resource and can pro all sorts ofmkitty specific help .
Stay connected and update when yoj can. And BTW, I know it's hard to believe, but tripawd kitties are so darn cute!
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!
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