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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.

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My cat is to become and amputee on Tuesday.
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Member Since:
20 October 2016
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21 October 2016 - 1:11 pm
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Hey. My name is Amanda and my cat is Brandy. She is a 6 year old spotted tabby and she will have her left hind leg and hip amputated on Tuesday.

She got a dime sized lump removed in March. And it turned out to be a cancerous lump. Well, they couldn't completely get it all out. And the lump has since returned. And it is almost golf ball size now. It's better to get the leg amputated so the cancer doesn't metastasis. (We just had an xray on Wednesday and her lungs are clear.)

She got the cancer because she received a vaccine.
The company of the vaccine has agreed to pay for entire surgery, the xray, the bloodwork, and reimburse us for her previous surgery.

I'm not sure what to expect.
I have heard cats are great at bouncing back after an amputation. And the back leg amputation is easier on a cat then their front leg.

But I know I will get to have her longer than originally expected! ♡ 🙂 

On The Road


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24 September 2009
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21 October 2016 - 5:00 pm
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Hi and welcome! I wanted to get your post approved so others can see it, but I'm on my phone now so I'll comment when I'm on my laptop. Thanks for your patience!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

On The Road


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21 October 2016 - 6:28 pm
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amandaj277 said
I'm not sure what to expect.  

While you wait for feedback from members, be sure to check out the more than 50 Tri-kitty Blogs.

Vaccine Associate Sarcoma (VAS) is common among many Tripawds members with cats.

Tripawds Blogs Mentioning VAS

Use the Advanced Search above to refine your search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback.  You can also search all blogs here .

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet



Member Since:
27 July 2014
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21 October 2016 - 7:02 pm
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My kitty Mona had her front leg amputated in June 2016, also because of a vaccine associated sarcoma. Her amputation happened within a week because the lump grew from nothing to golf ball size in less than a week.

I didn't have any time to be concerned about an amputation, I just wanted the cancer gone and an amputation can do that since they can get wide margins. The initial concern is to have pain meds for when Brandy comes home (for Brandy, not you) and to have a quiet space for her to recover. You'll have to make sure she doesn't scratch or chew at the stitches. The vet may send her home with a cone and some people here put onesies or t-shirt on their cat, maybe even panties (I'm not sure about that) on a rear leg amputee. Mona didn't wear anything at all because she's not that kind of gal. She left the stitches alone and got into other kinds of trouble...

Have a look at the blogs and other kitty amputees with chime in.

Brandy looks like a beauty. I look forward to other photos. Please ask any questions you may have because we're all here to help.

Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona

Member Since:
2 October 2016
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21 October 2016 - 7:17 pm
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Hi Amanda (and Brandy)! 

I'm so sorry that you find yourself in this situation, but really glad that you've found this place. It's been a life saver for me over the past several weeks, since I started this whole process with my kitty - Harry. Everyone is hugely supportive, and the shared experiences have gone a long ways to assuaging some of my panic and worry. 

Well done for making the decision to lose the leg and save your girl's life! I love your attitude. I've just been sitting here reflecting on the fact that every time I look at Harry I think how thriled I am that he is still here and that I made the choice I did, despite the expense, fear, and emotional trauma. I'm very grateful to past me. My crazy cat lady vibe has definitely intensified as my love for my furry little family member has been compounded by gratitude and appreciation of the time we have left as a result. 

I'm sorry to hear that Brandy was impacted by vaccines. That's so hard, to think you're trying to care for your pet and find out it's had such an upsetting consequence. I've read about other cats on this site, or in the member blogs, having amputations for the same reason and I'm sure some of them will chime in soon. Harry had bone cancer. It was also his front leg that was amputated, so my experience is different in that way..but again, there are members who have had hind leg amputations and have lots to share. 

I think you're right that cats do bounce back quickly. I was expecting months of downtime when I first heard the word amputation. Today is exactly two weeks since his surgery and Harry is very much like his usual self - just a bit slower, and quicker to tire, at the moment (he is still on painkillers, which I don't think is super common for cats based on what I've read of others....and is a big boy. Next step is a weight loss regimen!). You can read my thread in this section, or my blog (harrypawter.wordpress.com), for a blow by blow account of our first couple weeks. I've been majorly needy so there is lots there! But to sum up, he was very quickly moving around, using the litter box, and eating. Most of the time he slept, and I have kept him confined to a room without anything to jump up on (which he may have fallen off of, initially, though already I'm not terribly worried about that anymore) or hide under (making administration of medication hard). 

Between worry and meds, I didn't get a lot of sleep week 1, and there were some tough moments - be prepared for a LARGE shaved patch and a big nasty frankenstein incision (there are pics of Harry's on my blog and the thread below) - but I saw improvements almost every day, and now we're pretty much back to our regular routines (still within the confined room for one more day. Stitches out tomorrow!). 

Stay connected here, and ask anything you need to. Members will try their best to help and will be incredibly supportive. 

- Kayla and new tripawd Harry (currently snoring at the foot of the bed, in his dashing onesie)

Michigan


Member Since:
11 July 2016
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22 October 2016 - 4:53 pm
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Hi Amanda and Brandy,

We are sorry you have to be here and are dealing with vaccine associated sarcoma. 

Our cat 6 year old cat Purrkins had his front left leg amputated 3 months ago from soft tissue sarcoma.

You are making the right decision as hard as this decision is to make, you are saving her life and she will get around better then you could of imagined!

Purrkins gets along great on 3 legs. He does tire easier then he used to . Takes more work to get around on his 3 legs. Non the less he is the same happy kitty. We have added some steps to make his life easier on 3. Front legs amputee have more issues coming down ,no problem getting up. From what I have read its the opposite for rear amputee kitties. 

I know there are a lot of back leg kitties in the blogs. Check some of those out. 

Hopefully you will find some comfort in knowing you are helping Brandy and saving her life.

Holly and Purrkinsheart

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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22 October 2016 - 9:49 pm
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Well,as you can see, you certainly aren't alone!! You have gotten some great advice from our Tipawd Kitty Department!

We areall sending support and healing energy to your sweet Brandy! She will amaze you once recovery takes place!

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!

Member Since:
20 October 2016
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22 October 2016 - 9:51 pm
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Thank you all so much for the support! It's so amazing! 💜 

Michigan


Member Since:
11 July 2016
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24 October 2016 - 1:03 am
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We are sending you our strength and support for tomorrow! Please keep in touch and reach out if you need anything.

Hugs to you both

Holly & Purrkins

London, UK


Member Since:
15 December 2015
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24 October 2016 - 9:27 am
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Just to say that we will be thinking of you and Brandy tomorrow and sending our warmest wishes for a speedy recovery. 

What a beautiful cat! Love your avatar pic.

Big hug,

Meg and Clare (and Elsie Pie) xxx

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

Member Since:
20 October 2016
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24 October 2016 - 9:30 am
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Thank yall! 😊 💜 🐈 

Schofield, WI
Member Since:
13 August 2015
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25 October 2016 - 9:15 am
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Sending healing prayers today surgery day.  Hoping for an uneventful recovery for you and Brandy.  Hugs!

Member Since:
20 October 2016
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25 October 2016 - 9:16 am
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Thank you! heart smiley 

On The Road


Member Since:
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25 October 2016 - 11:00 am
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Likewise! You have the power of the Tripawds Nation on your side and cheering you and Brandy on!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
20 October 2016
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25 October 2016 - 2:03 pm
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Brandy just went under the knife. 

Keep the prayers flowing please! 💜 

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