Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Sassy is my 13 year old cat who was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in her left front leg joint that according to the vet is localized in that area. Complete X-rays and lab work indicates that she is otherwise healthy and shows almost zero signs of arthritis. My options for treatment are amputation or letting pain medication takes its course. She does not appear to be in pain but is limping terribly and I need to make a decision soon on which direction to go. She is not an overly active cat and weights 14 pounds and I am concerned that amputation might be difficult for her. As I reads some of the posts in the forum, it appears cats older than she have done well. I am getting conflicting vibes from my family and was hoping to see what other cat lovers in my position felt about this surgery for a cat of this age. Frankly, I am looking for some support.
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
I'm sorry you are faced with this decision. Does your vet think Sassy is a good candidate for amputation? She sounds like she is otherwise healthy and still has some living to do. And the vet thinks that the cancer is localized so amputation would be curative- that would be great.
I don't have a cat, but my parents had a cat that lived to be 21, so 13 doesn't sound that old to me. If you choose to amputate then you are giving Sassy a chance for many more years of pain free, quality time. If you choose to go with medication, well, you know where that will end.
It is not an easy decision, you know Sassy best. We here will support you no matter what path you choose.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
My dear little Mona had her front leg amputated in June 2014. She was about 8 years old then, short legs, a little buddha belly and a non-athlete. She is doing great! She loves life, loves sleeping, loves cuddling, loves being outside under a bush in the summer for 12 hours a day, and still bonks my larger male cat on the head.
In my opinion Sassy is probably in pain if she is limping. Cats are very good at hiding pain. If your vet thinks the amputation can give you and her more happy times together then amputation is certainly worth considering.
Mona can still run very fast and is great at jumping up to high places. She's now cautious jumping down from high places so I have boxes and chairs strategically placed for her to climb down protecting her remaining front leg.
Please read some of the cat blogs and forums. Recently there have been some older cats getting amputations. You'll find a lot of support here no matter what decision you make.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
kentwoodjean said
Sassy is my 13 year old cat who was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in her left front leg joint that according to the vet is localized in that area. Complete X-rays and lab work indicates that she is otherwise healthy and shows almost zero signs of arthritis. My options for treatment are amputation or letting pain medication takes its course. She does not appear to be in pain but is limping terribly and I need to make a decision soon on which direction to go. She is not an overly active cat and weights 14 pounds and I am concerned that amputation might be difficult for her. As I reads some of the posts in the forum, it appears cats older than she have done well. I am getting conflicting vibes from my family and was hoping to see what other cat lovers in my position felt about this surgery for a cat of this age. Frankly, I am looking for some support.
My cat was about 18 years old. Front leg tumor, limping. I was going for debulking the tumor but during surgery the vet said she
would probably lose use of her leg. So, it was amputated. She is walking, jumps up on couch or futon to sleep or visit. I realized she was limping and was in a lot of pain before. Seems to be doing much better post amputation. Eating, and getting around.
Her amputation was about 9 weeks ago. I hope your cat is doing well...
Minkali thanks for joining and sharing your story! We look forward to more posts and getting to know you and your sweet kitty. I think 18 is the most mature TriKitty we've ever had here! Do share in "Size and Age Matters", your kitty will definitely be an inspawration!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
My cat is 15 and had his amputation last summer. Aside from a pesky itching issue at his incision site, he did wonderfully and recovered super quickly; we were very fortunate. He can run around, jump on top of the fridge, go up and down stairs as fast as lighting. Having three legs is absolutely no hindrance whatsoever. His appetite is good and I am even enjoying a newly affectionate cat - he never was before, and now he wants to be carried around like a baby and spoons me at night!! Good luck with your decision.
Hattie& Jerry
Hugs,
Hattie and Jerry Cat (right front leg and scapula amputation due to chondrosarcoma at age 14, lived 2 1/2 years post amputation, succumbed suddenly to suspected lymphoma at age 16)
10/2001 - 10/9/2017 R.I.P ~ Love you always
My cat is 16, and we are now 3 months post-amputation and very happy we decided to go with the surgery. My Progo has an unknown prognosis, as they were not able to get clear margins around the cancer, so they expect it to return, but we're just taking it one day at a time. He's doing really well, for now, and is so much happier. The fast-growing tumor was really hurting him, I assumed from his limping and desire to lie down most of the time, but he just didn't seem to be at the end of his life just yet. It's so hard to tell how much pain they're in, but he's clearly doing better now. I've started several threads on these boards, along our journey, if you want to read through them.
I remember all the conflicting advice I got while trying to make the decision for our cat, and I really feel for you. You'll make the right decision with the information and support you have, and then you have to remember not to beat yourself up about whatever happens next. We really are all doing the very best we can. Good luck.
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