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Cat displaying strange behaviour after amputation
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16 July 2015
2:00 pm
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Bucketeers
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Mona is a front leg amputee and I was lucky that she did not have wear a cone. I feel bad for you and Mr.Darcey, hopefully it's off soon.

It looks like it is not unusual for a rear leg amputee to back-up. For a short time Mona would spin in circles if she got up very quickly. My massage therapist said it made sense and explained why (I can't remember the exact details) and she said in time Mona's body will know how to get up quickly. I think they have to relearn balance with a new body. In your video it looked like Mr. Darcey took a break, thought it through, got a pet from you, and then he was up and going forward. I'm curious, does Mr. Darcey back up when the cone is off? The reason I ask is that he looked like he was trying to get away from it.

Mr. Darcey will get so much stronger and life will be much better when the cone is off. Mona said to tell him she never bothered with her stitches - the challenge is on!

Kerren and Tripawd Mona

16 July 2015
2:26 pm
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Hi Kerren,

Yes, Mr Darcey does have these episodes when the cone is off but they are not as bad as when it is on.

I have been teaching him to lie down when one of these happens and at the time of that video (I was not there but my partner Nick took the video) I think that is what he did, so I am hopeful he is learning.  Yes I definitely think he is trying to get away from the cone ...we both hate it!

He has had a good couple of days now and is sleeping on the top of the sofa behind me (without his collar) looking very content and purring ....happy moments.

I shall tell him what Mona said about the challenge ....he's a cheeky boy!

Best wishes to you and Mona x

17 July 2015
9:31 am
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Awww poor kitty! I'm glad that the last week has been good, you two sure deserve a break. That collar just does a number on animals. When oh when will someone think of something better that works? Ugh.

Here's to a good weekend ahead to you and your cheeky boy!

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

17 July 2015
10:47 pm
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You did a good job capturing it on video. My thought was in line with Mona's....it looks like it's cone related and he wants that thing off! But guess not since he does it without the cone.

I'm so glad they are diminishing...and paws crossed that they go away completely.

Sending hugs to that adorable kitty!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!

23 July 2015
3:26 pm
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Just wanted to do a quick update on Mr Darcey:

As of two days ago he is no longer wearing the e-collar ...hurrah!  I have also been able to let him outside under my careful watch and he has been doing a lot of running around and today I even saw him chasing another cat off his territory! He seems much happier and has had fewer episodes although last night he had a particularly bad one that lasted almost 15 minutes ...I think we were both very shocked and scared by it.  I was also very disappointed as he had just had two really good days and he had been so much happier and more like his old self. 

The vet called today as she had shown the video to a specialist and they now believe Darcey is suffering from Phantom limb pain.  They have mentioned using Gabapentin but as far as I know this drug is used on humans and dogs and I wondered whether anyone has any experience of it with cats? 

23 July 2015
8:53 pm
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Hi Tracie!

I'm glad he's made that kind of progress but bummed he's still having the phantom pain . Have you looked into a Farabloc blanket? It could help. As for gaba and cats, yes it can be used for felines, I would definitely have your vets prescribe some.

Thanks for the update. I know it feels like slow progress but once the vets can take care of the phantom pain things will get better. Hang in there!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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23 July 2015
10:17 pm
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Oh my gosh! To think they may have finally identified the cause would be wonderful! I know Gabapentin can be a big help with phantom pain in dogs. And it looks like the vet thinks it will help Mr. Darcey. I would call the vet back and let them know that this one episode lasted about fifteen minutes. It's my understanding the pain lasts for less than a minute. I really hope they are onto so ething though.

I'm so glad Mr. Darcey is finally rid of that collar and being his little feisty self!

Cheering fornyoh sweet kitty!

Hugs to you!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!

24 July 2015
12:07 am
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jerry said
Hi Tracie!

I'm glad he's made that kind of progress but bummed he's still having the phantom pain . Have you looked into a Farabloc blanket? It could help. As for gaba and cats, yes it can be used for felines, I would definitely have your vets prescribe some.

Thanks for the update. I know it feels like slow progress but once the vets can take care of the phantom pain things will get better. Hang in there!

Hi Jerry,

Thanks for your help and thoughts.  I am giving the Farabloc blanket some thought ....just not so sure I would be able to get him to sleep on it as he loves fluffy blankets but it might be worth a try.

24 July 2015
8:13 am
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We place the Farabloc underneath Wyatt's dog bed cover, or under my pillowcase when I use it for migraines 🙂 You can see how Rascal uses it here:

http://rascally.....pawds.com/

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

24 July 2015
11:45 am
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Hmmm....will you double check the kink for how Rascal uses the Farabloc ? Not sure it's going to the right place..or...as usual...it could be me!oh-my

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!

24 July 2015
1:45 pm
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benny55 said
Hmmm....will you double check the kink for how Rascal uses the Farabloc ? Not sure it's going to the right place..or...as usual...it could be me!oh-my

Thanks Sally! Guess I should check my links before i paste them. It's been corrected above, and here:

http://rascally.....pawds.com/

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

2 August 2015
12:00 am
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Dear All

Just another quick update on Mr Darcey's progress. 

He has been without the dreaded e-collar for over a week and a half now and the change is quite remarkable.  He is enjoying getting out again but still supervised by me, much to my neighbours amusement as I spend a lot of time sitting on the lawn or looking for him in the bushes next to the house (his favourite spot).  He is chatty again and yesterday I bought him a new toy with catnip in it and he went crazy, carrying it off in his mouth and then kicking it with all three legs!  I have seen him run and he is very quick ..he even chased the neighbours cat away!

He has always worn a collar outside which has a tracking device on, so as long as he hasn't strayed too far I can just push a button and know that he is around.  I would recommend '<a href="