Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My wife and I went to the Humane Society yesterday. We went into to see what critters were available. This little tuxedo long haired kitty stared at us, meowing her head off. My wife said we would like to see her. Within minutes of her being in the meeting room, she was curled up in my lap and purring. I told my wife that I wanted to take her home, so we did. She is about 2 years old. We are on day 2 of no litter box activity. Our little girl (now named Stormy) is a vocal one. She meows when we enter a room or sit down beside her. She is somewhat eating and drinking, but being in a new home, it is expected for her to be withdrawn somewhat. I know that it is normal for a cat to not really eliminate their bladder and bowels at first in a new place. We have checked the rooms and walls for any signs that she has had accidents and turned up clean (thankfully!).
Her surgery was on 3/22 for amputation of her front right leg. Paperwork listed the reasoning because of an older injury that did not heal properly. Her stitches are due to come out within the next few days when we take her into the vet. We were not given any medication, which I find a bit odd. I am not sure if she is in any discomfort, but I would expect her to be somewhat. We try to leave her in one place. She has been on our bed for the most part. We keep the kids away from her for the most part, but let them pet her gently in an okay spot (lower back and head). She loves the attention.
My wife and I are not sure what to do or to think really. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I will add that my wife did find a onsie to put her in so now she is wearing that and the cone is now off.
Hi and Welcome,
Two days no output pee or poop? Is today the 3rd day? My concern is no pee right now! Did she pee last night?
Have you placed her in the box? Was she getting in and out of the box ok when she did? Has she made trips to the box that you are aware of?
Purrkins is a front leg amputee, and he had problems getting in the box the first few days I helped him in, we cut the box down, and that fixed the issue. Purrkins peed every day. He didn't poop for me for 7 days, that was his pain meds constipating him.
I gave him 1/16 th tsp of Miralax on the 6th day and 1/8 tsp on the 7 th day he pooped on the 8th day.
I would call the vet ASAP on the no urine output! No pee can become dangerous fast. The pooping is less of a concern but still a question if she was not on pain meds. I worry less about that right now.
According to All Feline Hospital, cats are capable of not urinating for somewhere between 24 and 48 hours, even if the cat has recently had food or water.
Cats' bladders are constantly working, so although a feline is capable of not urinating for 24 to 48 hours, it often urinates much more frequently. If a cat holds its urine for more than 48 to 72 hours, it may be at risk of serious injury or death as toxins build up.
Has she been drinking? Eating? Wet food dry food?
No pain medication or not enough is a common theme here, and it's not a good theme.
Purrkins pain meds were
~14 days Gabapentin 100 mg capsule – one capsule by mouth every 8 hours ( for nerve pain)
~12 days Buprenorphine 0.3 mg every 8-12 hours
If she did not pee last night take her in ASAP to make sure she is not blocked. The no pain meds? I would address that with the Vet as well.
Let us know please she is a cutie and lucky you found each other. Great job on the onesie too! That helps!
Holly & Purrkins❤️
Hi Stormy and furmily
i am hoping that you have been able to get in touch with your vet and get things sorted for Stormy! I agree with Holly in that no pee for at least 3 days! That would be concerning for sure! Did they tell you anything about her medical care at the pet shelter? What kind of pain meds they gave her and when they stopped etc. This is all the information that you will obviously need to relay to your vet. Her amputation site looks good from what i can see on her picture, but she could possibly be in pain with all that ‘talking’?
It is probably a good idea to keep her on floor level right now too, as jumping down from areas could be painful for him. As with any kind of major surgery, whether it is for humans or our fur babies, we need to keep our pain under control, or it becomes intolerable. Unfortunately it is left up to us hooomans to figure out what kind of pain our fur babies are in and how to control it for them. It is always a good idea to be in touch with your vet and let them know all of your concerns, they are there to help you both!
All the very best to you
Petra, Stewie and his Feline furmily 
Remember...“live in the moment!“ 
Hi and congrats on your new family addition! I would definitely try to get her seen, they can feel her bladder and see if she's having a problem. Also she really does need pain meds! It still amazes me that any place could take a limb and not see the need for pain meds. You'll also probably want to ask about gabapentin which is a great medicine for phantom limb pain.
Do you have access to a large crate? You would be able to monitor her bathroom habits much easier and will know for certain what her urine output is and if she's having difficulty using the litter box. Just an idea. Good luck, she's a beauty!
Jackie and Huckleberry
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Stormy is so pretty and very lucky that you crossed paths with her. She's in for a good life!
You've gotten some great tips from folks here, I second everything suggested, especially about the pain medications. Let your vet know what's going on asap so she can be on a gentler path to recovery.
Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I come bearing great news. Last night, Stormy used the litter box finally! She became a race horse and peed a huge puddle. This evening, Stormy went to the other bathroom we have in the house and meowed. My wife was curious if she wanted the catbox in there. So she moved the box from one bathroom to that one. Stormy immediately urinated a much smaller amount. She started digging in the box and found a spot to poop! 
You know you are furparent when you get so happy over your new pet finally eliminating themselves!!
She seems to be in a more relaxed mood now, which I would be too had I not been able to use the restroom for that long! I have attached a picture of our pretty girl. My wife says that Stormy seems to be adjusting rather well and already acts like she owns the place! LOL!
We scheduled an appointment with her vet on Wednesday to have her stitches (hopefully!) removed and full check up to get the seal of approval for her to be good to go.
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR PEE AND !!! Yes indeedy, great news!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Srormy is just as cute as can be!''I do believe shes's learning how to pose for the camera!
Thanks for the great update.
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!
Congratulations on your new family member! Stormy is adorable. And she's a home owner at such a young age.
Recently my tripawd Mona decided she wanted a litter box in a new location - closer to her bed, which she allows me to use at night (the bed that is, not the litter box). I wanted to keep the litter box in the garage but my vet said that Mona will win this argument and she has. It sounds like Stormy found the best location for her box.
Enjoy your new kitty.
Kerren, Eli and Tripawd Kitty Mona
That's great news!! Pee and poopers working, YAY!! Omc she is a beautiful little princess isn't she? I'm glad she is doing well, I know that must be a huge relief for you. Looking forward to more beautiful princess pictures!
Jackie and Huckleberry 
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
Super glad to hear that Stormy went for a really good pee. She looks much happier! Well done Stormy! Keep up the good work girlie!
kazann said
... Mona decided she wanted a litter box in a new location - closer to her bed, which she allows me to use at night (the bed that is, not the litter box).
Hehehe! Now that’s funny!!! 
That is very nice of Mona to let you use her bed Kerren!
Hugs to all
Petra, Stewie and his frisky Kittens
MONA!! YOU RULE!!!
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!
Yaaaaay for pee and poop. Yep, we celebrate pee
and poop here!
She is a real sweety OMC I agree posing for the camera!
I would still mention the peeing to the vet just to be safe & checked out ok?
I would also mention she was sent home with NO pain meds as well! That is unreal and honestly cruel!
Thanks for the update. Let us know how she checks out, please.
Holly & Purrkins❤️
Newest update:
Stormy officially has her stitches out as of today. Bad news that came with her vet visit was an ear infection, ear mites, and an upper respiratory infection. Antibiotics and ear medication was prescribed. She is on the road to recovery for sure! We have let Stormy hide out in our room today, away from the noise of kiddos and chaos.
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