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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If all of the stars align, we will be adopting a sweet boy who lost his right front leg due to a severe break and lameness. He just had his amputation on the 14th of this month. He has about 20 staples in his incision which they said can come out in 2 weeks. I want to make him as comfortable as possible while he recovers. I would love any tips you can give me. The rescue thinks he has been adapting to not having the use of his leg for a while, so I don't think adjustment will be an issue. The rescue will foot the bill for the staple removal, but I would love advice to help him over the next two weeks. I'm not sure what to expect.
What can I do for him as his wound heals and he starts to get itchy? Is there any topical ointment I can put on it that is safe for him?
I know a cat's instinct is to jump. Can I do anything to keep him from doing that while he heals? Or would he even try if he is hurting?
Do I need to get a specific littler box that is easier for him to enter and exit?
Thanks!
Hi and welcome! Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away. That's so sweet you are adopting this kitty!
Check out our Tripawds Recovery Shopping List for ideas to get your home ready, and our What to Expect articles have lots of tips, as well as Cool Tips for Tripawd Cats .
Your vet will let you know if they want you to put anything on his incision. At two weeks out it will probably be itchy but check with your vet. His stitches should be out and healing by then, so you may not need to do anything at all. Most don't need any kind of topical.
The best thing is to keep him in a smaller area of your home in an area where he can't hurt himself. As a kitten he's going to do nutty things, guaranteed, your job is to minimize the risks as much as possible at least for a few weeks. Have some perches ready for him so he learns how to climb and descend with them.
You should use whatever litter you use, and a low sided box is usually easier for Tripawd cats.
We can't wait to meet him here! What are you naming him? When does he come home with you?
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