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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
So, I never thought that I would ever get to the point where I would have to make this decision for one of my cats but here we are and I figured the best advice would come from people who have gone through a similar situation. Which is why I am turning to you to let me know what you think is the best decision.
I have three cats, two brothers aged 8 and one baby of a year old. My cats have always been indoor cats and I make sure that they never leave our yard. Sadly, in July last year one of my older boys managed to get out and jump over the wall into our neighbors yard. The neighbors two dogs attacked him. Thankfully, the neighbor intervened and was able to get the dogs off him. We rushed him to the vet immediately.
He had broken his radius and ulna. It was the start of a long journey of trying to save his leg. To make a long story short. He ended up staying at the vet for 3 weeks, wore a splint for two months, was on cage rest for three months, and got im pins, all in an attempt to get his fracture to heal but it just wouldn't happen. Fast forward to today. The pins they inserted have moved and they need to be removed, but there has been no healing of the fracture even though it's been more than 6 months. The doctors said they could remove the pins and we can see how he copes with his broken leg if we really don't want to amputate but said that he is in pain, and will likely always be in pain even if it isn't noticeable. Both vets involved in his journey recommended that his leg be amputated on Monday. They said that he would finally be able to try and live a normal happy life again without pain. We also wouldn't have to worry about anything going wrong with his leg in the future especially since his elbow was luxated in the process which also would mean arthritis for him.
Needless to say, we are left to decide whether we just see how well he functions with the broken leg without the pins, or amputate. As much as it pains me to say, I'm leaning towards amputation just because the last few months have already been rough on my poor boy and even though he's doing surprisingly well with one broken paw, considering he's walking and jumping with his other three legs, I can't help but think he might be better off if the paw was out of the way. I've noticed that he wants to play with his brothers, but the moment the playtime gets a bit rough, he runs away because he doesn't want to hurt his paw.
So I would like to know from people who've made the decision whether amputation would be best for my boy? Or should I just let him continue on with his broken leg.
Aww I'm sorry you are in this situation, but so glad you found us. What are your cats' names? They are so lucky to have a conscientious mom like you.
We make it a point not to tell people what they should or should not do. That's because amputation is not always right for every animal, and everyone's situation is different. What can do is share our experience, which is that for the most part, cats and dogs of all ages do really really well on three legs. And cats tend to do even better than dogs!
Your gut instincts about your own cat are what matters most of all. And what I am reading in your post is that you believe amputation is the course to take. So, go with that gut feeling. Your vets back you up, which confirms that it's the thing to do in your cat's best interest. Lastly, try to put yourself in your cat's paws. What would it be like to drag around a useless, broken leg? It would hurt, it would drag you down and keep you from enjoying life to the fullest, right? I know this because I've talked to amputee humans who were once in that same kind of situation, where a limb was intact but the bones so damaged beyond repair that they could save it for cosmetic reasons but it wasn't worth the effort to them. Once they elected to amputate, life improved dramatically. For humans however, there is the emotional burden of overcoming limb loss, but animals don't have that to deal with. They tend to bounce back without giving it a second thought, as long as their human is pawsitive and encouraging. Our attitude makes a huge difference so if you go into this being optimistic, your kitty will reflect that right back to you.
I hope this helps! Be sure to check out our What to Expect articles and our e-book Cool Tips for Tripawd Cats for tips about life on 3. And stay tuned for feedback from the community. Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ditto Jerry!
Yoir gut I instinct, the support of the professions and their input, and your knowledge of how strong and determined your kitty is to start living lofe tonthe fullest again......that is where you will find your answer.
I'll add that the amputation is one surgery, one recovery and then done! We know it's scary to hear the word "amputation ", but it is a welcomed solution to give a cat or dog a pain free quaility life.
We are here to support you in any path you take. You will ,ale a dec oit of love for your kitty and that is always the best decision ♥️
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!
It is truly said that cats do not even seem to know that they have had an amputation, they just get on with life free from pain. Cats manage amazingly well after losing a leg.
Saying that it is a terrifying and heart-breaking decision, I would suggest that following your vets advice is usually a good idea as they usually really do have your pets best interests at heart.
My vet advised me to look at three legged cat videos and that was really good advice and it was what helped me make the decision.
I would suggest you talk to your vets, binge watch three legged cat videos and then when you have all the information you can make the decision that you think is best.
- "what shall be done for these innocents? I have been warned not even to raise the question of animal immortality, lest I find myself “in company with all the old maids”. I have no objection to the company" - C S Lewis (The Problem of Pain)
- "Mr Toplady was touched by the cruelty of the scene, and exclaimed, ' Who could bear to see that sight, if there were not to be some compensation for these poor suffering animals in a future state' 'I certainly hope,' said my grandfather, ' that all the bulls will go to heaven; but do you think this will be the case with all the animal creation' 'Yes, certainly,' replied Mr Toplady, with great emphasis, ' all, all!" - Josiah Bull (recording a meeting with the great A. M. Toplady, author of "Rock of Ages" in "Memorials of the Rev. William Bull of Newport, Pagnel")
- "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God" Luke 12:6
Thank you for your responses. Deep down I guess I know that if all the vets I spoke to suggested amputation that it is probably the best for him even if it is such a tough decision. At the end of the day, I just want to do what's best for him and if he'll cope better without the leg, and we can finally put all the pain and stress behind us once he's recovered from amputation surgery - then it's probably the best decision.
He has been booked for surgery Monday. We had to book it sooner rather than later because they're scared the pins in his legs start causing trouble since they're not where they should be. I believe this weekend and Monday especially will probably be really tough for me but it is what it is. I kinda just want to fast forward and get it over with.
On another note, Jerry asked what my cats names were so I thought I'd introduce them to you.
The one that will get the amputation is called Tum-Tum. Here he is in all his cuteness:
His brother Rocky is the black tuxedo kitty and the new baby in the family is Milo. He's the grey & white one.
Is Tum-Tum really reading the bible?
- "what shall be done for these innocents? I have been warned not even to raise the question of animal immortality, lest I find myself “in company with all the old maids”. I have no objection to the company" - C S Lewis (The Problem of Pain)
- "Mr Toplady was touched by the cruelty of the scene, and exclaimed, ' Who could bear to see that sight, if there were not to be some compensation for these poor suffering animals in a future state' 'I certainly hope,' said my grandfather, ' that all the bulls will go to heaven; but do you think this will be the case with all the animal creation' 'Yes, certainly,' replied Mr Toplady, with great emphasis, ' all, all!" - Josiah Bull (recording a meeting with the great A. M. Toplady, author of "Rock of Ages" in "Memorials of the Rev. William Bull of Newport, Pagnel")
- "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God" Luke 12:6
gnosis said
Is Tum-Tum really reading the bible?
More like falling asleep on it, he's not much of a reader haha
You've done your research. you've gotten input from the professionals AND we are here to support you through every aspect of recovery. Onward and upward!
Love your "pile of cats" photo! So cute! A good looking crew! And Tum Tum is adorable! He is goi to feel soooo much better with that bum leg gone!
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!
Awww what sweet sweet kitties. You capture their essence so perfectly in the photos, thank you for the introduction to Tum-Tum, Rocky and Milo. Now another question: how did Tum-Tum get his name? That's so unique!
Yes, you are absolutely doing everything you can for your sweet boy. Use this time to get your home and a recovery area ready for him and introduce him to it so it doesn't come as a surprise after surgery.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We literally just went through surgery 3 days ago. Our situation was different in that our kitten appeared to be born without a paw and just had a stump dangling. They can tell you on here how I agonized over whether to amputate or not since it wasn't a clear cut situation. I read the e-book Cool Tips for Tripawd Cats like 3 times. It is very helpful!! It really set my mind at ease along with all the input here.
Like it has been said I'm sure Tum-Tum will be much happier without all the pain he is in. He will adjust and will get back to playing with his siblings! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us informed as to how it goes and if you need anything!!
Barb & Lucky
Barb, Doug, Lucky, Luna, Aurora, Rascal, Smokey & Ebby
I really appreciate your responses. It is encouraging and it truly sets me at ease to hear from people who went through the surgery.
A little update on Tum-Tum. The doctors asked that we postpone the surgery. They have ordered a new piece of equipment for the surgery that will help the surgery be quicker, easier, and lead to less loss of blood. It will arrive this week, so they asked that we postpone his surgery until it arrives. Especially since his brother died of heart failure and he is at risk of heart disease, they don't want him to be under anesthesia any longer than necessary. So now I've got a bit more time to prepare. I'll go read up the tips for tripawd cats in the mean time. It seems like his surgery will be on Friday or next week.
To answer Jerry's question about his name. Tum-Tum and his two brothers were dumped when they were only a few weeks old. My husband found them next to the road. I took them in and said I'd take care of them till I find them a good home, needless to say, they never left. But when they were little they were extremely adventurous. Climbed everywhere, jumped and chased each other in the wee hours of the morning and considering they were all black and white, they made me think of my favourite movie as a kid - 3 Ninja Kids. The movie is about three brothers that become ninjas. So I named them after the three brothers.
Here's photos of them on the first day I took them in: It's Tum-Tum, Rocky & Colt. Colt is the one that sadly passed away in my arms on the way to the vet in December 2019 of heart failure at age 7.
Awwww what a sweet story about how they got their names! They were so lucky your husband found them. As tragic as it was that you lost Colt at such a young age, those seven years were filled with so much love and kindness that he wouldn't have had otherwise. You were meant to be his parents!
I'm glad your vet wants to take that precaution for surgery. I'd agree with waiting, too! More time for you to read up and get prepared, that's awesome!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
CUTENESS ALERT TIMES THREE!!! They certainly hit the lottery with your loving hone❤
It's great that your Vet has better equipment in for safer surgery👍
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!
Hehe yes they are cute. I'm the lucky one to have them in my life.
Is there perhaps any tips that anyone can give me that I can do so long to prepare for when he comes home from surgery? Or what I can expect? The vets said he'll likely stay there after surgery for 2-3 days and it usually takes around 2-4 weeks for recovery. Anything else I need to know?
All cats have very different and individual recovery routes.
Some take a long time to recover and have many issues along the way, my cat took two whole days and was completely back to normal.
The reason why I think that you cat may take a more normal time to recover is that he is not used to not using a leg (mine had been hopping around for ages so really did not need to adjust) and mentally what happened to your cat was pretty traumatic.
The key factor is whether there is a post op pain issue, and again this is something that you have to prepare for (in case) but you cannot really predict.
I would plan for taking it slowly, make sure he has a bed near to a low entry litter tray as well and food and water and try to put him in an area that he cannot leave or jump around in. If you are lucky then you can let him out of prison early as long as he is recovering well you think that he is able to handle the freedom.
Mine came home the same day as the operation, but again every cat is different. If my cat had not been a nervous wreck around strangers I would have liked her to stay at the vets for as long as possible post op.
- "what shall be done for these innocents? I have been warned not even to raise the question of animal immortality, lest I find myself “in company with all the old maids”. I have no objection to the company" - C S Lewis (The Problem of Pain)
- "Mr Toplady was touched by the cruelty of the scene, and exclaimed, ' Who could bear to see that sight, if there were not to be some compensation for these poor suffering animals in a future state' 'I certainly hope,' said my grandfather, ' that all the bulls will go to heaven; but do you think this will be the case with all the animal creation' 'Yes, certainly,' replied Mr Toplady, with great emphasis, ' all, all!" - Josiah Bull (recording a meeting with the great A. M. Toplady, author of "Rock of Ages" in "Memorials of the Rev. William Bull of Newport, Pagnel")
- "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God" Luke 12:6
2 Guest(s)
