Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Yes, she will get over the MAJOR surgery and she will adjust to three!!! Our kitty experts will chime in, but still sounds like a pain management .
Had you ever try Buprenorphine along with the Gaba? It may be that she needs another med added, or dosing changed, etc.
I don't think seeing her remaining "stump" (for lack of a better word) twotchiing or moving as though trying to cover her litter is unusual.
Is she in her regular part of the ouse now? Or in a confined area that's not her normal environment?
What her mobility like? Eating, drinking, potty okay?
You are probably still exhausted mentally and physically after three weeks of this. I know we can tell you over and over it gets better, and it does, but it's hard to see it right now. Unless there is some u discovered medical issue or disease, there is nooooo reason she won't get better!!! So take thoughts of "end of life"off the table, okay?
We'll get this figured out (with a lot of help from kitty members). So yes, continue to hang in there.
(((((Hugs)))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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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!
I'm sorry to hear that Snowflake hasn't gotten her sparkle back yet. I second Sally's input that it's waaaaaay too early to start talking about end of life care. You mentioned that she is not in pain as far as you can tell but the symptoms you are describing sound like pain signals . They could also be related to the metastasis. You mentioned the cancer has spread: what diagnostics were done to determine that? And what is your vet's plan for dealing with the metastasis? If the prednisone was part of their plan, pred can reduce inflammation caused by mets and help her breathe easier.
Again, three weeks isn't a long time but what you are describing sounds like it needs to be further investigated or treated, even if only palliatively since you mentioned you declined chemotherapy (which is totally fine, it's a personal decision and we can respect that). If your vet doesn't have a plan to troubleshoot, then another opinion or pain specialist is needed. Let us know if we can help find one for you OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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Hey thank you I have just spoken to the vet and am taking her in on Monday….. they will check her over and discuss options…. Sorry ..at a bit of a low ebb today! I will keep battling as she is! I think I’m just over thinking and stressed as many others who are in this situation….I will get a full report from the vet on Monday …. I have asked for a copy of the results from the leg biopsy which I haven’t had yet as they were delayed I should get my copy tomorrow so I have a clear diagnosis and will update…..one of those days I’m afraid …. Thanks again we will battle on she may have months of a happy life yet!
My thinking is she’s not in pain is because I can pick her up no issue… she’s running up and down the living room and jumping in the sofa when she’s active ….I may be completely wrong of course as the other behaviours such as licking and overeating are all signs of pain or stress…. Review with the vet Monday will make things clearer I’m sure…..on the plus side her stitches have healed very nicely and she’s not over licking or nibbling at the scars….just her blanket… I can’t thank you enough for all your support you have been wonderful and I wouldn’t have got through these last few weeks without this site…… I’ll update asap T x
Thanks Sally! I know it’s very early days….. she could have months of a happy life yet! We have come this far …. Just a bad day today ..for me….Snowey is currently doing everything normally just the excessive licking and I’ve never seen her want so much food! Which of course I’m trying to be careful with as I don’t want her putting on too much weight…… I’ll send biopsy results Monday I probably won’t understand them but perhaps someone else will! Thanks again all have a great weekend x
tra14 said results not good unfortunately…the cancer has spread but not sure to what extent….I have refused steroids or chemo ….
I'm really sorry to read this and get this crap news so soon is a real gut punch 🫂🫂🫂.
I have the same questions as Jerry. How do they know the C has spread? Did they say they did not get clean margins? Did they do X-Rays? Do you know what kind of sarcoma Snowflake had? Were her labs good before amputation?
I understand no chemo. Is there a reason you wish not to do steroids? It can be super helpful & give her extended qol.
I ditto she may need another pain med added in. Not sure what her pain meds were or duration after surgery other than the gaba. Things may need tweaking!
I can ease a few of your worries.
1. As far as covering her poop, yes, that's NORMAL; it's not painful; they are just doing their business as they always have w/o the limb. The brain still sends signals to that arm. Purrkins still does this five years, six months post-op. That's entirely different than phantom limb pain.
2. Gaba can be an appetite stimulant for some cats. I had the same issue with Purrkins brother. Not Purrkins. That is what's happening with the feeling starved.! If you're feeding a wet diet, I think that would help her be satisfied and less worried about gaining weight, and right now, I would give her what she wants. (That's me;) It might help her feel less anxious being satisfied.
Is she just licking the blanket? That's new behavior? If it is just the blanket and it's a new behavior, I suspect anxiety from thinking she is so hungry. I would keep her satisfied until Monday when you see the vet and see what they suggest. Also, if you can get a pheromone spray, spray that in the vicinity and see if that helps. Can't hurt!
So you have some references to look at; here are pain indicators
&
FELINE GRIMACE SCALE
Here is a qof life scale to look at for the future!!! https://my.vetm.....eScale.pdf
Hang in there and see what the path report says, what the vet says. Get all your information and what you can do to help Snowflake now and in the future. I know my mind would be a whirlwind right now but do TRY to remain in today and not in the future.
Snuggle up with Snowflake!
((((HUGS))) and scratches to Snowflake, please.
Holly & Purrkins💝💝💝
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