Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Last year, a 3 y/o stray, Mickey, had an emergency hind leg amputation after it was severely broken. Because of the amputation and because he's a timid sweetheart, I decided he should be an indoor only cat. He spent the first 2-3 months living in the bathroom which was fine with him. Then I moved him to a larger room with limited floor space, but plenty of vertical space (shelves, etc.). Because I had an older cat dying from organ failure, I had to keep Mickey in this room for about 7 months. So now Mickey is out of his room following a lengthy introduction period to the resident cats. For the most part, everyone gets along. The one or two cats that cause problems with him are the ones who are troublemakers anyway.
I cannot be sure, but I am concerned Mickey is having issues with his hind foot, or maybe he's just tired from all the hopping around. His hind foot has an issue from a previous injury when he was 1 y/o. It didn't heal correctly and I don't know that anything can be done about it. I think the vet said something fused together in there. The problem is basically on the bottom of that hind foot. I remember the vet got kind of creeped out when she was feeling it, it was making crunching/cracking noises. It has never been x-rayed.
So... is there a way to tell if his foot is bothering him? He could be just tired from using the leg so much or he could have pain from the foot injury. He could also be exhausted from all the stimulation with being out of his room. He's very timid and pretty much stays near that room. He has no interest in going downstairs and doesn't really go in the other upstairs rooms. It could be because of the other cats. There's quite a few of them and they're all related to each other.
spaced1 said
... is there a way to tell if his foot is bothering him?
Yes, there are various ways to tell if your cat is in pain. The best bet is to consult with your vet, or better yet a certified pet rehab therapist. Visit a CCRT or CCRP and the Tripawds Foundation can even pay for your first consult from the Maggie Moo Fund for Tripawd Rehab.
Meanwhile, check out these relative Tripawds News blog posts, or search all blogs here .
How to Spot Acute and Chronic Pain Signs in Cats
Tripawd Cats Pain Management Tips and Tricks
Pain Signs in Cats and Dogs: Learn the Symptoms
Is Your Dog or Cat in Pain? Here’s How to Know the Signs.
Welcome, and best wishes for Mickey! Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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What did your vet say after she felt the creaky bones on his foot? Did she recommend a further evaluation?
When animals show pain, they are hurting. Cats are the most under-diagnosed when it comes to pain too, so if he is limping, and being anti-social, odds are he is in pain. I would get a second opinion from another vet, preferably an orthopedic surgeon, to find out what's going on.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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