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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I think my cat is depressed and i don’t know what to do. He had his front leg amputated 12 days ago and he hasn’t made an effort to try and walk around or do anything but sleep. I have to bring him his food and bring him to his litter box. He CAN walk because I’ve seen him do it, but he just doesn’t want to. He can even jump in the bed. He used to just purr when I only looked at him and now barely purrs at all. It’s like his whole personality is gone. The vet made it sound like he would adjust quickly and it’s not a big deal, but he isn’t adjusting. I’m wondering if I made the right choice.
Hey there, I'm so glad you posted. It's not always a smooth ride during recovery and there can be lots of ups and downs. This is all very normal, even your feelings about regret. But it's not long until the new Tripawd adjusts and gets their sparkle back.
So you mentioned he can do those things, which is GREAT! Don't forget to celebrate those "little things' because they are huge right now! After he does those things, how is he? Does he seem tired? Jumping takes a lot of effort and energy, and even walking at this point. What kind of pain management did he get after surgery? And how long was he on the meds? Often what we interpret as depression is simply that the new Tripawd is exhausted and in some sort of pain. They are so good at hiding it, especially cats!
Have you talked to your vet about his behavior and your concerns? What did they say?
Also, have you tried practicing a little tough love by not bringing him food and water? If so, how long did you wait and what happened? Did he eventually go to his bowls? It's soooo hard to not want to baby them, but sometimes a new Tripawd needs that extra nudge to get their normal life back.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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Sorry to add more questions, but Dexter was having peeing issues before and the Vet said he had some bacterial infection
Has he been peeing regularly now and no fever, right?
I know at one point he had started purring again. Can you pinpoint a thing that may have changed since then? Was his pain medication dosage different ?
Just kind of throwing stuff out there. It may be that a new set of eyes from a second opinion Vet may help rule out any underlying issues and give you the reassurance you need.
And yes, dogs and cats do very well...AFTER RECOVERY! And the length of recovery varies and can look different each time. One big variance is the length of time needed for pain meds. It can be as early as ten days (usually more like 14 days) and can continue on at some level three and four weeks out.
Okay, update when you can
(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!
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