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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My cat Cortada fell out of a tree and broke both of her legs.
I took her to the vet and at the time they only identified one broken leg and said that I could try and fix it but it was not a for sure fix because it was broken at the shin growth plate. Another factor in this was the price, the surgery to atteampt to fix the leg would have cost much more than getting an amputation and I had money for neither.
I sold all of my musical instruments and raised $800 through Go fund me and had her back leg removed.
24 hours later she was dragging herself around with her front paws but refusing to use her back leg. It did not hurt when i touched it, or atleast she did not react but if i forced her to stand on it she would yowl. I made another appointment with the vet, terrified because i have nothing else left to sell. I was truly hoping it was just a strain or a sprain, maybe even a small fracture but no.. broken at the growth plate of the knee. I started crying instantly wondering what i could possibly do to accrue the ammount of money that was needed to make this right, with no access to loans, carecredit, or any other financial help.
The clinic i went to decided to do it pro-bono, they are fixing her leg at no further charge to me. They are saving my little kitty.
I wish finances had not been a deciding factor in me taking off her other leg. I wish that we could have kept it, I feel guilty that i didnt start rebuilding my credit sooner and that i got a job off the books and didnt pay taxes which made me ineligible for any and all help. I feel bad about it, but it is what it is and if all goes well in this surgery i will have a sweet little tripod kitty.
I am looking for answers to how to help a cat with 2 unusable back legs poop and pee, and if i should get a wheelchair for her while the leg heels from the surgery.
Has anyone ever had a cat without use of its back legs?
What are the answers to these tough questions?
Ohhhhhh my gosh I am so sorry you and Cortada went through such a freak accident and the aftermath...yikes! You truly love her with all your heart, that is so obvious. And your vets, well, they are amazing.
First of all, don't beat yourself up about the financial part. Yes, money does play a role for most of us, that is nothing to feel bad about, it is a fact of life. Learn from this and move forward, because when Cortada heals, she will too. You don't mention how long ago the amputation was but you may qualify for a Tripawds ASAP Grant. Please check it out and apply if you meet the criteria for reimbursement.
Meanwhile, this situation reminded me of Feta's story. Please check out her blog and connect with her mom here, she is sooo knowledgable about unique circumstances like this! If you have trouble getting in touch, let me know.
A wheelchair may or may not be an option. It is best to meet with an animal rehabilitation therapist before going that route. The Tripawds Foundation may pay for your first rehab visit (anyone can qualify, no income proof needed) so don't let the cost be a deterrent right now.
How did Cortada get her name? I like it!
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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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WOW! WHAT AN ORDEAL!! Cortada is soooo lucky to have you as her hooman!!
Jist a quick note about the finance situation. Regardless of monies ot mot, based on the information you had at the time, an amputation made the most sense! To try and repair that leg would require extensive recovery time, risk of infection and probably more than one surgery to repair it......again, based on the information you had at the time. So put all that behind you. It's a waste of energy and you need to be fully present with positive energy for Cortada now. You've already gone above and beyond what many would do for their kitty just vy taking her to the Vet the first time!!
Yes, you and Cortada are faced with a rough time during recovery, that's for sure. It's doable though. Although the specifics may be different, we've had dogs and cats where the remaining leg jad ro jave surgery for one reason or another. Other kitty members will chime jn about potty tips, etc.
What kind of pain meds is she on? Is she eating and drinking okay?
We would love to hear more about Cortada when you get a chance. She sounds like a little spitfire!
Stay connected! You have a whole new tripawd family to help you navigate through recovery and o yo brighter days!!😊
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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