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Freak out / panic attacks post surgery
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Member Since:
2 March 2018
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2 March 2018 - 7:09 am
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Any help or advice would be welcome ... am feeling pretty helpless.  Last Friday (a week ago), my beautiful 11 year old furbaby Corbin had a left front leg amputation due to a severe infection in his paw which we'd tried to get rid of by medicating for the last 3 months but it was in vain and the infection was still in his paw.  Leading up to the Surgery, I extensively researched what we could expect to go through.  None of the case study's mentioned anything close to this.  I got him home on the Saturday afternoon, he was still pretty groggy but was eating and seemed to be happy to be at home.  He even ran around a little but was quite stressed out about the collar they'd put on him (has always been terrified of things around his neck ever since he was a kitten).  The weekend seemed to go smoothly, until Sunday night, about an hour after I gave him his meds (Metacam and something else less dramatic I can't remember the name of), I put down some food for him on the floor in my room (he sleeps there too) and he got up, went to walk, fell over (maybe only then realising he didn't have a leg there anymore?) and absolutely freaked out.  He went from my sweet boy to a possessed cat.  I've never seen anything like it and I never want to ever again - I've tried to search for something simular on youtube but none are anywhere near as bad as this was.  He was under a table when it happen and smashed himself into the table multiple times, out into the open (I'm running from the other side of the room to get him), up onto a shelf, he was about 5 foot high at one stage and was thrashing around.  It wasn't something he could control.  It was like his brain was having a complete and absolute panic about his leg.  Which I get, it must be traumatic for him - we knew it was coming but he didn't, poor fella.  I got to him and had to fight to get him on the ground - he was bouncing all around, like a crazed cartoon.  I was terrified for him and was sure he would've done some damage. I pinned him down on the ground, trying not to cause any damage and calmed him down but his eyes were really dilated and he seemed so angry.  Now he's a lil black cat and I'm an strong athletic 5.10 female that plays rugby (am a kiwi) - I am more bruised and battered from this, than any rugby game.  My flatmate thought someone had broken into our house (he was as loud as a human and smashing things) and ran into my room.  As soon as she did, he bolted out of my room, over her, down the stairs (he wasn't even walking an hour earlier) and then he developed super human powers and smashed through the locked cat door and outside.  My world stopped, I thought I'd lost my boy.  We all went out and searched the neighbourhood with touches, even met a few neighbours that knew him (he's obviously very social when we're at work - they call him the good looking mouse catching cat).  He hopped back home an hour later, I was waiting outside just in case and he was calmer but still had fury in his eyes.  Unbelievably no damage either and his dressing was still intact and not bleeding.  I took him back to my room, he was lying on the floor - I was lying down beside him and he had another "episode" when I touched his paw.  Far less dramatic this time but he moved a metre before he knew it and then managed to climb up onto the bed, where he'd normally sleep and looked so comfortable that I left him there and slept on the couch in my room and watched sleep him all night.  When he woke up the next morning, I watched him roll over onto his back - stretch his paws in front of him (like he's done a million times before) and when he saw one of his legs wasn't there - he freaked again.  I got to him just before he would've tumbled off the bed.  I noticed later on, that he'd shredded my duvet cover - I don't care about my bedding but that's how stressed he was.  I took him to the vets that morning, promptly burst into tears (what have I done to my furbaby?!) and explained what had happened, they checked him over and didn't seem to take what I'd said seriously.  They said sometimes it's hard to watch them adjust - no, this was next level.  It wasn't him adjusting.  I insisted they take him in and monitor him because something wasn't right.  He stayed for 2 nights and they said he didn't do it.  But in saying that, they left him unsupervised for a night and he got into his stitches there because they hadn't collar'd him so I'm sure they could've easily missed him having a freak out.  Since he's been back home, he's managed to remove his collar (I left him in his cage for 2 hours) and has also had a few episodes - getting a fright and his whole body goes flying uncontrollably, before he even knows what's going on.  Am keeping him in a big dog cage in my room at the moment because it's safer for him.  The episodes seem to happen either when he gets a fright or is waking up and he also seems super sensitive to everything.  He's eating well, going to the toilet normally, taking his meds and starting to hop around and work out his balance.  I've taken a few weeks off work to spend with my boy to help him re-adjust but these "panic/fright" episodes are absolutely terrifying, especially the first one.  I stay calm and talk to him and he seems to get over them quickly.  They're definitely getting less severe each day. I've experienced panic attacks myself and it seems to me like it's an amplyfied form of that - maybe mixed with post traumatic stress disorder?  Or could the meds have something to do with it?   Is there a cat version of rescue remedy?  Any help or suggestions would be so welcome ... I'm exhausted and typing this in the middle of the night, sitting on the floor beside his cage, making sure he doesn't ruin his stitches again because I don't want to put the collar on him, stress him out and have him freak out.  Ummmm Help?

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2 March 2018 - 11:20 am
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Hi Corbin's mom, welcome. I'm sorry you two have been through such a hard time but rest assured you are not alone, others have had similar experiences here with their new TriKities. So here's what's going on from what I gather ....

I've experienced panic attacks myself and it seems to me like it's an amplyfied form of that - maybe mixed with post traumatic stress disorder?  Or could the meds have something to do with it?   Is there a cat version of rescue remedy?  Any help or suggestions would be so welcome

and also

The episodes seem to happen either when he gets a fright or is waking up and he also seems super sensitive to everything.

Basically it comes down to panic attacks right? If so, this could be caused by phantom pain . What kind of medications did your cat come home with after surgery, besides the metacam? Cats often come home with too little pain medication and that can cause problems like this later on.

Here's a story about Raven that sounds a lot like Corbin:

http://tripawds.....2/#p198920

It's a bummer that her photos disappeared, not sure why. But read her story and you will see that Corbin's not alone in this situation.

Did your vets evaluate him for any kind of pain issues? When you pet him, does he flinch when you touch certain spots? Cat's pains often go unrecognized even by vets. It sounds like Corbin could really benefit from having an evaluation by a veterinary pain management specialist who can assess and treat Corbin. Ask your vet for a referral or let us know where you live and we can help find one.

As for Rescue Remedy, yes! Have you tried any of the pheromone products out there?

How Pheromone Anti-Anxiety Therapy Helps New Tripawd Cats, Dogs

Also, Purrkins has had great success with his Farabloc blanket:

http://purrkins.....-post-amp/

OK I don't want to overwhelm you so I'll leave you with this for now. Stay tuned, others will chime in soon!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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Virginia



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2 March 2018 - 11:28 am
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WOW!!!  YOU AND CORBIN HAVE BEEN THROUGH QUITE AN ORDEAL!!

We have a couple of really good kitty experts who will chime in when they see this.

One thing that comes to mind is phantom limb pain, although it only lasts generally less than a minute.  I suppose the residual effect could carry on longer though after the nerve pain has stopped. 

GABAPENTIN idps the drug used to stop that, so ask your Vet about that.   Do you recall the other pain med he was o ?  Metacam is NOT a strong enough "med" to co trol the pain of major surgery like amputation. 

I'm sorry I don't jave any good insight.  I jist want you to know recovery is rough for a couple of weeks and has lots of ups and downs.  You WILL get this figured out and Corbin WILL get better!!

To me, this is somehow some u diagnosed pain not treated.  Of course, not a Vet and not giving Vet advice.  Really, really frustrated to hear tney did not have his cone on at the Vet and he got into his stitches.  UGH!! 

Hang in there!!!

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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Michigan

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2 March 2018 - 1:44 pm
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Hello and Welcome,
I am sorry Corbin is having these episodes, I know this is disturbing to watch and horrible to see our cats in pain. It should never happen in the first place.

Is Corbin a front or rear leg amputee? What pain meds is he on now? 

Vets are not always up to date on pain management !(my BIGGEST complaint for cats and their owners)

We see too many cats come home with little or sometimes no pain meds, Metacam alone is not enough for pain management after an amputation. Amputation is a major surgery it needs major drugs to keep our kitties comfortable!

Metacam and something else less dramatic I can't remember the name of

What was the less dramatic med?

Cats need an opioid after an amp! For severe pain.

Opioids – Opioids are used for more severe pain. This class of pain-relief medication includes morphine, codeine, fentanyl, buprenorphine, and hydromorphone. Opioids are used to treat severe surgical pain and may also be used in advanced cases of cancer or to control severe arthritis pain. Opioids may play a role in maintaining a good quality of life for a cat with severe chronic pain.

I agree with Jerry and Sally (Who does have good insight!) this sounds like pain or nerve pain or both?

Purrkins was on an opioid Buprenorphine and Gabapentin 
14 days - Gabapentin 100 mg capsule – one capsule by mouth every 8 hours

12 days - Buprenorphine 0.3 mg every 8-12 hours

Do you have a phone to video these episodes? What I would do is video these episodes, I know they are horrific to watch, this is going to help get Corbin the meds or treatment that he needs. Then show the Vet the episode! IF this vet cannot help you, please find a new Vet to help Corbin.

Recovery is not easy and it does not last furever BUT it is easier if pain is managed! pain management or lack of - makes or breaks recovery!

Here are some posts you may relate too, your doing great trying to help Corbin and you and the Vet will figure a way out to make these episodes stop and Corbin will get back to hopping on!

Snuggles 15 days post surgery he gets weird attacks

Cat displaying strange behaviour after amputation

My Tripawd Boskers

Feline Phantom Limb Pain

Cat- post amputation strange bahavior

Hang in there your not alone!

Hugs, and chin scrachtes to Corbin

Holly & Purrkinsheart

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2 March 2018 - 9:50 pm
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I am so sorry you have both had to go through this. I just wanted to say it gets better. My cat Opal lost her front right leg almost 2 months ago and she is almost back to her normal self. She doesn't wander far any more (a good thing) and is more affectionate, but basically she is the same cat. Its hard watching her bounce around but she is doing awesome.

The first few days are the hardest, especially for us. But Corbin will adapt! He will recover and be himself in no time.

Opal never experienced anything like Corbin is, but if your vet is not being helpful I would suggest getting a second opinion. I am also a Kiwi and if you are in Hawkes Bay I can recommend an excellent vet. 

One thing that saved both Opal and I was getting rid of the collar, go out and get some onesies from T&T or somewhere and sew up the spare arm. Corbin will find it a lot easier to move around with this on rather than the collar and he won't be able to get to his staples, just keep an eye on him to start with to make sure he isn't being persistent and trying to get under it. Opal did much better once the collar was gone, her walking improved incredibly fast and she was mush happier.

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Michigan

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3 March 2018 - 8:28 am
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We used a diy baby onesie to cover the incision, we got approval from the surgeon for no cone. If Corbin is a front leg amp, I can't tell in your avatar pic for sure. If Corbin is a rear leg amp this may be an option. The Suitical Pet Recovery Suit Makes Amputation Healing a Snap! I agree no cone makes the world a difference! If Corbin can use alternative that will help.

Keep us posted please!

Holly & Purrkinsheart

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4 March 2018 - 7:27 pm
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What wonderful advice and links - thank you EVERYONE!  Sure feels good to not be alone in this ... Corbin is a front left leg amputee and the other medication, apart from Metacam, was an opioid. 

I have an update - a few hours after I wrote the original post, Corbin got into his stitches again and was still having these "episodes" and seemed to be looking around at things that weren't there, alot.  I got my phone out and recorded one of these uncontrollable twitchy/fright episodes - it was the mildest one he'd had but was enough to show the vet.  It was a Saturday so they had different vet staff on when I took him down there to get his stitches redone, again.  I'd had no sleep and had been listening to some of the radio shows on this website during the night while I scrolled through the forums, searching for info.  A lady on one of them said something like "I'm not here to please the vet, I'm here for my pet".  Damm right we are.  So, I demanded, nicely of course, that I speak to the staff taking care of Corbin on Saturday.  Frustratingly, I'd told 2 of their staff last Monday it could've been a reaction to the drugs and they didn't see it necessary to change it but I also needed to re-iterate to the weekend staff that he needed supervision at all times because if they left him alone/or turned their back on him, on an examination table, he could very well fly off and smash into a wall.  The vet specialist sat down with me and I told him what had been happening with Corbin's behaviour over last week.  He listened, told me to go home and they'd fix up his stitches with staples and take care of Corbin for a few hours and I could get some sleep.  A few hours later I went back and had a good chat with them again - they suspected a side effect/bad reaction to the Opioid drug he was on.  As did I by this stage and maybe even a random perfect storm of anxiety, phantom pain and a nasty reaction.  I'd also been reading alot on these forums about gabapentin so when they changed Corbin's medication immediately to gabapentin, I knew it was a good thing.  I'm so pleased to say that I came home with a different cat - my sweet little boy was back. 

Obviously, I'm not too impressed by his usual vet and am hesitant to take him there again unless the good vet staff are on but hopefully there won't be too many more visits there.  We both slept so peacefully on Saturday night.  His body needed sleep and quality rest whilst not being slammed up against his cage - poor lil thing.  He's had no further (touch wood) freak outs.  He's had a few frights but has shown normal speed reactions not pin-ball diva styled tatrums.  And 2 days on, he's still wearing his cone ... Proud Mama, right here smiley He's a little annoyed about it but I think it's because he can't do his own ear rubs with this back feet so when I see him trying, I go over and give him ear rubs - that seems to keep Mr Sir happy.  We've got 2 more days to go until the stitches/staples are checked and hopefully removed.... freeeeedom from the cone!  This week is rehab week so he's just getting used to hopping around at home and sleeping. 

Whilst we had a pretty rough start to the Tripawd club, we're here and at a point now that we can finally start hopping along the road to recovery. I know we've got a long way to go but this week is so much better than last week.  I felt really lost until I found this website and truly appreciate the stories, replies, knowledge, support and the information (I'm going to go and read them again now) provided by everyone - you're all such wonderful people & so great to see another kiwi on here Delphiclap

Genuine heartfelt thank you's to you all from me and big smiley meow purrs from Mr Corbin heartheartheart

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4 March 2018 - 8:31 pm
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I'm so glad you figured things out- you are being a great advocate for Mr. Corbin!

You also have 'paid it forward'.  Someone will come here with their cat having trouble and this just might be the answer!

My pug Maggie got really agitated on tramadol- after one dose she didn't sleep for 12 hours and acted like something was chasing her.  I briefly thought of that when I read your post but Mr. Corbin's episodes were so wild that I thought it must be something else.  Maggie wouldn't run around, she would sit and look around- looking for the 'ghost', then get up and go somewhere else and do the same thing for hours. 

I hope things are smooth from now on!

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

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Virginia



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4 March 2018 - 8:32 pm
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OMC!!!   BEST NEWS OF THE DAY!!! 🙂  AABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED TO HEAR CORBIN IS DOI G SOOOOOO MUCH BETTER!! 🙂

STANDING OVATION TO YOU FOR BEING SUCH A STRONG ADVOCATE FOR MR. CORBIN:-)

Thank you for taking the time to update us.  I know the ordeal has been gut wrenching to watch.  Now you can get some good rest, give Corvin some good esr scratches and get some sleep! 🙂

Keep on hoppin' Corbin:-)

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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Michigan

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5 March 2018 - 3:32 am
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"I'm not here to please the vet, I'm here for my pet". Damm right we are.

That is right! Good for you!! clapclap
So glad to hear Gaba is helping Corbin! The perfect storm that the Gaba is resolving!  We have had a few people have reactions to drugs, and this sounds like you had a couple of things going on. We are knocking on wood here too, the storms are over!

Thanks for the great update. Keep on healing Corbin! Now you both can get some rest!
Keep up with the ear scratches, Purrkins appreciates his ear scratched!

Hugs,
Holly & Purrkinsheart

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6 March 2018 - 3:03 pm
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Wow! And you should be proud, you did a great job for Mr. Corbin. My little miss Mona was somewhat crazy for a few days after her amputation and I think it was from the Buprenex (opioid). She finally crashed through a door to the outside and was gone for over 24 hours. I didn't give her anything else except for the Metacam and she did fine, except didn't like using the litter box with 3 legs.

Happy healing,

Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona

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11 March 2018 - 6:14 am
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Good job advocating for Corbin and going with your gut! I'm glad he is doing better with the new med. Your description was absolutely terrifying! Thanks for sharing, because like others have said...it just may help someone else who is experiencing the same thing!

Hugs,

Hattie and Jerry Cat (right front leg and scapula amputation due to chondrosarcoma at age 14, lived 2 1/2 years post amputation, succumbed suddenly to suspected lymphoma at age 16)

10/2001 - 10/9/2017 R.I.P ~ Love you always

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11 March 2018 - 1:07 pm
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Just catching up on Corbin's pawgress, this is wonderful news! Advocating for our pets during a time like this is so powerful, you done good.

I thought of you and Corbin when we were at the Western Vet Conference last week. Had a good discussion about cats and post op pain with our favorite vet pain management expert. He said that cat pain is soooo different from dogs, much more dramatic. Also, as hard as it is when our vets don't nail the pain control properly the first time, we have to remember that vets can't know everything there is to know about everything in the field, nobody does. So as long as our vets are willing to work with others and you have other vets in the practice who can solve the situation quickly, that's what matters. Sounds like Corbin is on the mend thanks to teamwork. YAY!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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12 March 2018 - 8:17 am
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Just getting to know Corbin and getting caught up on his status.  I am very happy that you were able to advocate for your furbaby. It seems like my vet office is set up similar to yours, multiple vets.  While I personally felt bad about changing vets at the facility (almost like a breakup big-blink), when I looked at the overall well being of Rusty, I knew I had to do it.  Now I call up and ask for the doctors/staff members that made me feel "right" about their treatment of Rusty and of his humans.  If I see the other vet, I say hi and that is it.  

Anyway, WELCOME!  The people involved here, as you can already see, are wonderful!

and you are not alone.

Rusty "The Bunnyman" adopted us in 2014.  Aug/Sept 2017, back left leg amputated (HSA cancer).  He remained cancer free over 900 days. Cancer returned as of emergency visit on day 931. 15 days later, he gained his wings 04/18/2020 due to congestive heart failure.  He will always watch over his fellow tripawds and their hoomins with Head Scritches and Sand Paper Kisses.

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4 April 2018 - 2:47 am
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Well we're nearly 6 weeks on now and I'm so happy to report we're nearly back to normal.  Corbin is doing wonderfully adapting to his new lifestyle and is doing everything he used to do ... he does stay around me alot more and I must say, I kinda like that.  He's always been a very independent "Mr Sir" so it's nice to have him around us more.  I'm really proud of the progress he's made - we have a 3 story house and he effortlessly glides up and down the stairs with ease.  We're having daily play sessions again, his cat-itude is back to normal ridiculousness and my housemate happens to be an Occupational therapist so he gets massages from her and hugs from everyone.  

Thanks team for your support ... means more than you'll ever know clap

Julesy and Corbin heartheartxoxoxoxoxox

PS. If you're reading this in the future and going through a rough time with your furbaby, just remember it gets better.  On, at least, 4 separate occasions I thought I'd lost my boy for good but we're still here, hopping along.  It's a terribly emotional time too but stay as calm as you can, even through seizures that aren't nice to witness, they'll pick up on what you're feeling more than ever now. Give them lot's of hugs - these will be good for you too, I promise! As amazing as your vet is, it's YOU who knows your little buddy the best.  Read up on it, you've found the best website already, research, listen to these podcasts, really think about it and how it can apply to your pet and your situation ... you'll work out what's best for them and get through it.  Just keep going ... it will be okay.

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