Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Holy Cats! Where does the time go? I've been meaning to pop on here and at least say 'hi'
Hello all, I hope everyone is doing alright in this crazy world we live in.
Today is Izzy's 3 month pawsiversary. Three months ago today our furry boy was in surgery and we were on that emotional roller coaster. Everything is so different now.
Izzy is doing great. His fur is almost all grown back in so he's looking less scruffy and more like the handsome boy he is. He looks clumsy when he's walking (and I have a fleeting thought of 'oh, what did we do to him') but then he'll do his "run/skip" down the hall and all doubts fade. I was just thinking that if we hadn't gone ahead with his surgery, Izzy would most likely not be with us now. But he is.
There are days when he seems 'down'. Makes me wonder about the level of phantom pain our furry amputees feel. Usually though, a few yummy treats or time spent watching his favorite mouse/bird/squirrel videos on Mom's computer perk him up.
I am so thankful for this site. Reading everyone's stories has been my saving grace through our ordeal. Even the ones that have brought tears to my eyes.
Yet, when all is said and done, I would recommend surgery to anyone considering it. There IS light at the end of that tunnel.
Sending hugs & thanks for listening xo
YAAAAY IZZY!!! Such a great kitty update!! Yes, he is indeed here now and that is all that matters! So glad to hear how well he is doing😄
Other kitty people can chime in, but I know some stay on a low dose of a pain med for several mo ths. Only mentioning that in case Izzy is hav some pain still. Is a critter acts "down", discomfort is usually the cause. Of course, he may have figured out if he gives you a sad face he gets more treats!
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!
Awwww what a great update! I can't believe it's been three months either, amazing 
How super cool he's doing really well overall, and back to doing what he loves. You shared such great insight into how he's just right back into the groove. Did you happen to see our Amputee Cats Quality of Life Survey Results today? Sounds like you share the same point of view as others who responded. YAY for TRI KITTIES! 
I do agree with Sally, that "off" behavior is one of many common pain signals in cats. Have you talked to your vet about it? Even cats can benefit from rehabilitation therapy, whether it's manual therapy massage and range of motion exercises, laser therapy, acupuncture, etc. If you take Izzy to a "CCRT" or "CCRP" practitioner, the Tripawds Foundation may pay for your first rehab visit so please take us up on it OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
It was eight months ago today Izzy had his surgery. Seems like such a long time ago now.
Izzy is doing very well. He's adjusted to having only one front leg. His last check up was positive. He still looks awkward (and slow) when he walks, I think mostly due to him being a big boy. But when he runs! Wow! He has this run/hop thing he does and can he ever move!!
I can honestly say that we have no regrets. If we hadn't had surgery done on Izzy, he would no longer be with us. Yet, here he is, giving us lots of kitty love and receiving lots in return.
I hope everyone is doing well and managing during these trying times. I do have a couple more pictures of Izzy, will get them uploaded shortly.
Take care everyone
HAPPY EIGHT MONTH AMPUVERSARY IZZY !!!
So good to hear how well Izzy is doing! The extra time for snuggles and loving make everything worth it!
And yes, we shall be wait for pictures!
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!
Good going Izzy !! I had to scan your previous posts to be reminded you are a big Maine Coon with 3 legs and 17 toes.
My front leg amputee Mona really liked massages down her spine. I took her to a chiropractor and learned how to massage her and Mona loved it - I could feel her press her body into my fingers (she was teeny compared to Izzy - he may need the whole hand).
Keep on with the slow hop Izzy so you can save up the energy for your dazzling hop/run. We'd love to see a video!
This is the BEST NEWS EVER! And boy we can really use it this week, so thank you for letting us know that life is good for your handsome boy. Cheers to many, many more ampuversaries!
I love the photos!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks everyone for your kind comments.
Kazaan, reading about Mona's massages reminded me - Izzy will lay beside me for a massage, I do use my whole hand and rub his shoulder, he too leans right into it (and purrs) and of course, his other shoulder gets massaged as well.
I try to massage his surgery area at least once a day, I hope it helps any phantom pain he may be feeling. He doesn't seem to be in pain, but you know cats, they hide it well.
Purrs and hugs, take care all
BEEEEUUUUUTIFUL KITTY!! Love these pictures. His coloring is striking and his eyes are stunning!
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!
Oh boy what I would give to have Izzy purr and snuggle on my shoulder!
If you're ever uncertain about what pain signals in cats look like, that link leads to some information you may find helpful.
Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello everyone!
On March 17th, I woke up remembering that it was a year since Izzy's amputation. A whole year with Izzy still in our lives!!
Looking back, I thought of when we brought Izzy home after his surgery. How he flopped around on the floor like a seal when he first tried to walk while I sat there in tears thinking "what have we done to him?"
But as the days passed, things got better. He was soon walking. Then he started his skip/hop run down the hall. It was then I realized what we had done. We gave him more time to enjoy pettings and cuddles and treats and love.
I would not have made it through the first few months without everyone on here. Your encouragement, kind words and caring got me through.
There is still that thought in the back of our minds (will the cancer return). It may, it may not. All I know is, right now, we have our beloved boy in our lives still. That made the entire ordeal worth it.
I hope you all are doing well. Whether you're considering amputation or have just gone through it - have faith. It is worth it and it does get better.
Hugs to all
Woah! Hoppy Ampuversary to you and Izzy! Congratulations in getting to the other side, you did it! What's more is that you have learned how to live each day to the fullest without letting cancer overshadow all that you and Izzy have together. That is not easy. BONUS!
And then, you returned to tell us and give hope to others who are brand new and feeling as you once did. Thank you so much for that. It means the world to everyone faced with amputation. Izzy is changing lives and so are you. YAY!
Got any photos of your handsome boy that you'd like to share? We would sure love to see 'em!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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