Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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He says he has seen lots of cats walk like she does and thinks it's a learned behaviour to conserve energy.
Hmm. Interesting perspective. I somewhat agree, but feel like it's a learned behaviour to avoid pain. Kind of like how we limp when we have back pain.
He says we are doing the right thing with the physio and gaba, strengthening her remaining leg and controlling the pain but I says I should worry if she always walks in this odd way.
Take things one day at a time and keep doing what you're doing. It can take time to get back to a more normal mobility pattern.
The vet said if she needed to stay on it for life then she could but apart from the cost then it makes things much harder when we go away.
Yes that's true. It's really benign on the system and many Tripawds do better with it than without. Human amputees also often rely on Gabapentin for long periods of time.
Luckily all the play should help too!
Yes! That's what makes physio so much fun. They don't even know they are exercising!
Jerry her physio's details are on the rehab form
Silly me! Yes! I forgot about the Tripawds Foundation post. I'll reach out!
Tripawd Cat Rehab Relps Tri-kitty Athena
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Update on Athena.
The last plan was with the pain under control we could now strengthen her leg. Well 2 months later none of the exercises we have been doing have affected her walking. At the last physio session the physio told me I couldn't judge whether she still needed the gabapentin based on only a few days of reduced dosage (as per my last post and visit to the vets). Apparently humans can experience depression as they wean off gabapentin and the physio said we needed to give it 7-10 days of reduce dose before deciding if she could cope on a lower dose. As UK physios aren't allowed to prescribe meds etc then this was just her opinion and it was my choice if I wanted to try and wean her off the pills. Since then we have managed to reduce her dosage every 10 days and she is now off the gabapentin and still her mad playful self.
I think I will have to accept the odd walking is how she has learned to deal with only having 3 legs but we will continue with the physio as she does still get issues with her back. The physio is now allowed to visit us at home (long story) which I think will be great for Athena and the physio will finally be able to see her walking rather than her hiding under the table!
So although we still have a cat who sits down as she walks she is back to her old self playing fetch 2/3 times a day and seems like a much happier cat !
Thanks for all the support you have given us!
I'm so glad you returned to let us know how she is doing. It's important for folks to know that physio and pain control isn't always a silver bullet but it can make life dramatically better in so many ways. I'm glad she has improved over time and hope that it continues. Sounds like you've learned a lot of cool things about her too.
Your physio sounds terrific. I love the way you two are teaming up to help her situation improve. And wow what a cool thing she can come over to the house to watch Athena in her own environment. I'll bet that will be a huge help!
Oh physios can't prescribe medication here in the States either, unless they are a licensed veterinarian too.
Thanks for the good mews! Chin scritches and ear rubs to Athena!!! Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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