Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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It sounds like Mark won't be getting any sleep.
I have no idea what to do about keeping Raven from attacking the incision. Mona did not need to wear a cone or clothes because she generally ignored her incision. If I noticed her tongue heading toward her incision I'd start cleaning her with a damp facecloth and she would stop licking.
Gina found a way to keep Rusty's cone on. Here's her forum posting: http://tripawds.....furbaby/
You can send her a personal message if you need any suggestions.
Mona would go from zero to 100 MPH in a second. She was an escape artist by pretending to sleep and then running when I least expected it. I think the drugs made her kind of crazy. She even escaped from the house by somehow bashing through a heavy wood screen door. I suggest keeping all doors to the outside and other rooms closed and padlocked 
to keep Raven from getting into a space where you can't reach her, such as under a bed.
Raven will settle down.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
OMC well you have had a rough night!
I do hope Raven settled down for you? The drugs can make them a bit whacky ! Purrkins came home and was wired for a bit then he settled down. I think its the mega drugs that are still in there system and then they are so relieved to be home!
As for the suit does it need both parts to work? I didn’t have problems getting Purrkins onesie on, Purrkins just isn’t the Atypical kitty either. Do you have anyone to help you get the suit on her? Wear some gloves and get her in it? If you don’t have help is it a option to take her in to the vet to get help getting her in it. Just a thought. I know the onesie I could get on without bothering his incision.
The other thing would be one of those hard plastic cones that Dawna Mom to tuxedo used. That was the only way she could keep tuxedo form his incision. Tuxedo is a rear leg amp too. I will dig around for her posts & get more details for you on the cone! Tuxedo did the same thing with his soft cone.
As for the cage someone else will have to chime in I thought Rusty’s Mom used a German Shepard size cage. With the soft cone you bought .
We just used a spare room and gutted the room put the mattress on the floor. Purrkins disobeyed his orders for limited activity the first day home he jumped into the window. He couldn’t walk but managed to jump in the window?
We are going to celebrate
mobility, using the litter box & not minding the litter switch & Big appetite !! ALL GREAT !!
Now for a military guy I’m sure all this is not in order to your plans . That is recovery.
I remember Kerren's Mom to Mona telling me anything goes and that is the truest statement ! Like it or not anything goes. We just have to figure it out as we go and hope we can help you in the crazy times! Post any time and we will give it our best!
I know what the discharge say but they are cats and we do our best to limit activity , you really just want her limited in space, Not jumping etc in a cage or in a room, she should settle down by today. If not , most important keep her away from her incision or you will end up back at the vet with problems with her incision 
You have your hands full and you wont be getting much sleep. Sleep when Raven does and she will she should be less crazy today we are keeping are fingers and paws crossed for you both!
Let us know how today goes and Raven please settle down & REST Girl REST! Be good for you Dad!
Hugs
Holly & Purrkins❤️
Mom to Rusty used a xxl dog crate (48”x30")
Dawna Mom to Tuxedo used
Tuxedo managed to get out of all the various cone collar types except the rigid plastic one, that had to be both fastened skin tight to his neck and secured to his collar.
http://tripawds.....on-slayer/
Hope any of this helps you and Raven! If not post again will figure out something between all of us !
WOW that Raven is a spitfire! Oh my gosh I know our kitty parents will have better insight than I about the confinement issue, but here's something I learned about pain in animals: when they reallllly want to get to their incision it could be a sign that not enough pain management is being applied. Let your vet know about her behavior and see what they can do. At least they should be able to give her a sedative to stay mellow. I would give them a call.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well as most know, Tuxedo refused to follow just about every recommendation following surgery. He had some complications too which might have been caused by that. However, he did pull through fine despite foiling all of my plans. Though to be fair, my plans were not much considering I had next to no notice that Tuxedo was going to lose a leg. So, I am sure that Raven while perhaps causing a bit of frustration to Mark, will do the same. Come through with flying colors.
One thing comes to mind on the zooming around the house though, is Ketamine. It is frequently given with or as a pain medication and anesthesia because it usually helps prolong the effects. Well turns out that in some cats it makes them go almost insane. They used that on Tuxedo during his extended wound healing time. It made him so hyper I feared he would pass out. These sessions lasted 3-4 hours before he burned enough of it out of his system. After I figured out what was causing it and specifically requested that it not be used on him, no more of the crazed darting around the house. Anyway, it is just something to consider.
And yes, as cruel as it sounds, a tight fitting rigid plastic cone tied securely to a collar was the only way I could keep Tuxed from his incision. Just be prepared to hear it being bashed against whatever is near in repeated attempts to remove it at all hours. Think of it as a rhythmic drum session. (Trust me, that does not help ... But it does sound good anyway.
Tuxedo had the run or my house for his whole recovery period. Which was not a good thing as he holed up under my bed for days. However about 7-8 days after the surgery, he chose where he wanted to spend the bulk of his recovery time, right in the middle of my desk. So if for some reason the crate does not work out, I am certain Raven will let you know where the perfect spot is for him.
With respect to the litter box, I was advised to not use anything but torn up newspaper strips. Evidently rear amputee kitties have a much harder time balancing while going so the chances of some litter getting in the wound is high. By using torn newspaper strips, the pieces are big enough that they can be brushed off if that does happen. While not necessary, I used empty pizza boxes as temporary litter boxes while Tuxedo was healing due to their low sides. Also I could just close the lid on it and throw it away after each use. When I explained why I wanted the boxes, my local pizzahut gave me around 100 of them too.
I am so glad to hear that Raven is home and keeping you hopping because it means he is well on the road to recovery. it takes a ton of energy to be ornery!
Best wishes
-Dawna, Dazzle, and Tuxedo
Anytime I encounter a problem, I think about how duct tape might solve it.
So the problem was Raven was exerting lots of physical energy trying to escape the wire dog kennel, thus endangering her wound in the process. Something more roomy seemed like a good idea, plus it would be easier to clean.
How could duct tape solve this situation? I went to Home Depot and bought some foam panels to duct tape into a cat enclosure. Four sides, taped hinges, and pretty good dimensions—3’x4' x 3’ feet high. Very roomy. I made a velcro latch for access, and the walls are taped such that the structure will fold flat for transport room-to-room. No floor, the enclosure just sits on a paint drop cloth. Here was the serene scene just prior to my wife’s bedtime (she wanted the enclosure right beside the bed to watch over Raven).
Lights out.. I was a hero to my wife, and Raven was very calm & peaceful in her new digs. I was feeling very self-satisfied.
Five minutes later my wife was screaming. The cat escaped and ran under the bed. What happened? Wife reports Raven scaled the 3 foot tall foam wall, did a chin-up at the top with her front legs, and threw her mangled body over the top of the wall and onto the floor. Super. I was told to keep Raven inactive while the wound heals, and in response I challenge her with a home-built obstacle course. Fortunately, the wound still looks ok, and I emailed a picture to the surgeon to ensure he agrees. So its back to jail for Wolverine…
So much for my brilliant idea. It was great for about five minutes.
The good news is Raven is calmer today. I had a chance to analyze the earlier mentioned cone problem more carefully. Though she can still reach the very edge of her wound, she’s mostly licking her tail. Mentally, she seems to have given up on trying to lick her wound, which is excellent news. Ultimately, I think the solution is a slightly larger cone, but I’m much less worried about this problem than yesterday. She’s been under constant observation, and hasn’t attempted to lick the wound once all day. If she tries, I’ve discovered the crinkling sound of her cone will give her away.
Thanks for offering all of the helpful advice. You all are very kind to take the time to do that. Now that I have a few minutes, I’ll spend some time reading them. What a great community I’ve found on this website. Thanks!
TUXEDO!! Great idea about the pizza boxes! Good feebackmon the Ketamine too!
MARK! You do get stars for coming up with thst duct taped foam sided kitty hotel! Yiu were indeed your wife's hero...for a few minutes anyway!!
That Raven Wolverine is something else!! 
Quite an entertaining feisty little kitty!!
Thanks for the laughs....er....I mean thanks for the update!
Hugs to all
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!
Raven Wolverine😼! 😂 I love it! And Duct Tape! 🤣 I thought it was bloody genius when I first saw the set up!🤓😆 it looked perfect! I thought you had designed a new TriKitty recovery pen! 🤓
and Raven 😺... not only are you way too smart for your pawrents own good, you are 50 steps ahead of them! 😹 You had us all fooled with that picture! All curled up sweetly, tucked in beside Mama... And then all he’ll breaks lose! You little devlin you! Mark and Mum, you must have been beside yourselves! I’m sorry but the whole mental picture makes me think of a Faulty Towers series! 🤣😂 I think Mona and Kerren we’re right when they said you weren’t going to be getting much sleep! I think Raven is feeling like a true kitty would after going through what she’s been through! I almost grateful to have a 110lb dog go through this process! I’m not sure I would survive one of my feline furbabies going through the same thing!😝🙀 So back to the torture cage she goes! I can’t wait for you to tell us what she told you, what she thought of that!
I do feel for you and your wife, it certainly sounds like you have your work cut out for you over the next couple of weeks! Please keep on venting/updating when you can, I’m getting a right kick out of Raven Wolverines antics! Certainly not at her expense though, I hope she stays safe and as calm as Raven can be! Keep eating well and doing your business 💩💦 Like no one else can!
Sloppy kisses from Stewie👅 🐕 🐾
& all the very best from his adoring pack,
Petra, Paul, & his 🐈 siblings, Mr. Spike, Chester Molester & Miss Lily 🐾🐾 🐾
http://stewie20.....pawds.com/
Remember...“live in the moment!“
😮 Oh my! Since Raven or shall we call her Wolverine is ok !
I hope its ok to giggle a little! You telling story I couldn’t help it! 🤣😂
Yes cats can still jump and do all things cat can do with 3 legs! We should of mentioned that to you 👀 we didn’t think to say because she was recovering in the cage! Well Raven had much better ideas, I was thinking you were going to foam the inside of the cage, with the duck tape!
Never underestimate a 3 legged cat trust me don’t as your seeing they are differently abled not disabled. Front or back leg doesn’t matter just differently abled;) I underestimated Purrkins and I never have since! Missing a leg hasn't slowed him down!
Im sorry I do hope in a month or two or three you will look back and be so proud and still horrified but one will outweigh the other! I Most importantly she is ok & your surgeon agreed!
I’m assuming you gave up on getting her in her suit? I am glad to hear she is settled down ! I figured she would, but we never do know each cat is different in recovery!! Wolverine Raven is going for a title of some kind🥇🎖.
She is eating and peeing and drinking all of that yes? Poop can sometimes be delayed with pain meds just a heads up !
Wolverine Raven we love you for your determination, please behave and rest & recover you have made your point;) Tripawds have more fun & your a rockstar on 3😽
We are hoping to hear for uneventful day for you all!
Hugs, chin & ear scratches to Raven the Wolverine:)
Holly & Purrkins
Well, it was a brilliant idea.... you just forgot the roof!
Does Raven like cardboard boxes? One turned on it's side with a towel inside might be a very cozy hiding place for her.
It sounds like you've got the cone figured out so you are part way there.
Cats are so much fun!
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Day 3
We decided to take the feline spartan to the vet today.
We've been concerned about Raven's wound since her aforementioned cage rage and wall climbing/free-fall incidents. Also, she got her cone off last night, and dined at the all-you-can-lick wound buffet while we were sleeping. Wife suspects she tied it too loosely. So how does the wound look? Normal? I'm not sure how a non-medical person could possibly answer that question. From day one, it was one of the most abnormal things I've set my eyes on in a long time. Yes, I've read up on the topic, but I'm not prepared to trust my judgment on the matter. Discharge instructions mention, among other things, to look out for "redness" and "swelling." Well, I see both, but it kinda looked like that from the get-go. Wife decided to see the vet and confess we allowed Raven to check every box on the "don't let your cat do this" list. We put forth our best effort to be exemplary with Raven's care, but I must admit our results are rather poor. I bet that happens to a lot of folks in this situation. On the job training can sometimes be humbling.
It turns out Raven did pop a stitch, but the doc saw nothing alarming. Whew! We will continue to monitor.
The vet visit gave us the opportunity to pick up a new cone. Raven's x-small seems just a tiny bit too small. Today, she was making attempts to lick her wound, but was mostly licking the cone on top of her wound. With the x-small, I think her tongue still reaches about 1/4 inch beyond the cone. We tried the next size up. Problem: Size small is a helleva lot bigger than x-small.
It is a full 1 3/4 inch wider than x-small. Too loose around Raven's neck, and she can't move around because of the bulk of the thing. Wait, that sounds like a problem. How might duct tape solve this?
Nope. Looks good in theory, but adds too much weight and stiffens the structure. Did a wear test and found out it affects mobility quite a bit.
The ideal soft collar would be about 4 1/2 inches from neck to outer edge. If anyone knows a brand/size soft collar around that dimension, I'd appreciate hearing from you.
Once again, thanks for all the replies to my posts. There's some great info on this thread, and I'm taking it all in. Waiting for the day when I have time to respond to you all individually. Hoping things will be less busy soon.
Mark
Article below
The Different Types of Elizabethan Collars or E-Collars for Cats
They don't go into sizes but I'm sure if you search per kind they would list the dimensions.
KONG EZ Soft E-Collar for Cats and Dogs
It is 6x5x12. I have No experience with cones so just did a quick search and someone did measure this one. Read reviews!
There are a lot online & I'm sure your local pet store has a selection.
I'm glad you took her in so you both feel comfortable knowing she is ok! It's always better to be safe then sorry, thats what we pay the pro's for.
On the job training it is for everyone of us! Cats are not always easy patients, this is not a simple surgery your doing great. Trial error for all ok! You both love Raven and thats what will get your thru this & maybe some duck tape somewhere
Don't worry about replying to us all we don't expect you to ok! We are all just trying to help & support !
Holly & Purrkins
raven99 said
Day 3We decided to take the feline spartan to the vet.
It turns out Raven did pop a stitch, but the doc saw nothing alarming. Whew! We will continue to monitor.
Very wise thing to do! Don’t ever feel silly about calling or going into the vets... that’s what they get paid for!!! It was a good thing to take Miss Spartan in ‘cause that one stitch could have been two... plus Mark & Mum feel a whole lot better too! I had to take Stewie into the vets almost everyday for the first week due to a seroma that had formed. (Fluid under the amp site) My vets were always very good about us going in.
Wait, that sounds like a problem. How might duct tape solve this?
Nope. Looks good in theory, but adds too much weight and stiffens the structure. Did a wear test and found out it affects mobility quite a bit.
😂🤣😂 we’re going to rename duct tape as Mark Tape! What will you try next... the duct tape around Ravens neck, to keep the collar on?! 😂🤣😂 I can just picture it... The next picture we’ll see will be a full body Mark Tape Suit!!! 😂
Everything that you have made with duct tape has looked good in theory... have you maybe thought that Duct Tape ain’t working for ya?!!! 😂🤣😂 When you did the wear test, are you telling us that you tried it and it was too heavy or did you try that contraption on Raven?! 😂🤣😂
Waiting for the day when I have time to respond to you all individually. Hoping things will be less busy soon.
Mark
As Holly said, please don’t worry about writing back to us individually, we’re just having so much fun with Raven!😂🤣😂
Please also tell Mum that we aren’t laughing at you we’re absolutely laughing with you! I’m sorry, you have probably had a couple of heart attacks over the adventures of your little girl, but your writing skills are an absolute crack up! 🤣😂🤣 Thank you for that!
i know cats can be little monkeys 🐒 at the best of times, but put drugs into them, wrap their heads up in an upside down lampshade and then confine them with closed doors...! Hmmm I think yes, you have your work cut out for you!
Looking forward to the next update on the Feline Spartan! LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!👹😈😼😸🐵🙈🙉🙊🐒😂🤣😂
Sloppy kisses from Stewie👅 🐕 🐾
& all the very best from his adoring pack,
Petra, Paul, & his 🐈 siblings, Mr. Spike, Chester Molester & Miss Lily 🐾🐾 🐾
http://stewie20.....pawds.com/
We have two feline Spartans at Tripawds. Purrkins wore his green in recovery:) he didn't play the games like Raven is doing in recovery😉 🏈 He was good and doped in that picture notice the pupils! Go green
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