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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I’m going to send a teddy and blanket with him, I also pre padded his cage for transport there and back so he’s comfy. Hopefully he doesn’t get anxiety as rides tend to do that to him.. I sent wipes(as he has trouble cleaning his bum sorry if that’s tmi and he has sensitive eyes so they need to be cleaned), 7 days of dry food, and 4 containers of wet food in case he wants that instead after surgery, an extra blanket for if his gets dirty(I’m expecting he may have an accident be it getting sick or his blanket getting blood on it), and his vet papers and medicine does it sound like I’m missing anything haha..?
Do you live outside of the USA? You appear to be a day ahead of us.
We had one other member that comes to mind that they expected to keep the kitty 7 days that lived in a different country that might not be unusual for where you live? She was able to bring her kitty home sooner then what was expected.
It sounds like you are as ready as you can be. I sent Purrkins with a blanket and a little stuffed animal that purred which neither were allowed in the ICU but your clinic may allow it.
Purrkins did not use the litterbox in the hospital he peed where he laid which is never Purrkins but he did use his box at home with assistance the first day. We had to alter his box again before he did not need my assistance and once we did he was able to get in and out on his own. Purrkins is front leg amputee as I mentioned front and rear leg kitties have different learning curves. Purrkins did not stand in the hospital and only tasted food he never ate a meal. All kitties and recoveries differ. Pooping may take a while because the pain meds can constipate them.
Some Vets will suggest you change the litter ours did not. If you do change the litter just have you old type available in case Pablo doesn't know what the new litter is. We are switching the box and the litter some cats don't like a drastic change. Just see how it goes. As far as the size for recovery it should be ok but I would look into finding a bigger solution so Pablo can comfortably turn around in later. He will let you know if he accepts the changes or if something isn't working.
We wish Pablo a successful uncomplicated surgery hang in there and call and check on him anytime. Hopefully, they keep in touch but if not do not hesitate to call. Update us when you can.
Hugs
Holly & Purrkins❤️
Update on Pablo: it’s currently 11am my time (yes I, outside of the USA I’m in Canada) I got home about 30 minutes ago from dropping off my boy(the vet ended up asking for him to be brought earlier), I can quite easily say that was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do as I’ve had him since I was 5 and have always cared for him.. incase my boy doesn’t like whatever litter they have at the vet I sent wood stove pellets with him (that’s what we use for litter) so hopefully it will help if he does get picky.. I made sure he had good padding in his kennel as well as his blanket (he’s always used the same baby blanket since I got him) and my lilo and stitch stuffed animal.. I hope he has a quick and easy surgery/healing process with no problem, I know my boy is strong.. just felt so bad leaving him because when I was leaving he looked so confused and kept crying to be held:(.. will keep updating everyone thank you for your prayers/help/advice..
This is one of hardest things we all have been thru making the decision and dropping them yes it is gut wrenching! Hold onto that Pablo is strong and you are doing this for him, not to him and repeat that in your head until it sticks ok.
I can't say easy or quick would be in my definition of recovery its neither and I’m not trying to scare you but prepare you. pain management will make it as smooth as possible you want Pablo good and drugged and resting thru recovery. That is the closest to easy as it will get.
Wood pellets would be excellent for a rear leg amp nothing will stick to his rear & you won't have litter scatter like regular litter. Good job!
Thanks for the update we will be thinking of you both and continue prayers for a smooth sailing surgery and recovery.
Hugs
Holly & Purrkins
Sending you pawsitive thoughts and hopes for a smooth recovery. Remember what Holly told you.. you are doing this FOR him not TO him! Sounds like you have a special bond with each other. Please take care of yourself too!
Hugs,
Jackie and Huckleberry
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Thank you both! (I know you’re not trying to scare me I’d rather be prepared haha)And yes we have a very strong bond because we grew up together,he’s like my brother and he’s my best friend. My dad asked my vet and he said my boy will be having 24hr care(so he’ll always have someone even before surgery I believe as he has anxiety), and my dad also asked if we could get extra pain killers since we’re 3hrs away from the main vet office and the vet said no problem, my vet also said he would call everyday to give us updates on pablo(May be a day or two before the actual surgery). Will post updates as well as when he has surgery/comes home thank you again for the positive thoughts.(if there’s anything I forgot to ask about or you think I should know please share:). )
Looks like you have everything covered very well! Will keep you in our thoughts, hang in there! I know it will be tough with your furbaby away for a few days but with 24 hour care that will be good for him! ❤️
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
Yes I’m happy he’ll at least have 24hr care:). I’m sad he’s away from me right now but hopefully I’ll be too distracted with the other 3 cats and the 3 dogs, and I have to clean my aquariums, mouse and hamster cages so I’ll have lots to do/keep me busy at least:).
Oh my goodness!! You have quite the crew there! Would love to see some pictures if you find yourself with too much time on your hands 
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
For sure! Just have to figure out how haha. Yes I have quite the “pack” love them all though, I love how everyone has their own personality. For example my 13 y/o shih-tzu (scruffy)still acts like a puppy (exactly the same way as the day my dad brought him home!), Pablo acts EXACTLY like a toddler (he’s used to being spoiled and he WILL let you know if he wants something haha), and my kitty storm has a “mommy” instinct but she’s only 2 y/o(she loves taking care of kittens).
natalia2019 said
Just have to figure out how...
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Okay I’ll look into it tonight:). My kitty should be at main office by now, hopefully he’s not too lonely but I’m sure he’ll make friends with staff he’s very loveable and has never bitten,scratched,or hissed. I think he’ll eat after surgery he always has an appetite haha. Praying for my boy to have a safe surgery and waiting to hear when it will be.
Excellent to hear on 24-hour care phew one less worry & extra pain meds fantastic. Great job asking!
Wow, you have a pack for sure a hamster 3 cats 3 dogs and the mouse and hamster survive? No way we could house a mouse and it survives the boys hehe. Fish too Wow. Keeping busy sure helps take care of the rest of the furmily and & Get your recovery room or area ready for Pablo to come home that helps. I'm sure the staff will be loving Pablo. I will give you some more links to read;)
How Did You Prepare Your Other Cats for the New TriKitty
How To Help Your Tripawd’s Post-Amputation Recovery Pain
Tripawd Cats Pain Management Tips and Tricks
GREAT JOB to You & Your Dad for asking questions.
(if there’s anything I forgot to ask about or you think I should know please share:). )
If it were me I would still ask about the partial amp vs full
And chest x-rays IF you would do things differently. Meaning if the chest x-ray showed something would you still amputate? If so disregard and don't bother with them.
We will look furward to your updates.
Holly & Purrkins❤️
I've been reading all of Pablo's posts and the SPECTACULAR advice and support you have gotten from our very knowledgeable tripawd kitty family!
One thing for certain, Pablo has the best packed suitcase for his "vacation" ever!!! You have done am extraordinary job of making sure he has all the comforts of home. The love you two share is beautiful. It has been such a great getting to know all about this "big boy"!
Glad to hear it's a 24/7 staffed clinic, and also glad your Vet understands the need to have a good pain management plan.
The only suggestion I can add is to get all your ques7 answered in a way that makes since you! Vet speak can sou d loke a foreign language to me sometimes!! Write down their answers as they give them to you.
As Holly mentioned, keeping your kitty for seven days is a bit longer than they do here in rhe States. No right or wrong, just longer than what we usually see here. And keeping him for two days before surgery is some we aren't used to either. So it's really interesting learning the different ways. As much as yoi'll miss him, it gives you an opportunity to get some much needed rest! Getting to this point is stressful and emotionally and phusically draining!!
BYW, love his avatar picture. Can't wait to see more!
Stay connected and know that we are here for you, and with you!! Now grab some chocolate and ice cream and eat them both simultaneously! It helps calm the nerves! Pablo is in great hands!
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!
Haha yes I actually have 2 hamsters and 1 mouse, Pablo actually likes just laying down with them hanging out in his belly!(I also had a pet rat and lots of small pets when I was younger so pablo has always been nice to them he’s such a gentle giant). When my dad signed the surgery paper for Pablo we marked to get x-rays done (he (the vet)wants to make sure of a good spot to amputate and to make sure if it’s cancer (which we think it is) that it hasn’t spread),as well as bloodwork testing since he’s older. Yes Pablo’s my best friend haha wanted to make sure he was comfy, especially after surgery. Thank you we do have a really strong bond the longest I’ve stayed away from him was maybe 3 nights maximum(school trips/family trips), but the vet said hopefully he can get him in for surgery right away so we can get him on track for recovery(also if he can get his surgery done sooner he won’t have to stay the whole 7 days). Yes after reading forums we thought it was very important to get extra pain medication incase especially since we’re 3hrs away. The vet said possibly 7 days because he has to check his schedule when he gets back to the main office to see when he can do surgery/tests so due to scheduling it may take a day or two to get him in, he also wants to make sure he eats/drinks and pees/poos while he’s there because once again how far we are, so just to avoid having to make an emergency trip. (Our vet only comes to our town every 5 weeks)
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