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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Hi,
My little cats name is Pittens. She is 18 and I have had her since the time that her newly baby blue eyes smiled as it contrasted her tuxedo. Today her 18 year old eyes are like forests to look into and she is my home.
she was diagnosed with s a rcoma in her paw. I have seen many vets and out of desperation called last vets sending her files to everyone. I went to an oncologist and a surgeon...the recommendation is amputation.
She had tremendous anxiety around new situations and people. I am her one and only...and I feel so overwhelemed with that love...
I have read about phantom limb and the trauma in adjustment itself.
she is full cognitive capacity and emotions. Her paw has grown and hurts her to put down. I know she will struglle with amputation mentally in tremendous ways. She has an artist soul. She used to watch my mother paint and analyze painting for hours. She goes down stairs just so I xan get her so she can watch the shadows kn the wall as we walk up. She looks for me the minute she wakes since the day she was a few weeks old. I share this to share her sensitivity. When people have come she is never visible. Its only when we are alone.
Taking her during covid...not meeting the people I was speaking to and knowing her anxiety...was trauma itself...as was the biospy. She was withdrawn and depressed amd taking everything into.account, I thought maybe amputation would lead to her last time to be that of only pain amd adjustment..... now I dont know
but is this choice bad also? what is the right thing
Hi and welcome, your future posts won’t need approval so post away.
It sounds like you haven’t amputated yet? Or have you?
I’m sorry about Pittens. We know this is such a tough decision and want you to know you are not alone.
I apologize for making this so brief but I have to step away for now. While you wait for feedback from members be sure to check out our ebook Cool Tips for Tripawd Cats and all the other Tripawd cat stories in this forum.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
It was so lovely to read about your relationship with Pittens. Clearly you two are kindred spirits with every special bond. Thank you for sharing so much of who Pittens is. You know her so well and you are so tuned into everything that makes her so unique.
Yeah, I wasn't clear either. So have you had the amputation and are questioning that decision? Questions about recovery? Or are you trying to decide if amputation is the way to go? Sorry, I think I was so mesmerized reading about your delightful Pittens, I didn't quite grasp what you were asking.
18 yrs. Wow! The memories you've created, and are continuing to create, are wonderful!
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!
It's clear that you and Pittens have a special relationship. Only you will know what is best for her.
My kitty Mona had a fibrosarcoma 6 years ago. It grew very quickly and I agreed to the amputation because I wanted the cancer gone. I wasn't concerned about how Mona would adjust because the vet said cats are very resilient. Mona adjusted very well to having 3 legs and she now rules the house. She is well-loved at the vet clinic, enjoys car rides, loves going for chiropractic treatments. She seems to be much more confident. I'm very proud of her. 
Pitten's vet will be able to access her over-all health to determine if she is healthy enough to recover from surgery.
I wish you and Pittens the best in making your decision.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Hi and welcome!
I am so sorry that you are going through this right now, especially now. I have never been good at just handing my furbaby over and not being present for whatever was going on so I totally get that. And I know her age is also a concern.
The bond you guys have is a very special one. As Kerren said, cats are very resilient. Some of the withdrawn may be from the handling of strangers, she will get over that. Some of it may be discomfort from her paw. As a senior, I would strongly suggest that she have a full physical, and senior lab workup. Have you ever had her put under anesthesia for a dental cleaning? If so, how did she react?
My Angel, Sylvester kitty, lived to the ripe old age of 23. I say this because if she is in good physical health, she may do just fine with the surgery. As a senior she may have a longer healing period, but we have seen it happen here successfully. The first few weeks can be a real rollercoaster ride, but watching and caring closely for her along with good pain management it can be done. Is she otherwise healthy? You said she is still very sharp, it sounds like she does very well at 18.
I wish you well through this journey. Please stay in touch and let us know how things progress. We will do whatever we can to help out.
Hugs to you and Pittens
Jackie and Huckleberry
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Hi and welcome,
It sounds like you and Pitten's are the very best of friends. I had a cat, Max, that lived to be almost 20. I felt the same way. They really are our babies! I know that you are worried about Pitten's adjusting to being a tripawd, and we have all been there. She sounds like she is full of spirit and spunk, and I think you will be amazed at how well she will do. I have a three legged kitty. Cassie is 14 years old and was born a tripawd as her back paw never formed correctly. We have had her her entire life, and let me tell you, it has never slowed her down. She is amazingly strong!
I know that this decision is difficult. Just know that whatever you decide, we will be here to support you through this journey.
Sending love,
Pam
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