Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My cat Mercutio (12 years old) had a rear leg amputation about a month ago. He seems to be healing pretty well but I’m concerned he may be in pain. At least a couple times a day he appears to be resting peacefully but then suddenly starts yowling his pain scream and kind tries to stand but keeps flopping over. I can feel the muscles next to the missing leg twitching. This goes on for maybe a minute and then he seems ok again. Does this sound like phantom limb pain or??? Anything I can do? He used to be such a social affectionate cat and now he doesn’t seem to want attention at all.
Welcome and best wishes for your kitty! Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
You're describing behavior commonly reported by new tri-kitty members. Check out this popular topic with many members providing feedback:
Cat displaying strange behaviour after amputation
While you wait for feedback from other tri-kitty members, search these forums and don't miss this Tripawds news blog post:
How to Help Amputee Cats Walking Backwards
Find more helpful Tri-kitty Tips here and fast answers to most common concerns in How To Help Your Three Legged Cat.
Hi Will! I am going through a very similar situation. It sounds like it could be phantom pain - but it could also be the muscles and nerves still healing. My boy, Scott, got his surgery 01/20/23 and our vet told us Monday his internal sutures would just now start dissolving, which can cause discomfort. He could still be sore as well.
If Mercutio taking any medication?
Scott is on 100mg of Gabapenton every 12 hours. We are hoping to drop him to 50mg this weekend. We found if he does not get the medication, he is growling/aggressive/screaming and nipping at his suture sight. It has been a really long, tiring process. I feel for you.
If Mercutio is not on meds, maybe call the vet and they can prescribe a low dose of gaba?
Glad Scott's hooman chimed in with good insight and so e good questions.
What you jave described does indeed sound like phantom limb pain. It happens suddenly and a cat (or a dog) jumps up suddenly, will cry out in pain and try and "run away" from the pain. It usually lasts less than a minute (thankfully). It happens when the brain is still communicating to the nerves and they are still firing off signals to a leg that is no longer there. Hoomans with amp describe it as an electrical shock jolt.
Gabapentin is the med used to help break the cycle. As Tanja mentioned, give your Vet a call and see if you can get Gabapentin prescribed. In the meantime, try gentle massaging all around the incision as that may help.
Keep us posted on how Mercutio is doing.
Huga
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!
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