Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello. Kiki is our 5 year old diluted tortie who had her left scapula and leg amputated due to chondrogenic sarcoma tumor that was on the joint. As you all know, this is the second most difficult decision to make, but still very, very hard.
We are really struggling, trying not to worry, not really knowing what to expect through her recovery.
Her surgery was January 24th, and she came home on the 26th. I work from home so I can be here to watch her. pain management is buprenex 2x a day, which began yesterday. She has bursts of energy, and hops around nicely. She has even taken preference to use the normal litter boxes instead of the low entry we bought to help her.
So, seems like progress is being made. My worry is she seems to be sleeping a lot more, and granted, maybe it's the pain meds, but it's scary. She literally will be up, eat a few bites, take some water, use the box, then head back to bed.
How long should we expect to keep her on pain meds? When can we get past the fear of leaving the house?
We do have two other kitties, both are still not happy about the change in sissy, and hoping they adjust soon also.
Sorry for the long post. I just have so many questions and worries, and just want to do the right thing.
Thank you!
Human pet: Brenda
Fur owner: Kiki / Nini
Hi Brenda and Kiki, welcome. Your future posts won't need approval so post away.
I'm sorry you had to join our club but glad you found us. As you can see you are not alone in your worries. Anyone whose been through this can relate. I have to say that Kiki'a recovery so far sounds really good! Honestly for it being so soon she is doing great. There may be some ups and downs as the days go in but right now enjoy the fact that your kitty is a rock star patient!
And yes they do sleep a lot during recovery but that is very normal. Sleep is medicinal and helps the body heal. She will get her sparkle back as her strength returns. In a week or two you will feel better about leaving the house too!
For now be sure to check out our What to Expect articles and if you want to get Cool Tips for Tripawd Cats that is helpful too. And ask any questions you want, we are here to help ease your concerns.
Keep us posted ok?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hello and Welcome,
Sorry, you had to find us, though!
Your post isn't long:) and it's very normal to be worried and have questions. That's what this community is for.
Adding ditto to Jerry, things sound very typical right now. You want Kiki to rest thru recovery to heal! Rest is best. Don't let that scare you. She knows what she needs! The Buprenex can do both make them wired and tired. It is needed! Imagine us after an amputation; yes, we would be in the hospital on a morphine drip and not doing anything. Our animals are amazing. They can get up and eat, drink go potty.
That's great you have both litter boxes available you can try sprinkling her old litter in the new box if you haven't already; either way, let her choose as you are doing.
Most cats are on meds until the stitches/staples come out. Purrkins was on meds for 14 days, Buprenophoine for 12 days, and Gabapentin for 14 days. What was she sent home with before you started the Buprenex? Was she on Onsior or fentanyl patch prior?
As for fear of leaving the house, take each day as it comes; you will know when you feel comfortable leaving Kiki will show you.
Glad you home and can watch for pain signals .
Hugs,
Holly & Purrkins 💝💝💝
Thank you for the reassurances! She had a better night last night, only up a couple times. She's really become even more attached to me, which I don't mind the least!
She had the nerve block from the procedure, plus 3 day buprenephorine, and sent home with onsior, which is done.
She's got some runny poops right now, I'm guessing it's the buprenex.
There isn't a lot of easily found support for newly amputated pet parents, so I'm so happy to have found you!
Human pet: Brenda
Fur owner: Kiki / Nini
Your welcome!
Excellent, Kiki had a better night! 
Yes, this journey makes our bond so much closer.💝
Unfortunately, cats still get the short end of the stick on pain management ! Keep a close eye on her and let your vet know when you see pain signals . I hate to see you both go without enough pain management !
To give you an example, our cats have been sent home with 3 days worth of pain management for a dental. Buprenorphine and onsior both there is no comparison to cutting off a limb, bones, nerves, and muscles. I think all amputees should be sent home with gabapentin for nerve pain.
We had the opposite effect on buprenorphine constipation. Do you have a probiotic you can give to help?
We understand we were in your shoes at one time. It makes all the difference to have support and a sounding board.
Scratches to Kiki, please.
Hugs
Holly & Purrkins💝💝💝
Yes, I was worried about constipation, but this time she's runny (she's had this pain med a couple weeks ago). At least it's not every hour, and seems like only once a day.
We were really concerned about her yesterday because she was lethargic in the evening.
We'll keep watching the signals. She hides it very well, so it's hard to tell sometimes.
❤️
Human pet: Brenda
Fur owner: Kiki / Nini
Can only say ditto to everything Jerry and Holly said!
And you truly xould not find any better support and knowledge than from our "Cat Whisperer " like Holly and all our other wonderful Cate members.
STAY CONNECTED.....and dont forget to B R E A T H E!!!! You're doing a splendid job!
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!
Unfortunately for us hoomans and cats, cats are masters at hiding pain! However, here are some helpful tools to help, plus any orange text you see are links for more information on pain signals , pain management , etc.
Acute Pain Cat Carer Guide - Recognizing and managing acute pain in cats
Feline Grimace Scale to Assess Acute Pain
They have an app you can download
Trust your instincts on this journey if you think something is not right. Phone your vet or hop on here, ok!
Scratches to Kiki, please!
Hugs,
Holly & Purrkins💝💝💝
If I could figure out how to attach a picture, you'd see a lovely one of Kiki sitting in a much too small box! I'm feeling more confident every day. I came home today from my granddaughters birthday party and didn't see Kiki in her bed. After a moment of searching, I found her snuggled under the blankets on my bed.
Earlier today, my husband saw me posting here. I had explained to him how I found you... he looked at me and asked, "has this page helped you? " oh my goodness! Yes, it has! I can't be more grateful!
Today is only day 5 post, and she's doing things I don't think I would be able to do if I was in her position!
Hugs and kisses to all the for babies!
Human pet: Brenda
Fur owner: Kiki / Nini
Awww what a hoppy update! I can just see her snoozing in the bed, what an adorable scene. And you're right, we humans are not nearly as strong or tough in a situation like this. Animals just know how to keep on keeping on.
I'm so glad that you found help here. You made my day!
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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Awe, I'm delighted to see this update this a.m!😁😁😁 Good girl, Kiki showing your mom you are healing and going to be ok on three!.💝 It's fantastic to see you feeling sooo much better & could go to your granddaughter's b-day party!😁😁😁
Exactly there is no way we hoomans would be doing what our animals do after an amputation. She will continue to amaze you!!!
We will look furward to seeing pics of Kiki; give her a smooch from us, please.
Big Hugs!
Holly & Purrkins💝💝💝
Is it normal for up days and down days? Yesterday she showed more ambition. Today she's done nothing but sleep. She is also acting cold, I feel her shivering at times, so I cover her up. I'm thinking she might have a little cold, I'll be calling the vet tomorrow. This has been difficult, and a huge roller coaster.
I try not to worry, but it's hard not to. Her diarrhea has resolved, but I haven't seen a BM today, so maybe she's starting to get constipated. Poor baby.
I see a lot of talk about buprenex and gabapentin being given for a long time post amputation. She has no reaction when I touch her incision site, and it's not swollen or hot, looks clean and good.
Am I just over-worrying? I hate not seeing her personality. 😒
Human pet: Brenda
Fur owner: Kiki / Nini
Ups and downs? Absolutely! That's why we call the early part of recovery a roller coaster ride
And yes, we are all graduates of the Worry Wart Club! We worry so well....and it's almost never warranted!
Holly will have to address the meds, but generally shaking would be a pain sign.. Take note when it happens. Is it before her next dose is due?
Some dogs abpnd cats do stay on a low dose of of pain med....or use them intermittently, most not st sll. Just depends on the individual. Nothing not think about now though, okay ?
Her personality never has gone away!! Right now it's in the background as she's using all her energy to heal. Early osrt of recovery is all about slow and easy and rest. She'll get her sparkle back. We promise!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS. Remember to. B R E A T H E..... B R E A T H E😎😎
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!
Oh I wouldn't call it worrying so much as being vigilant. It's good you are aware of her behavior. Yes, ups and downs are quite common. It's a lot of work getting around in a new body and sometimes the effort finally catches up and leads to exhaustion.
As long as she is otherwise ok like hydrated and potting she should be ok. The lack of 💩 can also mean her gi system is stabilizing. Call your vet if you are concerned though ok? And keep us posted.
And not all pets are on pain control for the same amount of time. Some need more some less. I agree, see if the shivering happens after a particular type of movement or activity.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yes, ditto, it is normal for ups and downs; recovery is a roller coaster, and why is pain management so critical.
When did you give Kiki her last dose of Buprenorphine? I assume it is gone now being sent home with only three days? Has she changed since her meds are gone?
I'm not surprised she hasn't pooped. However, I would not worry about that today as she is just getting over the runny poops. Is she still eating drinking? Are you feeding a wet or dry diet? We always suggest a wet diet in recovery to help with hydration.
Keep Kiki warm, bundle her in some blankets, or you can put a heating pad on low under her bed where she is lying since you are home with her.
(keep an eye on it, so it does not get too warm)
Were you able to look at the pain signals charts? Do you see more than shivering? Refer to one of the charts when you phone today; ok tell them when it started and when the last of the meds were given. No, I don't think you are over worrying. It is essential to watch for changes like you are; this was major surgery.
Remember to trust your instincts and let us know what your vet says.
Hugs!
Holly & Purrkins💝💝💝
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