Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Purrkins said
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
Great input Holly, as always! The charts that Holly is referring to are known as the Feline Grimace Scale. Here's an example of some features of a cat who is in pain:
You can get the backstory and download the full chart here:
https://tripawd.....t-in-pain/
And another chart:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You all are so amazing! This chart is helpful to know that he pain level is probably no more than 2. Pain is pain, so just want to make sure she stays good.
I picked up more pain meds today. She had her last dose of what we had when we brought her home.
Today was another good day. I carried her around the house and out on our patio (it's a large screened in lanai). She loves watching the birds and ducks on the lake. Then I carried her back in and set her in front of her water fountain. After having a drink, she turned around and hopped to the patio! Since it warned up enough, I started bringing my plants back outside. While doing this, I looked over to see that she had gotten onto the patio chair! Her favorite place! I let her stay that for about an hour, where she napped before I brought her in before leaving to get her meds.
She's eating, drinking, eliminating fine. Even a BM today. Great progress today, for sure!
Her siblings are re-accepting her too!
I can't tell you how grateful I am for you all!
Hugs and kisses to all the fur babies!
Human pet: Brenda
Fur owner: Kiki / Nini
Excellent update, and I'm relieved you got more pain meds today! Yes, we always want to stay on top of the pain. Now you both will rest easier, and Kiki can heal.
Awe sounds like you both had a pawsome day! That's medicinal in itself! Yay, Kiki, 
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Jumping up has not changed with a front leg amp but the going down will. That front leg will take a beating. So think about giving Kiki an easier way down whenever possible via steps, ramps, furniture tiered down, whatever you can do, even if that means you are helping her down to preserve that remaining front legas much as possible.
Great on eating, drinking, eliminating, and a normal poop YAAAY! Plus, the furmily is getting along! WHOO HOO!! We could not have asked for a better update!
You guys are well on your way to your new normal!
Give Kiki a smooch from us, please!
Thanks for the update!
Hugs!
Holly & Purrkins💝💝💝
Hi Holly! Yes, we have already added steps to our bed, and may also get some lower steps to help with her other favorites (kitty condos, patio chairs).
She's cuddling with daddy right now. My little trooper! ♥️
Human pet: Brenda
Fur owner: Kiki / Nini
Awww I can just see you carefully carrying her to all her favorite places. You sound so happy and undoubtedly she is too. That's pretty obvious since she had enough spunk to jump into the chair. What a cute scene! Two weeks ago did you ever think you would get there?
Staying on top of the pain really pays off. You are an excellent nurse, keep it up!
Let us know if you'd like help with photos. Can't wait to see them.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Day 8 post amputation: my goodness! She must have known I needed a pick me up. Been feeling down today and a bit guilty. This evening, as we sat down for dinner, Kiki came out to join us! She jumped up into my chair, then the table. (No judging please lol).
Then tried to climb on her condo, but she's not as agile, so that didn't work so well. I believe it won't be the last attempt! I'm hopeful. 3 more days till her 25+ sutures come out.
Still pretty clingy, always wants to sit in my lap (on the floor, cross legged...). But her appetite is still really good.
Every day is even more pawsome!
Human pet: Brenda
Fur owner: Kiki / Nini
She knew exactly what to say and how to say it! "Mom look at how great I am doing, no need to feel guilty or down!" Animals just know don't they?
I'm so happy for another great update. Yay!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
This evening, as we sat down for dinner, Kiki came out to join us! She jumped up into my chair, then the table. (No judging please lol).
Then tried to climb on her condo, but she's not as agile, so that didn't work so well. I believe it won't be the last attempt! I'm hopeful. 3 more days till her 25+ sutures come out.
Another great update!
Oh, I hope you did not take my adding steps comment as judging. Never!!! The site is a judgment-free zone! I was merely trying to help/inform to protect that remaining front leg in the future. We want our kitties to be cats and do everything they used to on three, with some modifications. They can and will regardless w/o modifications, which can lead to problems. I'm glad you already have some steps. 😘
I'm sorry you were feeling down our furmily is the best medicine! I'm delighted; Kiki is showing, yes, Mom, I can do this! Yes, Mom, I'm ok. Eight days post-op still early days; I promise she will get more agile and master her new body. We can never underestimate a cat on three legs. We did in the early days, and Purrkins ended up on top of the kitchen cupboards. Oh yes, his favorite lookout spot!
The cat tree Kiki will master. You may need to make some modifications for her.
Three more days, Kiki and those itchy sutures will come out! You will see even more sparkle come back. You both are doing fantastic try not feeling guilty. You made this decision for Kiki! You chose her life over a limb! The same decisions we would make if they were a human right? Yep, no questions. She will continue to show you she is going to thrive on three!
Every day will continue to be more pawsome!
Here's to another good day for you all!
Hugs and scratches to Kiki, please.
Holly & Purrkins💝💝💝
OH my gosh Holly you are the last person on earth who would judge, I didn't get that at all from your post and I'm sure that Brenda & Kiki didn't either. Please don't worry! You always give such fantastic insight and tips on things most new Tripawd parents don't think about. Keep up the fantastic advice please 🙂
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
And Holly! Are you stone cold nuts? 🤯😜 And I say that in a loving, full of admiration, non judgemental way😂😄🤣🤪 You are THE most giving, ingormative, supportive member we have here! You pour your heart and Soul into every caring resply. Never in a million years would anyone EVER, EVER, use 'judging" in the same sentence as your name!!! No way evvvver!!! DITTO JERRY TIMES A GAZILLION!!!
Now, thank you for the update on Kiki. . We love Kiki!👏👏 The update for Kiki has put a huge grin on my face! So happy to see the cute ways she's showing you her sparkle is coming back. I love the visual of her coming in to join you for dinner....at the table!! Loooove it!😁
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!
Hehe, Sally
I'm cold, not stoned 😉 I do think today I could use some stoned!
Nuts, maybe!
Thank you, Rene & Sally; it's been a day and a half, and your love & support is always appreciated!
🫂🫂🫂😘😘😘💝💝💝
Back to Kiki! 😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
You guys are awesome!
Holly, no way was I even thinking you were judging, lol my comment was because she was on the dining table, hahahaha.
Today, oh my goodness, I think I may have a heart attack! What an eventful day! She waited for me to stop working before her adventures. She spent time on the patio, sleeping in her chair, came in to potty and went back out. I turned around for 10 seconds, and she was on the top of the kitty condo, in the perch.... looking at me with such pride! She slept for a couple hours in that perch, when I climbed up and brought her down because I had to go somewhere.
While I was gone, she explored and went to another favorite spot: in our (super large) closet, behind my clothes on the for cabinet.
She's currently curled up in a blanket on the sofa next to me.
I am so excited and so happy! I know she can't wait to get rid of her shirt so she can properly groom herself. ❤
Human pet: Brenda
Fur owner: Kiki / Nini
Kiki! Geez! Don't be scaring uour Mom!!!! You are definitely a Recovery RockStar, and it still gets better and better!
Of course you curled up on your Mom's lap for a nap. You had quite an adventurous day! Having fun can be tiring 😎
Higs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Holly.....LMAO. Stay "warm", eat some nits, but not because you have the "munchies".
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!
LMAO, 😁🤣I did not read your comment as abnormal for cats on the kitchen table. Purrkins has steps to our kitchen table, so...yeah, we get it! We are the ones that would be judged😄 and guess what I don't care:) It is what it is. Purrkins is hopping up regardless, so we make sure he is safe doing it;)
Yep on the heart attacks been, there still are some days;) Cats will be cats minus the leg and why we have tripawd proofed the house as best as one can to help us with fewer heart attacks;) You will relax more as time goes on, and you see how capable she is and if she needs assistance in places;)
Kiki, you need to finish healing missy quit showing off & get those itchy sutures out first, OK 😉 Lots more adventures ahead!
I'm delighted you are both feeling so much better!
Hugs & scratches to Kiki, please!
💝💝💝
Sally, I ate a hunk of chocolate; best I can do😁😘🫂
Wait a minute....cats aren't supposed to be on kitchen tables? I had no idea!
Kiki's getting better every day, this just makes me so hoppy 🙂 Little by little she is showing you she's got everything under control.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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