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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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Virginia



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22 February 2013
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20 October 2023 - 10:31 am
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YAAAAAAAY FOR PETUNIA….AND YOU!    HUGE, HUGE, HUGE VICTORIES!👏👏😎

Not that you ‘volunteered’ 😉, but you and Petunia will be the link we’ll send new members to who never think things will get better.  We’ve all been in that frame of mind and it does help to see a similar story.   And yes, we can assure you over and over that Petunia is recovering at her own pace.  However, of you are like most of us, until we see it for ourselves we won’t believe it.  And you are finally seeing for yourself so you can now believe it!  

You are doing everything right.  Sounds like you have found the sweet spot as far as what works for her med wise. You are watching her carefully and now you can start to breathe!  Don’t be concerned if she still has a few ups and downs,  it now the ups are taking over more and more.

Thank you so much for the update.  Can’t stop smiling 😄😄

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!

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Illinois
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20 October 2023 - 11:06 am
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Sally, please link my post!!! In fact, I started posting here like day 5. I’ve been posting detailed updates on facebook since day 2. And if this post in linked, I want to share what I wrote on Day 2 … it may make someone feel at ease, especially if they brought their senior kitty home the same day, and all kinds of thoughts are running through their head:

 

10/6/23 - Day 2

”Update on Petunia!

This morning, after only a few hours of sleep, I called the vet with some concerns since I brought her home. Those included:

(1) Not eating
(2) Not peeing
(3) Her laying entirely on her on side, worried if that would be bad
(4) Her falling 3 times on her incision side, making the loudest and saddest cries I’ve ever heard

There were more but I can’t think right now with being so exhausted. I asked if I can have her stay there for the day for monitoring. The tech I spoke with said to just keep monitoring her and if nothing changes, call them at 4pm.

I was a mess all day. Two nights of having a total of  5 hrs of sleep can do that to a person. And then of course this HUGE change that just happened to a kitty I love so much. I even called the emergency 24hr hospital to find out their rates (Spoiler Alert: RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE) cause I honestly felt like I didn’t know if I was doing anything right or if I was doing more harm:

Was picking her up and putting her in a position as if she was standing bad? Should I have just left her alone? But in my mind, I wanted to get her off that leg for a few minutes. But, was the crying indicating that I need to let her be?

Is changing the play pen from having a lot of blankets to something more manageable where she can try to get herself up easier bad? What is the best way for her?

Am I not doing enough to get her to eat? To pee? To drink water?

Last night she did walk on her front paws and back paw really well while I held her, almost even “running,” but today she can’t even do that, so did I constrain her overnight too much? Did I already fuck up her only back leg?

2pm rolls around and it was time to give her a pain pill. I couldn’t even open her mouth. I started to wonder if her mouth was so dry. Could I give her this pill? Will it get stuck and choke her cause her mouth is so dry?

And it’s all been so confusing because I’ve read stories on a popular tripawd website where cats eat and use the litter box right away.

I ended up calling the tech at 2:30pm … I mentally couldn’t wait any longer. I told him everything that was and wasn’t happening since I spoke with him this AM. He told me his biggest concern would be her bladder being big and not eating. Told me to bring her meds in and he will give them to her. Told me to bring her food and he’ll try to get her to eat. And he’ll have a vet doctor look at her bladder to determine how big it is. And also address all the other concerns you brought up. “And we will do this free of charge!”

Let me tell you, going the vet made ALL THE DIFFERENCE! I feel like it should be standard to bring your cat in either the next day or day after.

Her bladder is a little big, but taking one more night to see if she pees won’t hurt her. If she doesn’t, they want me to call first thing in the AM and they will see what they can do. I was assured that if she pees while laying down that it’s okay, and it’s just a little clean up - it’s better that she goes than doesn’t since the litter box has been a difficulty.

I was told it’s okay that she lays on the one side for a while, and that it’s okay I confined her in blankets and cushions (like I did last night) tonight as well so I don’t have to worry about her getting up and falling over on her incision side and I can get some sleep. They gave me a syringe (I asked if they had one) so I can give her some water here and there. Showed me how I can open her mouth better when giving her pills (by the way - I bought one of those “pill guns” and they are AWESOME!) and water.

There were a few other things, but again, I’m so exhausted!

Needless to say, a HUGE mental load came off immediately! I feel better about her just being stoned in meds and that she’s okay! I feel better that if she doesn’t pee tonight, that the vet will be there tomorrow.

**So as I was about to press POST, Tuni seemed to “wake up.” So I decided to take her out of the play pen and have her “walk” around as I held her. Not only did she not “cry” as much, she was using her 3 legs much better and not dragging them!!! I wanna cry!!! It’s like, you go to the doctor with a concern you’ve had for months, and then the next day it fixes itself! 😂 I only had her do a little cause I don’t wanna overdue it, but it’s a win in my mind!!! I’m not comfortable her getting up on her own the rest of the day cause although her falling on her incision side will happen, I just want it to heal for at least another day or two.” 

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The Rainbow Bridge



Member Since:
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20 October 2023 - 11:10 am
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I'll ditto all the excellent info Holly gave, don't want to confuse you further, as she has more hands on experience than I do when it comes to cat recoveries. Where I can help is this:

Every situation is slightly different, you won't find another recovery exactly like Petunia's because is her own kitty, on her own timeline. We can give you general ideas of how things played out for other members, but really, it's important to keep her recovery in perspective: it's a one of a kind, just like her!

If you want a cat member who has direct experience with specific issues you are concerned about, start a new topic in this forum. But be VERY specific in the subject as to the information you are seeking. In the post itself, use the search terms you were using when looking for similar stories so that others will know what you'd like help knowing about. Hopefully someone will chime in.

And no you're not bothering or being a pest i promise. We are here to help however we can!

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Illinois
Member Since:
11 September 2023
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20 October 2023 - 11:26 am
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Holly,

I will mix the Miralax this evening with water and hope that will help. I’ve read quite a bit that putting it the food will be fine, so that’s why I did that. I did call the vet to see if I can get refill on gabapentin and also brought up her lack of pooping. Waiting for a call back. Fingers crossed! 

I’m grateful that this site was eventually opened up for cats cause I don’t know how I’d be mentally if it wasn’t for this site and you guys! When my funds replenish, I plan to donate cause I just have so much gratitude! 

It seems like it’s very common that kitties have hyperthyroidism. I’m just glad it’s an easy pill to give daily. I actually crush it up and sprinkle it on top of their food. I recently purchased a pill splitter/crusher that has been a GAME CHANGER! Especially with the massive pills for the antiviral meds. 

Jerry,

I completely understand the limitation of knowledge on the recovery of cats, but you’ve been so supportive and I truly appreciate that so much! I will definitely post a more specific topic if ones comes up, I didn’t think about that, so thanks for the suggestion!

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Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
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20 October 2023 - 11:34 am
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Samantha 

My tavlet has been broken…sick…for almost a month…then fixed for a few days and now back in the tavlet hospital   I’m just now getting back on line with some donated laptops, tavlet.

So , as long as things are working Im definitely following Petunia’s journey and soooo glad to be celebrating all the improvements she’s starting to show.  
whileI k layout are searching for someone with Perunia’s same experience, it may be that you don’t need that as Petunia is making so much progress now

Hugs

 

Sally and Alumn 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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Illinois
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11 September 2023
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20 October 2023 - 1:33 pm
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I think I’m okay with not finding a similar story since things are starting to look up exponentially! Just now when I was walking out of the bedroom, she started following me cause she wants to get out! This is the first time, and it’s probably because she’s feeling so much better, maybe less pain from the surgery (even with the pain pills) and the symptoms from the heroes finally going away! It made me sad to have to close the door, but also made me happy that she is truly going back to what life was (minus the leg) before surgery!

 

I just need to figure out when I could let my other kitty be around her (since she is contagious). Symptoms are pretty much gone, and the eye looks so much better - eye drops were delivered! This weekend I am going to set the house up with the rugs and mats I do have (I have all wood flooring) in preparation for her introduction back into the rest of her home. And once I can let her around Possum, I need to figure out if it is also the best time is to let her roam freely around the house. 

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Illinois
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11 September 2023
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20 October 2023 - 2:25 pm
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Just got off the phone with the vet! They are going to refill the gabapentin and told me to use it what I feel that’s best … 8hrs, 12hrs. (I’m gonna keep going every 8 hrs for now.)

She also said to continue using Miralax and if she doesn’t have a bowel movement by Saturday, then give them a call. 

As for Petunia’s herpes flare up, she said that as long as she’s now showing symptoms, it will be okay to let my other kitty by her.

 

So tomorrow I am going to get this house ready with carpets (I have some re-arranging to do) and once done, I plan to let Tuni have supervised roaming of the house, if she is up to it and I think she isn’t feeling pain. I’m just excited that I can have her hang out on the couch at least when watching a movie or something now that she can be around Possum! But I will probably continue to keep her mainly in the bedroom for the next week or two.

 

My brother is building me a pet ramp next week for my bedroom so she can get on my bed. I plan to place it in between my wall and bed so in case she falls over. I am also going to buy a small ramp for the couch. I don’t feel comfortable with the pet stairs just yet. That will take some time.

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Michigan

Member Since:
11 July 2016
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20 October 2023 - 3:29 pm
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WHOO HOO - GREAT MEWS!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
I'm so happy to see Petunia is feeling better & wanting out of the room. Thats a sure sign😻😻😻!! I remember when Purrkins did that and the sheer joy of watching him return to himself.

Glad you heard back from the vet and got your questions answered and your meds refilled. We can all rest easier this weekend, knowing Petunia has her meds and eye drops - feeling so much better!!!

It sounds like the purrfect plan for the weekend, and LOVELY, your brother is building a ramp for Petunia. I agree with you she is not ready for steps YET. She WILL get there!!! Now the fun begins on tripawd proofing the house as you plan to do this weekend.

The worst is over, and it is onward and upward from here.🙏🏻🤞🏻 Give the Miralax time to work it will. Continue it, and if she gets the poops dial the dosage back.

Scratches to both Petunia and Possum, please!
Hugs
💝💝💝

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Illinois
Member Since:
11 September 2023
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20 October 2023 - 7:20 pm
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Thanks Holly for EVERYTHING!!! I hope you have a great weekend!!!! Stay warm in MI (I live in the Chicagoland area, so I’m sad winter is coming 🥶)! I will try to get a video of me letting her out of the room so I can share it! 

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The Rainbow Bridge



Member Since:
25 April 2007
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20 October 2023 - 7:49 pm
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We are glad that cats started joining us too (it was never closed to them, it's just that we started by focusing on dogs. It wasn't until Fang was brave enough to join us that others followed. And we have learned so much since! Now you are teaching us too.

https://cldavis.....pawds.com/

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Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
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20 October 2023 - 7:54 pm
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Petunia is sooool lucky to have you as her hooman .  You stayed the course, you stayed strong and you never gave up…..neither did Petunia.  You are making a wonderful home for her as a Tripawd kitty……nice of her to let you share it with her🤣😂🤣

We all learn so much from Holly and she is always spot on with her insight.❤️

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!

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Illinois
Member Since:
11 September 2023
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20 October 2023 - 9:20 pm
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Thanks Jerry for the link to Fang’s story! Sally, she is worth everything!!! And, yes, I am very lucky that she allows me to live in the house! 😂

Ope, I was reading past Facebook posts on Tuni’s recovery, and noticed that the vet said 1/4tsp of Miralax, as many other sites. Hopefully the 1/2tsp I’ve been giving her isn’t too much! 

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Michigan

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11 July 2016
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21 October 2023 - 4:59 am
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Miralax is dose-dependent, so worst case, she gets runny poops, YOU HAVE POOP. No worries! I gave my Saxton anywhere from 1/4 = 1 tsp twice daily. I wouldn't back off now. Let's get some poop! She already had one enema; we don't want her to HAVE to have another. Let's get some poop, see what it looks like, and adjust as needed. I suggest keeping notes/journal of what you are giving and the results for the future. She MAY need to continue Miralax while on the gaba or otherwise.  Be good to have a record of what works for Petunia & results (ie, what the poop looked like) soft, one piece, hard balls, mush, watery, etc how long it took etc. I know Tmi, but it's essential information when we are not pooping on schedule. 
We look forward to doing our poop dance for Petunia. Sounds good on the video!
Hugs & scratches to the kitties please
💝💝💝

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Illinois
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11 September 2023
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21 October 2023 - 5:31 am
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Okay, as long as it is still safe. She’s on other meds, so I was nervous that too much would be upsetting to her. I haven’t gotten much sleep. Around 1am, Tuni started to switch places a lot. Made me wonder if she was uncomfortable with the backup. But, at the same time, she wa purring like crazy. She did have a few cries, not sure if it pain, or because she hadn’t pooped yet. Made me nervous. She did this for a good few hours until she was ready for another pain pill at 2:30am. She relaxed a bit from then.

 

Just now I went to get both kitties food ready. And Petunia, for the first time, was meowing like crazy in the bedroom. I opened the door and she was laying against the door. Made me wonder if I gave her comfort as she is feeling uncomfortable with the backup.

I read (in the middle of the night cause Tuni wouldn’t let me sleep) that if she is taking oral meds (antiviral) at feeding time, to give it to her 1 hr before the Miralax and that it will be more effective. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try. So that’s what I’m gonna do. 

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Illinois
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21 October 2023 - 5:33 am
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And I agree with continuing with the Miralax while she is on gabapentin. I’m kicking myself for not doing that after her last poop on Tuesday (4 days ago).

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