Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello,
Our 5.5 year old tortie cat, Luna was recently diagnosed with myxosarcoma in her right front paw and we have decided on amputation. The surgeon said it is best if she loses some weight before surgery because it will be difficult for her to distribute her 18 pounds over 3 legs rather than 4. We have started her on a diet and as you know, cats need to lose weight slowly to be safe. She has lost 1 pound since we saw the vet and it is recommended we schedule surgery within a month and a half. Has anyone had an overweight/obese cat go through amputation surgery and if so, how did it go? Any advice?
Thank you.
Caryn aka Luna's mom
Hi Caryn and Kitty Luna.
We have some wonderfully knowledgeable kitty members who can give you some insight on weight loss for cats.Your post has been approved so stay tune for some up input from others.
Yes, carrying extra weight when on three can cause havoc on joints, balance etc. You are on the right path to help Luna get in tip top shape for surgery.
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!
Hey there and welcome. Sorry you are having to join our club but so glad you found us so we can support you and Luna!
With more than half of pets out there being overweight, you are not alone in this situation, I promise. Many people have had to help their overweight cat lose weight before surgery. It's a really good thing your surgeon has you on a plan to do it. What have they prescribed? Any special diet? How is Luna handling the changes?
You are correct, going slow with cats is important. Which is good not just physiologically but mentally, as they can be quite demanding when they feel like they are being deprived of food.
Some really cool things you can do to help cats drop the weight safely is to choose activity puzzles for mealtimes. That way she gets fed and tired in a good way.
Here are some weight loss tips for cats:
https://nutriti.....ight-loss/
also see Three Games for Tripawd Cat Exercises
Don't furget our Tripawd Cat Handbook can also be really helpful for you and Luna 🙂
I hope this helps! Keep us posted and holler with any questions.
Hi, and welcome to you and Luna.
We are sorry you had to find us and are dealing with c!
You have been given the best input already, wanted to add our support and share our story,
Have you seen an oncologist? I am a bit shocked that a surgeon would suggest waiting a month month and a half to amputate with cancer. Really? We prefer to get the tumor off ASAP, and yes, we agree an overweight cat will have some challenges getting around, and it is best to get the weight off, but Luna is in this position now. You can continue to work on getting the weight AFTER the amputation.
Congrats on getting one pound off. Whoo hoo. You are correct; cats cannot and should not lose weight fast. It is not healthy and dangerous. A safe weight loss is a goal of 1-2 % per week. We have had many overweight cats join, and Purrkins was one of them. He also had a soft tissue sarcoma on his front left carpus (wrist). Purrkins was six years old when diagnosed and will be on three legs for eight years this July.
Here is an article on a safe weight loss program you might be interested in reading: Feline Obesity: An Epidemic of Fat Cats
It is a very lengthy read, but it is worth it. I'm sure your vet is guiding you on the weight loss journey. Having a scale at home is necessary to watch loss/gain every three days to once a week. We use a digital baby scale.
Purrkins has done fantastic on three. While we all hate that our furmily member has to lose a limb, we are all grateful we could save their life. If we were in the position again, we would not hesitate.
Please inquire further about waiting a month month and a half. If possible, maybe get another opinion. Let's get the C off ASAP and continue to work on the weight loss.
Let us know how we can help or if you have any other questions.
Give Luna a chin scratch from us, please
(((HUGS))
Holly, Purrkins & Saxton in the sky 💫
💝💝💝
I wanted to add to my post that I was not thinking when I posted that Luna is a torti female at 18 lbs. I am unsure what size she was when she saw the vet/surgeon. From your post, I assume 19 lbs. She would have a higher anesthesia risk. There is always a risk with any sedation, and it would be more at her size. We had a 22 lb kitty join and have an amp, so it is possible, but yes, we want Luna to have no issues with sedation.
A Feline Vet would be most helpful; they will ensure you succeed in weight loss and guide you in all aspects. They would better access what is safe NOW - See if you have one in your area.
https://catfrie.....fessional/
These kitties also come to mind. All these are males, and I hope it may help you to see their stories.
Castiel's fibrosarcoma diagnosis
Harry the Cat - Just Diagnosed (Hi)
(((Hugs)))
Holly, Purrkins & Saxton in the sky 💫
💝💝💝
P.S. I wanted to get my facts straight before posting this.
My friend also has a female torti, Rikki, 11 years old & was significantly overweight. She needed a dental and weighed 9.79kg (21 lbs 9 oz). They wanted her to lose 3-5 lbs before surgery. She got her down to 8.76kg (19 lbs 5oz). She did exceptionally well, recovered from the anesthesia, and continued to work on the weight loss. Of course, all cats are different and all have different health challenges.
(((Hugs)))
💝💝💝
Thank you for this information. We weren't given an exact weight to aim for so I will ask the surgeon. You had asked if we had seen an oncologist. We had a biopsy done by our veterinarian who is a feline vet. When the results came back as malignant, we then made an appt with an oncologist who told us our options and then we met with the surgeon to discuss the surgical option.
Excellent on kitty vet and oncologist. Yes it never hurts to ask questions.
Keep us posted please
Hugs and scratches to Luna
💝💝💝
I love that you have a really great sounding vet team working with you and Luna. I'm wondering if another reason they want to wait on the surgery is that weight gain is a significant source of inflammation in the body. Cancer = inflammation. Lose the weight, lose the inflammation, and you have a healthier cat during recovery. Just a thought.
We have a surgery date for Luna - March 6. If I post more about surgery and post-surgery, should I start a new topic instead of continuing with this one?
Thanks.
Oh wow OK! Now you can get on with a plan. Pawesome! Not too far away but not tomorrow either. How's her weight loss going?
You can feel free to keep updating this topic, or post in Treatment and Recovery. Either is fine. Thank you for asking!
Excellent surgery is booked let's get that C off and Luna recovering!
Give her a scratch from us, please
((((HUGS))))
💝💝💝
Her weight loss is going slowly but the vet is okay with her having surgery at this time, especially since the mass is growing.
What are the things we should have on hand for when she comes home? So far I've come up with cone and pee pads. Anything you'd recommend that we are missing? Thanks everyone!
It is going slow and steady you will get there. To get you started, check out The Tripawds Recovery Shopping List, What to Expect articles and How to Help Your Three-Legged Cat book The book has everything in there, plus all the information is on the site and some in those links above. Anything in orange is a link and takes you for further reading. The main things are cone, asking the surgeon his preference, and whether you can use a onesie or recovery suit. Low or no side litter box, yes, wee pads are helpful, tasty, wet food. The stinkier, the better, if not on a special diet, assuming Luna is with her weight loss plan. Pain meds can mess with appetite. Raised food and water bowls. Traction if. You don't have carpet.
Be sure to find out what meds you are coming home with and the duration We need great pain meds for a smooth recovery. Advocate for Luna 3 days of pain meds is not enough for MAJOR surgery. Since you have a cat vet, it's a safe bet they will ensure this if the surgeon does not. Ask how long Luna stays overnight and whether they are staffed 24/7/.
Im very interested to know if your cat vet is new to you and if you see them regularly for her weight loss.
Scratches to Luna, please
Hugs
Holly, Purrkins and Saxton in the sky 💫
💝💝💝
Just wanted to add my pawsitive energy for your sweet Luna. You are doing such a good job of caring for her.
As always, Holly has given you stellar advice on prep for the homecoming.
Stay connected and let us know how things are going, okay? You've got this!!!
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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