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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Hi folks -
It's my first time posting! I searched forums and blogs but couldn't find info specific to this, so if I missed something then apologies. My 1.5-year-old kitty, Freddie Purrcury, had a leg amputation in October. Afterwards, we discovered his remaining hind leg has a luxating patella. Likely from birth, grade 1/4.
He also has nerve pain or phantom limb pain, walking backwards etc, which has mostly disappeared now at 4 months post surgery but still remains somewhat. He refuses oral medication, so topical amitriptylene has been helping some.
I don't want to say goodbye to my li'l best friend, but also want to do what's best for his comfort even if that means we've reached the end.
I'm hoping someone here might have some words of wisdom. I'm so thankful this forum exists. My questions are:
- whether anyone else's pet had a disability in the remaining leg, and if so, how you handled it
- whether anyone else observed phantom limb / nerve pain / walking backwards for 4 months post surgery, and if it eventually went away entirely
- any other advice or insight you may have
Thank you so much! 
Hello to Freddie Purrcury and his hooman. Your post jas been approved and, right off the bat, I have say I looooove Freddy Purrcury's name!!
I'm not a kotty expert here, but I can share some things I've learned.
As far as the walking backwards, phantom pain etc....yes, we have DEFINITELY seen that in kitties after amputation. As you have seen, it does eventually go away, or at least dissipate to some degree. Not sure if you"ve tried Gabapentin in some form, but that seems to help. We have a lot of tips on here how to pill a cat. Apologies for not being able to do some searches right now
The Gabapentin may help with the knee issue too. Although from what I understand it's not necessarily a painful thing, but the lameness is more of a biochemical issue. Is Freddie on any antiinflmmatory and joint supplements?? They could help Also, of you can get an appointment with a Certified Rehabilitation Specialist, that may be helpful. Yes, there are some Rehab phusical therapies that can be done for cats.The Tripawds Foundation will pay for the first visit.
So it doesnt sound like the knee luxatating patella is at a pain level that is interfering with quality. At some point it may cause arthritis and that would need to be addressed.
Of course, I'm not a Bet and not giving Vet advice
Others will chime In. Hang in there! You still have some options to check out1♥️
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!
Hi and welcome to you and your adorable Freddie! I'm sorry you guys are going through this but I promise you are not alone.
Why did he need an amputation? And what kind of pain control is he on now aside from the amitriptyline? As Sally mentioned, a rehab therapist can make a huge difference in helping to overcome these types of amputation side effects. Has Freddie seen a rehabber or an orthopedic vet? If so what are their recommendations for proceeding with the knee issue?
These articles about remaining limb surgery in a Tripawd are mostly about dogs, but there is one really great story about Lulu the cat you should check out. She recovered really well after having her remaining leg in a fixator for a lonnng time, and is still thriving and enjoying life.
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