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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My 17 year old girl, Lilo had a small dresser fall over on her today...her leg is broken near the ankle and has ripped casts and splints off at the emergency vet all night. They want to amputate at hip as first suggested. Im so scared. She is 17 but very healthy. Please help me feel better about this.
Hi to you and Lilo. I'm so sorry this happened! Did you decide on amputation last night? If so what pain medication did she go home with?
Senior cats can do very well on 3. Recovery time may be a bit slower but with patience Lilo will find her new normal.
We have lots of examples of senior kitties! I'm on my phone now and will be back with some examples. Here are some links to check out:
Tripawds What to Expect articles
Hi there, I'm so sorry you're going through this, it isn't an easy situation but keep in mind your vet has Lilo's best interest at heart and you're doing the right thing by weighing your options, even if they're difficult to consider.
You're in good hands with Jerry up top but I just want to let you know that I'm about six weeks post amputation with my fifteen year old girl (who has some chronic health issues, so sounds like Lilo is in a better spot!) and though it was extremely difficult to make the decision and get past the first few weeks, I don't have a single regret about going through with the procedure.
Cats really do get on quite well with three legs. There's some adjustment, but it's so, so worth it.
You got this.
Senior trikitty Luanne had a right forepaw removed in May of 2022 and is still going strong! Here's our story.
Just want to add my pawsitive energy to all the good advice and insight you have gotten. Jist know we are all here to support younj anyway we can in anympath you take.
((((((((((((((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!
Oh here's a good summary of senior cat examples:
Amputation on a Very Old Cat
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