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 boy was diagnosed with a feline injection site sarcoma back in Feb. and had his right rear leg amputated in March. While the vet said he showed no signs of the cancer spreading at the time of the amputation, I'm still concerned because it's now June and he hasn't regained anywhere near his pre-amputation activity level. I keep hearing and reading that cats usually start to bounce back after 2 weeks or so, especially with younger cats like him (he's about 4), but it's been months and he still sleeps most of the day and still has a hard time walking around (though he is finally starting to get his mobility back when he is active).
Other than this, he seems fine. He eats well, he drinks water, he's fine with using and getting in and out of his litterbox. He can be interested in playing, but it has to be on his terms and he's reluctant to get up to chase something around (even his all time favorite- the laser!). He still sometimes snaps at my other cat when he gets too close to him (especially where his leg used to be), but he's willing to rough house a bit and share spaces again. He is not on any meds at this time.
Hello and welcome! Your future posts won't need approval so post away. We are so glad you joined us but sorry you had to. What is your cat's name?
You are really observant of your cat's behavior, which is awesome. We aren't vets here but based on what you're describing, it sounds like your cat is showing some classic pain signals : the sleeping, the mobility issues, the reluctance to play and the snappiness with your other cat may be his way of showing you that something is hurting.
Cat pain can be so tricky to diagnose but it can be done. What kind of pain meds was he on right after surgery, and how long was he on them? And did he have any of that behavior before surgery? I would talk to your vet about his behavior and all those little signs, just to get their take. If they don't think it's a big deal or have a plan to figure out why he hasn't bounced back yet, I would definitely consult with an animal rehabilitation therapist. They are great at diagnosing painful issues in cats and especially Tripawds, who have their own unique pain challenges. And if you take your cat to a CCRP or CCRT credentialed practitioner, the Tripawds Foundation may pay for your first rehab visit so please take advantage of the program. Many cats have, check out our grant recipient experiences.
Does this help at all? I hope so! Let us know what you think.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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My girl (5 years old) is one month out and having a similar path it sounds like. She is physically capable of getting around but seems to lack any confidence. She hasn't recovered her normal activity level or behaviors. Maybe our kids are just a little more sensitive and need more time to recover emotionally? We've started bribing her out, towards the stairs, and onto the bed with treats, to try to get her moving about and develop more strength and confidence. Good luck with your guy, hope he starts acting like himself soon!
PS my vet mentioned a medication Buspirone for anti-anxiety and confidence. Maybe something like that would help him?
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