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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In addition to the obviously pain-related behaviour, I wondered. Those cats walking backwards: were they wearing a cone of shame ?
I see my cats walking backwards when they have one on, trying to escape of it. Or in case of Freek, when he was a kitten: when he had a yoghurt cup on his head (he did that to himself many times, he liked yoghurt so much). I think that's a natural reaction when the whiskers meet an obstacle. That's why I decided only using the cone for my cats when onesies really can't offer a solution. I'm glad that worked out for Freeks front leg amputation!
Usually no cone is on when this happens. It seems to occur later in the recovery process. That is partially why it is upsetting, as when it happens everything seems ok, then it isn't. Luckily those episodes usually do not last too long. It seems to involve phantom limb pain on rear leg amputee kitties. Not a vet, obviously, but Gabapentin and just time seem to work.
Good to know Freek is getting along good. 😊
Thanks for sharing that feedback Dawna. Yep, I can totally see why a cat walks backwards while wearing a cone but the mysterious behavior is usually just out of the blue.
Hi rnMy cat is 4.5 weeks out from rear leg amputation and has started walking backwards this week, while crying out. rnHe is already on Gabapentin but that is almost out and I'm also worried about that. We have a vet appointment tomorrow. No one told me what to expect in terms of post-amputation rehab. This is very upsetting.
Hi Pete, I have approved your post. It would be very helpful if you register as a member and start a new thread for your kitty's issues. It's easier to keep track of what's going on with your cat when it's all in one place. Can you share your kitty's dosage and medication schedule? It's possible it may need to be adjusted to better keep his pain under control while he recovers.
Hi -
mischief said
Hi Pete, I have approved your post. It would be very helpful if you register as a member and start a new thread for your kitty's issues. It's easier to keep track of what's going on with your cat when it's all in one place. Can you share your kitty's dosage and medication schedule? It's possible it may need to be adjusted to better keep his pain under control while he recovers.
I took my cat Pollux back to vet a month ago for a check-up and get refill on Gabapentin. They told me walking backwards is not uncommon with amputee cats, they don't know why it happens or how long it could last. It has been almost 2 months since surgery and he still is having problems.
Hey Pete, that's a good sign that they're aware of the issue. But what is their plan for treating it? If you're not happy, get another opinion from a rehab therapist. Remember Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit , and these experts are great at pinpointing pain.
I'm sorry you and Pollux are going through this. Yes, most of us are not informed what to expect in recovery post amp. They don't know as they are not going through it; we are!!!
I'm surprised & glad to hear they know of the backward walking.
What's the dosage of the Gaba? How often are you giving every 8 hours or 12? If you are at 12, go to 8-hour dosing. If it still happens, I would call the vet and ask about increasing the dosage. Tweaking time and dosage of the gaba has helped others. Acupuncture can be a great help too.
Hugs and scratches to Pollux, please
Holly, Purrkins and Saxton in the sky.
💝💝💝
I would just like to say thank you for this community and this thread specifically. I am currently experiencing this in my cat Swayze, about three weeks post-op. It’s been weighing so heavily on my heart and knowing there are others going through this same experience has brought a sense of comfort and relief. Thank you again!
Lucinda, you are so welcome. We are sorry that Swayze is going through this situation, it's really heart breaking!
Please start a new topic so you can ask questions, we can help you better and follow his journey back to good health. We are here to support you. 
Hi Gilbert. This was a post from a year ago about Simba, but your advice still applies to anyone experiencing this. Thank you for your feedback👍
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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