Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So it’s been 10 days after TumTum had his right front leg amputated. He is currently still on pain meds but the dosage is much less than the first 7 days. He’s on gabapentin and a NSAID. For the last few days I’ve noticed he twitches on the side where his leg used to be. The twitching is only slight and other than that he doesn’t seem to be in pain. There’s no yowling. He is rather relaxed, loving and sometimes even playful. Although I know cats can hide pain well. So is there anyone who’s had this with their cat? Is it normal? Is it a sign of phantom limb pain? What is happening that’s causing the twitch?
Twitching is common as long as TumTum is not reactive when it happens, meaning he jumps or runs away from the missing limb, attacks the missing limb aggressively goes after the limb, biting, licking.
The vet explained to me that the brain still sends messages to that limb. If you see any of the above, call the vet and tweak the Gaba, but it sounds normal.
Using the missing limb, the muscles moving, twitch are common and not of concern.
You will know if it is phantom limb pain. I promise it's disturbing for the cat, dog and frightening to witness. Thankfully if it does occur, the episodes don't last long, and there are ways to help—meds (gabapentin, acupuncture, and farabloc blanket.
Hugs & scratches to Tum Tum, please.
Holly & Purrkins💝💝💝
Yes, ditto Holly 👍
And also be sure and five lots of all over scratches, especially in areas he can no longer reach.
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!
Thanks for your responses. He doesn't seem to try to run away or attack the limb aggressively. Although I have noticed that he licks the area quite a bit sometimes after twitching. With that said though, he is generally licking and biting at the bandage rather often not just in that area but pretty much anywhere he can reach. I just figured that the bandages are annoying him. However, I'm not sure if it's possibly a sign of pain if you combine it with the twitching? Could it be?
It could just be some discomfort from the stitches and bandaging, etc. Can't remember if he has a cone or not. .Just make sure he cant get to the incision and decide to "remove" the stitches all himself! Lick6after twitching is more likely just respond to the 'sensation ' that is caused with the twitch.
Of course, certainly check with your Vet if you feel like he's experiencing pain. Other than trying to get to the incision, everything else all good, right??? Again, phantom limb pain signs are VERY severe with a quick onset, vocalizing pain, trying to"run away" from the pain surge.
This is just all in the FWIW category. You know your kitty best👍
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!
It's definitely worth mentioning to your vet, but my guess is that it's a combo of the bandages bothering him and normal misfiring between the brain and the nerves to the missing limb. Many Tripawds experience limb twitching years after their amputation recovery, without showing any pain signals that called for treating it. Try not to worry.
Let us know what the vet says.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I took TumTum to the vet today for a check up. His incision is looking good. He can get his stitches removed on Wednesday. Yay! With regards to the twitching, Vet said pretty much what all of you did. Said it’s likely a nerve sensation. He upped his dosage of the Gaba. I have seen less twitching so I think it has helped. Thanks for all your help 🌸
You are so welcome, this is all great news!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Great news, the incision is healing nicely, and itchy stitches soon to be out! Glad to hear they bumped up the Gaba. I'm sure TumTum will be more comfortable.
Excellent job watching for pain signals !
Hugs,
Holly & Purrkins💝💝💝
My cat had her leg amputated February 1, so we are only 1 month into this journey. She didn't twitch as you're saying, but I did see her try to scratch. I'd watch the muscles in her hip move just as if the leg were there making contact with her face. She even leaned her face over like she did before losing her leg. I would try to scratch for her, but I think she thought I was stupid trying to scratch her face. Anyway, my point in telling you this is that obviously she still thought her leg was there. Not a twitch but similar. I haven't noticed her doing it this week.
Thanks Kim. Good feedback. I'm sure Rita appreciated a good face scratch👍
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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