Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Willow is over a month out from having her rear leg amputated and we are trying to figure out if her continuing symptoms are normal. My Mom called the hotline today and spoke with Sally, who is absolutely wonderful. She suggested getting some guidance from other people who have been through this, so here we are!!
I will attempt to condense this story... Willow is two years old and was shot on Dec. 22, which shattered her femur. We were stuck in a situation where we had to either put off amputation for 10 days due to the holidays or transfer her to her regular vet. Her regular vet said that she would try to fix it, but wouldn't amputate or put her down due to her age. So, she operated on her and attached an external fixator. It was nearly impossible getting pain meds for Willow and at the 3 week mark, new x-rays were taken. They showed that the leg was not healing. Again, we asked that the leg be amputated, but the vet refused because we had not given it enough time. Has anyone had any difficulties of this sort?
That brings us to our current situation with Willow's new angel of a vet. He collaborated with colleagues and everyone concluded that there was no way that the fixator was ever going to work. So, she had her leg amputated on the 16th of January. Now, we are having problems that I believe are unforeseen according to what I have been able to research. She is still acting like she is in pain. This has been attributed to frustration and/or phantom limb pain. She is walking backward, which I've been told is normal? However, she isn't making much progress toward recovering. She just does not appear to be strong and steady enough to stay upright. How much time should I give this? She is currently on 100 mg. of Gabapentin, which she can take every 6 hours. And, she takes Amantadine .3 mg every 12 hours. She has been off of Buprenex for quite some time. I am just trying to reach out to people with more experience. How long will this take to heal? Could she still be in pain? She growls, hisses, and cries out. She was never a vocal cat before all of this trauma. I do expect some personality change, which is understandable. At what point do we say that she has had enough? It's horrible listening to her be so upset. If this is pain that she is having, then I don't know how long it is fair for her to continue this way.
Thank you in advance for any advice you can offer.
Pam and Nova
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In the Tripawds News blog , you will find a whole series of posts about what to expect. Including a recent relative post: What to Expect: Amputation Recovery Time for Tripawds
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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Pam and Nova! I'm so glad you posted here! I'm so sorry you have had such a rough road with your sweet Willow. And, based on my conversation with your Mom, and based on what you"ve posted here and based on your gut instinct, amputation should have been the first plan. For now though, just push that aside and let's focus on getting Willow back to being Willow!
So our kitty members can best support you, I'll just add that Willow is eating, drinking pooping, peeing just fine. And today she has a big victory because she stood up on her one rear leg long enough to try and claw at her scratch post! I'll also add that the Angel Vet did do extra xrays snd eliminated any issues with the other leg, spine, etc.
I KNOW you are frustrated and scared and feel defeated. Not seeing Willow able to walk yet is disheartening. While it seems like forever, a month post op from amputation isn't a whole lot of time Then add a failed surgery three weeks prior....ueah, Willow isn't feeling like having a party yet!! We PROMISE you recovery doesn't last forever! For you and Willow though, you've been through the trauma of TWO surgeries and trying to recover each time, without having a breather in between. You're stronger than you realize! And goodness knows, Willow is so lucky to have you as an advocate!!
Again, so glad uou found us! Willow WILL get better on her own timeframe and in her own way! The kitty members will come on with some tips. I know uour Mom was going to check into Rehab Therapist about two hours away. I'm sure her muscles are weak having been inactive for so long.
Sending you extra hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
PS....Love the avatar picture! She is adorable!!
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!
Willow has certainly gone through a lot of trauma with being shot, surgery for a repair that didn't work and then amputation. Poor thing but thankfully she has you!!
It sounds like she still has pain but this seems to have lasted too long. My cat Mona was only on Buprenex for less than a week and an anti-inflammatory for two weeks. The vets should be able to help with this.
It wasn't clear to me but did Willow lose her rear leg? I ask if it's the rear leg because its the rear-leg feline amputees who walk backwards. I agree with Sally that an animal rehab therapist or a chiropractor may help with mobility.
Here's a post on assessing feline pain: https://tripawd.....cute-pain/
Here's a post of a rear-leg amputee with similar problems: https://tripawd.....mputation/
I hope you find some answers to relieve Willow's pain.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Hi Pam and Nova,
Wow, what a story, I am so sorry you are going through this but I am glad you are here. It is really hard going through this once, never-mind twice like this. Glad your mom called the hotline, Sally is wonderful to talk to and always has great advise!
I totally agree with Kerren regarding her pain level. I think the first thing I would be doing at this point would be to contact the doc that did her second surgery and see if they can adjust her dosage. Lots of times there is some wiggle room on the medications, sometimes it is the timing that needs to be adjusted.
Huckleberry is a right rear amputee. He lost his leg due to traumatic injury of unknown origin. He was a feral stray that found his way to us, and now he is a happy, healthy, indoor kitty.
I had to really advocate for him regarding pain medication, and it took about three weeks before I was able to wean him off, but with Nova having 2 surgeries it would not surprise me in the least to see her needing more time to get back to her normal self. Huck did have some phantom limb problems in the beginning, and medication adjustment definitely helped. I also kept him confined so that he could heal. Is it possible that Nova is trying to do too much too soon?
I personally did not have any problems with Huck walking backwards, but I have also heard of others that have. Her hissing and crying sound like she is still not comfortable so I would definitely work on seeing if you can get her pain better managed.
Good luck to all of you. Please hang in there and let's see if we can get her over this hump, ok? Is she otherwise eating, drinking, peeing and pooping ok?
Hugs,
Jackie and Huckleberry 
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Pam, I'm so sorry you guys are going through this rough time. Poor Willow!
The backward walking issue has definitely happened to others. Here are some posts that describe it:
https://tripawd.....antom-limb
https://tripawd.....e-bahavior
One Hop Forward, Two Hops Back: The Backwards Walk
Apparently there is no one cause for backward walking in cats, but it usually resolves itself. My best suggestion is to book an appointment with a feline-friendly rehabilitation therapist to help pinpoint if this is pain-related or something else. The Tripawds Foundation may pay for your first rehab visit so please take advantage of the program OK?
And let us know how things are going. We hope Willow feels better soon.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
How is Willow doing? Update when you can, okay?
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!
Thank you all for the advice and shared links. I have a lot of learning to do.
Willow is continuing to have the same problems. I've started CBD oil and calming treats in an effort to help her relax a bit more. We don't have a perfect schedule yet, so it's difficult to say if this is changing anything. She continues to hiss, growl and cry out, unfortunately. All other systems are working perfectly, though! She has a great appetite and is using the litter box daily. She has a heck of a time getting into it, though. Of course, I help her as much as possible without being too overprotective. Difficult balance...
If anyone is interested in following her story, I did have to start a GoFundme for this. However, this is in no way a solicitation! There are just pictures, x-rays and more information on that site. We are nearing $7000 in vet bills, so that's why I had to do it.
I am still trying to figure out how to post a video that has some clarity in it so I can show people how she is acting (it's so hard to describe). I am not the most gifted person when it comes to technology. Another thing we have noticed is that she doesn't put her remaining rear leg on the ground. Again, I need a picture for you to interpret. We are just hoping for the day that she isn't uncomfortable - she has such a sweet spirit about her. Thanks again for everything!
- Pam and Nova
haizer9 said
If anyone is interested in following her story, I did have to start a GoFundme..
Please see the Tripawds Fundraising Appeals Policy for information about sharing links to fundraising pages here. Thank you for your understanding.
Be sure to review this growing list of many veterinary financial assistance resources.
The best way to share videos is to upload them to Youtube (or Vimeo, etc.) then you can paste the Share link on a line by itself here and the video will auto-embed in your post.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for the explanation about You Tube! And, my apologies about sharing the link...
Willow spent the night at the vet's office again, because a surgeon was going to have a look at her. It was decided by both him and her vet that she is not experiencing pain. They pushed on every part of her and she didn't react at all. So, they think this is all frustration. Apparently the first surgery put her back several weeks. Now, I am trying to find a balance of letting her strengthen her leg and her not doing too much, so as to not aggravate anything.
The vet said that if I didn't think I could keep her, that the girls at the office have really taken to her and he told them he would allow her to be a clinic kitty. The prospect is very saddening to me, but if she is there, she can receive the laser therapy and care that she deserves on a regular basis. There is just so much to think about. I just need to do what is in her best interest. She is still hissing, crying, and growling. Everything else works just fine, except she has started peeing while laying down. This started two days ago. I'm not sure what changed to cause that because she was doing a great job at finding a position. Thanks for listening...
Hi Pam and Nova,
I am really so very sorry that Willow's situation is so complicated. This is strictly my opinion, ok? I am not a vet. I have a really hard time thinking this is all frustration. I know the docs cannot palpate an area that they can "find" to be painful, I also know that many animals are exceptionally stoic when being poked and prodded. It is part of their survival mode. And just like people, some show it right away and some would rather die than show pain. The latter is how I see Willow.
Peeing while laying down all this time after. It is just not adding up. I have seen and had behavioral problems with them urinating in inappropriate places, but not just laying there and peeing on themselves. Only thing I can possibly suggest is maybe she has gotten a UTI? Only way to know is to check a urine sample.
I did adopt a fairly domestic cat once, when I was doing animal control. She was as sweet as could be, a long haired calico. She was young, and when I took her home after being spayed, she was different. She hid, would not let anybody touch her, and this was the same kitty that came running to me prior to her surgery. The surgery supposedly went fine, but the cat was different. It took me years, literally, before I could tempt her from her hiding spot and allow me to gently pet her. I never was able to figure out what triggered that behavior, and I never saw anything like it after her.
I know you have spent a lot of time, energy, money, emotion, and tears over this beautiful cat. I totally commend you for trying to do the right thing by her. I know you will find the right decision in your heart. I don't envy you going through this, I know it is killing your soul. You are right though, she would have whatever treatment is necessary. When I was a vet tech I took a kitty in that had been brought in to be put to sleep because his bladder was blocked. The owner relinquished Gazoo to me, and after what would have cost them about what you spent, but even cost me several thousand, he lived a long healthy life and was with me for 16 years before he crossed over.
Please keep in touch and let us know how you make out. You know you will be supported no matter what your decision is. I really don't think there is a "right" or "wrong" answer here. You have to do what is best for all of you. I am really glad that there are other people out there willing to take her on. That does not happen often.
Sending you a big hug. Take your time and think about what you will do. You don't have to make this decision today so just try to imagine all scenarios, pros and cons, and then do whatever you think is best.
Jackie and Huck
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
Oh gosh I'm also sorry about this situation, it IS complicated. And I have to agree with everything that Jackie suggested. Poking and prodding may not be what gets her to show pain signals . Cats are even trickier than dogs when diagnosing pain. If there is any way at all to get her to another vet more experienced with cats (a "Feline Friendly" practice) that would be my next step. If financially you can't do it, that's understandable. You have already done so much for this sweet girl, and no matter what, even with the undiagnosed situation, she is better off now than she was before.
As Jackie said, it's not often when a vet offers to take on a case like this but the sad part is relinquishing her, of course. It's so hard, and there are just no right or wrong choices if you decide to consider it.
My heart goes out to you. Please let us know how things are going.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for taking a moment to update. We've all been thinking about you and Willow.
I can only ditto Jackie and Rene too. As Jackie noted, she has not only worked st Animal Control but as a Vet Tech too. So some good insight from her. And as Jerry mentioned, of you could possibly get Willow evaluated woth a second opinion from someone who didn't do the surgery. Sometimes a second pair of eyes can do wonders. With a gunshot there maybe other injuries that weren't apparent at first, because all focus was on the leg.
I hope you are keeping up your GoFundMe page. We all know all too well. all.too.well. .that lack of finances is a heartbreaker. We also know you have already put forth Herculean effort to do everything possible for rhis kitty! We all know that and can see your love for Willow.
So to just ditto ...take some deep brewths, see if it's possible to get an opinion from a Geline Friendly Ber. Also, maybe a teaching school would take on Willow's case for no charge.
And one more thought! A UTI (as Jackie suggested) can have a different kind of pain and discomfort. It maaay be that Willow has had a UTI and it just now manifested in peeing qhile laying down. Hmmmm....mayve there's some going on in that area as a reult pf rhe gunshot that has been invisible until now.
Please stay connected and let us help you navigate through this as best we can. There may be hope yet! Keep things chunked down... one step st a time. You still have some options to check out. And certainly having Willow be the welcoming committee at your Vet and RockStar Tripawd Spokeswoman Kitty there can also be a path forward too if need be.
Sending you and your Mom and Willow lots of 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 Pam and Nova,
I am catching up on your post. You have a guardian angel on your side;) Please do not give up hope!
I googled your go fund me page & checked out her story and photos I can only imagine what Willow has gone thru.
I grabbed some photos so everyone can better understand what she Willow has been thru.
Sweet Willow before the surgeries. She is adorable!
gun/pellet wound
X-rays
First surgery
Did she sustain other injuries to the front leg? I can't tell in this photo.
After the amp
I'm so sorry you guys are going through this, Poor Willow has been thru a lot. I agree with everything everyone has posted. You need another set of eyes to look at Willow. I can ASSURE you Willow is IN PAIN. This is not frustration! No disrespect, but a cat does not howl, hiss, and growl for no reason after these two surgeries. I can't imagine the first surgery honestly. It breaks my heart.
Is Willow howling, hissing, and growling all the time? How often is this happening?
Can you record this when it happens for a vet and for us to look at it?
What meds is she on now? Is she still on the GABA and amantadine?
I noticed this in your first post.
It was nearly impossible getting pain meds for Willow and at the 3 week mark, new x-rays were taken.
Willow was not on pain meds? Through the first surgery?
Cats are masters at disguising pain, so when they show us, the pain is unbearable. We have to put ourselves in Willows's paws. We would NEED MEGA MEDS to get through something like this and we would not be doing as well as she is.
Purrkins went through pain in his recovery when we were at the end of our buprenorphine and stretched the timing out; he was also on Gaba. He growled & hissed at me, which he NEVER does. The difference was less buprenorphine once we added the full dose back in; he no longer was in pain. The hissing and growling stopped. He needed the buprenorphine. Gaba alone was not touching that pain. Different meds treat different types of pain. I also understand this has been ongoing and different, but the underlying issue/pain is not being addressed.
I agree with Jackie and do not agree with a statement of no pain by pushing and prodding. A phantom limb episode can come on at any given moment. It cant be palpitated; for a reaction, you have to witness it as it is occurring why I suggest a video when she is howling hissing and growling. IF that is what is happening. We would need to hear or see more of what is happening during the howling and hisssing. It could be myofascial pain or hyperplasia pain.
DOES YOUR PET HAVE MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME?
If your pet is experiencing chronic pain, they may have a disorder known as myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). MPS often develops as a result of chronic pain or acute injuries such as trauma or recent surgery. This leads to pressure on sensitive "trigger" points in your pet's muscles, and greater pain in other unrelated areas of the body.
Or hyperplasia,
As you can see, multiple meds are needed depending on whats going on. Did anyone prescribe NSAIDs?
please check the link out
http://download.....InCats.pdf
It can so many things causing her pain. We can only guess we are not Vets. If at all possible, I would get another opinion by a pain specialist, they would know what to look for in an amputee.
Here is a link for pain specialists to see if there is one in your area?
https://ivapm.w.....#038;tab=1 the site is not user-friendly. If you have problems on the site, just let us know what state are you in. I will look for you and post the results here for you if you would like. If you would rather not post where you live just say i will pm you.
Here is an entire series on treating pain from a pain specialist
https://tripawd.....ve-better/
and an excellent video! Dr. Downing says it like it is. We must advocate for our tripawds and find a vet who listens and is committed to finding a solution.
Everything else works just fine, except she has started peeing while laying down.
Did you speak to the Vet about the peeing? It could be a pain from the primary source, and peeing hurts. As Jackie mentioned, it could be a UTI, and that should get ruled out. Is she pooping in the box?
I caught this in your previous post.
"She has a heck of a time getting into it, though. Of course, I help her as much as possible without being too overprotective. Difficult balance… "
Is the litter box modified at all? If it was difficult for Willow before she likely has found outside of the litter box is easier on her.
I feel terrible for you both and believe you can find someone who will figure out what is going on to help Willow.
Do you genuinely feel surrendering Willow is for the best?
I know this is not easy, but either will surrendering her. I understand you are thinking of her best interests. This is the same Vet that does not feel she is in pain? IMO I do not see how that will help Willow she will be in pain somewhere else. I wholeheartedly believe the solution is finding out what hurts Willow, getting her meds in the process, and getting another opinion. We all understand the ongoing cost of all this as Sally suggested keep the go fund me page going. Update for a plea for help.
Get videos of the growling and hissing or what your seeing for everyone to see what is going on. We load our videos to youtube to post them. If you get a video and need help posting, just let us know, ok?
Has the backward walk resolved itself yet?
We are sending tripawd power for guidance, answers, and solutions. 🙏🏻 Let us know what you decide upon from here, please. We will be watching for an update.
Big Hugs
Holly & Purrkins
Holly, you are a Saint!!! This was soooo kind of you to take the time to share your thoughts.❤❤❤
Amd these pictures really do speak volumes of what that kitty had endured. Wish we could find the bas*ard who did this. It those pictures also show a very adorable kitty who is just precious!
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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