Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Our sweet 10 month old cat Milo had his front left leg amputated 3 weeks ago this Thursday following a humerus fracture that wouldn't heal. He's been doing very well. Yesterday though, he had several episodes where he would all of a sudden meow very loudly, then hiss and run off. The first time it happened, he was sitting by my husband, who was putting his shoes on. My husband didn't even touch him. It also happened this morning, when he was sitting near my feet and again, I hadn't touched him. These episodes last maybe 30 seconds, and then he's off and playing again. Because of the short time of these episodes, it does make me wonder if he's having phantom pain , or bursts of pain, etc.? Thoughts?
Hi Nicole, welcome! While you wait for input from Dr. Pam, please be sure to read our posts about phantom pain (that link will take you to them).
Meanwhile, what medications was/is Milo taking? Med, dosage, timing, etc.?
I would also let your vet know as soon as possible and consider taking advantage of our Tripawds Rehab Reimbursement program, which can pay for your first rehab visit too! These experts are really good at working with your vet team to troubleshoot pain issues after amputation.
Hi Jerry! He was on gabapentin, 50 mg twice a day for the first 7 days. He was having some side effects from it though, which have resolved since he stopped taking it. I'll definitely be calling the vet too. I'll check out the link to the phantom pain posts too. Thank you!
You are so welcome. Does he do anything like walk backwards when this happens? If so, also see:
Nope- just the hissing and weird meow. And it's over as quickly as it started....my husband did say that when he saw him do it yesterday, it looked like he was trying to use his amputated arm to swat at something too...
OK good to know. Quite often this will resolve over time. Usually when people re-introduce Gabapentin for a couple more weeks, it calms the nerves and the pain dissipates for good.
It does sound like phantom pain ; I would start the gabapentin again but maybe at a lower dose. Ask your vet about splitting a tablet vs using the liquid which is often easier to use in a cat.
Pam
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