Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I was wondering if I could get some advice please? My 3 legged feline friend (back right leg) has suddenly started having mini seizures when I try and scratch around her right neck area. She used to love it but a few months back when I was trying to brush the area ( she’s not a long haired cat but quite fluffy so could get knotted easily) she had her first seizure whilst in that area. I spoke to a vet who advised that as long as they’re not prolonged or often then not to worry. They literally last a few seconds and she does wee herself too but it’s only when I try and scratch that area she can’t get to. She’s always phantom scratched and does like to rub herself on anything she can find. She’s a rescue cat and we have no idea how she lost her leg. Could it be that the area is just too sensitive to touch now? Any help would be great. Thank you.
Are you sure this is a true seizure? Is she "out of it" or is she aware that you are there? Cats can have a hyperesthesia syndrome that may look similar. If she is not still taking gabapentin you could try that. Can you video an episode and post it here?
Pam
Tbh I’m unsure as to whether it is a true seizure. She flips onto her back and kind of spasms rather than her leg’s flailing around like a seizure. Her head turns really around to the right too if that makes sense? It literally lasts maybe 5 seconds but it’s so scary to see and now I’m so scared to even touch her around that area. She phantom scratches ALL the time now too to the point where she can’t walk from A to B without stopping 2 or 3 times to do it. To film it would mean me purposely making her do it too which I’m reluctant to do as she doesn’t do it unless you touch that area. Hope this all makes sense? P.s I lost my password so I’ve had to reply as a guest 🙄
rach smith said
P.s I lost my password so I’ve had to reply as a guest 🙄
Be sure to request a new one at the log-in screen, or contact me and I'll reset it for you.
tazziedog said
Are you sure this is a true seizure? Is she "out of it" or is she aware that you are there? Cats can have a hyperesthesia syndrome that may look similar. If she is not still taking gabapentin you could try that. Can you video an episode and post it here?Pam
I thought my cat had phantom limb pain but seems more like he has hyperesthesia. I had him on 50 mg Gaba in the am & pm but it seemed like it was making him lethargic and kinda stoned. I started to use a good Hemp oil, 125mg - 10 drops in the am and pm and that seemed to help for the nerve twitches a bit but this too has seemed to change his behavior. I was told by a PT that light brushing can help 'desensitize' the uncomfortable petting that comes with hyperesthesia - do you know if this is true or is there anything out there that can really help with this other than large doses of Gaba??? He does better with Onsior, but that can only be given for 3 days. Thoughts??
Some of these cats will respond to phenobarbital but there can be side effects on the liver from this drug. There is a new injectable drug for cats called Solensia that is now available and if the Onsior has helped I would try the Solensia since they both work on the pain pathway. Solensia appears to be very safe.
Pam
So reading up on this: Is it an anti-NGF ?? I see it is marketed for Osteoporosis and that the pain acts similar to hyperesthesia pain, but can you explain how it might specifically target amputation nerve pain? This drug almost sounds like a miracle drug for any type of nerve pain it seems. If so, so many phantom pain pets might really benefit from this! Here is an article I found regarding NGF but it was for humans, but very interesting reading! https://onlinel...../jnc.12093
It is so new that I have only used it on one cat but not on any tripawds yet. It is a targeted drug that only works on the pain pathway but does not affect the GI tract or kidneys like NSAIDS (Onsior) can. I would try it if your vet agrees.
Pam
Of the 1 cat you have administered it to, how do you feel it has been working? Any adverse reactions? I have emailed my vet to get her thoughts on it. Thank you!!
ccbusch said
Of the 1 cat you have administered it to, how do you feel it has been working? Any adverse reactions? I have emailed my vet to get her thoughts on it. Thank you!!
I'm curious to see what Dr. Pam's experience is with it.
Here's some information about Solensia as discussed by Tripawds users over the last few months. There are links to the pharmaceutical company's info sheet in those discussions too.
I did email my vet and she is concerned that because he already has hyperesthesia and sensitivity issues that this will make it worse per their precaution. So even though hyperesthesia is affected by the peripheral nerves and Solensia targets that nerve, it may cause more issues...? I guess too new of a drug to tell and I haven't found anything with its use for hyperesthesia 🙁
PRECAUTIONS
Administration of mAbs may be associated with hypersensitivity reactions and delayed hypersensitivity reactions. If anaphylaxis or other hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue use and institute appropriate therapy.
Oh yikes that does sound iffy. Did your vet offer any other suggestions instead of Solensia?
A hypersensitivity reaction is not the same as hyperesthesia; hypersensitivity refers to an allergic reaction. I only thought it might help your cat since you said that he improved on Onsior. You can also try amantadine but might need to get it compounded.
Pam
My vet did not provide any other suggestions and frankly, I'm afraid to keep bringing ideas or questions to her as I feel like I'm burning my bridge. This town is growing, but still does not have many really good vets and she has really been helpful to me & CC with his hyperthyroidism and now this. I wasn't exactly pleased when she was directing me to put him down after we found out he had osteosarcoma in his rear limb, but CC helped me make the right choice and is with me so far (knock on wood)!
Yes! Thank You Dr. Pam for all of your suggestions as well. If you ever want to visit Prescott, AZ - let me know & I will fly you out here!!
I did some research with the amantadine but he has one sensitive nose and other compounds he has rejected. I even tried to flavor it more and that was a big fat NO! He is a sweet boy, but a VERY stubborn patient! But I will see if I can get my nerve up again and ask my vet sometime. I still keep leaning toward Dr. Pam's original suggestion and did not know either that hypersensitivity is not like hyperesthesia.
So far he has been less lethargic since I reduced his CBD drops to 5 and now give him about 30 mg of gabapentin, which is good. But haven't dialed it in yet as he still overgrooming and seems a bit more uncomfortable to pet. He doesn't howl, just gives me a meew which I'm learning is "not right now mom".
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