Hello. I am a vet tech and I am reaching out to anyone who has had a cat with a hind limb amputated.

Nala was brought into our office at 3 weeks old as a stray. She had a deformed hind limb. She was able to walk around , but her knee could not fully extend. This caused an irregular walking pattern. As a young kitten she did very well. However, as she got older the leg the inability to extend became a problem as she had to squat while walking. Diagnostic Imaging confirmed her patella was completely displaced. She also suffered from hip dysplasia in the same leg. Due to the inability to extend her leg, the tendons had contacted, and muscles atrophied. After consulting with an orthopedic surgeon and several veterinarians, it was determined amputation was best.

Surgery was performed at 5 months of age. Following recovery, which went great. She continued to walk in the same manner as she had previously, in squat position, and with a sideways stride. I remained patient that in time she would begin to walk and run in the same manner as many other 3 legged cats. We are nearly 2 months post recovery and she continues to walk and run in the same manner. I am concerned that she will cause muscle, bone, and joint irregularities with her other good leg if this continues life long. Not to mention the pressure sores that may develop from "thumping" on her "stump".

I am seeking advice from anyone who may have an idea, or previous experience with this. I have been trying to help her change her walking by having her walk through a narrow shute. This forces her to walk and run in the typical 3 legged manner. I am continuing this physical therapy.

Initially I felt due to her being used to the walking pattern that she walked that way from habit. I know this it a different situation, as many amputee cats had normal walking patterns prior to surgery, so adapting is quite different. 

Any advice is appreciated.