Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My 14 year old cat can no longer has use of his remaining rear leg due to a fracture in the hip joint. Our Veterinarian said he has done femoral head ostectomy (FHO) surgery with great results in pets with four legs but he seemed uncertain about this surgery on a tripawd. has anyone tried this type of surgery on a tripawds remaining rear leg? What were the results? Any feedback is greatly appreciated. my kitty is in a lot of pain and I need to make a decision on surgery or humian euthanasia quickly. if you have experience with the outcome with this situation please respond asap as I will likely be taking him back to the vet toady. Thank you!
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Hi Jennifer, welcome. Yes we've seen this surgery done on Tripawds before, on dogs anyhow. I'm sure with the right surgeon it can be done on a cat also.
on my phone now but here's a link for you
http://tripawds.....-tripawds/
Back later, stay tuned for feedback from others!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Jennifer and welcome,
We have no experience to share just wanted to say welcome and will keep paws crossed for you both!
If you dont feel comfortable with the answer you receive from one Vet. If you can swing it and its a option you can always get a second opinion.
I would want to get your kitty comfortable asap.
Hugs,
Holly & Purrkins
I'm back! So I'm hoping that you will be able to get a second opinion from a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has done it. What part of the world do you live? Maybe we can help point you to one who's done it on our members. No, it's not an easy recovery but it's possible. I suspect that with an older cat it would be easier because he's probably mellower than a younger one? Is he an outdoor or indoor kitty? Most importantly, what is your gut intuition telling you about his ability to cope with restricted movement for a few weeks?
Meanwhile, do ask your vet for stronger pain medication if your cat is giving pain indicators to help keep him more comfortable.
By the way, what's your kitty's name?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all for your responses. My kittys name is gizmo. I am taking him to get a second opinion at a specialty clinic in Clackamas Oregon today. I was hoping to find someone who had done this with the remaining rear leg. I don't want to put him through unnecessary surgeries if he won't have enough strength to hold himself up. He's on Buprenex now but it's only taking the edge off and even caring him to the litter box is excruciating for him. They offered him a stronger pain medication which I could go pick up prior to his appointment today.
Jennifer said
Thank you all for your responses...
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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh gosh! You have your hands full! And you clearly have Gizmo's well being in the forefront of all your decisions...and he knows that!!
No specific insight a d, like you and everyone here, we'll be interested to see what the Orthopedic Surgeon says.
Is there any known cause of the fracture? No obvious tumors or anything like that?
Glad you're getting some better pain meds so you can have a lottle extra time to get opinions, even if it takes three or more!
Hang in there, okay? You'll get some answers and then you can move forward with a treatment plan.
Update as soon as you can.
Sending lots of hugs and love
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!
I tried registering but I'm having trouble with that. I'm waiting to talk to the specialist now. No reason for the fracture he does have arthritis in that hip but it's just from 14 years of that leg needing to work double time.
Oh I'm sorry about the registration trouble. Email us at jerry-at-tripawds-dot-com and we'll try to help.
Hope the specialist consult had some good news.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I just wanted to let you know we are going ahead with the FHO surgery on Gizmo. The specialist was confident that gizmo will be able to get around fine after a few weeks recovery!
That's great news! Good luck with it, and keep us posted.
All best to you and Gizmo.
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
That is wonderful news to hear and confirmation of Gizmo's gizmoness! Hopefully the recovery time will go by quickly as you spoil Gizmo rotten:) (Hint, hint says Gizmo: Shopping for PWWESENTS is always a nice distraction during surgery!) Best wishes and keep us updated!
Thats fantastic news! Gizmo will be out of pain and on the mend in a few weeks!
Great job getting another opinion ,you are a great pawparent ,Gizmo is lucky to have you!
Keep us posted
Hugs
Holly & Purrkins
Okay, you have a plan and you can move forward!! That has to give you some relief.
When is Gizmo's surgery?
Check out the Tripawd Kitty Blogs and all the posts about recovery. You'll find tons of great advice.
It's nard to "prepare" for recovery emotionally. It will seem like it lasts forever a dd youy question your decision a lot! So STAY CONNECTED and we'll help you et through the rough days.
When Gizmo starts ro get his sparkle back and that pain is gone, he will be soooo much happier!!
Update as you can and let us know how we can help, okay?
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!
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