Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Is this the right place to post this general introduction/exploration of our options?
Our otherwise pretty healthy (lost some weight, but still vital) 16 year old cat has been limping for a month or so, and when his movement got worse we called in the vet. She found a large tumor on his right front leg, thought it was probably growing rapidly, gave us some pain meds to ease his discomfort, and sent us to a surgeon. The surgeon checked him out today and said his chest and abdomen x-rays looked good, but that the tumor is in a spot on his leg sort of high and wrapped around a little bit into the underarm (causing inflammation and maybe damage to the nerve -- hence his pain and limping). Our vet said that he was getting around fairly well on three legs when she was here (favoring the hurt leg), but I've read that amputation of a front limb can be harder on cats than a back limb.
If the tumor was a little lower, it would be much easier to treat completely by amputating, said the surgeon, but as it is they could amputate the limb but won't be able to get all of the cancerous cells through amputation. It will leave some cancer behind. They won’t know what kind of cancer until they amputate and do a biopsy on the cells (they won't do a separate biopsy, as that would mean he'd have to have two surgeries). Then they’ll have an idea of how quickly the mass might regrow, I guess. But that's only if we choose the amputation.Â
So our choice is basically either 1) amputation -- before knowing what kind of cancer it is -- and then we see what it is and if we’ve extended his life (but it’s unlikely to shorten his life unless there are surgical complications, she said) and then we wait and see how quickly a mass grows back. And unless there are complications with the surgery or anesthesia, she said he should bounce back from the amputation itself within a few weeks. It’s just hard to say how much longer it might give him to live. Without it, she said 3-6 months, or less? (but, again, not knowing how fast-moving the cancer is), and that’s 3-6 months of him kind of being like he is now -- which doesn't seem kind. And, again, he's 16 years old. Should I put him through that? Or will it increase the quality of his life, however long it is.
Because our other option is 2) to do nothing but make him as comfortable as possible with meds until we feel he is suffering too much or he passes away. But he's already not that comfortable. With two days on the meds he was purring and cuddling more, and he seems like himself under the discomfort, but the pain meds did not get him walking much more. He mostly sits/lies in a corner and only gets up to eat/drink/void.
I'm sort of inclined to choose amputation, because he still still seems to have a fighting spirit and his normal personality underneath his pain and need to be less mobile because of the placement of the mass. But I can't seem to make the decision. Other people are telling me it's too much, and I do keep coming back to the fact that he's 16 years old and hates being at the vet's office/animal hospital with a fiery passion. So how he would do in surgery and recovery, I don't know.
Has anyone gone through front leg amputation with an older cat? Especially with some cancerous cells still remaining? I'd love to hear from you. Thanks.
Oh gossh, I'm so sorry you and your sweet kitty are facing these challenges. Clearly you have his best knterest at heat and its obvious how much you love him.
This stupid piece of crap disease forces us to make decisions that no one shoukd have to make. And to make things even more complicated is his age. Ugh.
Remember that your kitty does not have a timeframe stamed on his butt regardless of what path you choose.
I jave no specific advice on your kitty's particular situation. It is good to hear that the pain meds are keeping him purring and eating.
It is major surgery and it does have risks. They are rare,but they happen. Every kitty is different and every recovery is different. There is no crystal ball to tell us which kitty will have an easier recoveryand which won't.
Let me ask you this, knowing yourself like you do and knowing your kitty, , which "decision" could you live with and not have regret or beat yourself up with "what ifs"? IF you amputate and it doesn't go "well", can you be at peace knowing you tried? Or will you regret "trying" because it didn't fo well? If you do NOT amputate, can you be at peace with whatever the outcome is and not second guess yourself?
Sorry I can't be more help. Other kitty mom's will chime in and perhaps they cah be of more help.
I do knkw this. Whatever decision you make, it will be the right one! Any decision made out of love is the right decision! For now, enjoy every moment with yiur cat. Knkw that he isn't worried about a thing. Take lots of pictures! Make sure some have you in them.
((((((((((((((((((((((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!
neuromancer hop on over to the Tripawds chat room, there's a few of us there right now. I'll be back here in a sec for feedback.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well I'm so sorry, this is not an easy spot. I'm glad it sounds like your vet is very open minded to the possibilities, her feedback and treatment plan sounds very reasonable.
When it comes to age and amputation, first things first; this is your cat and only you know him best. Other well-intentioned people will give you their unsolicited opinions but all you can do it nod, say thanks and ignore them, especially if they've never been in this situation. Your vet, you and your cat, the three of you should make this decision, nobody else. It sounds like your gut instinct knows your cat can deal with life on three legs, and usually it's best to follow our gut feeling about things. Again, no guarantees that it will be an easy thing for either of you but odds are if you feel he can, he will bounce back.
When diagnosing/staging cancer, oftentimes they will take the leg and biopsy it after amputating if the leg has to come off anyways, so that's normal.
Quality of life is #1 no matter what you choose. If you think your cat can bounce back and you get a life that's pain-free and he's happy, no matter how much or how little time passes afterward (remember, pets don't keep calendars, only we are obsessed with "time") then that's what matters most.
I encourage you to check out our Tri Kitty blogs to see what others have gone through, you will find comfort in their stories. Not every amputation recovery is a cake walk but for the most part cats do handle it better than dogs (and yes, even front-leggers).
Hope this helps. Stay tuned for more feedback from others. OH and yes you posted in the right place.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
A confusing new wrinkle to our case: When my husband picked Progo up from the veterinary hospital this evening, the nurse (not the doctor I'd spoken to on the phone) said they'd also found a lump under his tongue. I have no idea what this means or how it should play into our decision about treatment. Guess we'll need to see if we can get the doctor on the phone again.
There are so many variables; this feels quite overwhelming. I do appreciate the reminders about time and worry being human constructs. Thank you for your responses.
Sorry to hear about you having to consider amputation. I know it can be a difficult decision, particularly for a 16 year old. It sounds like your vet has given you great advice. It also sounds like you know your cat very well.
My 8 year old cat, Mona, had her front leg amputated and we weren’t sure of the diagnosis but the tumour grew so quickly that I knew it had to be done. The xray of that leg showed there was probably some arthritis in her wrist so it’s likely she had some in other joints. If you proceed with the amputation your cat would bear much more weight on his remaining front leg, which at 16, could have some arthritis. You might want to talk to your vet for joint supplements. Front leg amputees need to have boxes, chairs, steps, etc to help them off couches or beds so they are stepping down rather than jumping down.
Although your cat is fearful at the vet I think, if possible, he should stay overnight after surgery under the vet’s care and monitoring to ensure he is not in pain. The pain meds make the cats kind of loopy and sleeping so may not be stressed (mind you I don’t know anything about stressed cats because Mona is very relaxed at the vet clinic). Your vet could discuss the recovery phase with you.
Cats are very resilient and adapt well. I think ultimately it comes down to your cat’s overall health. I understand the concern about anesthetics but I think they are better these days. I’m sure the surgeon wouldn’t do surgery if there were underlying risks such as heart disease.
I’m sure others will chime in with their experiences. Keep in touch and let us know your cat’s name.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Very sorry about your cat's diagnosis! I am new to this site and forum - I came here looking for advice for my 15 year old cat who had his right front amputated a few months ago after he started limping and a golf ball sized lump popped up on his shoulder blade seemingly overnight.
He was an otherwise very healthy cat with no issues whatsoever. After getting clean x-rays that showed it did not spread to his lungs, we opted for amputation, even at his advanced age. My vet assured me that my cat would be fine and adapt very easily. At the time I did not believe him especially when I first brought him home and he wiggled out of his cat carrier onto the floor like a pathetic little worm. I cried and instantly regretted my decision to amputate, but Jerry did learn so so quickly how to get around on three legs. He can climb and go down stairs, jump on the counters and even up on the fridge like he used to, with zero problems. Now I look at him all happy and purring and running around on three legs and am so glad that we were able to give him this chance to live out his life with us.
He did have a different type of cancer (chondrosarcoma) and the vet took his right front leg and scapula in order to get it all. Thankfully he did not need chemo. I see that you have a different issue and other circumstances to weigh in your decision, but I just wanted to pop in and offer an experience with my older cat losing a front leg. Aside from his emergency setback (due to a medication he was given right after surgery), my cat is doing very well - even for a 15 year old, so I just wanted you to know it is possible for an older cat to come out of the experience just fine and even renewed (mine seems even more playful and affectionate now). If you decide that amputation is the right avenue for your cat and your family feel free to ask me more questions, should you have any. You are already doing so much for your cat just by taking him to vet, coming here for advice and researching, etc...
Good luck,
Hattie & Jerry
Hugs,
Hattie and Jerry Cat (right front leg and scapula amputation due to chondrosarcoma at age 14, lived 2 1/2 years post amputation, succumbed suddenly to suspected lymphoma at age 16)
10/2001 - 10/9/2017 R.I.P ~ Love you always
Just checking in to see how you are doing. Let us know if we can help.
PS. thanks for your input Hattie....should be helpful.
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!
Thank you, everyone. It's been a rough couple of days, as we had to leave town for the holiday, and I've been feeling so sad and anxious about leaving him in this state. Our cat sitter was lovely and made sure to get the pain meds into Progo twice a day while we were gone, despite his growling and fussing (we expected him to return home from the veterinary hospital angry, and he did). He's still using the litterbox, eating, and drinking. We have until Tuesday to make the decision about the amputation, and I'm still feeling kind of fuzzy on the decision. Or, rather, I want so much for the amputation to ease his pain and give him some mobility back that I wonder if I'm reading more into how much it might do for him than is realistic. I am going to try to talk to the doctor again on Monday to ask some clarifying questions, but without knowing what kind of cancer we are dealing with, and given his age, I don't really expect a lot of definitiveness. I guess my main question for her will be -- Is it likely that removal of the limb will cut down on his pain? It seems like it would, as she said that the tumor is either pressing on or creating inflammation around nerve(s?) that control movement in the leg.Â
I don't know. We got back into town tonight and he was so affectionate -- even hopped up on the couch to greet my husband, which he hasn't done in a week. And he sat on my lap for 2 hours tonight, while I petted him. This is his first time getting onto my lap since we had the vet in and found out about the mass. I hated to break the spell.
I still don't know what is kinder -- pain meds and limping and seeing how things go as the mass grows at an unknown (but seemingly speedy) rate or surgery in a place he abhors, more separation from us, and then wound care and adaptation and the cancer they can't get to growing back at an unknown rate. Hattie, I'd like so much to believe he would adapt well, recover from the trauma of going back to the hospital, and that we'd get some more good, relatively pain-free time with him, even with some of the cancer cells left behind. At any rate, I do still feel he has not given up and that it isn't kinder yet to help him to die...
I know no one can give me answers, but it helps to be able to "talk it out" here. Thanks again for all the kind words and stories.
p.s. Is there any way to limit a search to cat-related posts in the forums? I can't use "cat" as a search term, as it is only three letters long. 😉 I've been trying to find other stories about elderly cats or front leg amputations (or both), as I mull this over.
I will truly be thinking of your family and Progo this week as you make your decision. Sorry I can't offer more insight as to how to search for cat info specifically. Maybe someone else knows...
Hattie & Jerry
Hugs,
Hattie and Jerry Cat (right front leg and scapula amputation due to chondrosarcoma at age 14, lived 2 1/2 years post amputation, succumbed suddenly to suspected lymphoma at age 16)
10/2001 - 10/9/2017 R.I.P ~ Love you always
Awww, sweet Progo getting his cuddles. He’s so happy you are home. All of those moments are precious, aren’t they?
It’s always hard when our pet receives a diagnosis of cancer. Folks here understand what you are going through so this is a great place to come to "talk it out." Sorry, I don't know of an easy way to search the cat related posts in the forums but you may be able to use the words "feline" or "kitty".
Over and over it seems cats have no problems with mobility after an amputation no matter what their age is. As you see in Hattie’s posting above her cat Jerry is 15 and getting around really well!
It sounds like you are having difficulties making a decision, primarily based on your cat's age and determining how much extra time an amputation will give Precious Progo. The problem is that you don’t know what kind of cancer it is. You ask if removal of the limb will cut down on the pain. Absolutely, it will likely get rid of the pain. However, you may have to deal with remaining cancer cells. Have you asked your vet if that would require additional treatment? Or do they have to wait until they have the pathology report to determine additional treatments? An oncologist might have an opinion on this.
My Mona had a vaccine associated sarcoma (VAS) in her front leg and the only way to save her life was to amputate. Although this wasn't a definite diagnosis it was a very easy decision for me to make. I may have been overly optimistic but I had no fears or doubts about the amputation or her mobility afterward. Well, actually I didn't even think about it because I just wanted the cancer gone. The only thing I feared was her not waking up from the surgery.
I'm a member of a VAS website and many cats have had leg amputations. Some required additional treatment such as radiation if the margins were not wide enough. Recently there is a new member considering amputation for a 14 year old cat and is concerned about mobility. Over and over the members stated their cats had no problems with mobility. However, one member posted her 14 year old cat had his front leg amputated and everything was also great on his 3 month follow up exam, he had no problems with mobility but he died 3 1/2 months after the operation of something else, possibly a blood clot. From her posting I got a sense she regretted the amputation based on this statement in her post: "On hindsight some advice a vet once gave me was that after age 13 heroic measures avail nothing for cats and dogs. The pet is usually back 3 months later with something else." I don't know if that is the opinion of your vet but it's worth the discussion.
Also remember every cat is different. Mona does not get stressed at the vet so she’s comfortable at the clinic. I have another cat who is a big cry baby at the vet's so I bring Mona along to comfort him. I think the stress your cat would be under is a factor to consider. I've read about people using a pheromone, such as nurtureCalm cat collar (which Hattie uses on Jerry) or Bach Rescue Remedy (I've used it for myself).
I know this isn't an easy decision for you but whatever decision you make it will be the best decision for both you and your cat.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Â
neuromancer said
p.s. Is there any way to limit a search to cat-related posts in the forums? I can't use "cat" as a search term, as it is only three letters long. 😉 I've been trying to find other stories about elderly cats or front leg amputations (or both), as I mull this over.
We totally understand your frustration there, if it makes you feel any better the word "dog" cannot be searched for either 🙂 Some ideas...
Search the forums for more specific terms related to your situation, like "tumor" "nerve damage" and "senior" (you can get very specific in the Advanced Search features, asking it to include all of those terms).
Check out our Kitty Bloggers and scroll through to find senior cats, then come back to the Forums, search for that user and pull up their posts.
Our "Size and Age Matters" forum also has many examples of senior cats and dogs.
I'm sorry, it's a tough spot you're in and like you said, it helps to talk it out here. We would never tell you what to do, but can only share our own experiences about life on three legs, so I hope it helps as you make the decision. One thing I try to imagine when I'm making decisions for my own animals is putting myself in their paws and asking, What would I want? How would I feel if . . ." Imagining ourselves in their situation can help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Of course! For search results, "dog" is also a three-letter word! That didn't even occur to me. 😉 I just noticed most of the posts seemed to be about dogs. Thanks for the suggestions.
Kerren, to your question, the specialist our vet sent us to (who is, I think, an oncologist?) said that once they biopsied the cancer in the amputated leg they would determine treatment based on what it is, and that radiation or chemotherapy might be an option. But, frankly, the amputation is pretty expensive in NYC and I don't think we could afford the ongoing, further treatment that would entail -- especially given his dislike of leaving the house. We are just looking at the amputation as palliative, hoping to make him more comfortable with whatever time he has left.
I'm off to scroll through "Kitty Bloggers." Thanks again, everyone.
One of my frustrations is that I feel like I'm being told by "offline" friends that it wouldn't be a good use of our money to pay for an amputation that is not likely to extend our cat's life. And, unfortunately, we live in a very expensive city and all of the tests and amputation and 1 aftercare visit are adding up very quickly -- estimate of $3800-$4200. We're not rich, but we could figure it out. I appreciate in this forum that people talk about quality of life, not just quantity of life. So paying that money is scary, especially given that he could die on day one or day 10 or -- well, isn't that the nature of life? It's not a guarantee. His life could end any day. So could mine. If we do the amputation I need to let go of that money and not let people tell me it was too expensive. It is just the way things are.Â
Rambling a bit, but wanted to vent here...
p.s. Just called vet hospital to ask if I can talk to doctor before day of surgery, and was told she won't be available, which is disappointing. Another doctor may call me tomorrow. Probably won't make the decision any easier, but I'd like to hear about their aftercare procedure and whether they recommend anything before surgery to cut down on his anxiety (collar, rescue remedy, Feliway, etc.).
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