Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My cat is set to have one of his front legs amputated 06/27, one week from today. I'm really so scared. I've kept myself together, until tonight, I'm just very emotional. We've been fighting for a month now. First, I just thought he hurt his paw (almost a month ago). The Vet puts him under anesthetic, cleans and bandages it, gives anti-inflammatory, two-week antibiotic injection, pain medication, and off we go. One week later, he seems worse. So, I make an appointment with an excellent Vet I have personal experience with. I know he's good. Go in, he takes x-ray and we see his bone is being eaten away in his leg. He thinks it's being caused by bacteria, prescribes heavy dose of Clindamycin. Wait a while. Still not really better. He lances foot to do culture. He keeps him on Clindamycin plus prescribes additional antibiotic (Orbax I think), plus more pain medication. In the meantime, he sends off x-ray to be evaluated further. Culture results come back showing it's just a mild bacteria, that shouldn't ever be that aggressive, certainly not eating bones, and would have been wiped out easily with antibiotics prescribed. Then, he gets report back from radiologist. The radiologist thinks it's cancer. I hate to mention money but I've already spent $1300 to get to this point. Vet recommended surgical biopsy, more x-rays to confirm diagnosis, at the same time, saying if we did this we would probably only have about a 5% chance of saving his leg. Money is so tight, and if it's most likely going to lead to amputation anyway, well, I just opted to have the leg amputated now. I'm just trying to make the best decision. Vet does give Alex (my cat) good prognosis with amputation. I does bother me (guilt) that I can't afford more diagnostics, but he's saying 5% chance of saving leg, I don't want to run out of money doing diagnostics, then not be able to extend his life (and help the pain he's been going through) with amputation. I just pray I'm making the right decisions. Tonight I was reading about different cancer in cats, especially osteosarcoma. That's how I found your site.
What I'm hoping for here is advice in helping Alex get through surgical recovery, to be as comfortable as possible, from people who have been through this. This is just something I've never been through. Thank you.
My dog has Osteosarcoma. We had his front leg amputated. I was so nervous and upset about it that we waited for months before making the decision. My biggest regret is that we didn't just do the amputation right away...After about 14 days my dog was running jumping and playing like normal. He felt so much better with that painful leg gone. He would even go on 5 mile jogs with me on 3 legs. Once the amputation is healed and your cat is pain free you won't have to spend tons of money on Medications either. we spent so much money on pain killers before the amputation...Your Kitty will be able to get around fine on three legs! (Assuming she doesn't have other mobility issues?)
Levi was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 7-7-11
Ampuversary 10-14-11
Lung Mets Discovered 1-4-12. Chemo seemed to not be working so we switched to Artemisinin and other supplements. In May, Levi developed a sinus infection and started having seizures. The cancer had moved to his brain. We let him go 6-26-12.
Spencer lost his leg due to fibrosarcoma. We had decided to amputate even before they had the results from the biopsy back. the vet had gone in to do the biopsy surgically (and also to see if there was anyway he could remove it - he couldn't) and after seeing the tumor he told me he had no doubt that it was definitely cancer, we were just waiting to find the specific kind of cancer it was. I figured there was no point in waiting to schedule the amputation - his leg was amputated a week after we first saw the tumor.
IMO, from the sounds of things, I think you are making the right decision. I'd still probably have a biopsy done once the leg is removed. Knowing the kind of cancer can help with how you will treat it in the future; but for now the most important thing is to get that cancer removed.
Your cat will be fine on 3 legs. Spencer was 85 lbs before amputation (obviously a dog) and he was great. I have a few friends who have had to have a cat's leg amputated and all of the cats have done amazingly well - still able to jump and everything!
Good luck!
Jac and Angel Spencer. Spencer was 5.25 years old. He fought a grade 3 fibrosarcoma, started on his shoulder. Left front leg amputated in August 2011. 15 weeks of chemo finished 12/22/11 (mytox and adria). Lung mets found on x-rays 12/28/11. Started carboplatin 1/6/12. Went to Heaven on 2/27/12. I miss him like crazy every day. See his blog here: http://spencer.tripawds.com/
Hi foralex. I am so very sorry that you are going through this with Alex, but welcome to Tripawds. I have only been here six months and I have not seen reference to a feline amputation yet, but I'm sure Admin and some of the other long-time members will chime in shortly.
Our dog Zeus had his front leg amputated due to Osteosarcoma and he has done beautifully for almost seven months. Althought most dogs recovery quickly, it is major surgery and the first couple of weeks are hard (they seem out-of-sorts due to the meds, stitches/staples, finding their new way to walk, etc) but after that most dogs do very well. I can't imagine that the recovery would be all that different for a cat.
Amputation is a scary prospect, but I will tell you that I learned soooo much from Zeus' resiliance. I had never met a tripawd before but I'm sure I would have felt sorry for them. After this experience, seeing how well he did and how stinkin' happy he is, I will never again feel sorry for a tripawd!!
Last, please do not feel badly that your finances limit your abilities. Everyone on this site will tell you that money, unfortunately, does play a part in some decisions. We do the best we can with the resources we have. The most important thing is that you love Alex so much (you wouldn't be here researching if you didn't!). He knows that. Best of luck to you and please keep us posted!
Lisa
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Reading through your post, I think you are making a wise decision to amputate now. Doing more tests will serve no purpose other than to put Alex (great name-- I have a son named Alex) through more pain and lower your bank account balance. We have seen many people come through here who do all sorts of procedures to save the leg and end up amputating months later (after considerable pain and expense).
While I don't have any experience with cats, I'm thinking you are in good shape-- a front leg amputation seems like it would be preferable for a cat (rear leg amps are easier on dogs) as cats use their hind legs for jumping-- so Alex will still be able to jump and pounce.
As for the recovery, you will be amazed! While so very scary when first mentioned, amputation is really the only way to give Alex his life back. There is lots of advice on this site, so dig around and be sure to start with Jerry's Required Reading List
Also, be sure to post a picture; we love pictures.
-Catherine
Scout: January 31, 2002 to November 7, 2011
Scout's diagnosis was "poorly differentiated sarcoma"; amputation 1/11/2011. Scout enjoyed 9 fantastic years on 4 legs and 9 glorious months on 3 legs. If love alone could have saved you…
Hi and welcome to you and Alex. I'm sorry you had to find us here. I don't have experience with cats either and don't recall seeing any cat pawrents on here, but I know at the shelter where I volunteer there have been 3 legged cats and they do great. Even better than dogs since they are so much lighter and more nimble to begin with.
It is VERY common with dogs with bone cancer to go ahead and amp the leg based on xray alone. We did do a biopsy before amp, but only because Abby was only 15 mo old, but I'd say we were in the minority. So, don't feel guilty at all about going straight to the amp. I totally think you are making the right decision.
For dogs it takes about 2 weeks of recovery time. For a cat I'd bet they'd be up and around even quicker, although that is just a total guess.
All the best and keep us posted! I know it's scary to contemplate the amp, but once you have your little tripawd buddy, Alex will amaze you! You'll see!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Hi there,
I'm so sorry to hear about your cat. It can be sooo emotionally wearing when everything drags on, not to mention the financial costs. I haven't had a cat with three legs but my understanding is that they generally adapt very well and have less issues than dogs (and most dogs do great!). Cats conformation and their general "elasticity" (for want of a better word) give them the ability to be great gymnasts and so having three legs shouldn't be an issue after he gets his coordination . Sounds like amputation is the best treatment - and as Catherine said their hind legs are so strong - he'll be leaping in no time!
Sending lots of positive energy and hugs
Joanne & Lylee
http://lyleegir.....ipawds.com
Hi Foralex! Welcome to Tripawds. It's great to hear from a cat pack! This is the community nobody ever wants to join, but if you find yourself in this situation, we are here to help.
First off, I'm sorry about the diagnosis. That's scary stuff indeed, but once you see how well Alex handles it you will be inspired. Animals really do know how to make the most of life no matter what. Keep in mind that Alex doesn't even know what cancer is; only you do! As long as you stay pawsitive, and don't dwell on the what ifs (easier said than done, I know!), your energy will help both of you get through this first part of the journey.
If it's any consolation, cats do amazingly well as Tripawds! Here are two kitties we've written about here in the blog:
Thanks, Henry! Changing Lives and Helping Tripawds Everywhere
Pet star Jake pays tribute to Nemo
Since we get so few felines here at Tripawds, we are very interested in hearing more about your journey together, so that some day another kitty person can find comfort in these forums. So please don't be shy, and remember are here to help. Thanks again for joining us!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I had a tripawd cat long before I had my dog, Roxy. My cat did so much better as a tripawd than Roxy has, and Roxy has only had minimal problems. I mean to say he would fly through the house, jump up on whatever he wanted, anything. He was a regular mischevious moody cat. I hope that makes you feel better about the amputation. I can't speak on bone cancer, if that happens to be what it is. my cat didn't have cancer and I'm dealing with a different type of cancer with Roxy.
Leslie
I spoke to a three-legged cat mom who told me much the same as Leslie about how hers did on three legs. Put our dogs to shame - allegedly. 
I hate not getting a clear diagnosis and that seems to be my Gerry's favorite thing! Hang in there. All we can do is love 'em to pieces. Whoops! Bad choice of words... too soon to laugh about it? 
I know it's so hard, but do your research in moderation and make sure to put getting enough sleep and eating well at the top of you and your kitty's list. Especially when Alex is at the vet - that's a big opportunity for you in particular to relax and rest up for the recovery to come. That's what'll get you through. It's really hard, but really important! The two week recovery can be tough. I don't know about cats, but even if the physical healing of a dog's amputation goes perfectly, the meds can still make 'em weird and thereby stress you out. (Good question for your vet - What side effects of the pain meds you may see in Alex? And which, if any, should worry you?)
Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.
He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.
Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com
I can tell you that cats do great as tripawds. I have amputated many legs on cats of all ages and sizes and most of them are already ambulatory the next day and many will someday run, jump, and even climb trees again (although it is probably smart to keep them indoors after an amputation).
PAM
Thank you all so much for your kindness. It really is encouraging. What has been happening has been settling in today, and I'm feeling more confident about going forward. In one way we're lucky, at least we have more time together. He should have a pretty good quality of life once he heals. My vet said he thinks he'll be back to his old self by the time the stitches are out. 🙂 Alex (my cat) has such a mischievous spirit, such a funny cat. He's so curious about everything. Really great cat. He's not a purebred anything. Just your basic big orange cat. He seems to love everyone, and is always purring. Really a joy to have around. I was afraid about him getting around after surgery. I'm not sure why this hadn't occurred to me before, but he already has been. He hasn't been able to use that leg for a month. So, he will probably get even better at maneuvering as time passes. Anyway, I've noticed there are so many great topics here, so I'll probably be researching this forum more in the weeks to come. And, again, I just want to thank you all for helping me feel better.
Rebecca
Hey Rebecca, you sound so much more upbeat today, this is wonderful. And you're so right....most Tripawds are already Tripawds even before the surgery.,
I realize that our community is filled with stories and info about canine amputation and I apologize if you don't find things directly mentioning felines. But if you are at all inclined to write about the amputation process for you and Alex, I would LOVE to include your article(s) in our blog, so that future feline amputee pawrents can find more info here. Just a thought...I realize you've got other things on your mind now, but maybe some day later if you'd consider contributing content for the blogs, we would be thrilled.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks everyone!
Jerry, I'll give it some thought about a possible article. But right now I'm not sure what's going to happen. I've been mentally preparing myself. Last night I could hardly sleep. Alex was scheduled to have his leg amputated today. I took him in early this morning and met with the doctor. The plan was that he was going to do the amputation. Two hours later he calls, says he's been consulting with about (8!) other veterinarians on this case. He said he didn't want to do the amputation today. He said he wanted to do a biopsy. We had already discussed that, and I rejected the idea because I don't have much money, and he said there is only 5% chance of saving the leg. Before our presurgical appointment we had already done x-rays of his lungs and leg, a culture, and the extensive antibiotics...equaling $1300. But, he talked me into doing a surgical biopsy, another x-ray, and blood work today...$700. The reason he said, is that he's worried, even though the lung x-rays were clear, it might be in a different part of his body. Plus, he wants to know exactly what kind of cancer were dealing with ( at least he did say today that he's confident it's not osteosarcoma). I love my cat, not to put a price on everything. But it's just been crazy. I get to pick up Alex in a few hours. He said the results will be back within 3 days, but he's actually having me meet with an oncologist for that. Then, I'll see him again in about a week. Think happy thoughts for Alex. I hope something helpful will come out of all this testing, and that he will have many more years.
Sending pawsitive thoughts out for you and Alex!
I hope the testing reveals a workable solution and you have many many more years together!
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
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