Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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I have had several three legged kitties in the past and all did great. Now my 20 year old boy Blue was diagnosed with fibrosarcoma left rear paw. removed the tumor but came back in a month. two options are amputation and debulk with low dose chemo to delay recurrence. He is pretty healthy for 20.. no metastasixe..even if i buy him another year he is worth it. just wondering if there are any other geri kitties who have underwent amputation..
thanks a bunch
It is me... Blues mom just wnting to add a bit more information. Such a tugh decision. He is experiencing no mobility or pain issues as of now..There is not much of a chance of the cancer metastizing as it i not common wth fibrosarcoma..to take a ktty who is having no problems or pain discomfrt and risks of amputation at the age of 20..I have spent my entire life rescuing kitties and he is my last boy.. most loved to 17 and up..his labs are fine...just hoping to hear from someone who knows of a similat situation..
thanks for taking the time to read this...
kelly and Blue
Hi Kelly and Blue! I apologize for not answering your post earlier today, just had a chance to sit down and review the situation.
So I don't know if you saw my link in the Chat, but if you check out our 3-Legged Cats Discussion Forum you'll see quite a few posts about senior Tripawd cats. I also wrote this post about Amputation on a Very Old Cat that features some of the more extensive stories shared in that Forum topic. Do give it a look.
Amputation is a tough decision when it appears that an animal is not in pain. But try to put yourself in your cat's paws: any kind of abnormality in the body can feel weird, and often painful. Cats are masters at hiding pain signals , even better than dogs. So it's important to decide soon.
Sounds like you have already talked to specialists. Did any of them mention electrochemotherapy or intralesional chemotherapy ? These are two options that can work well for soft tissue tumors. Some Tripawds members here have gone that route with much success. It's a great option for senior animals like Blue. Although not commonly done in the US, these two cancer therapies are practiced all over the world on people and pets. There's a handful of vets here in the States who do them. The links will take you to articles that should have active links to directories of vets who practice those techniques. Something to consider.
If you decide on amputation, just be aware that senior animals can take longer to recover than younger ones. But most will recover and go back to enjoying their senior years as before.
How does your vet feel about Blue being a candidate for surgery? What is Blue's personality: is he spunky? Does he act young? And how has he coped with surgeries, if any, in the past?
Thanks for the reply. yes i did research on the alternate therapies and was interested in metronomic chemo.. but stil ffy.. the nly way to get it gone is to get the leg gone,,He is a heathy happy senior..and worth the effort... fortunately i am a retired nurse so can devote myself to his needs and rehab///thanks again and i did read the others stories about seniors,,
appreciated
Kelly
Yeah I'm pretty sure that metronomics won't work for this kind of situation but I'm no vet so it's worth asking about. The thing about electrochemotherapy is that it may not get rid of the tumor completely, but debulk without surgery, and manage it so that your kitty can have a good quality of life without that tumor taking over the leg again. It's worth looking into.
Keep us posted on how things are going!
Thanks and I have just emailed to Oncologist in New Mexico and I will surely discuss this with the vet on Tues. Sadly we are an Island... poor health care here in general.. and worse for vet care.
will surely look ito it
thanks a bunch
kelly and Blue
Wonderful! Dr. Kelly is amaaaazing. She and her team treated our Jerry many years ago and she's treated other members here too. I hope it's an option for you.
Keep us posted on how things are going.
Oh gosh, just catching up. You clearly love your boy Blue and are only focused on his well being. Obviously to be a 20 yr young fella', you have done right by him all these years. You'll make the right decision now, because any decision out of love IS the right decision. .
Jerry has given you great information and links. Continue with your research and consulting with Oncos and Vets.
I'm going to try and find the posts,but if I recall, we had a kitty memver here named Mittens who was twenty when had the amputation and did very well.
Sending lots of good wishes and pawsitive energy as you navigate a path forward for Blue.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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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... went for my 3rd opinion this week up to ingman.. In her opinion the best thing is the amputation.. they do a lot there.. will gt sme extra labs due to his age but he is is good shape for his age..Kidneys r startin to show signs of age so I will give him his sub q fluids daily now...The surgery is scheduled for the 22nd..and the cancer will be gone...
He is very very loved as were all of my cats dogs .. and my now two rescued pigeons...One still has trouble eating n hos wn so i hand feed daily.. the ther cant fy... but thy ar loved and spoiled also...
I will post how Blue is doing after his surgery and all of yu have a good hoiday
thanks
Kelly
Aww I'm sorry you have to do the amp but you've covered all your bases and left no stone unturned. Let us know how we can help and ask any questions you'd like.
I love that you have rescue pigeons! You are in great company with this community of big time animal lovers. Some day Sally should tell you about her rescue vultures!
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