Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Well, surgery is today. My options are euthanasia or surgery. I decided to go through with it. I have had my doubts. I didn’t want to have Lucy’s last experiences to be confusion and distress over loss of leg, but then realized she already has confusion and distress over the cancerous leg and illness it is causing. I realized it is my confusion and distress over the loss of her leg. Reading on here many animals tend to do much better after removal of the diseased or damaged limb,
Really believes Lucy would like a chance to get better even if it is not 100%. And if euthanasia is still necessary then at least we gave her every opportunity.
Alan, we know what a tough decision this was for you. Yes, the majority of animals do so much better when that bad leg is off (even people who had to have an amputation will say the same thing).
Please keep us posted and let us know how it goes. We are here for you!
The surgery went “extremely well” according to the anesthetist. She will be staying there at least tonight.Hopefully will be getting all the necessary care and meds. At night someone just cones in every few hours.
Online
And just in time to celebrate a successful surgery, we have some adorable photos of this Warrior "mature" kitty!!
This was before surgery . She still has she feeding tube and it doesn't seem to bother her in the least. Ahe "wears it well".
And then the picture of her all stretched out waiting for some scritches absolutely adorable. Love the little white patch on her tummy
Okay.....get ready to say "Awwwww........."♥️
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 very much for uploading. It is nice to be able to see the photo with the name and story.
She is such a sweet and relaxed looking kitty! Thanks for posting those Sally.
Really glad she made it through surgery! Time to heal and move fort with her best life, and yours. Let us know when she gets to come home!
Lucy will be coming home tomorrow morning. They have been able to feed her 20-30ml of food thu the tube with no puking (I am slightly dubious but will take their word) which is better than pre surgery. Hopefully the inflammation and icky feeling will go down now that the diseased leg is gone. They said she could come home today, but I am going to try to fix up her bedroom a little this evening and don’t mind her staying a little longer in case something comes up. I have a lot of reading to do on this site. Hopefully we can slowly get back to walking and gain some muscle back.
-Alan
Sounds like an excellent plan👍
I think you can take their word for it that she kept her food down. Hopefully that's accurate.
Slow and easy and lots of patience. It will probably be jate to tell at first that she's feeling "less ocku" simply because of the eecovery she'll be going through from the surgery.
Stay connected and k ow we are here to help in anyway we can.
Looking forward to her homecoming and I kmow she is too!
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!
Well’ Lucy is due to come home today. I am terrified. I will also guiltily admit how nice it was to have the professionals take care of her instead of unsure bumbling me. This vet is so busy I know she is going to shove us out the door after a 5 minute talk. I am thinking about scheduling an actual appointment with the vet to go over everything and only then take Lucy home. One of the people on these forums had her cat at the vet’s for a couple of weeks. Another consideration is the pain block she got wears off in 3 days. (I need to negotiate the terms of her release 😂) I wonder i lf it wouldn’t be good to wait an extra day so the Dr can reassess if another pain block can be given. How do I ask for maximum pain pills without the vet thinking I am some kind of addict. I would rather have a high Cheech and Chong cat than one suffering .
I wish I could ask Lucy when she wants to come home. I think my fear, despair and nervousness were affecting her before surgery. I am coming up with a list of questions for the vet.
Awwww..... we understand being anxious about homecoming. This is Uncharted territory for you and of course you have some concerns. Just remember we are right here with you to help you navigate. You have the forms and also we have the TRIPAWDS HELPLINE e that you can call.
Yes, right all of your questions down. In fact, if you have a tablet or cell phone that you can take to record the answers that would be a great idea. For me, I find a lot of times when the vet answers my questions I get home and forget everything they said. To have a recording will be a great way to take care of that issue.
The vet should give you ample pain meds to take home and and instructions for the dosage and frequency. pain management is crucial and your vet knows that.
I'm not sure why a member here ended up having to keep their cat at the vet for 3 weeks but that had to be a lot of underlying issues that they were treating.
And yes, having a strong positive energy around Lucy is important. I think it is also important to have her home as soon as you can as long as the vet says it's okay.
I can't remember, will she still be on the feeding tube? And that's something you're able to handle yourself, right?
You probably read on here that you need a very low sided kitty litter box. You can check out other tips about cats and ways to help there pottying be easier during recovery.
You've got this! You'll settle into the New Normal quicker than you ever thought possible. And yes, if she does stay another night be sure and get more rest. Being strong physically and emotionally will help both of you.
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!
Yay! That's awesome she's coming home and that she is also eating. I think it's a good idea to let her stay one more day so that all the bases are covered. Good move!
We are here for you so keep us posted on the happy reunion with your sweet Lucy!
Thank you. Yes she is still on a feeding tube but pre surgery she was often vomiting 2-4 hours after feeding and yesterday the vet said she did not vomit at all and was getting up to 30ml (1/2 Royal Canin DM pate 1/2 water) which was more than I even attempted. Good idea to record the messages cause I will forget a lot. I know pizza boxes have been suggested for liter so I am try that.
Thank you. Hey what is your best ebook for taking care of 3 legged (older) cat? That may be good
See of this link helps. It was written in large part by members here who have had cats go through recovery and onto healthy lives.
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!
Hello Alan and Lucy,
Great job on both of your parts getting through this part. You made it through the worst of the worry and Lucy sure sounds like she is well in her road to recovery.
When Tuxedo, my kitty, first came home following his surgery, despite being high and full of surgery meds, he still managed to slip past me and almost made it outside AFTER making a circuit of the room. Then he more or less crashed and slept at my feet for several hours. I mention this because to me it showed how eager and happy he was to be home and his old routine. So even if you are feeling a bit unsure about Lucy coming home, I am sure she will be very glad to be there.
If you have any specific questions, please ask, because no question is a dumb one except the one you do not ask.
Best wishes and WELCOME HOME
-Dawna, Tuxedo, Lilly and Angel Dazzle
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