Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello all - looking for some advice from people who's kitties have gone through what my Boskers seems to be experiencing in his recovery period.
Boskers, my 2 year old cat had his hind leg amputated 2 months ago due to a bone tumor. He is experiencing the uncontrollable backward movement that has been talked about in this forum. I am quite sure he is experiencing phantom leg syndrome. He was put on Rheumocam which seemed to help with the pain, but not the backwards movements. He was switched to gabapentin on Fri. and seemed to deteriorate from there. Today he is breathing rapidly, didn't eat his food last night and didn't make it to his litter box this morning. He doesn't seem to want to move from his bed unless absolutely necessary. He cried a bit last night when I touched his stump and/or picked him up. I am worried sick about him. I didn't give him his gabapentin this morning because he seemed much worse on it compared to the Rheucam. I am wondering if two months is too soon to expect him to be getting back to his normal self? Am I expecting too much? How long did your cats take to get back to themselves? My heart is breaking for him as he seems to have zero quality of life right now. I do have a call into my vet to see if there is something else that can be done. I would so appreciate any words of wisdom from you all if your kitty has experienced any of this.
Im so sorry you guys are still having problems!
You definitely need to talk to the vet. If you haven't heard back call again or head in.
I do not think you are expecting too much and believe Boskers needs to be seen & rule out what is going on.
He obviously is in pain and that is heart breaking!
Hugs
Holly & Purrkins
My Tripawd was a dog, but I agree with Holly. From what I have seen on the site, Boskers should not still be in that much pain 2 months out. I would definitely call the vet (and maybe take a video to show him or her). Any way he could get back on the Rheumocam?
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Ditto! Yes, take a video and let the vet know what's going on. You may want to consider a consult with a veterinary rehab therapist. The Tripawds Foundation will even pay for your first visit.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Aw Boskers! 'Sorry you are still having issues that are causing you distress. This just stinks!
Okay, this is aa long shot, but it reminds me of a dog who was having awful ossues for weeks and weeks after amp. Of course, I can't for certain remember the name, nor have zi been avle to do the right search to find him. I think is name is CHARLIE (or CHARLEY).
Anyway, he was clearly experiencing pain and having episodes where he was laying down and kicking and yelping and just having an awful time!! After many, many trial and error attempts to jncover the cause, and after I involvement of many different Vets, the issue was FINALLY discovered! If I rew, another surgery was performed and it was determined there was a nerve exposed, or something not done quite right in the amp surgery, that was causing this horrible outbursts of pain and flailing legs. Just wondering if the backwards walk is your cat's way of "flailing" his legs and "yelping"...if that makes any sense??
Update when you can. Hang in there! You are a powerful advocate for your Boskers and this will get figured out!!
Lots of 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!
Side effects of gaba for cats:Usually well tolerated by cats, gabapentin does have potential side effects that include lethargy and odd movements or loss of coordination, especially while walking.
Would definitely stop and ask for another neuro drug with fewer side effects? Does sound as if he is struggling ( not with the underlying disease) medically.,so...if meds adjusted, hopefully he will continue to improve!!! Does sound if if he is pain. And as cats rarely express pain, must be quite a lot. What other medications is he on? What does your vet recommend?
Hang in there Boskers!!! You got this!!! Please keep us updated!
I'm sorry to hear Boskers is struggling. Two months is way too long.
It's not unusual for a rear leg amputee cat to walk backwards initially but it usually doesn't last very long. It might take a couple of tries to figure it out. And there should be absolutely no pain in the stump. I think Sally may be on to something with a nerve being involved.
I hope the vet has the answer.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
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