Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We adopted a tripod cat that had fallen out of a 5th story NYC building, and he lost his back leg in the process. He has been doing relatively well for the 4 years we've had him, but we aren't sure of his age. Somewhere between 10 and 14? Lately, his remaining rear leg has become more weak, and although he can still somewhat hoist himself up on furniture (we have steps but he doesn't always use them) and goes up and down stairs, we are noticing that it is twisting a little when he walks, and he is definitely slower. We watch his weight so as not to strain it, but it seems to be degenerating on its own.
My question is, what is the approximate lifespan for tripod cats with a rear leg amputation? At what point is their leg just not be able to maintain their body weight? How will we know when it's not sustainable anymore?
I don't want to be morbid, but also don't want this to cause him a painful existence. Is there anything we can do to strengthen his leg?
Any thought are appreciated!
Hi Henry & Family, welcome! You are so pawesome for adopting this kitty!
My question is, what is the approximate lifespan for tripod cats with a rear leg amputation? At what point is their leg just not be able to maintain their body weight? How will we know when it’s not sustainable anymore?
Cats can live out their normal lifespan, we've had some like Fang live well into old age in good health and pain-free. And while all Tripawds will eventually experience debilitating arthritis, the goal is to allow them to manage it without pain. There are TONS of things you can do to make sure he isn't experiencing any. Right now, it sounds like he is, unfortunately.
All Tripawds will walk with a bit of a curve, when it's a lot more pronounced it's often because their body is compensating for an injury or pain. And since cats are masters at hiding pain, it's tough to know where to begin looking for it as a non-vet. That's why the Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit . You can get him evaluated by a rehab therapist, who can pinpoint and treat the pain, and show you exercises to get him strong and help him stay there. pain management meds may or may not be needed as well.
Also, when it comes to a Tripawd, it's not about strong legs, it's about strong core and back muscles, just like a person. Those are the places that need strengthening in order to keep him upright and walking, free of pain and compensation.
I wouldn't even begin to jump to assuming it's your cat's end of life days, until you have him evaluated. Please take advantage of the program, and do check out our Cool Tips for Tripawd Cats e-book, which has tons of tips like these:
Three Games for Tripawd Cat Exercises
Is Your Amputee Cat in Pain? Here’s How to Tell
Tripawd Cat Pain Management Tips and Tricks
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Love the name Henry for your remarkable kitty.Jerry has given you aich great input and li ks,
I wouldn’t even begin to jump to assuming it’s your cat’s end of life days, until you have him evaluated.
And could not agree more with that statement, especially because there are soooooo many supportive things that can be done to help support continued great quality of life. Sure, the aging process has it's own quirks that are basically unavoidable, whether three or four legs, but certainly a quality of life can be maintained as he goes into his senior years. As she said, "RONS" of things can be done to help Henery on three!
Keep us posted, okay? And dolet us know if some pain meds help. Many Tripawds stay on a low dose of pain meds. especially if a bit of arthritis creeps in.
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!
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