Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi, our Seamus joined the tripawd club a couple of days ago.
At the beginning of January 2018, we found a lump on his left foreleg which was removed in under three weeks. It turned out to be a fibrous sarcoma which is a cancer that doesn't metastisise but can grow back if the vet is unable to remove all cells...and this is exactly what happened, and way faster than either we or the vet expected. Two months after the first surgery, we found another lump on his leg. It was growing so fast that in the time between taking him for consultation on Easter Saturday and a pre-op consultation on Wednesday, it was even larger. We knew how evil this type of tumour was because Seamus's brother, Domino, had an inoperable one under his tongue. We were very sad to goodbye to him 3 years ago. 
Did we feel traumatised about his diagnosis 3 months ago - absolutely. Do we feel guilty about refusing the amputation option in January - nope: it was the right decision for us as a family at that time. Is this puss going to be spoiled rotten forever - you bet!
What I've read on this site, so far, has been really helpful - his food bowl is raised to shoulder height and he's eaten twice today (yay!).. I'm now trying to work out a way of building a staircase with shallow treads to fit on top of the stairs in the house so that he can go down safely with some dignity (rather than landing in an ungainly heap). Up doesn't seem to be so awkward, although he does sound like Long John Silver 
Hopefully, when he reaches his 15th birthday in June, he'll have stopped wobbling and be back out in the garden sunning himself in his favourite spot under the rosebush.
Chin up and keep purring
Deborah and Seamus xx
Hello and welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
Since you have been on the site I assume you have seen the Three Legged Cat forum? Lots and lots of info there that members of Team Kitty have been sharing and consolidating to make it easier to find.
How is Seamus doing overall? Eating is good! Managing his pain OK?
I don't think you will be waiting until June for him to be more stable on three. The first two to three weeks are usually the hardest learning new balance, using muscles differently and all the meds.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Hi Deborah and Seamus,
Welcome sorry, you have to join us.
Purrkins lost his left front leg due to a Soft tissue sarcoma going to be 2 years in July. Purrkins is 7 1/2 .
I agree 100% with Karen Seamus will be hopping on before his birthday. Purrkins found his tri legs by day 3 and each day improved after! I believe you will be amazed how quickly he will adapt!
We had restrictions for 14 days and we stayed in a spare bedroom for recovery, Purrkins was scratching at the door day 5 to get out of the spare room. Keeping Seamus comfortable on pain meds is the key to a smooth recovery! How is he doing eating, drinking using the box ok?
Check out the three-legged cat forum and blogs, and if you have any questions, please let us know. You can read about Purrkins on his blog we documented his recovery & journey Purrkins blog
Heal Well Seamus
Holly & Purrkins
Hello and welcome! I'm brand new to the site as well, so can't really offer advice - just well wishes for you and your family.
Welcome to the family Seamus!! You clearly are adored by your humans! And they are wonderful advocates for you!
Read through the links and let us knownifnyou have any questions. We have some of the most knowledgeable kitty people on the Planet here!!
Sounds like Seamus's pain is being manzged adequately and he's adjusting slowly.....slow and easy is good.
Domino is a good Guardian protecting Seamus
Can't wait to see pictures!
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!
Brand new TriKitty Pandora (surgery was Friday 4/6 - same day as Seamus?) and her humans wish Seamus quick healing!
Thank you all for your kind words and support. I will be spending lots of time looking at the three legged cats forum.
I am amazed at how quickly Frankencat (our vet has a warped sense of humour) is recovering! The difference between Thursday and Sunday has been astounding. His appetite is back and we've had to clear the litter tray twice. He doesn't seem to be in any pain (Metacam), but does yelp if we pick him up the wrong way and he needs to twist to get into his comfy position.
He successfully navigated up and down stairs this morning so my hunt for a solution to that issue is on hold. I will, however, put a mat at the bottom of the stairs so that he doesn't skid off the last step onto the wooden floor.
What has changed is that he's a cat who has always liked to simultaneously pad and purr. There's no problem with the purring (full volume restored) but he looked so perplexed when he realised he couldn't stand and pad at the same time... so replaced padding with some serious headbutting instead! He's nothing if not resourceful is our Seamus!
We're back at the vet's tomorrow for a check up - will keep you posted.
Chin up, tickle just there, keep purring.
D&S xx
It is good to find humor:) I know we make little jokes now I would have never thought we could laugh at;) Seamus would prefer to hear his people laugh anyway!
I don't understand why that is the only med sent home.
You are not first it seems more common lately, it is not enough pain relief after the amp alone. Buprenorphine or like should have been sent home with the Metacam. I know Kerrens Mom to Mona had both. We had Buprenorphine and Gabapentin for nerve pain. Keep that in mind please yelping is a sign of pain.
How We Assess Your Feline's Pain
Pain Signs in Cats and Dogs: Learn the Symptoms
Give Seamus a little time he will figure out the kneading again Purrkins does with his one arm and you can see the muscles left on the other side still trying to knead. He will figure everything out I promise!
Hugs,
Holly & Purrkins❤️
Hi Holly
I'm really not sure he is in pain as such; it's more a case of us lifting him the wrong way. He seems to have a high pain threshhold and was happily sleeping on his amped side earlier this afternoon...
As for the kneading, it is so much part of his being, I'll be happy for it begin again (although the sofa/my shoulders/our woollen sweaters might not).
The dark humour started after the 1st surgery. When people asked how he was I'm afraid we used to reply "not dead yet". Reactions varied, as you can imagine, particularly as we were still talking about him in the present tense. The irony was palpable.
Anyhoo, he's currently curled up with his bum on the radiator, watching me as if to say "you haven't patted me for at least ten seconds" so I'd better away and attend to his lordship.
D&S xx
Good to hear! Purrkins laid on his amp side his 2nd day home.
Just wanted you to be aware of pain signals
. So glad to hear Seamus is doing so well!
Our recovery hit a bump day 6 when we had to stretch one of Purrkins pain meds out we were coming to the end of and had to get a refill and then it went smoothly again.
Seamus will knead again, all those places just minus one arm! Purrkins started again in recovery within 14 days. Don't rule anything out by taking a limb that doesn't mean a lot changes for them. It means we have to be on the lookout for safer ways.
Keep it up Seamus your sailing thru recovery!
Chin & ear Scratches to you buddy:)
Holly & Purrkins❤️
Check that avatar! Look who's up and about, and enjoying the sunshine!! Stitches out on Monday, sunning himself on Saturday 😀
He's thoroughly enjoying rediscovering the garden and working out who else has been there in his absence. Still walking slowly on three pins but working out how to jump up and down without face planting... We are absolutely blown away by the speed of his recovery.
Best wishes to all
D&S xx
YAY!!! Wonderful news! Seamus you handsome cat, way to go 
So glad to hear the good news, great job! Looks like he made it out into his garden BEFORE his birthday 
Thank you so much for the update, it is greatly appreciated. Please keep in touch and update when you have time 
Jackie and Huckleberry
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
WHOO HOO Seamus! WAY TO GO, BUDDY, we knew you had this!
Slow is excellent Seamus is cautious and wise seeing how his new body works!
FANTASTIC Seamus is checking out his territory and smells! He will feel even better after the stitches come out!
"Hopefully, when he reaches his 15th birthday in June, he'll have stopped wobbling and be back out in the garden sunning himself in his favourite spot under the rosebush."
Yep, we knew Seamus would be checking out the garden before his bday! Don't underestimate a three-leg kitty remember those words, let alone a senior fella 🙂
Thanks for the Excellent update we look forward to hearing how Seamus feels after Monday. I also look forward to hearing he is back to kneading and making biscuits on you;)
Soak up the sunrays☀️!
Holly & Purrkins
XOXO
15th birthday milestone passed! The sun's out and sitting under the roses has been mandatory (living in Scotland, we have to take every opportunity to maximise vitamin D)!!
Seamus is now much steadier on his feet, in fact, I think he runs better than he walks. It's been really interesting watching how he uses his tail as a counterbalance weight...almost like a rudder. There's no doubt it's more muscular than pre-surgery. Chasing string and anything with catnip has helped greatly with his core strength. Stretching to scratch the back of the sofa is especially fun. (I may have to attach a scratch pad so that he wrecks that instead!)
On the negative side: we had to find an acceptable litter tray as he absolutely refuses to toilet outside, so much so, he'll be in the garden and run back inside to use the tray. He is quite capable of burying his business outside, but Seamus, being Seamus, simply chooses not to. 
I have heard from others that this isn't unusual, just annoying.
His self-confidence has diminished. He used to rule his territory but, for the moment, stays out the way of other cats - even those he used to 'play' with. It is weird to see him backing away instead of standing his ground but it's all about self-preservation now.
On a sweet note: a couple of the kids further along the road knocked on the door yesterday to see how he was because they hadn't seen him for a while to give him his customary patting and general fussing over. Pets and babies - a great way to meet your neighbours
So that's our news for the time being. Hope everyone else is happy and recuperating well.
Lots of love
Deborah & Seamus xx
humanofseamus said
15th birthday milestone passed!
Hooray! Senior Tripawds Rule!!!
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