Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Our dear 16 year old cat Otto went missing and then came home at the weekend with a badly injured back leg. X-Rays show all the ligaments are shot. We know reconstructive surgery is possible, but also that success rate - here in the UK according to vets - is only about 66%. It would also mean a long period of confinement to recuperate, losing fitness in the process.
The alternative we're looking at is amputation of course. We'd love to know more about how well cats adjust to losing a back leg - we've read the forums so we know they CAN. But what about the ones who struggle? Is that related to their weight at all?
Otto is a good 6.5kg (14.3 pounds) at his normal weight. (He's lost a bit this last week while he was away and injured.) This isn't lots of fat - he's a large and generally strong neutered male cat, a British Shorthair. He lives in a country area and roams very freely in surrounding grass and woodland, hunting when he wants to. Although he's slowed down a little bit with age we aren't aware of any ongoing medical problems like serious arthritis.
We live in an apartment with carpeted areas and some others with shiny wooden flooring. We assume we'll have to do something about those areas or he'll fall over too easily!
All advice welcome please.
Hi Tony, welcome! Sorry you had to join our club but we are glad you are here.
I'm answering from my phone and just want to make sure your post is approved so others can see it and give feedback. I'll have more in the morning when I'm at my desk but for now take a look at our Trikitty blog articles
https://tripawd.....rikitties/
Also see Fang's blog to get a really good idea of an outdoor indoor Tripawd cat's life:
https://cldavis.....ipawds.com
More in the morning!
Your Otto sounds like a strong and fit cat for a "mature" fella' 👍
And yes, we know this can sound scary, but cats tend to handle three just fine. Of course there is a recovery period from the surgery itself and then a mobility adjustment to three. Sometimes they have trouble figuring out using the kitty litter box, but we have plenty of ideas on how to make it easier for them, etc.
Your Vet advised you the way we see a lot......correctove surgery and trying to repair the damge is a loooong process with not good results. Amputation tends to be the end result anyway.
As with dogs, and extra weight makes it harder to keep their joints fit and strong. The good news is weight reduction is usually fairly easy and quick. It does souind like Otto is a larger cat in general, more muscle and genetics than fat?? Consult with your Vet on what is his "normal" weight range versus what extra weight he needs to take off.
If possible, have Otto evaluated by an Orthopedic Surgeon and stay overnight in a fully 24/7 staffed clinic.
Good idea to have your floors covered in non slip scatter rugs for traction .
Also you can download our Tripawds e-books . Cool Tips for Cats. I think the links Jerry gave you will also direct yoj to cat Truls and Cat Tiger who are recovering successfully from amputation surgery.
I k ow Otto wants to free roam, ut you may want to reconsider that for his own safety. Some build an outdoor catio or jist make sure the cat is not unattended when outside.
Okay, others will chime into be sure and stay connected. Keep us updated and let us know how we can best support 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!
Another thought: you'll probably get a lot of pushback because of Otto's age. Well, even older cats can make great Tripawds. See:
Amputation on a Very Old Cat
Regarding his outdoor life....I hate to be the downer here, but it really is in his best interest as a 3-legged cat with one less paw to defend himself, to consider keeping him in a more controlled environment. If you build a catio, he can still have plenty of freedom to be outside without the risk of another injury or attack.
Oh and don't forget to check out our book about amputee cats:
Updated Three Legged Cat Book Offers Hope and Help for Cat Amputation
It's so helpful hearing other people's and cats' experience, thanks. Otto is now scheduled for amputation next Thursday.
About his roaming lifestyle, I hear the advice. Of course he may turn into much more of a homebody anyway, after a few weeks confined to our bedroom. But we are reluctant to try and keep him in (or in a catio) all the time once he's recovered.
I'm hoping he'll gradually carve out a smaller territory for his daily patrols. Our situation here really doesn't include many threats for him. We'll have to wait and see.
Non-slip mats will be a must!
We'll read the book next.
Hey Tony I'm glad you felt better after reading through the stories.
And yeah I get it about trying to keep him contained after all these years. I tried that with a cat once and it didn't end well so I understand where you are coming from. It's a fine line preserving quality of life for a cat like him.
Let us know how we can help ease any concerns you have!
Just to keep you updated, kind responders: things have moved on. When our own vet (who previously operated on Otto's thyroid a few years ago) examined him, she was concerned that his other back leg might not be functioning well enough to work well for him as a tripawd. And post-amputation there would be no Plan B really!
So after considering all angles and further tests and scans, Otto will be operated on tomorrow - to try and mend the ligaments in his leg. If it doesn't work of course we may be back to amputation at a later date. We're so grateful for all the info on this website.
Ohh OK, well let us know how it goes. We're sending lots of 
for a speedy recovery! Keep us posted and thanks for the update.
Alright, you are moving forward with a plan. Ues, please update us when you can.
I'm sure Otto wont enjoy being co fined to so e degree during recovery, but hopefully he'll soon be back up on all four.👍
Okay Otto, behave yourself and get a speedy recovery!!
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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