Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello! I'd just love any links to other posts/resources that specifically deal with a senior+ cat who has hind leg amputation. He does have arthritis in his hind legs, so I'm concerned about the one remaining leg. He fractured his left femur and surgery to repair is not an option. We'll know tomorrow if amputation is a viable option after his exam. He's still eating, drinking, and using the litter box and I'm managing his pain. I don't want to euthanize but realize that the surgery and recovery could be tough.
I've been reading a lot of the posts but would love if someone could share anything they think would be specifically helpful for this situation.
I have ordered a soft cone, some cat onesies that I will sew up for the missing hind leg so he doesn't get to the surgical area.
Thanks to all who consider sharing.
Hi and welcome to you and Freddy! I'm so sorry you are faced with this situation. It's never easy but especially tough when your fur kid is a senior.
Hopefully the vet will be able to give you a good idea about whether or not he's a good candidate. As with people, age is just a number when it comes to animals too. Many cats and dogs already have arthritis when they go through amputation, and that's not really a big issue in most cases. If Freddy is otherwise healthy there's no reason why he can't do well on three legs for the remainder of his life.
Yes, recovery can be a roller coaster. Our Tripawds Recovery Shopping List and our What to Expect articles apply to cats and dogs of all ages, it includes things that are helpful to senior pets too.
How are your floors? Do you have plenty of traction and no-slip surfaces? That's a huge help.
Are there other cats in the house? You'll want to keep them separate until Freddy's recovered (usually when stitches come out, about 10 days later, you can start reintroducing other household fur kids, unless they drive you nuts and you need to do it earlier!).
Our Trikitty features have some good stories for you, and you'll also want to see:
Amputation on a Very Old Cat
I hope this helps! Stay tuned for feedback from others and let us know how tomorrow goes.
Awww....we love senior kitties around here. A true sign Freddy is very beloved and has received exquisite care.
As Jerry mentioned, age really is just a number around here. We've had senior dogs and senior kitties do very well on three. Obviously your Vet will advise on Freddy's overall condition, do bloodwork, kidney values, etc.
For now, one step at a time, get all your questions answered by your Vet and continue to use us for support and further information. We know it's never easy coming to decisions like this. Just know YOU ARE NOT ALONE! We support you whatever path you take.
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!
Hi! I was in a very similar situation only it was for my cat's front leg rather than hind. It's definitely very stressful and while it's easier said than done, one of the things that was helpful for me was remembering you're doing everything you can right now. Being here and just venting was also extremely helpful for me.
Coming out of surgery, I think this pet bed was helpful for my cat Jelli. I had bought it a long time ago for her arthritis and she never touched it until after her amputation. I think the way it's shaped made it easy for her to get in and out of. As for post surgery litter box, I was recommended a pizza box but I ended up using the box from a case of soda with on of the sides cut off, lined it with puppy pads and a light layer of litter. If you're able to do the surgery, I would also look into asking your vet about Solensia for your cat's arthritis. It's a monthly injection for arthritis and it can be a little pricey but it has good results reported.
If you have any specific questions, please ask and I will try to answer! 🙂
Thanks to you all for your help and support. We found out today that Freddy is not in good enough health for amputation to be a viable option. I will be taking some quality time with him before sending him on the journey over the rainbow bridge. Again, thank you for your support - this site gave me hope.
You have left no stone unturned in trying to do what's best for Freddy. And now you know proceeding with amputation surgery would NOT be in Freddy's best interest.
And yes, you can cert still get qua time with your sweet Freddy. Managing his pain and keeping him comfortable is still a "treatment". And being comfortable and loved and spoiled is very theraputic too.
I'm going to PM you with my email address. If you would like to send me a couple of pictures of Freddy it would be my honor to post them for 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!
I am so sorry. We all wish you had gotten better news today, but we get it. Quality of life is always more important than our own heartache, and this is no easy call to make. You are such a good human to Freddy for always putting him first.
Do send some photos to Sally so we can celebrate your sweet boy and all that he has meant to you and your furmily. We are keeping you both close in our hearts.
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