Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Mona is a front leg amputee and I was lucky that she did not have wear a cone. I feel bad for you and Mr.Darcey, hopefully it's off soon.
It looks like it is not unusual for a rear leg amputee to back-up. For a short time Mona would spin in circles if she got up very quickly. My massage therapist said it made sense and explained why (I can't remember the exact details) and she said in time Mona's body will know how to get up quickly. I think they have to relearn balance with a new body. In your video it looked like Mr. Darcey took a break, thought it through, got a pet from you, and then he was up and going forward. I'm curious, does Mr. Darcey back up when the cone is off? The reason I ask is that he looked like he was trying to get away from it.
Mr. Darcey will get so much stronger and life will be much better when the cone is off. Mona said to tell him she never bothered with her stitches - the challenge is on!
Kerren and Tripawd Mona
Hi Kerren,
Yes, Mr Darcey does have these episodes when the cone is off but they are not as bad as when it is on.
I have been teaching him to lie down when one of these happens and at the time of that video (I was not there but my partner Nick took the video) I think that is what he did, so I am hopeful he is learning. Yes I definitely think he is trying to get away from the cone ...we both hate it!
He has had a good couple of days now and is sleeping on the top of the sofa behind me (without his collar) looking very content and purring ....happy moments.
I shall tell him what Mona said about the challenge ....he's a cheeky boy!
Best wishes to you and Mona x
Awww poor kitty! I'm glad that the last week has been good, you two sure deserve a break. That collar just does a number on animals. When oh when will someone think of something better that works? Ugh.
Here's to a good weekend ahead to you and your cheeky boy!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You did a good job capturing it on video. My thought was in line with Mona's....it looks like it's cone related and he wants that thing off! But guess not since he does it without the cone.
I'm so glad they are diminishing...and paws crossed that they go away completely.
Sending hugs to that adorable kitty!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Just wanted to do a quick update on Mr Darcey:
As of two days ago he is no longer wearing the e-collar ...hurrah! I have also been able to let him outside under my careful watch and he has been doing a lot of running around and today I even saw him chasing another cat off his territory! He seems much happier and has had fewer episodes although last night he had a particularly bad one that lasted almost 15 minutes ...I think we were both very shocked and scared by it. I was also very disappointed as he had just had two really good days and he had been so much happier and more like his old self.Â
The vet called today as she had shown the video to a specialist and they now believe Darcey is suffering from Phantom limb pain. They have mentioned using Gabapentin but as far as I know this drug is used on humans and dogs and I wondered whether anyone has any experience of it with cats?Â
Hi Tracie!
I'm glad he's made that kind of progress but bummed he's still having the phantom pain . Have you looked into a Farabloc blanket? It could help. As for gaba and cats, yes it can be used for felines, I would definitely have your vets prescribe some.
Thanks for the update. I know it feels like slow progress but once the vets can take care of the phantom pain things will get better. Hang in there!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh my gosh! To think they may have finally identified the cause would be wonderful! I know Gabapentin can be a big help with phantom pain in dogs. And it looks like the vet thinks it will help Mr. Darcey. I would call the vet back and let them know that this one episode lasted about fifteen minutes. It's my understanding the pain lasts for less than a minute. I really hope they are onto so ething though.
I'm so glad Mr. Darcey is finally rid of that collar and being his little feisty self!
Cheering fornyoh sweet kitty!
Hugs to you!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
jerry said
Hi Tracie!I'm glad he's made that kind of progress but bummed he's still having the phantom pain . Have you looked into a Farabloc blanket? It could help. As for gaba and cats, yes it can be used for felines, I would definitely have your vets prescribe some.
Thanks for the update. I know it feels like slow progress but once the vets can take care of the phantom pain things will get better. Hang in there!
Hi Jerry,
Thanks for your help and thoughts. I am giving the Farabloc blanket some thought ....just not so sure I would be able to get him to sleep on it as he loves fluffy blankets but it might be worth a try.
We place the Farabloc underneath Wyatt's dog bed cover, or under my pillowcase when I use it for migraines 🙂 You can see how Rascal uses it here:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hmmm....will you double check the kink for how Rascal uses the Farabloc
? Not sure it's going to the right place..or...as usual...it could be me!
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!
benny55 said
Hmmm....will you double check the kink for how Rascal uses the Farabloc ? Not sure it's going to the right place..or...as usual...it could be me!
Thanks Sally! Guess I should check my links before i paste them. It's been corrected above, and here:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Dear All
Just another quick update on Mr Darcey's progress.Â
He has been without the dreaded e-collar for over a week and a half now and the change is quite remarkable. He is enjoying getting out again but still supervised by me, much to my neighbours amusement as I spend a lot of time sitting on the lawn or looking for him in the bushes next to the house (his favourite spot). He is chatty again and yesterday I bought him a new toy with catnip in it and he went crazy, carrying it off in his mouth and then kicking it with all three legs! I have seen him run and he is very quick ..he even chased the neighbours cat away!
He has always worn a collar outside which has a tracking device on, so as long as he hasn't strayed too far I can just push a button and know that he is around. I would recommend 'Loc8tor' for any anxious owners.
My only reservation is that in the last couple of days it seems to me that he is hopping more than walking and he seems a bit slower when walking than he did when he was first allowed the freedom of the collar and the great outside. I am just hoping that this is down to his muscles being tired and getting use to things but wondered if anyone else might have experienced the same thing. My fear, of course, is that something else may be going on and that doesn't bear thinking about.Â
Be good to hear from anyone with any insight.
Many thanks Tracie and Mr Darcey
So glad to hear Mr. Darcey is free of that dreaded xollar and having a blast!!
You painted a great visual of him enjoying his outside adventures! He really is a remarkable kitty...and you are a remarkable mom!!
And yes, this crazy journey makes us worry about everything...EVERYTHING! We can't just ket a sneeze be a sneeze or a bug bite just be a bug vite! As far as Darcey doing more of a hop and slowing down a bit, it definitely sounds like he's just been overdoing it now that his cone is off. We see that alot here. All his musxles, joints, etc. are still adjusting.
Thanks for taking time to uodate! Now just go and enjoy Darcey and his new found happiness!!
Hugs!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle 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!
Yay Mr. Darcey! Sure sounds like getting rid of the e-collar makes you hoppy!
Tracie I think that your theory is correct; he's getting more activity now and consequently is getting a little slower at moving around because he's doing more. If you do regular lumps-and-bumps types of checks when you're petting him, looking him over for any signs of pain, that can help put your mind at ease. It's hard not to worry but as long as he's enjoying life now, then focus on that and what a long way you've both come. Enjoy and celebrate 🙂
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Many thanks to you both for the reassurance ..this really is a wonderful web site for help and guidance.
I have just spent four days away with my Mum while my partner, Nick, looking after Darcey and he seems so much better.Â
He is walking much better now and seems to want to be outdoors most of the time, sitting in his hedges, manning his territory and watching the world go by. Even the bald spot which the vet said probably wouldn't grow back ...has! I saw him have a wobble this morning but after a few moments and the temptation of his favourite treats he was able to get up and move on. I didn't think I could love him anymore than I did ..but I do!
Thanks to all who have provided me with the support, guidance and help that I needed during this very difficult time. xx
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