Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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3:36 pm
Members
5 November 2020
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My cat Charlie, 14 years old, had a front limb amputation yesterday (osteosarcoma). He has been home for about 5 hours and can become agitated. By that I mean he will try and move around quite a bit, he can’t seem to get comfortable, and he will meow at us. I can’t seem to comfort him. It almost seems like the more we try to comfort him the more he meows. I am begging to fear that he is in pain, because he also isn’t sleeping, he will just finally settle down and lie down with his eyes wide open. His purples are huge, related to the pain meds I would assume.
He was vocal on the trip home which is nothing new, but he had a 4’x4’ play pen set up for him with a low litter pan, beds, food and water. The very first thing he did was lie down in the little pan, so we removed that. He then put his face in his water, so that’s gone now too. He seems to be starving but we are only feeding him a little at a time, won’t drink any water (which he usually loves).
He is on Buprenorphine 0.4mls every 12 hours, so he is due in a few hours, and 50mgs Gabapentin every 24 hours. He isn’t a huge fan of pain meds, but I just wish he would sleep.
Any advice for helping him to stay more calm and to comfort him would be appreciated. Thank you!
10:16 pm
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
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Hi Charlie and Ray, welcome. Your future posts won’t need to wait for approval so post away.
I’m sorry you’re in this tough situation. You are the second Trikitty member in a week who is dealing with osteosarcoma! Crazy, it’s supposed to be so rare in cats.
Anyhoo, how is he doing now? He sounds quite loopy from the pain meds. Poor guy! It’s normal but of course keep your vet up to date so you can fine tune his medication timing and dosages. Usually a little fine tuning is all it takes to get you and him some sleep. The first few days can be rough but the more you keep your vet in the loop the faster you can help him feel better. And keep in mind that senior pets may take longer to recover so try not to compare with other kitties ok?
Make sure he drinks liquids, even something like tuna water to keep him hydrated.
Let us know how he is doing and know that you are doing everything right. Hang in there!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
6:49 pm
Bucketeers
27 July 2014
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Sorry to hear Charlie isn’t doing so well. It sounds like he might have some pain. My cat Mona was also on Buprenorphine and she’d start going a bit nutty when it was time for her next dose.
Mona’s medication schedule was 3-4 times a day. I suggest you phone your vet or the emergency vet to find out if you can change the dosage or schedule.
I also found Mona enjoyed having ice (wrapped in a towel) on her surgical site. Apply for about 10 minutes a few times a day.
I think it should be okay for Charlie to eat what he wants and when he wants. More than anything some people struggle to get their cats to eat at all. He can get extra moisture from canned food but having water available is still important.
It’s not unusual for our tripawd cats to flake out in their litter box so don’t despair. Charlie will become more alert and stronger as he recovers.
Hope things improve.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
9:48 pm
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Bucketeers
22 February 2013
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Just went to add mu good wishes for a speedy recovery for Charlie. Yoi'be gotten gotten good input from Jerry and Kerren.(kitty Mona).
Remember, this is MAJOR surgery Charlie had and he is not going to feel like throwing a pawty for a week or two or three.
As noted, you may need to tweak the pain meds a bit..up or down....with Vet approval of course.
You and Charlie will get through this and he will get his sparkle back. It's so hard to be patient. We get it!
So stay connected, update when you can, and reme, recovery doesn't last furever, it just seems like it!!
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!
