Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I just took my big kitty boy, Grayson (25 lb part maincoon) in for a right front leg amputation this morning. He will be coming home soon after surgery and have no idea what to expect. I am hoping I will be given all the information for his rehab and instructions. I have a large canvas play pen I had for my dogs that I am thinking of keeping him in, along with a open kennel, blankets, water and a litter box. I have no other information to go on. I don't know how long it will be to recover from the anesthesia and once he has over come that, I don't know what to do. Can anyone please give me some advice?
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Cathy Seville said
Can anyone please give me some advice?
Welcome! Consider posting specific feline recovery and care questions in the Three Legged Cats forum for more feedback from tri-kitty members.
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Admin jas given you great links to help give you confidence with knowledge as you navigate through recovery.
It sounds like you jave a good recocery set up for him. Drinking and peeing are important, pooping may take a bit more time and he may be off food at first too. You'll see lots ,of input on litter boxes for easy access Tripawd kitties and mich more in the link. https://tripawd.....gged-cats/
Bringing Hrayson home the same day of surgery may be rough to watch as he shakes off anesthesia, etc. He should be on heavy hospital pain meds so hopefully he won't be too restless. Tje anesthesia should be mostly out of his system after 24-36 hours.
What pain meds is he coming home with? Tweaking the pain meds and getting the right balance can take some trial and error. The Vet will jave directions for the dose, the frequency, etc.
Eight now he needs to stay confined like you are doing. He may not jave his sea legs for several days. He'll eventually figure things out though. Slow and easy for now.
Patience is important, as well as a strong confident attitude. This is major surgery and recovery is no picnic for the first two-ish weeks, but it doesn't last furever!!
Review the links, stay connected and ask away any questions you have! We are right by your side, okay?
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 Cathy! How is he doing? Is he home?
I think the dog pen idea might work if Grayson is a pretty mellow cat. Otherwise he may try to claw his way out of it. A room with a door you can close is also helpful for keeping him away from trouble, as long as there are no places where he can get into trouble. No high perches, or mattresses with springs where he can get trapped.
I'm also curious about his pain management . Getting it right can take some time and working closely with your vet, for some cats, but you will get there so don't give up if you feel his meds aren't working, or working too well and making him wonky.
He may have trouble using a litterbox, so if you are able to help him with a low-sided litter box for senior cats, that might be better. Hard to say until he actually tries to use it. Oh and don't be surprised if he doesn't poop right away, constipation for a few days is normal.
Keep us posted on how he's doing! And how YOU are doing too!
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