Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I am very new to the forums. Actually, I just joined and this is my first post. I'm crying as I type this. My baby, Ranger, is a 5 year old tabby. He was diagnosed with cancer and had his back leg removed on Tuesday. It is has only been 2 days. 2 days! And he was on the bed, wouldn't let me pick him up or even touch him. Suddenly he jumps of the bed. He starts to meow and cry, but he was still fighting me to get out of the bedroom. I want to keep him in the bedroom till he heals more, but he cries and growls at me and does things to scare me like jumping off the bed. I feel so sick to my stomach and I just want to cry. I am starting to doubt the amputation. Am I a horrible mean mommy for putting him through this? Is he going to hate me forever? Please help!
No, you are not a terrible mommy. You just need to give this time, and focus on healing. Confinement is key to a safe recovery, so if you have anywhere you can keep Ranger where he can't be jumping on/off furniture, that will be best. His behavior is likely due to the pain medication, so don't take it personally.
And welcome! Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Ranger's mom, welcome to Tripawds. Your future posts will not require moderation.
The first couple weeks after surgery usually are full of ups and downs. Ranger is dealing with a lot of changes to his world, and he is probably on a bunch of meds. What meds is he on?
You are not a bad mom, you are scared, tired and stressed. We can relate! I was sure I had done the wrong thing for my little pug Maggie. She seemed so unhappy, but she just needed some time to heal and adjust. You have given Ranger a chance to beat cancer and have more time with you- don't lose sight of that.
I'm not sure if kitties get phantom limb pain, but it sort of sounds like maybe Ranger is experiencing that. Other members have had good luck with Gabapentin to settle down that nerve pain.
Is he eating, peeing and pooping? Does the incision look OK? Of course if you have any concerns call your vet and keep them up to date on Ranger's progress.
Recovery from this major surgery is hard, but it gets better. Take a deep breath and focus on the little victories. We don't want Ranger jumping on and off furniture yet, but that means he is getting around OK? Two days post-op is really early in recovery. Give Ranger a chance to heal and get his balance figured out. You will look back and wonder why you were so worried!
Hopefully Jill's mom Erica will stop by soon, Jill is also a rear amp kitty and she will be excited to have another kitty member.
Welcome to the family that no one ever thought they would need!
Karen
Online
You are an excelle t advocate for Ranger. You have removed a very painful leg and afforded him the best possible chance for a good quality life...free from pain!
And please, go have a good hard cry! We've all been there and understand the fear...the second guessing!
Your Ranger is very "messed up" right now, but we PROMISE you, it gets better! This is maor surgery with pain and meds all mixing things up! Recovery does not happen over night and the first weekor somis sooooo tough. I second guessed myself too! I can tell you now that Hapy Hannah is
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!
Hello Rangers Mommy!
Well, Jill's ears did perk up this morning when I told her there was a new member and he is a kitty cat! I'm so sorry you and Ranger have to find yourselves here, but you came to the right place.
First off, you are NOT a mean mommy. You did what was right for Ranger! Of course he's going to be skittish, he just went through major surgery. Jill didnt come home until day 4, but I did visit her everyday in the hospital until then and she was skittish for the first couple of days. She was OK when I brought her home, but I have heard from MANY other tripawd kitty moms that their kittys can be like that for up to a month - I know that sounds scary, but please remember they've just been through major surgery, IT WILL GET BETTER. PROMISE!
I know it's very hard, if not impossible to let them jump - they are cats! But try to keep him as calm as possible. Is he on any pain meds still? My plan was to keep Jill as confined to one place as possible, but again, it's VERY hard to do that with cats - just take your lead from Ranger and keep a good eye on him.
Now, I urge you to check out Jill's blog: jillsjourney.tripawds.com. If you go ALL the way to the beginning, you can see pics and videos all through her recovery and see her get better day by day. It will give you hope! She is now almost 9 months post amputation and doing AMAZING. It's like she never ever had that fourth leg!
What type of cancer does Ranger have? Jill has osteosarcoma.
I also urge you to come over to the chat room if you can! I am usually in there and happy to answer any questions!
Again, I am so sorry you and Ranger are in this position, but I promise we'll get you through this. I was so scared at the beginning too, but tripawds got me through it!
All our love,
Erica & Tripawd Kitty Jill
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Hey there Ranger's momma!!
first off.. get that out of your head.. horrible mommy!!! Hell no!! You are an awesome momma to go through the surgery, recovery, etc to give Ranger a pain free life!! now.. no more talk about that one.. !! 
second off... listen to Jill's momma.. she has been there!!! Erica is full of great knowledge on dealing with kitty-tripawds.
The first few weeks are so stressful for everyone.. but you will get through it. if you can.. put some boxes or something beside the bed so that he doesn't have to jump as far... it's true.. they are cats... they like to jump!
are you keeping all his food and litter in the bedroom?
Keep us posted and let us know how you guys are doing.. but remember.. it does get better.. and one he heals and the meds help him with the pain, etc.. you will be amazed at how well he will do afterwards!!
Christine..... with Franklin in her heart ♥
Franklin, he was the Happiest Dog on Three Legs! Diagnosed 09/26/2012 with Osteosarcoma, amputated 12/4/2012. Had a wonderful 5 1/2 months painfree until he ran for the Bridge on 5/15/2013. Always in my heart, and always a guardian angel of my pack... You can follow his Tripawd Adventures, before and after, in my blog, Frank'n'Farter!
Welcome Ranger and Mom-
You have received some excellent advice so I just wanted to offer support. You are a great Mom because you are giving Ranger the best possible chance at life. The first part is the hardest, but it will get easier. Sending hugs your way.
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Welcome to the group. I want say much as far as kitties are concerned had a pup with Osteo. Erica, Jill's mom, has excellent advice when it comes to kitties as she is the expert 
Good luck with Ranger and if you have questions you can always come to the chat we are there most evenings (sometimes someone is in there during the day too)
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Computer crashed in middle of my respnse last night. Happy Hannah is over six months post amp and kt has been the best time together ever! Yeah' recovery ws toufh....but ow...that's no longer even a me ory...the prese t is jsy gloriis.
As everyone has me tioned...GO REVIEW JILL'S JOURNEY as soon as you can! Jill and her mom ave made medical kitty cat history! Jill is jumping up on beds, smacking her brother Jack around .....and ne's a huge voy to smack around too!!
You are ot alone! We are here fr you! Hold on to us! It gets better! Again...PROMISE!
Deep breath in........B R E A T H E.....exhale.........B R E A T H E......-..-.-Now go hug Ranger and give yourself a vig hug! You are strong!
(((((((((((({hugs))))))))))))
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
Thank you so much for the replies. Ranger's surgery was only 3 days ago and there have been so many ups and downs. One minute I believe I did the right thing to save his life. The next minute I feel so horrible for putting him through this and think I made a mistake. Today was the first day I left Ranger to go back to work. It didn't start out good or end good. I didn't want to leave him, but I had to go back to work and I didn't leave him alone. He bit me and hissed this morning when I was petting him and telling him goodbye. When I returned he wanted nothing to do with me. Of course I spent most of today crying. He is in his cage right now which I feel horrible for too, but I needed a break. He has started trying to escape the bedroom & he gets so angry when I stop him. Plus, he has an appointment this afternoon and I knew I was going to need help putting him in his cage, so I had my boyfriend help before he went to work. I was thinking about putting his bed, food, and litter in my walk in closet at least during the times I'm not home, so he can't jump on the bed. What does everyone think? Would that be mean?
Ranger had a fibrosarcoma, a vaccine related cancer. The tumor was in his right leg/hip and was very aggressive.
Hi!
I don't think it's mean BUT (and I am not a vet) I don't think it's necessary. Have you seen him jump on the bed himself yet? He is a rear leg amputee, right? Usually, it's harder for them to get UP than down, Jill still (9 months later) can't get up on the bed without the help of a step (although my bed is a little bit high). If he's already able to get up on the bed, that's pretty impressive!
Maybe I'm just too easy going or I was with Jill, but I think it's ok to let him roam around during the day. I had to leave my apartment at times when Jill first came home and she was completely fine. Since he is being a little skittish, I think putting him in a room might make him even more skittish.
Let me know if you have anymore questions!
Erica
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Hi! Noooooo you're NOT A BAD MOMMY! Nooooo way! You took cancer out! You're saving Ranger from a lot of pain. You did the right thing!
Now, as I understand it, kitties have different approaches to dealing with pain, hunger, injury, and fearfulness than dogs. Well, some dogs. Add into that mix her pain meds, and he's pretty loopy. I guess what I'd do is take Ranger's lead. If he's giving you signs that he wants OUT or wants nothing to do with you right now, get out of his way and leave him alone. Going against an animal's wishes will cause stress. Stress during recovery isn't good. Then, rememebr Ranger is probably wobbly from meds and b/c he's missing a leg, a quick sprint away from you may cause damage. Do what you can to keep him quiet. Scale back to the basics: eating, drinking, peeing, and sleeping. Did each of those happen today? If so, then it's an EXCELLENT, FABULOUS, NOTHING COULD BE BETTER DAY! Let him heal. Let him ride the meds. Let him be. As he heals, as meds leave his body, as his muscles and nerves work themselves out, he'll come around. He'll be back. He'll be your baby once again! He'll be Ranger PLUS. But in the meantime, give him space.
Sending you virtual HUGS and support!
~ Katy & Jackson
ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12. Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ! No side effects. We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments. He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors! Our love. Our funny little guy!
Hi Ranger and Mom,
I promise you will both get through this recovery. I'm a vet tech and I worked in an emergency/referral only hospital for 4 years before going into general practice. Cats always take a disturbance in their routine harder than any other animal I know. My own cats (all 5 of which have major medical issues) have trouble adjusting coming home from the hospital even without major surgery. Every cat runs on their own clock and we humans just have to learn to deal with it. The best thing you can do is take a deep breath and just sit by him. Petting Ranger while you are feeling sorry for him may be too much pressure for him while he's adjusting. Cats are also very sensitive to pain meds and it can alter their behavior for the better or worse while on them.
It may be a week, it may be a couple months before Ranger is back to his old self but he WILL get there. Time heals all things and is really the most important medication you can give him.
Hugs and love,
Mandy and Maverick
P.S. None of my surgeons are as worried about cats running as they are about about dogs, cats tend to limit themselves when feeling pain and are less likely to damage themselves when we are not looking. Hope that helps
Maverick is a wonderful miniature australian shepard born with a malformation of the front right radius/ulna, amputation performed on 11/4/13 at 6 months old. Follow his story at mavericksjourney.tripawds.com.
Ranger had his post surgery check up today. His surgery was Tuesday, so it has only been 3 days. His doctor said everything looked good, besides some bruising caused probably from jumping off the bed. She removed his bandage and medicine patch and put him on liquid anti-inflammatory meds. I have to keep him confined for at least another week if possible 2 weeks. That is really hard for Ranger. He is so stubborn. He wants to hide, climb, jump, and tries to escape every time I open the bedroom door up. The doctor said putting him in the closet was okay if I had to leave and no one could watch him, but not all day, because he may become depressed. She also suggested putting him inside his cage and placing him in front of a window. He has another appointment on the 18th to have his stitches removed. Hopefully, each day things get a little better. I am happy that I found Tripawds. I don't know anyone who has been through this.
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