Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi guys!
I recently did a foster trial-to-adopt with a 3 year old lady, Cookie. She had been in foster care for about half a year. Once I got her I noticed she was sitting weird/jumping weird. One xray later, we found out her leg was completely broken, and had been for some time - we are not sure why no one had ever brought it up or noticed it. She got it amputated 13 days ago, and got stitches taken out yesterday. She had been staying with another foster since I was working a lot and had never taken care of an amputee cat (but in April my cat got cancer, did treatment, passed away etc so trauma from that, wanted Cookie to be comfortable and me to also be comfortable). I picked her up yesterday, and immediately was overcome with fear. The incision looks good, and according to everyone she had been recovering perfectly, but I couldn't stop worrying. She had started to lick at it, which supposedly she didn't do before, so she has to wear a cone which she hates. I've read a handful of posts here, and it looks like compared to a lot of people this is a really good recovery and I know I should be grateful that she is doing so well, but I think I am just overwhelmed and also comparing a lot of my previous sick cat, who I loved a lot and couldn't save, with her, even though she is healing and healthy. I also have not been able to talk to the vet yet for any reassurance, but they should be calling me at some point. I am worried about things that are not based in facts - worried about the incision opening even though I know they wouldn't have taken out the stitches if it wasn't healed, her getting the cone off, over exerting herself, falling, etc. I work from 9-6 and am about to start a new job and just don't know how to cope with the fears, and want to just spend all day with her to watch her. I think most of it is coming from trauma from my previous cat, but I can't help but spiral.
I guess I am just looking for advice on how to go about your day and accept that they will be fine. I know that I have it 'good' compared to lots of other people whos cats struggle to heal and adjust. I just don't want to spend all day worrying and checking my pet camera, I want to trust that she will heal well and get through this. Any advice appreciated!!
Hi Erin, welcome. Your honesty about your fears and worries is really brave, and I applaud you for coming here to find support! You are in the right place, anyone who has been through this understands how worrisome it can be. Add amputation surgery on top of a brand new relationship with an animal, heartache from losing your last cat to cancer, and a new job, and it's no wonder you are stressed!
For starters, yes Cookie is doing really great! She's young and healthy and should go on to have a happy life with you. There's no reason why she won't adapt. I think over time, days and weeks, you will see her making more and more progress. She's not as fragile as you think. And while of course you make sure your home is safe so she doesn't get injured, try to just watch her to see what she does and where she goes. You will see she's a lot more confident and strong than you think!
To me, information is power. Our e-book, How to Help Your Three-Legged Cat, is full of great info to ease your worries. But you can also find that info just by browsing our Trikitties articles. And you'll get a big dose of inspiration too! Be sure to hop on over there when you get a chance.
Stay tuned for more feedback from the community. Please let us know how you two are doing, you are not alone!
Hi! I have an amputee foster puppy who is on the same timeline as you! Stitches out today.
I can see how you are worried today. It's 2 weeks after her amputation but the first time you are seeing her and getting used to the incision. I'm guessing the previous foster, and the amputee parents here, we had all those worries the first day or two! Hearing that she's been recovering well is such good news and you can take it to heart. I also think she must have had a cone before, and I don't think its abnormal that she was trying to itch (my vet said that still might happen once stitches are out and just keep an eye on it and cone if necessary). Hang in there, you got this!
Hi Tara, thanks so much for the reassurance and kind words. Not that I would want any pet parent or pet to go through this, but it makes me feel so much better that other people are going through this and are MAKING it through. You're right, gotta take it to heart when everyone said she is doing so well. Thanks again!
Hey Jerry, thank you so so much. It makes me feel a lot better just to read about how other people and pets are also going through and getting through all of this. I think I thought I was prepared but was just startled and overcome with fear (and love) haha. I think you're right also, the more I watch and see how she is getting better, the more comfortable I will be. She is hating the cone a lot, she had gotten out of it twice and even got her arms through and got stuck. I took it off and she just wanted to give herself a regular bath, and she didn't pay much attention to the incision. The vet finally did call and reassured me that she wound IS healed and the hard part is over. But your reply and other stories here have also helped calmed me down, especially to know I am not crazy for 'freaking out'. I will check out your links, these forums here and website have been the most helpful for information and inspiration for me, I am so glad I found this! Thanks again!!
As you can see from the great responses from Jerry and Tara, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!
AND, perhaps the vest news of all, we, along with your Vet, can assure you she is having a really good recovery!! And, 13 days out is still fairly early in recovery, so it only gets better!! Sweet Coo,ie is also dealing with a new home, jew surroundings, etc, and in spite of that, she really is doing extraordinarily well!!!
I w0mder of she would tolerate a onesie you could make for her? I think I so e of the links Jerry gave you there are ways to configure a cone so Houdinis can't escape. And if the Vet agrees, it may be that she doesn't even need it now that stitches are out and the incision has healed.
Thank you so much for taking her into your home and your heart.💖
Realky sad that her bum leg went "unnoticed ". 😡
I'm so sorry your other kitty had to run to Rainbow Bridge. Our best efforts are just not enough sometimes when it comes to that sneaky piece of crap disease. And remever, that experience with your previous kotty does NOT equal thos experience. Two very different scenarios. So your mantra......"this does not equal that"..
You have a very special Guardian Angel watching over you and Cookie now.
So now it's time for you to exhale and get some good rest, okay? Y0u are doing an excellent job and we are so glad yoj found us....we are your new extended family, like it or not😉
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!
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