Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Hi everyone,
I'm Steph and my almost 13 year old boy, Scooter, had his right rear leg amputated on June 8 due to osteosarcoma.
He's doing really well from what I've read here (this place is a life saver for me) - eating, drinking, pooping, peeing, and he sits on the enclosed patio in the sun (that's his happy place). He's on Gaba, Metacam, and Buprenorphine.
Like so many cats, his mobility happened quickly - but now his remaining leg seems so weak. I know it will take time to build up the muscle in that leg, but does anyone have any tips on how to help it, aside from chiro or PT? He's definitely not ready to leave the house yet but I hate seeing him struggle.
I keep telling myself this is normal, but as their humans we want the best as soon as possible.
Any ideas?
Hi Steph and Scooter, welcome! Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away.
I'm so glad you found us! And sorry you had to join! But if it's bringing you comfort, then YAY!
Based on what you are describing, he does sound like he's doing really well. Yes it will take time for him to get stronger, it's very early in recovery as you already know. Give his body time to rest. Senior animals do need more time to recuperate and build strength, so don't expect anything major as far as mobility improvement for at least two weeks. Try not to compare his recovery to others, he's on his own timeline and will get there. Patience, grasshopper!
Our e-book, How to Help Your Three Legged Cat, has plenty of tips that you'll find helpful. These Tripawd Cat exercises can help too. And don't forget, the Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit , so you've got nothing to lose. Even one visit is helpful.
Welcome again, and stay tuned for feedback from others. Keep us posted!
Can only ditto everything Jerry said.....spot on as usual!
Try to to remember Scooter just had MAJOR surgery. So while trying to recover from that, Scooter is also trying to figure out how to adapt to three. He is using muscles differently and it takes time to strengthen all his joints, muscles, etc and get more fluid in his gait. Recovery from the surgery takes a good sold plus teo weeks. Master the mobility usually comes together in about a month-ish.
SCOOTER IS DOING REALLY WELL!!! Good job...voth of you!!
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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