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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Yoda (Cat) 10-yr Old Front Leg Amputation - Recovery Story
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Member Since:
1 March 2023
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16
22 March 2023 - 7:41 pm
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Latest update on Yoda's recovery!

Well, we finally got conclusive results back from the vet on what the cause of Yoda's bone disintegration was. They were unable to determine whether it was cancer or infection based on the X-rays, but were fairly confident it was cancer for various reasons I won't get into.

Well, they were wrong. He had osteomyelitis. The vet said that based on lab results it had existed for quite some time and the damage was extensive. He said that it was highly unlikely they'd have been able to save the leg in any case. Well, it's done now and the good news is that he doesn't have the pain from the bone infection and he is not a recovering cancer patient, so it's not going to show up elsewhere in his body.

Aside from the histology, we are all getting used to a new normal. Yoda is moving around, eating, etc. The biggest challenge now is addressing his boredom. He LOVES the outdoors and I think he is likely a little depressed that he can't go outside. In fact, he DID escape earlier this week at nighttime when someone unexpectedly knocked on our door. I was a wreck for the 2 hours until his return (unscathed).

One question: I've noticed a bit of strange behaviour from him. Last night he was grooming and then suddenly started biting at his tail and made a very strange noise unlike his normal mewing. When I touched his tail, he jumped and looked distressed. He's made the same strange noise two times since then ...i wasn't watching him when he made the noises, so not sure if it was related to a physical pain, but it has me worried. During this whole ordeal and his previous eyei injury, he suffered through his pain in silence, so these weird noises are concerning. Is it normal for cats recovering from amputation to have sudden pains?  

Thanks again for your guidance and support, it means the world to me! 

The Rainbow Bridge



Member Since:
25 April 2007
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22 March 2023 - 10:32 pm
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Getting that final diagnosis has got to feel like a relief right? At least now you know, and since the bone was already beyond saving, at least you know there were no other options. Now, the new normal.

And yeah of course he is going to be bored. You know what to do though, and you're good at reading him so you've got all the tools you need to help him navigate his new normal. I'm SO glad he came home. Yikes! He was probably like "Well duh, of course I was going to make it back. I'm still the same crazy boy you always loved!"

The behavior sounds like it's nerves randomly firing. Maybe phantom pain striking to some degree. Humans describe it as mild and unexpected electric shocks. Or, he could just have super sensitivity to the area, so when you touched the area, he felt hyper sensitive to the touch. I would keep an eye on it and see how it plays out. He could probably benefit from some extra pain management and dry needling acupuncture, which helps reset and calm nerves for many amputees (humans and animals).

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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23 March 2023 - 8:27 pm
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Whew!  So glad he came home fit and fine!!  Probavly  did wonders for his emotional  well being, so not a bad thing 

Yeah, as Jerry said, check into the phantom pain description.   The nerves are still figuring out where to send unneeded signals since the leg is no  longer there.

Give that special boy some ear scritches for us.

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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