Traci,
What is your view on amputation of a cats front leg? The kitty is not
mine but I was caring for her and her sister for friends who go south.
She is 2 years old +- and in good health. We think she fell from the
railing of the loft in a BEAUTIFUL barn. They are barn cats but all the
cats in the world should have this barn and their care. A special room
that is heated to 45 degrees and is all glass around so they can watch
the world in comfort. They can go outside at will. Anyway she broke
her "elbow" in the top and bottom sections and the surgeon specialist
says to amputate the leg. The owners think she should be PTS because
she can't climb, and so on, and she can go outside. I told them I would
not do it yet. They even had a vet coming to get her. She will still be
a barn kitty, so what do you think?
Amputation.
Amputation.
Hugs for everyone, and prayers for those who want them.
Re: Amputation.
Is the surgeon a board-certified specialist? If not, any chance they can get a second opinion from one?
If amputation is warranted due to a fracture that is unrepairable or due to costs, etc, there is NO need to PTS, pets fare well with only 3 legs.
But, they need to commit themselves to her post-op care, meaning, indoors only, pain management as directed/prescribed by the vet, antibiotic therapy, wound monitoring, followup with the vet, suture removal, strict confinement and rest for up to 2 weeks or so. Ideally, she shouldn't be let out again, even though she could fare ok in a controlled environment, she might not in an environment/rural area where other animals could chase her, she wouldn't be able to escape up a tree too well, pouncing through snow would be difficult, catching mice would be difficult, etc etc.
In the best situation, she should be kept indoors only for life. That's not to say she couldn't survive in the barn, but cats leave, or they have to battle the elements, other animals, farm machinery, etc etc.
If amputation is warranted due to a fracture that is unrepairable or due to costs, etc, there is NO need to PTS, pets fare well with only 3 legs.
But, they need to commit themselves to her post-op care, meaning, indoors only, pain management as directed/prescribed by the vet, antibiotic therapy, wound monitoring, followup with the vet, suture removal, strict confinement and rest for up to 2 weeks or so. Ideally, she shouldn't be let out again, even though she could fare ok in a controlled environment, she might not in an environment/rural area where other animals could chase her, she wouldn't be able to escape up a tree too well, pouncing through snow would be difficult, catching mice would be difficult, etc etc.
In the best situation, she should be kept indoors only for life. That's not to say she couldn't survive in the barn, but cats leave, or they have to battle the elements, other animals, farm machinery, etc etc.
..........Traci
Re: Amputation.
I would do the post care Traci. She will always be able to go outside
and this is a natural area with critters. Not a ranch or a farm, but an
isolated large acreage. It is a mile after you go through a locked gate
to the house/barn. They think because she can go out and because of
critters she should be put down. I don't....even if a critter does get her,
and that may be years or never. Do you think I am wrong?
and this is a natural area with critters. Not a ranch or a farm, but an
isolated large acreage. It is a mile after you go through a locked gate
to the house/barn. They think because she can go out and because of
critters she should be put down. I don't....even if a critter does get her,
and that may be years or never. Do you think I am wrong?
Hugs for everyone, and prayers for those who want them.
No, I never advocate PTS because of an amputation, that's just wrong.
But, but, but....you also said they go south, so I assume for long periods of time? Who takes care of and feeds the cats?
If she is happy being in the barn, is acclimated to the outdoors, and if you are going to provide post-op care and ensure her incision is healed completely, with no followup problems, then give her a fighting chance, she can run as fast as a 4-legged cat, but will not be able to climb as fast. (she could still climb, and would have to learn, albeit not as agile as a 4-legged cat)
I grew up with farm cats, one or two with amputations, they did ok, although you know me, I'd prefer they were kept indoors.
Is the barn sufficient enough for her? I mean, can other critters get inside? No chicken coops nearby? If it is sufficient, safe from the elements and larger critters, she might decide to stay in it more often as long as there's sleeping/eating areas etc.
But, but, but....you also said they go south, so I assume for long periods of time? Who takes care of and feeds the cats?
If she is happy being in the barn, is acclimated to the outdoors, and if you are going to provide post-op care and ensure her incision is healed completely, with no followup problems, then give her a fighting chance, she can run as fast as a 4-legged cat, but will not be able to climb as fast. (she could still climb, and would have to learn, albeit not as agile as a 4-legged cat)
I grew up with farm cats, one or two with amputations, they did ok, although you know me, I'd prefer they were kept indoors.
Is the barn sufficient enough for her? I mean, can other critters get inside? No chicken coops nearby? If it is sufficient, safe from the elements and larger critters, she might decide to stay in it more often as long as there's sleeping/eating areas etc.
..........Traci
Re: Amputation.
Traci,
I always take care of them, there are sister cats, when they are
gone. I brought the sister down here for now and I will keep them
together so they remain buddies. This is a magnificent barn with
not a thing out of place....a show place if you will. They have 2
horses that they board in the winter when they are gone. The cats
have a special room that is heated to 45/50 and it is all glass to the
outside so they can watch outside when the weather is bad with a cat
door into it. The barn is huge and clean enough to almost eat from
the floors. There is an office and beautiful bath in it. No chicken coops
at this place. I think she will be fine. I will keep them until they come
home in the spring.
I always take care of them, there are sister cats, when they are
gone. I brought the sister down here for now and I will keep them
together so they remain buddies. This is a magnificent barn with
not a thing out of place....a show place if you will. They have 2
horses that they board in the winter when they are gone. The cats
have a special room that is heated to 45/50 and it is all glass to the
outside so they can watch outside when the weather is bad with a cat
door into it. The barn is huge and clean enough to almost eat from
the floors. There is an office and beautiful bath in it. No chicken coops
at this place. I think she will be fine. I will keep them until they come
home in the spring.
Hugs for everyone, and prayers for those who want them.
Re: Amputation.
Sounds like a kitty's dream.
If you're taking care of her/them, I'm sure they will do fine
But, I assume the owners are gone NOW, so they aren't letting kitty's leg go unattended until they get home, right??!!
If you're taking care of her/them, I'm sure they will do fine
But, I assume the owners are gone NOW, so they aren't letting kitty's leg go unattended until they get home, right??!!
..........Traci
Re: Amputation.
No, I have her and the sister here. The surgeon won't do anything
until Monday. She is on pain patches and is doing fine. Eating, drinking
and using the box. She is getting lots of love and attention here.
Thank you for all the advice Traci.
Donna
until Monday. She is on pain patches and is doing fine. Eating, drinking
and using the box. She is getting lots of love and attention here.
Thank you for all the advice Traci.
Donna
Hugs for everyone, and prayers for those who want them.
Re: Amputation.
Can you keep me updated? An amputation is an extensive surgery and will require good post-op care, I know she will be fine with you, but if you have questions, need support, etc, I'm here, K? While we're on the subject, please make sure the surgeon has a detailed pain management protocol in place when she comes home, some surgeons do this pre and post-op but don't consider the aftercare at home, so make sure she has pain medication coming home with her! And of course, a followup and suture-removal will be required.
She's in my thoughts and prayers for a smooth surgery and recovery! Thank you Mou, for taking such good care of her and her sister!
She's in my thoughts and prayers for a smooth surgery and recovery! Thank you Mou, for taking such good care of her and her sister!
..........Traci
Re: Amputation.
I will keep you informed. She is so sweet, and I just came into the
office from laying on the floor with her....she got on my tummy and
purred up a storm. I know she will be fine. I have never cared for an
amputation, but MANY things that were very serious with horses and
some bad ones with dogs. One of our Danes was attacked by three
dogs and needed over 200 stitches just on his side. They came through
the ranch and we didn't know it until the fight was on.
Merry Christmas Traci. I suppose, like us, you have plenty of snow.
We got another foot at least last night. Bob is plowing and then we
will feed.
Hugs, Donna
office from laying on the floor with her....she got on my tummy and
purred up a storm. I know she will be fine. I have never cared for an
amputation, but MANY things that were very serious with horses and
some bad ones with dogs. One of our Danes was attacked by three
dogs and needed over 200 stitches just on his side. They came through
the ranch and we didn't know it until the fight was on.
Merry Christmas Traci. I suppose, like us, you have plenty of snow.
We got another foot at least last night. Bob is plowing and then we
will feed.
Hugs, Donna
Hugs for everyone, and prayers for those who want them.
Re: Amputation.
Just make sure the vet gives you clear post-op/aftercare instructions, a followup appointment, and pain medication to take home. Keep her strictly confined, soft bedding, and watch her bowel functions closely. The anesthesia, pain meds, etc may cause temporary constipation or she may not produce a stool for a couple days since not eating prior/during/after surgery. Feed canned if possible. If you're concerned about even the slightest thing, call the vet immediately. Watch the incision closely for signs of bruising, oozing of blood or pus, warm to the touch (all demand immediate veterinary attention), and if she's licking at sutures/staples, best to have an e-collar for her.
Yes we have plenty of snow, I'm so sick of it, sick of the cold, sick of the snow, and sick of the windchills.
Yes we have plenty of snow, I'm so sick of it, sick of the cold, sick of the snow, and sick of the windchills.
..........Traci