Amputation

Our cat, Sassy, is 15 years old in August. We have had her since she was a kitten. She is an indoor cat and rather passive. In late 2006 she was diagnosed with a benign growth on her right foot. Test were done and the Vet indicated that it was a slow growing growth but that it would eventually grow into the bone and the only choice would be amputation. She has been doing fine up until last week when an abcsess appeared. We took her to the Vet and he said this would the predicted outcome. He made incessions into the abscess and saw her back last Friday. There was no infection but he said when the growth begins this it will just continue. She went back Friday and he said he would need to amputate the leg - this is scheduled for Tuesday of next week. I am so torn - her blood work indicates she is very healthy. She purrs when petted and seem happy with the exception of her sore foot. She has lost 2 lbs (starting from 13lbs) in a week. I would like to get opinions on amputation at her age. I am sick to think about her learning to deal with 3 legs at 15 year old. Any comments would be very much appreciated. Thanks, Renee

2 lbs in a week scares me. Is he certain it is non-cancerous, and that it hasn't spread elsewhere in her body?

The 2 lbs in a week, with a good blood panel confuses me.

The blood panel was excellend and showed no cancer. She has this horrible bandage on her foot and it is very difficult for her to get around. The Vet reports the condition is a non cancerous growth that develop into the bone of her foot. Her foot is about 2-3 times the normal size. I think she is quite uncomfortable and has lost some appetite but she is still eating a little.

There is no infection present? That was to be my next thought - abscess = infection, infection = loss of appetite. I'm at a loss here, I have a thought, I just can't get it out to where it makes sense to the rest of the world right now.

The only amputations I've seen are on shelter kitties, and they were all under 2 years of age at the time.

No infection. When the incisions were made the fluid present was clear on Monday and again on Friday. Problem is that the growth in now into the bone and will eventually affect blood supply to the foot. Additionally, the size is such that she is limping. Essentially, the Vet felt the loss of weight was simply do to the procedure done Monday and the large tight bandage on her foot. I guess my issue is at almost 15 year old but in great health and a generally very happy cat do I proceed with amputation. I just can't think of putting her down unless that is the more humane thing as opposed to amputation.

My concern would be the lost weight prior to doing surgery.....but if the blood panel came back clear - there is, IMO, no reason to not amputate. Yes - she'll take longer to recover than a younger kitty, but you are right - there is no reason to put her down if she's otherwise healthy!

Reneeinca1, I'd like to ask you, did your vet do a whole body ultrasound?

About the blood work results. Something you may not realize. Blood work results don't necessarily show anything (grossly) abnormal when a cat has cancer. So blood work results that look good can give you a false sense of security.

Please, consider my advice. It comes from the heart. Take Sassy to a board certified orthopedic surgeon. She is 15 years old and this is an incredibly serious situation. And amputation is one of the most serious surgeries there is. So in Sassy's best interest, make sure that nobody but a board certified orthopedic surgeon performs surgery on her. Board certification ensures a level of skill and experience veterinarians that are not board certified simply don't have. When it comes to certain surgeries a board certified surgeon can be the only choice. The pet's life literally depends on the skill of the surgeon.

I'm very worried about your kitty and I'm sending many prayers for her.

When did she last have bloods done? If it was before the weight loss, I woudl have them redone before making any decisions. I have had two cats with cancer, one had inhouse tests and all looked perfectly fine, but we could feel the mammary gland lumps and also a lumpy womb. The second looked suspicious but not sure why, so lab ones were done that 'indicated' lymphoma or FIP, it would have needed more to fully confirm, but she was very poorly (was pts 3 weeks later), so didn't go down that route.

I have had a leg amputation done on an 11yo cat, the vet was very reluctant, but she had multiple issues with that leg, so it was amputate or let her go. She did recover very well and within days of coming out of cage rest (10 days after), she could master the stairs and the bed, so was allowed outside, and coped really well. It was my normal vet who did hers, and she did a very good job, but I Woudl make sure they have experience, and put her on a drip throughout, it adds a bit on to the price, but well worth it.