Post-Amputaton Days 3-9

On July 11, Artie's front left arm had to be amputated (background in http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=233369). Artie hated his cape. I'd read about other people using baby shirts in place of capes/cones after amputations or tumor removals. With my vet's approval, I modified a newborn's onesie (sewed up the area over the amputation site and sewed the neck a bit tighter). Artie was very happy to be rid of the cape.

Post-amputation day 3


Post-amputation day 4


Post-amputation day 5 (my favorite photo!)


Post-amputation day 6


Post-amputation day 7


Post-amputation day 8


Post-amputation day 9


Tomorrow: Artie gets his stitches out and can hopefully say good-by to his onesies forever!

What a beautiful boy! Doesn't look like he minds the onsie either. How's he handling the lack of limb? Does he even seem to notice?

The "mommy loves me" onesie picture is adorable!!!

Awww....the poor thing! He doesn't seem to mind at all! He is a really beautiful boy!

Originally Posted by AimerLee

The "mommy loves me" onesie picture is adorable!!!

Click to expand...

Actually, I think they're all adorable. But that one is particularly adorable!

Artie is one beautiful boy! His eyes are amazing!!!! It sure looks like he's taking all in stride - and he looks bright-eyed, content, and... happy! So how is he doing?

Glad to see Artie is doing well. Artie probably won't miss them, but those onesies are really cute, heh.

Artie is doing great! The vet told me that animals adapt very quickly to the amputations and don't have the same attachment to the limbs or phantom pain that humans have. I was still worried about the adjustment period, though. Mostly about the psychological components: Would Artie be scared by what happened? Depressed? Angry at us?

Nope! None of the above. He's been his normal happy self. I've noticed the last couple of days he's been a bit more subdued. I thought he was depressed at first but later realized he's probably mostly bored and wants out of his cage and room NOW! I try to let him out of his cage as often as I can (his cage is in a back bedroom, so I close the door when I can let him out of the cage and supervise him). He loves romping with his siblings when they visit (I have to pull him back because he's his normal rowdy self).

The first 1-2 days he was somewhat wobbly on his feet and would stumble. By days 4-5 he had his walk down (a cute hybrid of a cat/bunny walk) and was even running (loves his food!). Artie was disabled before and his leg must have been fairly uncomfortable before the amputation (although he never displayed signs of pain and was still his overactive kitten self). I think losing that leg must have been somewhat of a relief for him. My husband thinks Artie is moving around better now than he did with his disabled leg.

I had expected to see a longer adjustment period (learning to walk and still trying to use his missing limb). I'm sure he knows that arm is gone, but he doesn't seem to miss it in any way.

Originally Posted by Draco

What a beautiful boy! Doesn't look like he minds the onsie either. How's he handling the lack of limb? Does he even seem to notice?

Click to expand...

Originally Posted by Ducman69

Glad to see Artie is doing well.

Artie probably won't miss them, but those onesies are really cute, heh.

Click to expand...

Too true! The funny thing was shopping for the onesies. I've always thought it a bit silly when people get caught up in the pink for girls/blue for boys thing, but I found myself getting completely caught up in it--getting outfits that were blue or had little cars and trucks all over them! I felt so guilty I did finally get him a couple of pink outfits. My husband agreed that "Daddy's Little Girl" and "Daddy's Little Princess" were not appropriate for Artie and would have been more than a little bit odd.

Oh my lord, how beautiful he is! I have a weakness for black and white kitties and Artie is gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. He looks so happy in your photos, I am sure that he feels a million times better. Your photography is superb!

He looks good in his "mommy loves me" shirt

I bet Artie is waaaay more comfortable now than he was before the amputation. He is a gorgeous boy, I just want to pick him up and squeeze him!!!

Oh my goodness, absolutely LOVE all of the onesies as well, so precious!! Keep up the great healing Artie!

That boy is beautiful, just beautiful! And your pictures are wonderful. Love his onesies! You've done such a good job with your little boy! He's one happy kitty, even without his paw.

I actually changed them 2x/day. He never had any leakage from the amputation site, but it helped ease my fears of a possible infection.

Originally Posted by zoeysmom

"I'm gonna take really good care of this paw now! Keep it nice and clean!"

Artie is too cute and his onesies are adorable. Did you buy him a different one for each day? He is so lucky to have such a good mom!

Click to expand...

Originally Posted by AimerLee

The "mommy loves me" onesie picture is adorable!!!

Click to expand...

I agree!!

Originally Posted by AimerLee

The "mommy loves me" onesie picture is adorable!!!

Click to expand...

I thought that was so adorable too!

That's wonderful that he's done so well recovering. What a lovely boy. He reminds me of my Pushkin, so I feel especially pleased that he's doing well.

He is absolutely ADORABLE!!!!!! What a lucky boy to have you!!! I love his onesies especially the mommy loves me!!!!!

I'm glad Artie's doing so well so quickly!

And yeah, he's just too cute in those little outfits!!

WOW he looks like he is doing great! What a cutie pie too! Great job meowmy!