Amputated front paw, won't eat

My cat had surgery last tues and had her paw amputated. She ate when she got home, not alot but she entertained the idea and did a little. She took cheese from me (it was a small amount of squeeze just so she could taste) and treats, but now she won't take anything. I called my vet, they didn't call back, they r pretty aweful, I'll go there tomorrow but I need to know what I should do if anyone has a suggestion. What I have done so far is start giving her kitten milk and water via syringe along with the pain medicine and antibiotics. Anyone ever do thay b4? Should I be alarmed? I feel like she's mad and not used to the medicines but who knows. It's not like she will tell me ;-) thank you for any advise I am super dedicated to making her feel better if I can.

She definitely needs to be eating something, and kmr and water are better than nothing.  Why was the paw amputated?

I would ask for an appetite stimulant and nutrical calorie paste at the vet tomorrow.  Also high calorie food that you can syringe feed for the time being.

She had a malignant tumor, i really should say leg, not paw.  The tumor was on her paw. I will ask for that at the vet tomorrow. I'm pretty mad at them for not calling me back but I'm trying to stay calm she is 12 so i worry.. They have not been the best place for sure, not the worst by far but they are also very busy so i am not and will not complain. Thanks again i thought the same thing that its better then nothing and was hoping it would stimulate her appetite. im also worried about her dehydrating so thats y i started the water. its been a very tought week. thank you for responding.

I'm sorry to hear all of this, but glad you were able to take action against the cancer.  Yes, she absolutely needs to be eating to prevent fatty liver disease.  You can also try warming her food to make the smell really strong or feeding her tuna in water.  Meat baby food that doesn't have garlic or onion in it is another trick.  Anything that might get her interested could help!

Thank you I'm going there tomorrow and I will go to the store and pick up some baby food for sure.. she gets to stop taking the meds tomorrow so I'm hoping that helps too. Then the cone and stitches next week. She's still figuring out how to walk again tho. Thanks for the advise it is much appreciated.

Try some tuna water mixed in with the food...or tuna..

I know they sell "Solid Gold Cat Tuna" at Petco. It is very good..and stinky.

Artie loves it.

When he refuses that, I know he is very sick....

So sorry your kitty had to go through that.

It's been over a week since her surgery - How long has she gone without eating? Longer than a day or two is too long! Initially, pets won't eat right away because, well.... they just don't feel good (if you've ever had major surgery, you know what I mean). Other reasons could be because of the anesthesia - it leaves them with a dry mouth and sometimes a decrease in taste and smell. Because of her age, she might be having a difficult time recouping from the anesthesia. The medication could have a bearing on her appetite also. She has been traumatized, both physically and emotionally. Not just by the surgery, but by the car ride to and from the vet, waking up in a strange environment surrounded by smells and noises and people she doesn't know; not to mention trying to comprehend the loss of her foot/leg. 

Also, has there been any vomiting at all? (possibly due to constipation, side effect of medications, and/or general fear related to the surgery and all she's been through). 

Have you checked her for dehydration? On humans, you check by pulling up the skin on the back of your hand - if it snaps right back, you are ok; if it returns slowly or 'tents', you are dehydrated. On a cat, you pull up on the scruff of their neck to see how quickly it snaps back. She might very well need to be taken back to the vet for I.V. fluids. 

Has she been pooping and peeing normally? She could be constipated secondary to the pain meds and decreased fluids, which could bring on a whole other issue or issues. 

When syringe feeding her, be sure she is in an upright position (not held while on her back - cradled like a baby. That's not a natural position for her to eat and it could also induce aspiration into her lungs. Tuna, or just the water off the tuna, might entice her (both my Boys refuse tuna in any form). You might want to get her some pate` type food and add some water to it and squish it up with a fork to make a slurry type mixture that she can lap rather than chew. You can also syringe feed it if necessary. Try giving her some juice from canned chicken packed in water. My Boys both love that and I give them some as a treat just to increase their fluid intake. If you warm her food in a microwave, please be sure to check the temp like you would for a baby's bottle. There could be 'hot spots'. Stir it to distribute the warm. Put her food in a shallow dish so she can access it easily. If she is wearing a cone she might be avoiding eating from her deeper dish because it is blocking her vision of her surroundings. Cats like to be able to see what is going on around them when they eat to be assured there are no 'predators' sneaking up on them (especially since she is injured and feels vulnerable).

She needs to be comforted - turn off or decrease the volume of the TV, keep the lighting low, play some very soft, soothing music (harp music seems to work) - you can find 'nature' music on iTunes or Spotify also. Lay next to her on the floor and sooth her - don't hover over her or crowd her space. Petting and gentle stroking can help stimulate her appetite. Give her a gentle massage (avoid the area of her surgery). Take a soft (microfiber) cloth moistened in warm water and gently wipe her face (remember how good that felt when you were a child?) - this is similar to her 'mommy cat' licking and grooming her. Talk and/or sing softly and sweetly to her. If she is hiding or has sought out a 'safe place', take her food to her as opposed to taking her to the food.

Call your vet and firmly let them know your concerns and stay on the line until you speak with a vet! If your vet takes walk-ins, take her in. If they don't cooperate, I would surely call another vet and get a second opinion; especially since you expressed 'they are pretty awful'. You can still call around to a couple different vets and tell them what is going on - some might offer suggestions or have you bring her in to them for an evaluation. 

I hope some of this has helped. Please, keep us posted on her progress!

Well thank you everyone, I have some bad news. She is having trouble with her liver and has been admitted into the kitty hospital. I'm praying the cancer hasn't spread.

I'm sorry that your kitty is in the hospital. I don't think it is the cancer directly. Often times when a cat doesn't eat enough calories for a few days it gets what is called fatty liver disease. Basically the body breaks down the fat reserves and these particles clog the liver filters. They are more than likely doing iv fluids and syringe feeding. Its good that you didn't wait any longer. Hope that everything clears up. I am sure you are very worried. Sending every good thought and positive energy for your kitty.

Please keep us posted on how your little one is doing.

Well her white cell count is down today but still VERY high and her kidneys too, her mood is improved alot when I went to see her and the nurse said that too. They want to do an exploritory because she does think it's the cancer that has spread. That's scheduled for tomorrow along with adding a feeding tube.

(((Hugs))))) and all the good   I can send

Just wanted to let you know that you are both in my thoughts.  You are a great advocate for your cat and are doing everything you can.  I am glad you took her back to the vet.  Hugs and much love headed your way during this difficult time.

Thinking of you and your kitty! [emoji]128149[/emoji]

Oh my goodness, I am sending my strongest healing vibes for your baby. I'm so sorry she had to go back in, you will be in our prayers.

Sending healing thoughts we have lost too many beautiful souls lately 

Thank you everyone. Its not looking good. When they opened her up she didnt have any tumors or obvious signs of the cancer. She did however say that all the symptoms point to it. She had fluid in her abdomen so they were not exactly hopeful with the feeding tube but said that some animals are very resilient so there is a chance she might recover. Its a small chance. Im trying it, if it doesnt work ill send my baby over the rainbow bridge. This is my frist cat ever, never had and animials growing up so this is like unreal i have no idea wbat to do. And then theres my other cat. What do i do get him a friend? I dont really want another pet but they been together 12 years now, never apart, this is the first time they havent slept in the same place. i dont want him to have a broken heart and die too. It would be so amazing if she just got better now.

Oh I'm so sorry she has fluid in her abdomen, did the vet say it was ascities?  (I lost my girl to pancreatic cancer; some of her symptoms sound like your kitty's)   My heart goes out to you, you are doing all you can for your precious baby.

Cats can rally, but even if there is no miracle, you did everything that could be done.  It is the most final act of love to understand when their pain and suffering has become too much, but it is the absolute hardest thing we have to do.  Sending you so much love and hugs and strength vibes... I am positive your kitty knows this and loves and appreciates all you have done.

You will be in my heart and prayers and thanks for the update.

I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty, sending prayers your way.

ohh, I am so sorry to hear about the fluid in the belly...not a good sign..

Must be breaking your heart...I cannot imagine...

You have and are doing the right thing..you have given her 12 good years....12 years of love...and you continue to do so..You are a loving person...know that..realize that...you are doing what your heart knows is right...You baby knows you love her and are trying to help, as best as you can....((hugs)))

I am sending good wishes to you and your baby...

Please send us an update, when you are able to....

we will all be waiting to hear from you...

((((Hugs))))