Breaking skin on amputation stump

jmac2624

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Really hoping someone has some advice for me on this.  I adopted my cat 10 years ago, he was found as a stray with a partial amputation of this back leg.  He has about half his back limb left.  It's never been an issue until the last couple months.  Now that he's aging, he's walking directly on the stump (on hardwood).  He still runs and hops along, but when he's cruising slowly, he walks on it.  He started breaking the skin, and bleeding.  He also constantly licks it, and picks at the skin.

I've tried to wrap his limb in gaze, and that pet bandage, but he'll retract his limb, and the bandage falls loose.   

I'm worried about infection, and obviously the pain.  He's now about 12 years old (exact age unknown), and I don't want to put him through an operation for a full amputation.  What else can I do to protect his limb?  It breaks my heart to see him bleeding and in pain.  

I've attached an image of his stump.  I don't shave the stump, it's always been like that.
Thank you.

Jen
 

stewball

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Although I'm very ignorant about this sort of thing, unfortunately I think he will need further amputation or he'll just carry-on walking on it and causing it to bleed continuously but of course you must speak to the vet, sooner then later. He's in pain.
 
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jmac2624

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Thanks.  I brought it up at my last vet visit in October.  He started walking on it last summer, but the skin was fine.  The vet mentioned surgery might not be recommended because of his age, and the fact that it's not a life threatening issue, but this was before the skin was breaking.  

I was optimistic for some miracle "second skin" cream that stays on even with licking and biting. 
 

Willowy

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There might be something---ask the vet, browse amputee websites, there probably is some product available.
 

catpack

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Firstly, he likely needs to be on an oral antibiotic to prevent infection. So, please have your vet check him out.

The only option I can figure, besides surgery, would be for something that fit over the stump that had a cushy bottom to prevent the pressure sores. The "device" would likely need to fit around his waist so that it wouldn't fall/slip off.

There is a Facebook group called "Leggings for Life" that makes knitted or crocheted "leggings" for special needs animals. They are custom made to each animal's needs. The Leggings are donated by volunteers, so no cost to worry about.

I don't know that this is the best option for your situation.
 
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jmac2624

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Thank you for the information.  Finances are a bit of an issue.  I put enough money away every month to amount to $1000/year, but he needs frequent vet visits and testing due to kidney failure, and he's on an expensive diet due to the kidneys, allergies, and sensitive stomach.  The $1000/year is fully used up.  I have contacted the leggings for life page, and booking a vet appointment to discuss this further.  The sore just got so bad today, I felt I needed to reach out instead of just waiting for Monday to roll around.
 

catpack

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If you haven't already done so, check food prices on Chewy.com. They carry most of the prescription foods that vets use and the prices are often quite a bit cheaper. You do need to provide vet info so that they can verify that your cat has been prescribed the food. (I've never had any issues.)
 
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jmac2624

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I contacted Leggings for Life and they'll be making him his own little leggings to fit over his stump! Now he'll be able to cruise around without breaking the skin. Thanks for the suggestion.
 

catpack

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As a note, were you able to get him to the vet? I just worry about infection due to his pressure sore.
 
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jmac2624

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He's scheduled to see the vet this Saturday.
 
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