Amputation Question

javen217

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Oct 28, 2012
Messages
6
Purraise
1
I had previously posted this

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/324376/rescue-cat-with-radial-nerve-damage

Just a quick update.  She is doing very well.  She still uses the "bad leg" as a crutch.  But she runs, plays, etc. and it doesn't seem to stop her.  She's so fully of energy and love.  She loves to cuddle all the time by snuggling under my chin.  She won me over the minute I brought her home.

My question is if she has no use of her foot/leg other than using it as a sort of crutch should I get it amputated?  Reason being is when she uses the litter box, it gets in the way and then I need to wash her.

There is a slight sore on her foot where it drags on the ground.  And she's constantly cleaning it and stuff as if it bothers her or she realizes something is wrong with it.

She is around 4 months old, I think.  I have it written down at home.  She may be 5 months old.  At the time of her first Vet visit, the vet said once she got "bigger" they could do the surgery.  Does anybody know how big she should be?

Also, on her 2nd visit, the vet said she should be approaching the age where she goes into heat and should get her spayed.  Should I maybe wait until then and if she's big enough get both surgeries at the same time?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.
 

mrsgreenjeens

Every Life Should Have Nine Cats
Staff Member
Advisor
Joined
Aug 13, 2009
Messages
16,391
Purraise
7,131
Location
Arizona
I honestly think these are all questions for the Vet.  I would think, though,that if there is absolutely  no feeling in that leg, if it is totally useless, then it should come off, especially if sores are developing on it.  As to when, if it should be combined with her spay job, etc, the Vet is the most qualified to answer.

I'm so glad she's doing well
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #3

javen217

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Oct 28, 2012
Messages
6
Purraise
1
Thanks.  I know that's what I need to do, just really worried about her.
 

Willowy

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 1, 2009
Messages
31,886
Purraise
28,287
Location
South Dakota
Dead limbs can easy become infected/necrotic, so usually it's best to amputate them. It's really easier to get around without dragging a dead leg too.

Also, I recommend finding out where the vet intends to amputate. . .it's usually best to remove the limb at a joint. I thought most vets knew that but I've been hearing stories of animal amputees whose vets cut through a bone and now they suffer from the bone breaking through the skin plus a lot of other side effects. So that's worth asking about.
 

stephanietx

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Dec 1, 2005
Messages
14,772
Purraise
3,491
Location
Texas
I'm glad she has you to love her.  It's obvious that you only want what's best for her.  I,too, would encourage you to discuss all these questions with the vet.  My concern is that the sore might not heal up or it will continue to open up over time.  If she can live without that leg, then I think it would be better amputated.  She probably wouldn't have any issue compensating for the lost limb since she doesn't use it much anyway.
 
Top