Leg amputation - what to expect: Sláine's Story

Sláine's Story: Foreword

It was suggested by Xocats that I record Sláine's story here so that in the future, it might be of some help to anyone going through something similar.

So - if you're here because you're going through leg amputation or a possible leg amputation with your kitty, this should be some guidelines for what to expect.

Sláine was about 5 months old and had a front leg removed. If you are looking for information on an older cat or a rear leg removal, or just for comparision, make sure to look for Jcribbs "Broken Hip" thread.

I'll break this into several posts to make the story easier to read.

Sláine was either born with her front leg damaged (it had no sensory nerve endings) or it became damaged when she was thrown from the car at a few weeks old. Luckily, someone saw and rescued her and gave her over to the Limerick animal welfare.

The first pic is what she looked like when we first brought her home (September 2004). The second is sometime in November 2004 - probably early November.

In the pictures you might notice that she looks kind of like she's mid walk, but that's always how her right foreleg looked, sort of stuck half folded up under her.

When Sláine went for surgery in December she'd gained enough weight that the pressure from her body was causing her to damage her foreleg, despite our best efforts to protect it. Luckily, she never got it infected, which, because of her lack of sensory nerves in the area, was our main concern.

So, it was with mixed feelings that we dropped her at the vet: sadness, because she would lose her leg and because despite it's damage, she did use it, mainly as a tool; but also relief, because our terror that she would get a serious infection would finally be over.

When we brought her home, I cried: I really felt like we had mutilated her. However, she didn't feel like that - she was soon up and around, into everything (and peeing in the dwarf apple tree that doubles as our Christmas tree). This pictures are taken in the minutes after she got home that evening (it was a day surgery).





Close ups of the wound site:

These days, Sláine, Lady Three Paws, is extremely active and happy.

She has an amazing 5 ft straight up verticle leap and strong back legs. Her lone forepaw has possibly the world's sharpest claws, as she only has to hone one set.

Perhaps most importantly, she still cleans and hunts with her phantom limb - she has an incredible sense of wholeness to her. For her, the removal of the foreleg wasn't mutilation, it was healing, and to her, it's still there.

This is (roughly!) what she looks like now. Apologies for the poor quality, it was taken through glass. This is after one of her 5 foot leaps.

When I had my stray Tommie's back leg amputated -the day I brought him home (2 days after amputation) he jumped over 4 ft to get out of his "recovery area"!!! When I let him outside finally after about 10 days or so-I had to run to catch him. So anyone who is thinking cats don't do very well with three legs-think again they adapt very well!!

Originally Posted by Satai

These days, Sláine, Lady Three Paws, is extremely active and happy.
For her, the removal of the foreleg wasn't mutilation, it was healing, and to her, it's still there.

Click to expand...

Thank you for sharing Lady Three Paws path to wellness.
I have no doubt that someday, a very frightened & confused member, who has a kitty facing amputation,
will read your thread and find hope.

Gail...thanks for sharing Tommie's story.

Both of your kitties are shining examples of how resilient cats are.

And I was worried about my kitty just losing her toes only..I"m glad to see that cats can adapt well!!!