Minnie has lost a leg
Discussion
Minnie our 13 month old Black cat came home on Sunday evening with a very nasty wound on her right shoulder. She had a hole about 3-4 inches wide with a bone sticking out of it. She had struggled home at about 10:20pm and howled at "her" Bedroom door. I found my daughter in shock just saying "Minnies bleeding" and went to find her upstairs with the injury. I just grabbed her and we went straight to the emergency vet's in Morley were they sedated her and cleaned the wound. Our own Vet picked her up this morning and having checked the wound decided they would have to amputate. She is now recovering and has eaten. We should be able to pick her up tomorrow and bring her home. It seems that she got her leg caught and literally tore it off getting free. We are all pretty shook up as living where we do she has little danger from cars and Felix spent over 10 years here with no mishaps. All I can think of is that her fearless nature meant she trapped her leg where other cats wouldn't go. Hopefully she'll be OK and thank god for pet insurance. My daughter is missing her like mad and she'll get a lot of fuss when she gets back.
Round our way there's a lovely Persian ( of smashing temperament - it has to be ,as she's made my old grump like her ,that's my Cairn ,who hates most cats, but not this one, as it's owner tells me that it was brought up with dogs)with three legs. It's amazing to see the cat get around. Very agile, and it could defend it's self against a dog if needed , though it's too likely to out stare a dog.
Millie is going to do fine. Losing a front leg is a bit tougher than losing a hind leg but she will adapt. It'll take her a bit of time and she may seem a bit stressed initially (from the accident and the loss of limb).
In the long term keep her slim to help reduce strain on other joints.
How old is your daughter?
She may be a bit shocked and upset by Millie's appearance initially (even if you have warned her) It'll be made worse because there will be a load of hair shaved over the shoulder area etc plus stitches and may be some bruising. It'll improve quickly and once the hair is back it'll less obvious (it's amazing how easy it is to not realise a cat has only 3 legs when they are sat down, asleep etc)
Anyway I just wanted to prepare you that whilst your daughter may seem ok about it all don't be too distressed if her reaction is more than you expected. She will get used to Millie's new look very quickly
.
Sending speedy recovery wishes to Millie.
In the long term keep her slim to help reduce strain on other joints.
How old is your daughter?
She may be a bit shocked and upset by Millie's appearance initially (even if you have warned her) It'll be made worse because there will be a load of hair shaved over the shoulder area etc plus stitches and may be some bruising. It'll improve quickly and once the hair is back it'll less obvious (it's amazing how easy it is to not realise a cat has only 3 legs when they are sat down, asleep etc)
Anyway I just wanted to prepare you that whilst your daughter may seem ok about it all don't be too distressed if her reaction is more than you expected. She will get used to Millie's new look very quickly
. Sending speedy recovery wishes to Millie.
telecat said:
She's At the Vets now having been taken home overnight by one of the vets. I will be picking her up at 5-ish and we'll see how she does.
You will be amazed at how well she recovers and just how active she will still be.Give her cuddles from us (looks just like one of our moggies)
A neighbour's cat across the road had to have a front leg amputated. She seems to get around just fine, a bit hoppy but she manages. I've seen her trying to 'cover up' after going to the toilet, and she doesn't do as well as a normal cat does, and does the pawing motion with her shoulder, despite not having a leg there! Habit I guess.
Poor Minnie, get well soon!
Poor Minnie, get well soon!
Sorry to hear about your cat, as other people have said before they can adapt very quickly. Podger (at least 16 years old) had to have a front leg amputated due to a growth. He had his operation at the beginning of March and he's doing amazingly well, his fur has just started growing in again. He's able to do most things as normal, the only difference was that he had limited mobility before his operation (he couldn't put weight on his paw for a few weeks) which strengthened the shoulder muscles on his good leg. He's not a very active cat but he does love sunbathing and he still gets treated with respect by the dogs (even if he is on their bed!)
Here's a couple of photos of Podger from last night, best of luck to your cat
Here's a couple of photos of Podger from last night, best of luck to your cat
She's OK. She was pleased to have her home and felt the damage wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. She is seventeen and it's her first "big" pet. Cuddling is going to be a gentle affair until she's sure she is OK. Pain relief is once a day and she does like the oral solution so no problems there. One of the Antibiotics is wolfed down the other spat out so we could have a struggle there. We'll see how it goes. Many Thanks for all the advice and encouragement and here looking forward to a full recovery!!
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