Hi Everyone,
I need help. I called the helpline and met the most beautiful person who helped me calm my heart and panic. My cat is 18 years olf. She was diagnosed with soft sarcoma on her front paw . The rec has been full leg amputation or let her live life out till the decision comes. She is fully alive and alert. She cuddles with me and loves to be outside and loves food
She is showing signs of early kidney disease and is hyperthyroid I currently give her methimozole and gabapentin. She has tremendous anxiety around others.
I feel split on this decision. I wonder how she will recover and make it. And will her final time be in adjustment? Is it more ethical to have her feel full in body and not adjust? Right now, time is running out. Her paw has swollen the size of a golf ball and has an access that is about to rupture. I am also moving this Sunday and I am totally freakign out I know when I move I will be able to have her in her own room if I got for surgery, which I do not have now.
My vert moved and during cover I have been to several vets and surgeons
What is everyones experience?
Welcome and best wishes for Pittens! Your future blog posts and pages will publish immediately without requiring moderation.
You will find much more help and feedback in the discussion forums – start a topic in the Three Legged Cats forum for quick inout from other tri-kitty members. Start here for help finding the many Tripawds Resources an assistance programs.
My cat Mona had her front leg amputated at the age of 8 and that was 6 years ago. There have been a number of older cats who had amputations and they managed well. Mona was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease a year ago and she had her blood panel done recently and now everything is normal. So far the kidney disease has not affected her life. The only issue is that she has lost 1 pound since January so I’m watching that – it may have been her winter weight.
Does the vet think your cat will manage well with 3 legs? How is her weight? Mona has arthritis in her lower spine and that may be either due to age or being a tripawd but I hope we can manage the discomfort.
I believe an amputation is ethical if you and the vet believe Pittens still enjoys life and can adapt. Let us know more about Pittens. I may be able to find some stories from older cats.
I understand your need to make a decision quickly with the sarcoma abscessing. It might help if you can start your own topic in the three-legged kitty forum so more will see it.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
I am so sorry to hear of all you have gone through and your little one. Thank you for your kindness and understanding. I just spoke to the surgeon who said that I should seriously think about what I am trying to achieve with amputation and he feels I will regret it.
He stated
1. If her kidney levels are slightly elevated anesthesia could lead to renal failure or serious kidney disease o speed up
2. The grade of her tumour wasn’t on the biopsy. I am trying to get that info and may not be able to.
3. I felt that if I know the grade then I can make a better decision- because I will not amputate and then find out while she is healing that she is dying.
Im so distraught I have been crying I- she has been my whole life- I went through an abusive marriage and family gobe- and she has been my family. I never had children and by the time I felt my marriage I got sick and was told I probably could never have children. But I went through a process with Pattens and my others that we were home. us.
I am so distraught. Im trying to get on the forum I thought this was that.
I am besides myself and her paw is so bad.
I’m so glad we got to talk in the Chat. Gayle, the woman you spoke with, is back in the Chat asking about you. I shared your Forum post with her.
Keep us posted on how things are going and what the folks at AMC say when you speak with them.
No matter what, Pittens knows that she is loved and you have her best interests in mind. There are no right or wrong choices here, the only one that matters is what is in your heart. You’ve got this.
I am so sorry that you are going through this. Your sweet kitty has had a wonderful life with you and whatever you decide, Pittens knows that you love her. My cat Max, not a tripawd, was almost 20 when we had to have him put to sleep due to kidney failure. The decision to say goodbye is heartbreaking, I know. We lost our sweet lab Lucky to osteosarcoma on May 8th, and not a day goes by that I don’t miss him. Ultimately, you will make the decision that is right for Pittens. I encourage you to look at all of your options. I don’t know about this specific type of tumor, but there may be other types of treatments that could keep her comfortable if you decide that amputation is not a good choice e.g. radiation, etc. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
Pam
thank you Pam. Im so sorry for this sadness you have had. I understand it well and you too are in my thoughts.
Pittens is coming home today at 2pm! I heard from the doctor this morning she is walking on 3 legs, eating, drinking, urinating.
I have learnt so much through this…and recognized how damn special this girl is. Strength that is so fierce.
I will post photos during her recovery.
I am so grateful for the new life long friends I have made on this.
Pittens has taught me that Faith and Good is in fact real.
I found your blog! I am so glad Pittens is doing so well. She is a warrior for sure 🙂
Hugs,
Jackie and Huck