3 Legged Cat

[Charlies Mum]

My cat has recently broken 4 bones in his leg. The vets have managed to pin one of the bones but it is being left to a splint to try and repair the other 3 bones as they couldn't pin them at the time. He is going to be xrayed on Monday and we have to make the decision that if the bones are not repairing should the vets try and pin them again or should we just amputate. Please let me know your views because it's a hard decision to make.

[lankeela]

Sorry to hear this, but cats manage quite well on three legs.

Obviously take the vets advice, but I wouldn't worry if you have no choice but to amputate.

[lankeela]

I didn't actually answer your question! If it were my cat, I think if the bones had not knitted with the splint I would not put the cat through the pain and discomfort of trying to pin it, and would go for the amputation. Once the leg has gone there would be no more pain or discomfort and it would soon learn to walk on three legs. If you pin it, you don't know how much it is going to hurt and how long it will take to mend.

Lets hope the splint works.

[Charlies Mum]

Thanks for replying we are thinking amputation may be best because if he has it pinned again the he has to be sedated every 3 days for 8 weeks to have the dressing changed and I think this would cause him a lot of distress.

[paddywak]

Some years ago my nephews cat disappeared, much to the distress of the family. It eventually turned up in a very distressed condition after being caught in a snare, injuries which resulted in one of his back legs being amputated. He is now nearly 10yrs and to see him move you wouldnt know he'd lost a leg, so as lankeela says, if the worst comes to the worst better to amputate then to possibly condem him to a life of pain and discomfort.

[shaunnajadel]

i'd agree on whichever causes the cat less distress, i'm sure your vet will have good advice :)

[wolf63]

My last dog used to try and chase a three legged greyhound about the park. He never got even near to it.

I am sure that your cat would cope without its leg and still be able to do all the usual cat things.

[Kimmiebear]

I happen to have a three legged cat and he manages just fine, they tend to be ok as long as it's a backleg since most of their weight in on the front two, though i can't say that they DONT manage with a missing front one, i've just never seen one.