LIMB AMPUTATION

If your cat has ever been injured in a road accident you know how upsetting and distressing it can be.

Nevertheless, many cats, if given the right treatment, can recover well, even if the treatment means amputation of a limb.

Immediate procedure following a road accident

Your cat will need urgent veterinary attention. It is important that the victim is moved as little and as gently as possible. A coat makes a handy stretcher to place your cat on when moving it. Support the head gently, but a little lower than the rest of the body to ensure the blood still flows to the brain, therefore preventing brain damage. Also try to keep your cat quiet and warm on the way to the surgery.

Loss of Limb

Limb amputation is actually a fairly common procedure performed in cats, whether it is due to a car accident or a diseased limb. Don't worry if you think your cat is too old or too young for the procedure. Amputation can be carried out on cats of all ages. Older cats may take a little longer to adapt.

Pain-killers (analgesics) are important before, during and after the amputation. These are given by your vet to ensure your cat is comfortable throughout the procedure.
The majority of cats are up and about the day following the amputation.

You may be aware initially that your pet is struggling to cope after its amputation, but cats recover rapidly and it will soon learn to adapt to life on three legs. In time you will find that your cat has learnt to compensate well for the changes in weight distribution and it will soon be walking, and even running again without any problem.

Amputation may be recommended for various reasons:

a) A road accident – Amputation will be performed when multiple fractures occur to the tendons, ligaments and muscles of the limb.

b) A tumour – When a limb tumour is detected amputation may be the only safe way of stopping the disease and preventing it from spreading to other parts of the body.

Sage, the cat in the photo, was involved in a road accident, and amputation was the only solution for her. She is five years old and is coping very well indeed to her new life on three legs. She can run and play as well as any cat, and has even mastered tree climbing.