I have a cat who lost her right back leg. What should I do for her long term health and to avoid future spinal problems? Answers at Dogster Answers.

Mon, Mar 7th 2011, 23:13 GMT

I have a dog who is on 3 legs (she has all 4 but was hit by a car when 4 mos. old and lost the use of one back leg). I can tell you that if they survive the loss of the limb, they adapt amazingly well to being "a tripod". My dog can catch rabbits and beat squirrels to trees w/ no problem! I am a bit concerned if your cat is an outside kitty, however. I'm afraid she may one day encounter danger and be reinjured. But I know it is difficult to make an outdoor cat into an indoor one. All my dog's life, we have kept up on her shots and vet care. I have fed her food that has glucosamine/chondroitin in it and as she ages (she's now 8 yrs.)I watch her constantly for any sign of weakening of her back or leg. I watch her weight, give her gentle exercise and of course much love. I've never noticed any back problems. Always maintain a relationship with her vet and don't skip the yearly exams. But I know she'll be fine and she's lucky to have you to love and care about her.

ANSWERED BY

Izadore (Izzie)

Mon, Mar 7th 2011, 07:03 GMT

We fostered a semi-feral kitty who had to have a hind leg amputated several years ago and last we heard from her new family she's still doing just fine with it. Fortunately for Tiggy cats do really well with one back leg and once she's past the initial healing and adjustment it shouldn't cause her much concern for many years. As she gets to be a senior kitty she may be at a higher risk for arthritis in her remaining leg and her hips but that's just something to keep in mind when you talk with her vet, maybe you can get her started on glucosamine supplements when she's middle-aged as a preventative measure.

ANSWERED BY

Kyle

Sun, Mar 6th 2011, 05:44 GMT

cats dont have fixed spines like humans and are extremely flexible so i wouldnt worry to much we had a lot of three legged cats living near us due to some pig who used to set traps! and my exes mum used to take them in she never had a problem with any of their spines one of them was 22 yrs old when he had to be put to sleep with kidney problems so im wishing you and tiggy a long healthy and flexible life!

ANSWERED BY

gracie tatanka