Your beloved companion may not necessarily have four legs, so why do we refer to them as four-legged friends? Dogs and cats may be without a third or fourth limb for numerous reasons, including birth defects and car accidents. When faced with the issue of amputation, many owners worry about how their pets will cope. Unlike most humans, animals can adapt very quickly to the situation. If your dog or cat is missing a leg, then realize that it can live a happy life, but there are things you can do to help out!
I was visiting a neighbor’s house the other day when I noticed that their cat was missing a front leg. Intrigued by the situation, I asked my neighbor for details. The cat was hit by a car when he was just a few months old (he was a stray). The owners obtained the cat through a friend, and took him to the vet. The vet performed a partial amputation (the shoulder and part of the leg was still in place). After a few weeks of banging around, the shoulder began to protrude through the skin. The owners had to return the cat to the vet. This time the vet removed the rest of the leg and shoulder. The cat was himself in no time, and acted like to leg was never there in the first place.
There are many animals that wind up in the same situation as my neighbor’s cat. If your pet needs to undergo an amputation, then don’t fret! At first, your pet may be a little wobbly while he is still trying to figure things out. Soon, he’ll get his balance and resume normal activity. Pets are able to quickly compensate for a missing limb. For instance, my neighbor’s cat moves his remaining front paw toward the middle of his body when he’s standing; it helps with balance. Follow your vet’s directions to help your pet quickly recover. Before you know it, things will be back to normal.
There are a few things you can do to keep your pet comfortable. Sometimes, pets with missing limbs develop joint and muscle problems as they grow older, since the other limbs are taking on added weight. Pay attention to how your pet feels. If he doesn’t want to get up or move around, then talk to your vet about the possibility of arthritis. Your vet may recommend controlled exercise or an anti-inflammatory to help with the pain.
As mentioned before, the pet will use his remaining limbs to make up for the load that the amputated limb carried. For this reason, it is important that you keep an eye on your pet’s diet. Weight gain can cause too much stress on body, leading to a number of other problems. Speak with your veterinarian about what type of diet is right for your animal.
If you have a pooch, then you need to pay close attention to his paws. If the dog has not had time to adjust to the new situation, then his paw pads may become dry and cracked. There are creams you can buy at the local pet store that keep the pads hydrated. Nails are another thing to pay attention to. Whether you have a dog or a cat, long nails can hinder mobility, so you need to keep them clipped regularly.
If your pet is unable to easily move around (for whatever reason), then there are products on the market that can help. K-9 Carts makes lightweight carts that can take the place of a pet’s legs. For instance, the cart (made for the front or hindquarters) straps onto the pet’s body. It allows the pet to use his healthy limbs, while replacing paralyzed or amputated limbs with wheels. The animal is able to move around freely, making it easier to go outdoors for walks and playtime.
If your pet is faced with losing a limb, then there is no need to worry. He may move around a little awkwardly at first, but your pet will adapt to the situation in no time. You can help by keeping an eye on your pet. You will need to make sure he is pain free by keeping his weight down and his nails clipped. If your pet needs help moving around, then check out his options; there are many companies that make carts especially for that purpose. No matter what, treat your disabled pet like you would any other: shower him with love and attention!
This article was provided by the authors at pet-super-store.com which is an online pet supplies store that features: dog car seat covers and dog crates.
Tags: Blog by admin
No Comments »