Peg-Leg Ari, a Cat Update

[pameladean]

Thanks so much to everybody who commented on the last entry; I really appreciate all the stories and the suggestions both practical and unserious. The splint that they put on my poor Aristophanes goes right up to the shoulder. It thumps when he walks and he has a hard time getting traction on the hardwood. He hates it passionately, and has hissed and spat and cussed at it several times, as well as attempted to chew it off. If chewing off can be done, he will do it. Mercifully, he has tried to go to his usual spots, decided that they are inaccesible with this damnable thing on his leg, spat and cussed, and found himself a corner on the floor where nobody will step on him. We've merely been instructed to confine him to a couple of rooms, or "maybe just to one level, no stairs." I'm not entirely sure how this will interface with my wish to spend large portions of my time with a house guest domiciled on the first floor, but the little gimp can be carried up and down if necessary.

I am seriously wondering if leaving him alone to heal in his own way would not have been better, but am told that he will have a much reduced chance of a permanent limp if we leave this diabolical construction on his leg for, wait for it, four to six weeks.

We'll see how that goes. I know who I'm betting on to win, and he has four feet, even if one of them thumps.

P.

Comments

[matociquala.livejournal.com]

Poor peg-leg....

[asimovberlioz.livejournal.com]

Silly orange cat!

[dragovianknight.livejournal.com]

am told that he will have a much reduced chance of a permanent limp if we leave this diabolical construction on his leg for, wait for it, four to six weeks.


Hahahahahahahahahaha! OMG, your vet's smokin' the good stuff. My sister adopted a cat who needed to have his front leg amputated; he was jumping off things within a week of surgery.

[coffeeem.livejournal.com]

Maybe he's just upset because you forgot to get him the matching eyepatch?

[yhlee.livejournal.com]

*support support*

[dreamshark.livejournal.com]

I think the way the splint actually helps is by focusing the cat's attention for several days while he chews, gnaws, saws, chips, and files it off. At least he's sitting still while he does this. The same effect could have been achieved by teaching him to play computer solitaire.

[tanac.livejournal.com]

thank you!

(still laughing)

[pyrzqxgl.livejournal.com]

Once my mother had a cat declawed, and I remember the wrappings on his paws/legs going up pretty high as well, making him kind of like a mummy and kind of like a ballerina in toe shoes. I'm definitely not in favor of declawing, but it's common enough that it's probably inspired a fair amount of commentary online about dealing with bandaged paws. Anyway, if he likes catnip maybe that would take his mind off it, or there's always the general distract/occupy/calm-cat stories about things like rubbing butter into their fur so they'll be kept busy grooming themselves for a while. Good luck and speedy healing for your kitty!

[kightp.livejournal.com]

I'd suggest an eye-patch to complete the ensemble, but I don't want you getting your face scratched off, what with house guest and all.

(For which may I add, "Woohoo!")

[karenkay.livejournal.com]

I hope he doesn't keep you up all night, thumping!

One of the cats next door, called Tripod, only has 3 legs and gets around remarkably well. I also know a dog who had some hip problem and had to use wheels for his back legs. It's tough at first, as it would be for anyone, but they each have gotten used to their inconveniences.

[dsgood.livejournal.com]

My sympathies to both of you, and the rest of the household!

Re: Peg-Leg Ari, a Cat Update

[pir-anha.livejournal.com]

since your vet lives in a fantasy world of their own (4-6 weeks? hahaha! not even a toothless cat would let the cast last that long), did they share with you methods to inhibit the chewing, or should your lazyweb suggest things? (see, i am asking before outGASsing! *pats self on back*.)

[lcohen]

i feel useless for advice-giving but have lots of sympathy on hand.