My three-legged cat's stump cracks. Is this normal or concerning?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Stitch! I think you are doing the right thing. If her bone density isn't normal then she will have a hard time healing and it will take her longer, could be more painful and put her through more. Amputating the leg will be uncomfortable for her for 5-7 days then she will do great. Cats do well on 3 legs! I wish you the best!

I am so sorry for all of Luna's trauma! I would recommend taking her back to the vet to be evaluated. They may be able to tell if she just has muscle contracture causing her to be unable to bend the foot if or if it's a complication in the joint. Physical therapy may be able to help in some cases but she needs to be evaluated to figure out what may best help her. In the worst case situation if amputation ends up being recommended, three legged cats do remarkably well. I have a 17 year old tripod due to an injury as a kitten. But hopefully it won't come to that. Get her re-evaluated and find out what exercises you can try to help her with at home. good luck to Luna!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear Nova had an accident that caused a leg issue. I would recommend he be re-evaluated by a veterinarian, or even an orthopedic specialist. At his age, it may be permanent, but depending on the type of injury there may be a possibility for a procedure to improve things. Good luck!

Oh, yay for you!!! “Tripods” are awesome. As far as post op complications, if he’s 3 weeks out and the vet at the shelter feels he’s healed well, you don’t have any complications to worry about, per se. Be aware that he can’t defend himself as well, so it is CRUCIAL that he be indoor only. He also won’t be quite as much of a “jumper” as most cats and you may find that he can jump up easily and then hesitate to jump down. If he jumps down from a height and has only 1 leg to land on, he does have an increased risk of injuring that leg; however in a young healthy cat that’s still quite unlikely to be an issue. Do not allow him to get overweight; if he becomes overweight he’s more likely to have mobility and pain problems. Other than that, he’s a totally normal cat!! You will love him so much!! (As he will you!!) Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!!

I would also likely recommend amputation if the wound is not healing as the possible complications and pain involved would likely be much worse than the surgery. Cats do very well with three legs, especially if it is a young cat! If you would like another opinion I would recommend consulting with a boarded surgeon as they have more training in fracture repair. Good luck!

I would have Nubs (love his name!) seen by a vet. Be sure to bring along his litter mates and mother as well. If the stub of the leg is scabbed and may have dried blood on it, it could have been injured and it's worth having it looked at and cleaned by the vet.

We definitely recognize phantom limb pain in animals, just like they do in the human medical field. Especially since there is some fur missing at the stump, and as Sunny is growling, I suspect that is that is going on. Please take her to your vet for some appropriate pain relievers. Also acupuncture may help with this condition, so ask your vet for the names of some veterinary acupuncturists in your area.