Two weeks ago we felt a large hard growth on Lyla’s (5year old Maine Coon Cat) rear right leg. We took her to the ER Vet and that’s when we were informed an amputation would be necessary if the osteosarcoma hadn’t spread to her lungs. Needless to say it was quite a shock. We were informed it looks quite aggressive. To this day she is still not showing any signs of pain, no limping, still jumping and quite active. The only giveaway would be she hides that leg and grooms it more than usual.
Another concern for us was that at 1 year old Lyla had a FHO (femoral head ostectomy) on the rear left leg where she fell and broke her femur at the growth plates locale. We have been assured it should be able to handle the load and to keep her weight in check.
Last week we visited our Vet office for chest X-rays and blood work. The results were good and Lyla is scheduled for surgery tomorrow. A board certified surgeon will be doing the procedure. She is not allowed food past midnight.
Due to some of the advice on this site I have pre-purchased some supplies: Burt bee’s pet wipes, plain infant Pedialyte, pill pockets, Vetoquinol l-lysine, catmilk, squeeze-up catfood treats, frozen peas for cold compress, organic low-sodium chicken broth, and a low easy entry litter box w swheat scoop litter (which is what we normally use).
We have also transformed my home office into a recovery room. Downloaded an app called baby monitor on the computer and iphones which have child/parent units to watch her when we can’t be present. A futon has been put on the floor so there are no hiding spots that we can’t keep an eye on her or reach her. Also there is a salt lamp for nighttime so we can see in the dark. Lots of comfortable places for her to lay and some familiar toys plus her hairbrushes. Litter area separate from food area. This is also a time to not be afraid to ask for help when you need it, I have a few really great friends who are on call as my husband is out of town for this first week and I will be doing this alone in the beginning. 🤞🏼 All goes well. My gut has been wrenched for weeks now.
Welcome and best wishes for Lyla! Your future blog posts and pages will publish immediately without requiring moderation.
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Lyla and family, welcome. We are so very sorry you found yourself here, but are super glad you decided to start a blog and share your story.
Lyla is GORGEOUS! Wow what a pretty kitty. And no doubt she will be even more beautiful as she amazes you with her fantastic cattitude about living life on three. She will handle it like a champ, animals know how to do that! It’s we who struggle.
As you know osteosarcoma in cats is super rare but the prognosis is soooo much better than it is for dogs. We are looking forward to having you both share many cancer-free years of a long happy life on three with us, so that Lyla can join the ranks of legendary Trikitty cats like Jill the Cancer Fighting Tripawd Kitty.
Keep us posted and don’t hesitate to give us a meow in the Forums if you have urgent questions OK?
Thank you so much. Just trying to figure out how to navigate the site.
Hello there beautiful Lyla!! My name is Erica, I was the mommy to Jill who had osteosarcoma, also in her right leg! You can find her blog in the link Jerry mentioned above – I documented her entire journey there. She lived for almost three wonderful years post amputation before passing (not from the cancer!).
Please let me know if you have any questions at all while you go through this journey. Jill did amazingly well after her amputation and chemo. Please feel free to email me with ANY questions.