Topic: Help End of Jijo's Tail Amputated ! (Read 9871 times)

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #50 on:** October 23, 2009, 21:00:32 PM »

Thats great, well cept for the fighting and caked in mud bit LOL

carolynl · « **Reply #49 on:** October 23, 2009, 20:50:10 PM »

Just to update everyone.

Jijo went back to the vets on Tuesday. I explained that he was still going for his tail when he wasn't wearing the collar and the vet said it could be phantom limb, which they treat with Valium

or it could just be a period of adjustment, and he needs to get used to his new shaped tail. Anyway, the vet pulled off the scab because it was only attached be some hair and the wound was completely healed underneath.

He told me to leave the buster collar on until the next day because Jijo would feel irritated by the scab being pulled, and then just to let him have more access to his tail

I was a bit worried but I took off his collar on Wednesday and all he did was take a good long sniff at his tail and then he just left it alone

so i think it must have been the scab pulling on the hairs that was upsetting him.

Anyway, he is OK with his 'new tail' so I let him out yesterday and guess what. He promptly got into a fight, came home caked in mud and limping, had a big meal and went to sleep. Aah the relief of being back to normal again

So thanks everyone for all your advice and support,

from me and the Jeej.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #48 on:** October 16, 2009, 20:02:25 PM »

Yes I think its worth asking foir some more metacam until the tail heals properly and then if he is still having probs this will need discussion with the nice vet

Janeyk · « **Reply #47 on:** October 16, 2009, 19:56:12 PM »

I'm sure that things will feel strange for Jijo for a while like you say humans do still feel missing limbs for a while after and then there's the general healing which can be irritating, hopefully things will soon settle down

Starpixie · « **Reply #46 on:** October 16, 2009, 16:58:30 PM »

Poor little guy
It's so stressful for us when our kitties are ill, a lot of the time more so for us than them!
Hopefully he'll soon get used to it

carolynl · « **Reply #45 on:** October 16, 2009, 13:01:12 PM »

Gill

I have to watch him like a hawk when he hasn't got his collar on.

He stares at the end of his tail, then he suddenly goes for it

It's as if he doesn't know what it is.

It is really worrying me that he is going to have problems for the rest of his life.

OH thinks that he may have Phantom Limb Syndrome, like you were saying. I hope not as this can be impossible to get rid of.

I am hoping that it is just uncomfortable and itchy and that once the scab has gone this will stop.

I am wondering whether to ask the vet for some more metacam. Do you think this will help him through until the wound has completely healed?

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #44 on:** October 15, 2009, 14:22:21 PM »

Please watch him with that tail cos it would be terrible if he lost all of it cos of mutilation. He may have been able to feel the missing bit.

I do hope he gets used to his new tail

carolynl · « **Reply #43 on:** October 15, 2009, 09:08:00 AM »

Thankyou all for your kind advice and support

We took Jijo's buster collar off for about 4 hours yesterday evening and he did try to bite his tail once or twice but it was more as if he didn't recognise it as part of him, as if he thought it was something following him and he was warning it off. Does that make sense?

The rest of the time he just cleaned himself and slept, so it looks promising.

Anyway I will let you all know how he gets on over the next few days.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #42 on:** October 13, 2009, 19:39:40 PM »

So pleased the vet was so much better and hope you have the names of each for future visits......................in years to come

I suspect that with only the tip of the tail gone Jijo will be OK and best to follow the vets advice

I know that cats like humans an amputated limb can still cause probs even after its gone and I have a 3 legged cat who has been fine as far as I can tell, and I guess to a cat that a tail is a limb

Wibblechick · « **Reply #41 on:** October 13, 2009, 17:37:53 PM »

I'm so glad that today was a more positive expedience for you both

When Gizmo had his tail amputated we weren't given much advice at all - and certainly not told about possible future problems

Gizmo was fine - just left with a tiny stump ....

I'm sending Jijo lots of positive vibes and

for you and very much hoping that all continues to go well for you both

Janeyk · « **Reply #40 on:** October 13, 2009, 17:30:49 PM »

Glad the vet was more understanding and hopefully the tail won't cause future problems

carolynl · « **Reply #39 on:** October 13, 2009, 17:18:11 PM »

Well, Jijo had his stitches out today.

The vet we saw was sooooo much better than the other one,and didn't hurt Jijo at all, but he said the buster collar must stay on until tomorrow because Jijo will feel where the stitches have come out and may bite his tail. Even after that, he can only have the collar off while we are with him, at least for the next week, in case he attacks his tail. He is allowed to lick it but the vet said he might try to mutilate it

We have to go back next week and report his progress. hopefully after that the collar can come off for good.

The vet said that tail amputation in cats can be very problematic. Worse case, he could have pain there for the rest of his life and may always try to bite his tail

Then he would have to be treated with drugs and/or keep something on his tail to stop him getting at it. I hope it doesn't come to that but now I am even more worried.

The other vet never explained any of this to me

At the moment he is asleep next to me and seems quite content.

Poor Jijo, I hope he is going to be alright.

AliCat · « **Reply #38 on:** October 11, 2009, 18:21:58 PM »

Glad Jeej is feeling better!

carolynl · « **Reply #37 on:** October 11, 2009, 17:47:27 PM »

Thanks guys

I tried to find some funny pics of the Jeej to cheer myself up and to put on the funny pic thread but he is so dignified and cool I haven't managed to find any funny ones yet

I have found some funnies of Izzi though. Hope you enjoy

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #36 on:** October 11, 2009, 16:48:10 PM »

Jijo is just as important as any othe kitty on Purrs and you as his devoted slave are also important.

Post when ever you want and we will always try and help if we can cos we know that when a cat is sick and has a problem it scares us stiff and when a vet acts like yours did we are all sitting here thinking,,,,,,,,,,,,,,it could have been my cat

Janeyk · « **Reply #35 on:** October 11, 2009, 16:43:32 PM »

Quote from: carolynl on October 11, 2009, 15:23:52 PM

Thanks Gill

I think I am so upset that I can't see the wood for the trees. Not really thinking straight.

Jijo seems absolutely fine and not at all bothered so really I know I should stop worrying.

There are other people and cats on here with far greater problems so I'll shut up now.

to you all and

If Jijo is ok that is the main thing and you don't have to feel you should be quiet no one and their kitty should feel any less important

Wibblechick · « **Reply #34 on:** October 11, 2009, 16:19:50 PM »

Quote from: carolynl on October 11, 2009, 15:23:52 PM

There are other people and cats on here with far greater problems so I'll shut up now.

to you all and

No - dont do that

We will all offer whatever help and advice we can.

Poor you and poor Jijo - youve been through enough!

carolynl · « **Reply #33 on:** October 11, 2009, 15:23:52 PM »

Thanks Gill

I think I am so upset that I can't see the wood for the trees. Not really thinking straight.

Jijo seems absolutely fine and not at all bothered so really I know I should stop worrying.

There are other people and cats on here with far greater problems so I'll shut up now.

to you all and

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #32 on:** October 11, 2009, 15:15:09 PM »

Its usually about 10 days but dont think one day will make a lot of difference

carolynl · « **Reply #31 on:** October 11, 2009, 15:13:35 PM »

He didn't wait for the anaesthetic to work. He sprayed it on and immediately pulled at the stitch.

I will never be seeing that vet again. He had absolutely no sympathy for Jijo and no emapthy with me or how I was worrying about Jijo.

How long is too long for stitches to be left in? When I take Jijo back on Tuesday it will be fourteen days. Should I take him tomorrow instead?

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #30 on:** October 11, 2009, 00:46:25 AM »

My stitches got looser and when I went to have one lot out I was told they werent ready cos the swelling had not gone down enough to make them loose enough to come out.

I can understand them getting tighter if they have been in too long.

Yes I wondered why they didnt soak the scabs too and also didnt wait for the anesthetic to work cos its not instant, unless he didnt put enough on.

Millys Mum · « **Reply #29 on:** October 10, 2009, 19:36:00 PM »

They get tighter gill as the body heals around them, maybe soaking the scabs would help the stitches come out easier with less tugging on the skin. Never take out your pets stitches without your vets say so tho

Sam (Fussy_Furball) · « **Reply #28 on:** October 09, 2009, 21:16:45 PM »

Ahhhh poor Jijo

I agree with Gill.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #27 on:** October 09, 2009, 18:29:18 PM »

Stitches get looser as they are ready to come out cos the swelling from the op and stitches has gone down. If they are still tight they are not ready to come out.

If its scabbed over surely the vet should wait for the scab to come off....he does sound far too brutal to me and his original advice about the collar was really daft.

I would definately want to see someone with more affinity with cats and no I dont think you should go back sooner cos the stitches were definately not ready to come out.

Sending lots of love to Jijo and hope this had not made him very scared of vets

Wibblechick · « **Reply #26 on:** October 09, 2009, 18:09:47 PM »

Oh, Dear!!

I remember having stitches taken out of me!! And it pulled, and bled a bit but didnt actually hurt .... just discomfort. And I didnt have an anaesthetic spray ....

Now Im not saying that it didnt hurt Jijo, but it may not hve been as bad as it seemed. After all, he wouldnt have had it explained to him what was happening and fright might have been an element!

I had a stitch left in, too, accidentlly. And took it out myself. ....

You just need a pair of tweezers......

carolynl · « **Reply #25 on:** October 09, 2009, 17:54:37 PM »

I took Jijo to the vets just now and the vet looked at his tail and said that he was healing well but there was a scab around the stitches. He said that he may bite his tail after the stitches are out because of the scab itching so to keep the buster collar on for a couple more days. That was bad enough but then he cut and pulled at one of the stitches and it really hurt Jijo. He then sprayed some local anaesthetic on and didn't wait for it to work before pulling the stitch out. He pulled some of the scab off and made the wound bleed again, hurting Jijo in the process.

He then said that the other stitch will have to stay in for another 4 days

I am so angry and I feel terrible because I was so excited for Jijo, thinking he would be able to go back to normal tonight, then I took him all the way to the vet only for the vet to hurt him, and no real progress has been made.

I am now really concerned that when he goes on Tuesday to have the other stitch out that it will be more difficult, as I have read on other threads here that they become tighter if they are left in too long.

What should I do? I have already asked to see a different vet when I take him on Tuesday, but do you think I should take him sooner?

clarenmax · « **Reply #24 on:** October 07, 2009, 09:03:30 AM »

Good news

Wibblechick · « **Reply #23 on:** October 07, 2009, 08:13:23 AM »

Im glad everything is going OK

Maybe Jijo has Gizmo as his Guardian Angel watching out for him! (though remembering Gizmo, it may be more of a Guardian Imp

)

Sam (Fussy_Furball) · « **Reply #22 on:** October 05, 2009, 21:37:55 PM »

Woo Hoo excellent news

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #21 on:** October 05, 2009, 21:23:19 PM »

thats great

Janeyk · « **Reply #20 on:** October 05, 2009, 20:42:46 PM »

That's good news

and not long to go now

carolynl · « **Reply #19 on:** October 05, 2009, 20:19:36 PM »

Thanks for the reassurances guys

Some good news. I was really worried about going back to work today and leaving him on his own but when I got home I saw he had used the litter tray

Now I don't have to take him out and make him all stressed when he has to come back in.

Only 4 days to go and his stitches come out (if he doesn't get to them first that is

)

alisonandarchie · « **Reply #18 on:** October 02, 2009, 22:52:24 PM »

Poor little chap

Archie had his tail amputated 2 years ago and manages fine. His balance is excellent and he still can wag his stump. I can honestly say it has made no difference to him

Janeyk · « **Reply #17 on:** October 01, 2009, 16:32:20 PM »

aww bless him, I'm sure he'll get used to the collar enough to cope for a while and it's better than having to start again from square one if he pulls the stitches out again. Glad he's weed and pood too!

Wibblechick · « **Reply #16 on:** October 01, 2009, 16:26:09 PM »

Poor little chap!!

My Bridge Babe, Gizmo - lost all his tail.

WE never found out how - he went missing for ten days, just before Christmas in 2001.

He reappeared (actually on Christmas Day - the best present EVER!) with most of his tail missing - skinned just as you describe.

Because the tail was in such a state, the vet amputated it.

Gimzo recovered (as an Honorary Member of the Manx Cat Club!!) and soon learned to get about without his tail - learning to rebalance as he jumped and so on.

Im sure Gizmo joins me in wishing you all the very best and I hope all goes well for you and Jijo

(Oh, and it sounds a bit silly, but dont forget to take his collar off to let him eat - I nearly forgot to do this with Gizmo and couldnt understand why his bowl was still full

)

Dawn F · « **Reply #15 on:** October 01, 2009, 16:11:00 PM »

poor him! I know its hard but just bear with it and I will soon be a distant memory and his tail will be good as new!

carolynl · « **Reply #14 on:** October 01, 2009, 16:05:53 PM »

Yes he is eating normally and drinking normally, JaneyK. He did go for a wee yesterday, but I had to escort him outside for that, and by this lunchtime he still hadn't been for a poo.

I decided to take him outside again and low and behold he did one and a very long wee.

Last night, about 4am actually, I heard him wandering around so I got up to look for him and his dressing was hanging off. He would not let us put a fresh one on, he went absolutely crazy. So unfortunately we had to resort to the dreaded buster collar. Poor Jijo he did not like it at all, but I couldn't bare the thought of him chewing his stitches off again so he is going to have to put up with it. I stayed up with him to make sure it didn't come off and to keep him company and so far it is fine. I have used a proper cat collar to hold it on, cause those pathetic bits of bandage the vet gives you to tie it are useless. It is heartbreaking to watch him struggling but he is getting better at walking in it.

At this moment he is laying on the floor next to my chair looking very sorry for himself

because after I took him out on a lead to do his toilet he did not want to come back in. I had to pick him up and carry him into the house and he went ballistic (is that spelling correct?!!) giving me a very nasty scratch on my arm.

I love him so much and I tell him that I am only doing all this because I love him, but the poor mite doesn't understand. If only we could explain these things to our furbabes, then they might be more cooperative. Anyway he seems to have forgiven me

Janeyk · « **Reply #13 on:** September 30, 2009, 10:51:18 AM »

Poor Jijo! t does sound like the better thing to do if he is so stressed by the collar and at least you are there to keep an eye on him.

Regarding going to the loo - is he eating ok? you could try some oily fish or milk they sometimes help. It's probably the change that's upset his system, it may be a good idea to ask the vet for something.

carolynl · « **Reply #12 on:** September 30, 2009, 09:59:26 AM »

Last night was a complete palava! Jijo was very quiet until about 11pm due to the sedation, so we did not try to put the buster collar on him until we went to bed. Well you have never seen anything like it

(maybe some of you have).

It took two of us to get the damn thing on him. He is a big strong cat and very determined. When it was on he immediately jumped off the bed and ran into the wardrobe (I don't mean inside the wardrobe - just crashed into it). After that he would not walk forward. He just kept walking backwards and shaking his head. It was completely stressing him out poor poor Jijo. Anyway, we decided there was no way he would keep it on. It would have been a matter of minutes before he had the thing off, so we decided to take it off and instead, put a very loose, light, airy dressing over his tail end and secure it with plasters. This seems to have worked well so far and the dressing is still intact. He hasn't tried to mess with it at all.

I know the vet said they don't like to put dressings on but why not?! It seems far less cruel than that torture instrument called a buster collar.

I had exactly the same problem with Izzi when she was spayed. She hated the collar so much and she kept escaping from it, so I made her a little 'dress' out of a newborn baby vest from tesco, and a harness to stop her getting out of it. This worked a treat, even though when I took her to the vets in it they had a good laugh.

Anyway I don't have to go to work until Monday now, so I can keep me eye on the Jeej, and keep him company bless him.
Forgot to mention, Jijo has not been to the loo yet. He hasn't don a poo since at least Sunday and he hasn't pee'd since about 6.30 yesterday morning. Will this cause him harm? He still won't use the tray.

Yvonne · « **Reply #11 on:** September 29, 2009, 22:10:00 PM »

Hope Jijo is recovering ok this time

I had a similar problem with Homer after his op. Here is the thread:

http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php/topic,19890.0.html

Good luck

Author Topic: Help End of Jijo's Tail Amputated ! (Read 9871 times)