I am not a vet, or anything close to one, so to try and help Feta I’ve been doing a lot of research.
For example, massage. How can I give her a really good massage if I don’t know what, exactly, I’m rubbing?
One of my favorite guides is actually a drawing done by the talented Raven-Scribbles and hosted over at DeviantArt. Check out this beauty:
You can see another representation here:
This gives a much better sense of what we’re working with on Feta’s hind end. Looking at that big, swooping hind-end muscle that connects to the leg bones, you can imagine how if it were weak and pulled too tight the cat wouldn’t be able to bend the leg normally, and would have a very stiff, straight hind leg. The same holds with all those other smaller muscles, like the ones around the hips and going into the stifle (that upper joint on the leg).
This seems to be what’s going on with Feta, and why we’re working so much on massage, heat/electromagnetic therapy, and passive range of motion stretches. By relaxing those tight muscles, we are hoping she can get some range of movement back. Then, we can work on strengthening those muscles so she can better support her own weight.
Speaking of which, Miss Feta is on a diet – it’s especially important for Tripawds to stay lean, so excess body weight doesn’t strain their remaining legs and joints, which are already working overtime! Unbeknownst to me, Feta the Fatty has been raiding the automatic cat feeder, so she’s been sneaking extra kibbles when I’ve not been looking. We’re (okay, I am) now working to get her a little leaner so she can work on her hind-end exercises more easily.
Sorry, Feta!
Hey Feta, that’s what automatic feeders are for – to automatically feed the cat. Geesh. If it helps I weigh my cats’ food every day and any “treat” comes from there. I feed them twice a day. My tripawd has lost weight and is good but my other cat will ensure her bowl is licked clean and will go out to have rodent snacks. She loses weight and he finds it.
Those are great sketches, very useful. Keep on stretching Feta.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Here’s an article on feline PT that Purrkins had posted:
http://www.animaisparaliticos.com.br/images/biblioteca/a3a1fb917b787af.pdf
Kerren
Yes, thank you! I had seen/read it but forgotten to include it on the blog – great article with a ton of information!
Very interesting! Thank you! And yes, the sketches are very well done.
Looking forward to following your progress sweet Feta
BTW…looooove your banner photos! 🙂
And you look like you need some extra treats! Diets stink!
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Thank you!! <3 The banner was made for us by Janice at http://www.jab-graphics.com/ – she's fabulous, and we've been friends for years through our online dog forums! 😀
BRAVO! Feta is so lucky to have such a fabulous human. Thank you for all you’re doing to share information so that we all learn but more importantly so that TriKitty parents will learn!
Love the anatomy illustrations and your banner too. Keep on rockin 🙂
Thanks, Jerry! Anything we can do to share the TriKitty love! Peace, love, and butt rubs… <3