One Hop Forward, Two Hops Back: The Backwards Walk

How embarrassing!  I can barely stand to think about it… the backwards walk.

I had done so well in the weeks following my amputation.  I had started running and jumping with no problems.  Then, almost 2 months post-op, I had my first episode with the backwards walk.  It really upset me and scared my mom because she didn’t know what was happening.  I had been laying on my mom’s bed and when I got up to hop down, it was like I lost control of my back leg.  I hobbled backwards and bellowed really loud.  It scared me so I plopped down on the floor and refused to move.  When I did try to walk, I would start going forward and then hop backwards again.  After I laid there a while, I was able to get up and go about my business like nothing happened.  Mom didn’t know if my other leg simply fell asleep, if something was wrong with my nerves, another tumor, or if I was having phantom sensations where my other leg would have been.  It often looked as if I was trying to use that missing leg, and since it wasn’t there, I’d wobble and get taken off guard.  I had a few more episodes over the next few weeks, especially if I tried changing directions quickly.  It would last a few minutes, sometimes longer,  before I could walk normally again.  Mom did a lot of research and asked other tripod cat owners about this.  The cause is still unclear, but apparently it is a common occurance.  It often happens in the first days or weeks after amputation, but it can happen months later.  Many people believe it is part of the healing process, perhaps involving some type of phantom sensations that occurs as the nerves and tissues are healing… making me think that other leg was still there when it wasn’t.  Whatever it was, I’m just glad it’s gone.  It seems like as suddenly as it started, it went away.  I haven’t had an episode since.  Of course, if you notice your pet doing anything that worries you, don’t hesitate to run it by your vet.  =)