Cats tail amputation

Question
Hello,
I recently (26 Oct 09) had to have my cats tail amputated after she was hit by a car.  Anyway, she appears to be leaking urine now and shaking/twitching sometimes.  Is there anything I can do to help her?  The vet gave me some medicine to flush out the wounds around the tube now placed in her small nub.  
Thanks, Mike

Answer
Hi Michael.  It's best to bring these concerns to the attention of your vet.  I'm guessing your kitty is on oral antibiotics to ward off infection.  But if not, the shaking could be chills, caused by an infection that's set in, and this is a dangerous situation.  Shaking can also be caused by pain, and amputees often need a strong narcotic pain reliever for up to a couple of weeks.  Your vet might consider sending home Torbutrol to help control her discomfort.  As for her incontinence, there are some medications known to increase urinary sphincter tone to help prevent dribbling.  One of the most commonly used is called phenylpropanolamine.  A prescription can be provided by your vet if they feel it will be beneficial.  However, be sure that the opposite problem is not causing her to dribble urine - an overfilled bladder due to the inability to urinate voluntarily can cause urine leaking.  This condition can be deadly, and her bladder would need to be expressed manually unless she regains control.  If you aren't measuring her urinary output, you should begin doing so to ensure she is eliminating several times daily.

Best wishes!

Jessica