Amputation and no pain meds

My cat had one of his front legs amputated yesterday. We picked him up today and the vet didn't send amy pain medicine for him and said not to give him anything.  I'm very concerned. I can tell he's in pain. What can or should I do?

Hello!  I  would argue that pain meds have a vital role in amputation.  However, please do not give them yourself.  First, because various common, safe pain meds in humans are actually toxic to cats and can make them very poorly.   Second, because the reason you have not come home with pain releif may be that it has already been given, during the op, and a dose given now could constitute an overdose.

I would reccommend going back to your vet, explaining that he is still in pain and asking for an extended course.  Out of hours clinics may have a deal with your vet (UK) so that they a) have a copy of his cljnical notes already snd b) won't charge you for post op complications, so do ask in advance.

If you remain unable to get pain meds for your cat after asking your own vet very directly, you should ask to know why not.  Write down this reason at the end of your clinical notes for any other health professional who looks at them.    If the reason doesnt make sense to you, then you could take the patient and clinical notes elsewhere and ask for a second opinion.  In the UK you have a right to ask for a copy of the clinical notes and a record of what has already been given, when, to present to the next vet.  Vets should not tell you to give pain releif out of context.

I mean,  * your own vet (or their out of hours service)