Oh WOW James! Your poor little guy...
Personally, I would take my chances with the surgery, and think for a postive outcome.
IF....worse came to worse, later, and a leg did have to be amputated, three legged cats do very well at getting around...
He sounds like a very special little guy, and I wish you all the best.
(((HUGS))) and Prayers,
Sharon

 

Hi James, welcome to the forum, although I'm so sorry to hear about the circumstances that have brought you here! Kitty is adorable!

The decision of what to do about Kitty must ultimately be yours, based on the advice of your vet (assuming you trust your vet's advice). That said, I have dealt with a very similar sort of situation with our eldest cat, Galileo (he's the second cat from the left in my signature), so, while I can't tell you what you should do, I can tell you what we did under similar circumstances.

We adopted our eldest cat, Galileo, as an adult from a shelter, not knowing that, at some point before he had arrived there, he had been hit by a car and sustained serious internal injuries, including a torn diaphragm, fractured ribs, and displaced internal organs which had migrated up into his chest cavity and were compressing his lungs to the point that he had a lot of trouble just breathing (this initially, seemed like symptoms of a typical "shelter cold" or URI, as any obvious visible damage from the accident had already healed). To make a long story short, after awhile it became apparent that Galileo's breathing issues were more serious than a simple cold, and after a lot of trips to the vet, including physical exams, blood work, and diagnostic imaging out the wazoo (all of which was very costly), we finally figured it out and were referred to a surgeon. The operation for 'Leo involved making a big incision down his length, patching his diaphragm, and physically moving his internal organs back into the proper positions to allow his lungs to expand properly. It cost $3,500, and his chances of surviving the operation were about 60%. We went ahead with it because his odds of surviving for any significant amount of time without the surgery were much worse--the next cold would have been the end of him. Luckily for us, he made it through the surgery and recovered surprisingly quickly. Galileo was probably around 4 when we adopted him, and he's now somewhere around 16 years old. In the last few years he's developed arthritis, which is very likely made worse by the fact that he was hit by a car as a young cat, and earlier this year we learned that his diaphragm is a bit more elastic than it should be because of his age and the patch, which does affect his breathing when he does anything too strenuous, such as race up the stairs. He's also on various daily medications (many of which are for unrelated allergies, although he does have an inhaler for his breathing issues and a steroid medication for the arthritis); they do a good job of controlling these problems. 'Leo at 16 is still enjoying life. Unlike a lot of older cats, he still loves to play and is right in the thick of things with all of the younger cats whenever a wand toy is brought out of the toy cupboard. He is able to get around perfectly well and can go up and down stairs and jump (just not as fast or as high as he did in his younger years). Yes, the expense of the operation and medications was, and is, significant, but we felt that he should be given a chance and that the potential benefit outweighed the costs. We thought he deserved the chance, and had he not survived the operation, I still believe I would have felt good about my choice to go ahead with it. I wouldn't have felt good about being out a much loved kitty and $3,500, but I don't think I would have been able to regret it.

You need to do what's right for you and what's right for Kitty given your circumstances, and I can't tell you what decision is the right one, but, either way, I do understand and sympathize with what you're going through. atback

 

Jpowell, I'm so sorry to hear about Kitty's accident and the situation you're in. What an awful decision to have to make.

If you opted for the surgery, please let us know how things went. If you opted not to do the surgery, I can imagine how tough things are right now. In either case, sending you all of my best wishes.

 

My mother in laws dog went through a similar surgery, her pelvis was a shattered mess, and I know she has pins in her leg somewhere. She is 12 now, and still going strong. She's only 35 lbs, so not very big, and is just now to the point where she needs glucosamine and that is helping her, a lot. My mother in law never had to make the decision about surgery because this dog was hit by a car, dropped off at the vet by the dog's owner, who put down a deposit for the vet to do surgery, and then they never came back to get the dog. My mother in law was at the vet with a friend picking up their cat from spay surgery, saw the dog, fell in love with her, and this very, very kind vet, had done extensive surgery on this poor dog to save the dog's life. The vet said it was very complicated, everything he had to do to her, and I cannot remember all that he did, but I do know that it was her pelvis and leg. She has not had any issues, but I don't think her injuries were as extensive as what your poor kitty has. I hope that you are OK with whatever decision you make and that everything works out OK for your poor little guy.

 

Oh, wow...what a horrible situation. This sounds really complicated and based on what you've reported to us, I would not have a lot of confidence in the vet's ability to do this surgery successfully. I would choose to take him to an orthopedic specialist. In your area you have a great veterinary school clinic at Texas A&M. They are up on the latest technologies and have the latest equipment. Local vets are fine for the every day issues that occur, but when you're faced with something like this...you need the big guns. If you're going to try this surgery...then give him the best chance of success.

Small Animal Orthopedics - Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in College Station, Texas

 

I agree with doodlebug. If you're going to do surgery, which I think is what I would do in your situation, I strongly urge you to take him to an orthopedic surgeon for the surgery. If you're anywhere near Texas A&M, that'd be the best possible option for finding the sort of surgical specialist to work on your boy.

I wish you and kitty the best possible outcome.

Laurie

 

My first thought is I really hope they are controlling the pain well. This is tough - I don't know what I would do. If you have the means and the cat will not suffer much then I'd probably go with the surgery.

 

Oh gosh, I am so sorry to hear this. Personally, if it was something I could scrape together the money for, I would do it. If it doesn't work, you can deal with that when it's an issue, but it may work and I would definitely say it's worth the chance.

 

Thank you for all the replies and sympathy. After research on numerous forums and constant conversations with my wife we decided he was too special to let go. So we decided to go ahead with the surgery. I have read numerous cases where the cats have had the same problems and almost all of them make it fine! Some say they have trouble pooping at first but that can be fixed with some medicine. He made it through the surgery yesterday and now has a half metal pelvis and is on the road to recovery. The doctor said he is still in pain but they were giving him medicine to remedy it. I pick him up tomorrow and will have a nice large dog cage awaiting him padded with his favorite blanket. It looks like the cage will be his new home for 4-8 weeks. I read that although you feel bad and want to take him out he will be better off if you leave him in there until for those 4 weeks. Although I am now officially broke I am happy. He is worth the chance and I think he can have a full comfortable life. He may get bored not being able to go outside anymore but I'm trying to convince my wife that maybe we should get another cat after his recovery to keep him entertained and with company. What do you guys think? Do multiple cats tend to do well as purely indoor cats? Thank you again for your support! This has been an emotionally draining week!

 

So glad to hear this!!!! Hoping for a speedy recovery!!

I have many a stray cats that ran in my house and never wanna look outside again, lol! I think a friend would be perfect and now might me the best time for introductions since he's confined to a cage and they can meet through it and he can still be part of the fun.

 

I'm just catching up on this thread and I'm glad he's doing OK. Ginny, in my sig, broke her pelvis when she about 9 months old. It was a much simpler fracture than in your case, but she needed surgery and a few pins. She did very well. The last two years of her life she had some trouble jumping up to the bed or couch because of scar tissue, but nothing that a few steps couldn't fix. Later she needed extra supplements and painkillers. She was happy and healthy otherwise until her kidneys gave out.
As my boyfriend likes to say 'it's only money'. Haha Good luck with the recovery. We had Ginny crated for about 3 weeks i think. It gets tough after a while, but it's worth it.

 

James,
I am so HAPPY that you and your wife decided, he should have the surgery!
We're going to expect ongoing updates, you know, with pictures!
He's such an Adorable little guy!
(((HUGS))) and Prayers, for a speedy recovery!
Sharon

 

I'm so glad that the surgery went well! I guess you'll know he's really feeling better when he starts wanting out of that cage and pestering you to let him out. He's such a beautiful boy and obviously so special and so closely bonded with you. He's also very lucky to have humans who were willing to pay for a very expensive surgery to give him a chance to have a very long and happy life.

Watch out though. As if kittens aren't active enough, now you have a bionic kitten...might be able to leap tall buildings...

 

It's wonderful to hear that he made it through the surgery, hoping for a smooth recovery process. Keep us updated

A companion might be good a little down the track after he's recovered some like you suggested, but it might be unnecessary added stress at this point in time.

 

Oh my goodness, what a thing for you to go through! My heart was in pain when I read what happened to your kitty. What a relief he's doing ok now, whew!

Azerane has a point there, regarding stress. Cats are territorial in nature, so I think maybe holding off until Kitty has made a full recovery might be better. If you still want to get another companion, remember to look up how to do introductions properly first, and carefully pick out his companion based on his personality, too.

Wishing you, your wife and your kitty all the best wishes for the best possible recovery and outcomes!

 

Just picked him up today! When dogs see you I know they get excited after they have been away from you for a long time. I had no idea cats do too! When I walked in he perked up and did that upside down look at me. I even went in to kiss his head and he met me with a good couple of licks on the nose! He seems to be in good spirits. I am very happy guy. He has a nice huge bandage on his back leg and a neck funnel so he doesn't lick it. Overall he looks pretty goofy. I got him in his new home aka the dog cage. He of course ALREADY wants out but I want to make sure he heals 100% correctly. He has is appetite back and is using the litterbox so he is doing great! We have him in our bedroom so we can keep him company during the night and we spend a lot of time in there during the day watching TV. We will try to pet and scratch him as much as possible in order to keep him in good spirits. Thanks again for your support and suggestions. I enjoy reading your stories, experiences, and support! I will keep you posted as the healing progresses.

And of course I attached a picture (which is not that great of quality) to show how goofy he looks.

 

Awwww, that greeting alone must have been enough to make you glad that you made the decision you did! He is adorable even wearing the cone!

 

I am so happy that the surgery went well! once he is recovered see how he does being an only inside cat. Some cats have no problem. If you do decide to add another fur baby to your family there are a lot of info here about introductions and a lot of nice people here to help you with advice here. Please give your little one ear scratches for me.

 

I'm so HAPPY for Kitty and you guys! He must have been so relieved, to see you, and be able to go home! The nose lick kisses say it all!!
And yes, he's adorable wearing his funnel!
Sharon

 

I am sooo happy to hear this update!! Yay!! Happy Dance! :wiggle

Yes, he does love you! You have proof of it now..

So glad you decided on surgery.

My gut feeling is telling me that after all of this, he will become a 'house' cat...

Please keep us updated on this sweetie!!!
:kittyball

 

Haha thank you! I will definitely look at the suggestions if I ever decide to get another one. I uploaded an album of his pre-injury life. I will keep everyone updated as he progresses!

 

I had a cat I dearly loved years ago, my favorite ever. he was my Velcro kitty. I got up for work and he didn't come into the kitchen which was odd but I just thought he was with one of my daughters and they had shut their door. so I leave for work and just a block away from home I ran over something. never saw it because it happened so fast. looked in my rear view mirror and saw a grey animal flopping around in the street.

I thought it was a big squirrel but I remembered I had not seen pudding and I had a sick feeling in my stomach so I turned around. the animal had dragged itself under a car so I had to lay down on the road and the first thing I saw was the heart tag on puddin's collar. I was SICK. he was making the worst noise I have ever heard a cat make. I had to scoot under the car and hook my finger under his collar and pull him out. both my tires had gone over him so he was FLAT in the middle and he had blood coming out his nose, mouth and rectum.

I woke up a vet and she met me at her clinic and the first thing I said was "please just put him down because he is really suffering." (he continued to make that awful moaning sound) I'm a nurse and I knew his insides had to be a mess. she said "let me do some tests and I will call you".

I called her because I couldn't stand waiting any longer and was shocked when she said he had no broken bones! there were some internal injuries but mostly a lot of bruising. he gradually got better and on the 3rd day she called me and said "please come get pudding because he is chasing my bird!!"

I just couldn't believe that not only did he survive but he had no permanent injuries. we discovered that when one of my daughter's boyfriend was over the night he must have run out when she was saying good-bye at the door.

when we got out of the car he RAN to the front door and was clawing to get in and he never ever went near the door again!

cats will surprise you. they are really resilient and have a strong will to live. and they really do have 9 lives!

 

I am glad your boy seems to be improving. He will adjust just fine to indoor life.


Just over a year ago, as we were driving through out neighborhood, A blur shot out in front of the car. A kitten had ran in front of us. After parking in front of the house my OH walked down the half block to collect the kitten, so we could see if anything could be done. Blood was coming from the little guys nose and he was out cold. We called our Vet and she wanted to see him. As we started to load him into a carrier he came to and panicked, we had to chase him down!

The vet looked him over and all she found was a concussion. He must have bounced off our front fender. After some discussion, she decided to keep him in clinic for observation and socialization. He was from a feral colony and was at the perfect age to trap. He ended up getting a forever home of the streets.

 

Well it looks like things are starting to get bad again. When he first came home he was having trouble defecating. After a few days he went normally. After about a week now he is back to not pooping. He is definitely constipated seeing him push with no result. He also has meowed a couple times while going. I set an appointment with the clinic that did the surgery so they can do an X-ray to see what is going on. I think tomorrow may be another bad day where I may ultimately have to put him down. I just have a bad feeling in my gut. This is what my doctor told me may happen... Apparently younger cats may for more scar tissue that can obstruct the colon causing ultimate death. He said its rare but it can happen. Just praying he is constipated and not internally messed up. It's been a rough week.

 

good luck at the Vet. We are all rooting for you guys!! Hopefully it is something easy to fix.