My cat's leg fracture healed wrong. Is amputation the answer?

Question

Her tibia & femur were fractured in May. She appeared to heal well until Oct 6. Now she limps a little, sits/lays with leg at odd angles, falls off of laps & furniture, cries out if picked up wrong, has reduced overall play a bit, keeps it still during play, uses it very lightly when jumping/running. Sometimes, she acts like nothing’s wrong. X-rays show misaligned knee, dislocated hip, badly healed femur. Vet #1 says amputate, #2 says no bc she’s using it. Amputate now while she’s small/young? Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Female | spayed | 6 months and 7 days old | 6 lbs

Sara Farmer, DVM · Accepted Answer

I think a third option might be available based on the x-ray - an FHO procedure to remove the ball of the femur and allow for more comfort with the dislocated hip. To me it sounds like Maggie is not using her leg much at all, and the vets don't think an FHO would help (which is certainly possible, I'm just suggesting based on what I can see in the x-ray) it sounds to me like amputation might be best. I would worry that she cries out because the leg is sometimes painful.

My cat's leg fracture healed wrong. Is amputation the answer?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?

My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?

My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?

Share