My little foster has a fractured hip

[Auntie Debbie]

My little foster Gimlet has a fractured hip.
Last weekend we noticed she was limping pretty badly on her right leg. Vet #1 took x-rays and said she has some inflammation by the tendon. But she was also concerned about the hip because when she maninulated that she seemed to be in pain. She said to crate her for a few days and if she didn't improve have it rechecked. Thursday we took her back and another vet and the owner of the practice said the same thing about the hip but couldn't really pinpoint what was really going on with it. They emailed to xrays to a specialist at Garden State who came back with fractured hip at the ball of the joints. So, Fridasy the poor thing had the ball removed.
She's home now and doing fairly well. They put an e-collar on her as she is a licker. She eats fairly well with the collar off. She is to be crated for a few days and then limited room with no jumping. Well, we'll try on that one. Clavamox and a pint killer. Poor thing looks so miserable with that collar on![]

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[Traci]

Awww geez, poor little darling. (and oh, is she ever a cutie!!)

My Cotton had FHO surgery done when he was 3 months old, was brought in on emergency after found on a cold winter snowy road, hit by car - he healed quite nicely and fairly quickly after surgery, although I kept him at the clinic for some time for monitoring.

Who is giving you the instructions on activity, etc, the regular vet or the surgeon? I ask because I think 2 weeks is a little soon for a kitten, although you could keep her in her crate for periods of time and strictly supervise her when out of her crate. Due to her age, and activity/energy level, she may not self-limit her activity so you'll have to be extremely diligent and make sure any siblings do not get too playful with her or lick her incision for her.

Whatever the instructions after the 2 weeks, follow up regularly (can probably be done just by calling and giving reports on progress), but she will need a recheck in 2 weeks (+suture removal), and probably again in 2 months (or sooner, depending on her progress). Mild physical therapy might be indicated, depending on the vet's instruction as time progresses and as she heals and recovers. Typically, healing is complete in about 2 months, but you have to be diligent with followup checks to ensure that.

Glad you opted for the second vet to send xrays to a specialist, as these injuries almost always require surgery. The good news is that the majority of cats do just fine when healed completely. Cotton never had any problems ever.

I am, however, surprised neither vet could detect the femoral head injury. This is where it was prudent to send the xrays to a specialist so kudos to them for doing so!

Hang in there, she should do fine!

Oh, and how many kiddens you fostering now? And how are YOU doing?

[Auntie Debbie]

Here are the instructions:

"Please keep Gimlet quiet for the next 2-3 days. After this period, you should encourage walking, running and playing (try to avoid jumping). Early use of the leg and aggressive physical therapy is the key to success.
Please monitor the incision for swelling, redness or discharge. If these occur, please contact a veterinarian. If your cat licks or chews the sutures, please purchase an e-collar.
Please schedule a suture removal in 19-14 days and a recheck appointment with Dr. XXX in 6 weeks.
Anesthesia and pain medication s used while in hospital may cause decreased intestinal mobility, so your pet may not have a bowel movement 2-3 days post-operatively. Please do not hesitate to call if your pet has any vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia or lethargy, or if you have any questions or concerns."

You say crated for two weeks and they say 3 days. She is walking on it already. You can tell she's not comfortable. Either her leg hurts, she's woozy from the meds and/or she's off kilter from the collar. But she is getting about in the crate. I too would think keeping her cooped up for a longer period of time would be in her best interest as far as not hurting it....but then again, using it sounds like it would get is mobile sooner and not so stiff once she can get out an stretch it. She is now in a 42" dog crate which confines her but still give her a little leg room. Not so much for running though. Even the spare room which is her next deaql doesn't offer a full gallup for her. I just hope she doesn't do any jumping.

The others:
Mimosa aka Krusty (crusty eyes wghen we got her)
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Margarita aka Skitty Kitty
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Mojito aka Orange Boy
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and Gimlet now aka Gimpy
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All of them
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[Traci]

OMG they are just so precious!

I meant keep her in her crate for periods of time, when you're not able to strictly supervise her when you let her out (and to allow for resting, and some of the pain control meds for cats can be slightly sedating). You can play this by ear as each day goes, she will let you know when she feels good enough to exercise and how much she can tolerate. The concern is not letting her overdo it because she is energetic or because she can't resist playing with her siblings. Just limit walking and exercise alittle outside of the crate to manageable and tolerable levels in the first week at least, and again, based on what she's showing you, and if she is comfortable with her progress. If all goes well in the first week, then the second week should allow of course for more exercise outside of her crate, with your supervision of course. Granted, she may be a very quick healer and be able to increase her activity each day this week alone, which would be a good thing.

Right now, I would try to keep Gimlet and siblings seperated, so they don't lay on top of her, bite at her, lick her incision, pull sutures out, play rough, etc. I know it's hard, because they all want to be together, but unless you can supervise all 4 kittens together at each exercise session etc, then giving her her own crate is best at this point (at least for sleeping).

It is actually true that physical therapy/certain activity started early is good for recovery and strengthening the muscle, for FHO patients. Each kitten or cat is different though, so you kind of have to take it day by day and they will also let you know how comfortable they are with exercise/activity. A kitten however, is more apt to overdo it with siblings, energy level etc, so just be careful and cautious not to let her overdo it in this first week at least. You're not restricting activity, you're limiting it until she shows with each passing day she can tolerate more. If you're concerned, just give the vet a call and tell him/her how she is doing with activity, progress etc and they will suggest either keeping the routine the same for a certain number of days, or, increasing activity.

Yes, right now could be a combination of pain, pain meds, inability to figure out how to put pressure/weight on the hip and leg. It will come naturally for her, soon, as each day passes and her muscle strengthens, and the inflammation and pain subside. It's only been a few days post-surgery, so you should be able to expect she will want to be mobile and exercising - it's also in their nature to do so!

[Auntie Debbie]

Thanks Traci, we will keep an eye on her and keep her separated from her sibs. Poor thing looks so lonely too. Her appetite is pretty good and I see her eating even with the cone, though she does much, mich better without it. I can't wait for that danged thing to come off!

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[Traci]

Is Mimosa doing better now? No more third eyelid showing?

[Auntie Debbie]

Third eyelid is not a problem....I just did a series of flashes which is why she looks so disturbed in the picture. The crusites went away within three days of the clavamox. She's a little spitfire with a mind of her own. She know what she wants, when she wants it and knows how to get it.

[Traci]

LOL, great to hear!

I just love these little ones, they are so so so cute!!

[Tina B and crew]

Oh my goodness!!! Kitten heaven!!

Hoping Gimlet/Gimpy heals quickly...such as sweet little thing!

[Cleo]

Adorable! Hope they all heal quick and lead good lives.

Is Margarita aka Skitty Kitty a girl?