Our poor stray Godfrey

[Tina B and crew]

He's only recently come to let us pet him, still runs if we try to pick him up, but we are going to have to get him somehow. He's turned up with a terribly swollen front leg...not putting any weight on it at all. I'm wondering if it's an abcess or broken Anyway, he's not shown up this morning but if he turns up this afternoon we are going to do our best to catch him, crate him and get him to a vet...he will also need to be neutered and vaccinated. Traci, do you think they will neuter him with his leg in the shape it is in? or do you think it's best to wait until it's healed. He seems fine otherwise, he's eating very well and his eyes are clear and bright. Thanks and say a little prayer for Godfrey

[Traci]

Ideally, neutering and attending the leg at the same time would allow one procedure under anesthesia (plus allow your vet to examine the leg more thoroughly without kitty giving a fuss).

If the leg is fractured, kitty wouldn't be placing weight on it, so if he *is* placing weight on it, it could be a sprain or abcess, in which the vet can tend to this with antibiotics and followup restriction of activity for a few days. If it is fractured, he may be able to splint it if the break isn't severe, or if it's a 'clean' break.

As for vaccinations, if there is an infection, I would wait on them (at least a week, following antibiotics). Also, depending on which leg is injured depends on which vaccination may need to be delayed. I.e., FELV in left rear leg, Rabies in right rear leg.

[Traci]

Just read post again.....sorry Tina. Since it is the front leg, vaccinations could be given, but I would still wait in the event there is an abcess.

[Tina B and crew]

Thanks Traci...we were going to take him to the Humane Society for the neuter, but they won't do general vet care...however they did clean up an injured paw on Gabby when we took her in for her spay...just wouldn't RX antibiotics...I can probably get those from my vet. As of yesterday he wasn't putting any weight on it at all...before he was just limping, so I would guess it isn't a fracture...I'll let you know how things go...I pray he shows up today

[Mona]

Tina~

I am praying for him too!! Godfrey please show up today.

Mona, Honeybun and Chloe

[Tina B and crew]

Don't know if I have posted a pic of Godfrey before...but here the sweet little guy is (funny how they aren't so sweet when you try to catch them though!!LOL)

[Mona]

He is gorgeous Tina. I hope you can catch him soon.

Mona, Honeybun ahd Chloe

[jason]

wow, ditto...great looking cat (im so tempted).

[Tina B and crew]

well jason....how far away from Tampa are you?? I have two cats looking for good homes I'd even deliver



Update on Godfrey...he came to eat this afternoon and we were able to get him into the carrier without incident. He meowed quite loudly once in there, but for the most part he was well behaved. I did get a chance to feel about his leg gently before I put him in and it was very tightly swollen, however he was walking on it today. Once he was in the carrier I noticed blood on the towel. But I couldn't get a good look at him in the carrier.

I brought him home, set up the crate and made a nice comfy temporary resting place for him...when I opened the carrier to get him out he graciously obliged and walked right into the crate! What a good guy he is! Anyway, I was able to get a better look at his leg and I'm pretty sure it's an abcess and it opened up...there is a raw spot about the size of a nickle that has some blood oozing from it. I plan on taking him in first thing tomorrow morning, but he he shows any sign of being in distress tonight he will go straight to the ER vet...he's resting comfortably now and even gave me some headbutts and purrs. I'll post some better pics of him later. He's such a sweetie!

[LisaLisa]

Tina,

I hope all goes well with Godrey...he looks like such a sweet guy.

He is definitely in the best of hands.

Take care