I've posted before about my kitten having a licking problem, removing her fur from all four legs and her belly. I took her to a new vet for a second opinion (to see if it was stress-related) and he agreed. He prescribed valium twice a day (1.25 mg) which seemed to work initially. But of course, we all know that valium tends to make the patient a little unsteady on their feet. Consequently, Sammie had fallen a few times (while trying to jump from one thing or another). I noticed her at one time limping on her left rear leg. She would then lie down on the floor, pull herself by her front legs on the carpet and then get up, and the limp would be gone.
I took her to the vet (who prescribed the valium) and they took x-rays. She was diagnosed as having shallow joints (hips and patellar luxation), which seems to be congenital. I don't know if she would have had a problem with the dislocated knee if she hadn't been put on the valium.
Sammie seems to be doing okay (she is very active and playing pretty hard with a mouse on a string). Her knee goes out now maybe once or twice a day and I've been able to pull her leg back while sliding my hand over her knee and "popping" it back in place.
My question is this: Should I take her to a surgeon for evaluation, or will she be okay for now. The congenital condition has me worried, as it may affect all her joints, which may or may not be corrected with surgery.
The breeder that I got Sammie from has offered to take her back and give me a new kitten. This is a noble jesture, but I cannot even imagine "giving her back". She is my baby and I'll try to deal with the problem.
Does anyone know about this type of problem and the potential prognosis? Any info will be appreciated.
Knee Problems with Aby kitten
Re: Knee Problems with Aby kitten
Susan, if patellar luxation is a concern, your current vet should be referring you to a surgeon who specializes in this.....patellar luxation surgery is beneficial to most any cat, but it's preferrably done at a young age (less than 4 years of age). The surgeon may choose to do one knee at a time or do both together, he will discuss this with you thoroughly so that you know what to expect. If you don't consider surgery, this problem can worsen in time, can cause further damage and can develop into degenerative joint disease later on, it can leave a crippling and painful effect on the kitty, not something you want her to endure.
Please ask your vet (or call and talk to your nearest ER vet for a referral) for a surgeon whom you can consult with regarding surgery. The surgeon will perform x-rays, physical exam/manipulation of joints, evaluate her general health status and will discuss with you surgical options, what to expect, etc. Please don't wait on this.
Please ask your vet (or call and talk to your nearest ER vet for a referral) for a surgeon whom you can consult with regarding surgery. The surgeon will perform x-rays, physical exam/manipulation of joints, evaluate her general health status and will discuss with you surgical options, what to expect, etc. Please don't wait on this.
..........Traci
I have experience with the actual operation on my 5 year old female with luxating patellar. It is a tough operation, but she is better now. Her's was also congenital. Please check out the surgeon thoroughly when you go,ask about pain medicaton and recovery and bandaging. Unfortunately, I was not thorough enough and she was sent home too soon and without pain meds. I ended up taking her to the ER vet twice where she had to stay overnight. It was a nightmare, for HOneybun and for us to experience!! I wanted to be up front with you so you do not have to go through this as we did. It does not have to be this way. There are even pain patches available for before the surgery takes place.
SHe is now fully recovered, thank goodness the surgery was good and did the job. The ER vets gave liquid pain medication. Her other leg is having a mild problem and probably will need surgery, I am going to have it evaluated.
Good luck to you and I will pray for your cat's health.
Mona, Honeybun and Chloe
SHe is now fully recovered, thank goodness the surgery was good and did the job. The ER vets gave liquid pain medication. Her other leg is having a mild problem and probably will need surgery, I am going to have it evaluated.
Good luck to you and I will pray for your cat's health.
Mona, Honeybun and Chloe
Re: Knee Problems with Aby kitten
Thank you for your replies. I have a referral to a surgeon and will probably be taking Sammie in for an evaluation soon. Could I ask what kind of $$$ I may be looking at (especially if both legs need to be done). What can I expect for a recovery period? I was planning to bring home another Aby kitten in about six weeks, so depending on these factors, I may have to put off the new arrival.
Re: Knee Problems with Aby kitten
Susan~
Oh yes!! I paid $885.00 for one knee to be done!! This was the total price, excluding my ER visit which was another $143.00. This included the surgery and medications for $885.00.
The recovery period was difficult due to the fact that you must keep them from jumping or running as much as possible (honest). I made up my larger bathroom for her with all her stuff. HOneybun did not eat for a few days, so we force feed her and she did start eating thank goodness and recovered. I am sure all cases are very different, she is high strung.
The surgeon checked her leg after a few days, then after 1 month and then again after two more months. I have an appointment to go in again to make sure the surgery is holding up and to have the other leg evaluated.
We noticed initially that she was hiding and having difficulty using her litterbox, which was because of the leg hurting her. Afterwards this changed dramatically.
Please post after you visit the surgeon, and make a list of questions regarding recovery, pains meds, and most important have bloodwork done before the anesthesia to insure that kitty is ok to receive the anesthesia.
Mona, Honeybun and Chloe
Oh yes!! I paid $885.00 for one knee to be done!! This was the total price, excluding my ER visit which was another $143.00. This included the surgery and medications for $885.00.
The recovery period was difficult due to the fact that you must keep them from jumping or running as much as possible (honest). I made up my larger bathroom for her with all her stuff. HOneybun did not eat for a few days, so we force feed her and she did start eating thank goodness and recovered. I am sure all cases are very different, she is high strung.
The surgeon checked her leg after a few days, then after 1 month and then again after two more months. I have an appointment to go in again to make sure the surgery is holding up and to have the other leg evaluated.
We noticed initially that she was hiding and having difficulty using her litterbox, which was because of the leg hurting her. Afterwards this changed dramatically.
Please post after you visit the surgeon, and make a list of questions regarding recovery, pains meds, and most important have bloodwork done before the anesthesia to insure that kitty is ok to receive the anesthesia.
Mona, Honeybun and Chloe
Re: Knee Problems with Aby kitten
Adding to Mona's post.....you will want to be prepared to keep Sammie's activity restricted for up to 6 weeks....if she is allowed too much activity, this can defeat the purpose of the surgery (your vet or surgeon will explain the details to you).....As Mona mentioned, it's best to have an area set up for her, complete with comfy blankets and a litterbox nearby that allows for easy access (I recommend either a soda-case cardboard box because the sides are so low, or puppy piddle pads in which can be changed as frequently as needed....since she will be painful and activity restricted, you really want to ensure her box is easy to access and won't require her to have to step up and into a normal litterbox)
Pain medication is essential during the first week post-op....some surgeons don't bother offering this option to owners, so do discuss these matters throughly with your primary vet in advance so that he can prescribe the appropriate pain meds (can be given in suspension form, orally, up to three times daily)....if the surgery will be performed at another clinic, make prior arrangements with either them or your primary vet so that you know exactly who is going to observe her post-op, and to ensure pain meds are given as needed.
At home, she will be painful and sore (one reason for restricted activity)...so keeping her comfortable at all times is a must. You'll also want to keep a close eye on her incision site for any signs of infection, in which case you'd want to notify your vet promptly. Again, your vet will discuss these concerns with you prior to releasing her from the clinic.
Once recovered, you will need to re-evaluate at least once a year with x-rays to make sure that degenerative joint disease is not a problem (usually isn't when surgery is performed on young pets). Your vet may request more frequent evaluations for the first year, but he will advise you accordingly.
I agree with you, you might want to put off getting another kitten until Sammie has recovered.....you don't want her suffering stress or physical stress of a new addition until she has completely recovered.
As for cost, it depends on the surgeon, the technique used, 24-hour post-op care and observation, and of course, your location. Expect anywhere from $400-800...but do take into account that orthopedic surgical procedures tend to run high regardless.
Pain medication is essential during the first week post-op....some surgeons don't bother offering this option to owners, so do discuss these matters throughly with your primary vet in advance so that he can prescribe the appropriate pain meds (can be given in suspension form, orally, up to three times daily)....if the surgery will be performed at another clinic, make prior arrangements with either them or your primary vet so that you know exactly who is going to observe her post-op, and to ensure pain meds are given as needed.
At home, she will be painful and sore (one reason for restricted activity)...so keeping her comfortable at all times is a must. You'll also want to keep a close eye on her incision site for any signs of infection, in which case you'd want to notify your vet promptly. Again, your vet will discuss these concerns with you prior to releasing her from the clinic.
Once recovered, you will need to re-evaluate at least once a year with x-rays to make sure that degenerative joint disease is not a problem (usually isn't when surgery is performed on young pets). Your vet may request more frequent evaluations for the first year, but he will advise you accordingly.
I agree with you, you might want to put off getting another kitten until Sammie has recovered.....you don't want her suffering stress or physical stress of a new addition until she has completely recovered.
As for cost, it depends on the surgeon, the technique used, 24-hour post-op care and observation, and of course, your location. Expect anywhere from $400-800...but do take into account that orthopedic surgical procedures tend to run high regardless.
..........Traci