My kitty was hit by a car....

[trezlyn]

Can anyone help me? She was hit by a car Thursday and I rushed her to the vet. They did x-rays and she has broken ribs, but her spine is not broken, fractured, severed or anything. She is completely paralyzed in her hind quarters. She is now moving her tail a little, but the doctor is giving her to Friday to ever walk again. My husband and I are so upset and dont know what to do. Can anyone help me or give me any advice as to what we can do to help her get better? She has started eating on her own and I do have to empty her bladder for her, but she did have a bowel movement on her own. ANY advice would be so helpful, thank you so much!!!!!!

[davet]

there is not much aadvice that can be helpfull because if there is spinal trauma a lot of the recuuperative powers is up to nature and steroids to get the inflamation down..pinch her back toes and see if she pulls the leg up, if so that is a possible good sign that there is a chance for recovery...if she does flinch do this periodically to keep a little muscle exercise....and one thing the vet can not tell you to put the cat to sleep,he/she can only reccomend the final decision is up to you..i think personally i would give her a little more time but make sure she is on some type antiinflammatory medication, ie cortisone like meds...good luck

[Auntie Debbie]

I'm so sorry your kitty was hit by a car and is in such condition. I agree with davet on giving her more time to recuperate and would also suggest maybe finding a specialist n the field of neurology. I have some links on "Lameness", "Paralysis" and "neurological" site under the Neurological section of my website listed under Favorites on the left side of the board (Debbie's Feline Health) that may be of help with some info and/or possible sites and doctors you might want to email.
I hope your kitty will recover and walk again soon. Please keep us posted on her, ok? I've got her in my prayers.

[Traci]

I strongly agree with the others, pelvic injuries, rib injuries and temporary paralysis require much needed time to even make solid predictions. Don't know the true extent of your kitttie's injuries, but I always encourage owners to give this time, despite your vet's comments. It is simply too early to say.

The tail movement is indeed a good sign...you may be faced with expressing her bladder for a while longer, but any small improvement IS improvement nonetheless, and that's progress.

Please do not let your vet persuade you in this "Friday" prognosis, he is reaching and making conclusions that he can't possibly say for certain. I would even encourage a new vet who is more optimistic, based on your post alone, your kitty should have a good chance at a full recovery...it will just take some time to heal and show improvement. A new vet may even be more experienced and may be able to do some neurological checks and offer you physical therapy options (never attempt PT on your own, must be on direction of your vet)