Question about fractures in kittens

[DaniBanani]

Hi Everyone! I'm new here, My name is Danielle, and I just found your site tonight and was hoping someone here can help me out.

My fiance and I recently got a kitten, on July 5th. He is right about 12 weeks old, his name is Hippo. (adorable too ) Last night, our kitten was hurt, he apparently fractured his leg. We have roommates and it was one of them that was with him when it happened. He, (the roommate) said he 'tossed him back because the kitten was playfully attacking him'. We aren't sure what really happened, but are having a hard time believing he got hurt that badly just from a gentle toss. I really don't want to think badly about our roomie, because I know he would never intentionally hurt him, and I do understand how sometimes a playful kitten can be a bit annoying. I guess my question is this, wouldn't it take some kind of force to hurt him that way? I mean the other day he fell about 5 feet from the top of a towel rack on tiled floor (climbed up the towels) and was perfectly fine. But now just from playing he can barely walk? Can the cat fracture his leg from landing wrong, or would it take some kind of harder toss or possibly a kick to hurt him like that?

Any input is sooo greatly appreciated. We are a bit confused on this one, the vet bill is pretty high already, and we really dont want our kitten in a possibly harmful home.

Thank you.

[Tambrey]

he apparently fractutred his leg...
have you had him to the vet to confirm this? I am assuming you did due t your comment about the high vet bill...
The vet would have x-rayed and could most likely tell what TYPE of fracture it is and what the probably cause was...

Most vets will take post dated checks and keep on file...and there is CareCredit that will give emergency funds, even for vet care, and many vets take this as well...


I would have a long talk with your roommate about proper handling of a kitten and let him know that if the kitten is injured or suddenly ill when he is the only one home, that you may ask him to help with vet bills! Get a signed contract if needed...

And if you suspect your roommate of abuse, you can set up small video camera and record him when he is alone with the kitten...there are very tiny wireless, with microphone, cameras that have an adapter that hooks into a regular VCR and you can set to record as long as the tape will record, usually up to 8 hours.

[Traci]

Just as Tambrey asked, you HAVE had kitten examined by your vet, right? What is your vet saying, to what extent is the fracture, did he splint it and advise strict limitations on activity or did he recommend surgery to correct the fracture? Which leg is the fracture? Did the vet explain his own opinion on potential force that caused the fracture?

A 3-month-old kitten is not fully developed, and the bone structure is fragile, just as it would be in any young kitten who is not fully developed. Also, kittens and adult cats can fracture a limb from ANY fall from ANY height etc, it is NOT true that cats always land on their feet, this is a myth!

How old is the roommate?

According to your post, the roomate said he "tossed" the kitten. To me, that would be indicative of harm, and I doubt it was a gentle toss. To fracture a limb, it would have to be considerable force, or due to the pet landing/forced against an object, or possible landing in a position where the limb is twisted, which would most likely indicate considerable force or distance from point A to point B.

My opinion? I would seriously consider the roomate isn't telling you the entire truth, and think about the safety of your kitten. You can't take any risks not knowing and not knowing what occurs in your home when you are gone. I don't think it's enough to teach the roomate proper handling of a kitten/cat/pet at this point, because the damage has already been done and if you have any doubts at all about his story, you should trust your instincts and explain that although you are friends, your kitten is your fur-child and the kitten's safety and welfare come first. (yes, this would involve asking the roomate to leave and I would personally be present when he does to ensure he does not retaliate against you, your kitten or your other roommates, etc)

I do not agree with the videotaping session because this only allows the roommate to be in the position to harm again (even if unintentional) and if you're not there to prevent it, how does that protect your kitten. Your kitten is soley dependent on YOU to protect him and ensure his environment is safe.

Btw, please kitten-proof your home, just as you would a small child. Don't let him climb objects taller than a couple feet especially since he is not fully developed.

[DaniBanani]

First, thank you for your replies.
Yes we did take him in to the vet. They said he has a fracture, and they sent his x-rays to a radiologist last night, so we will be finding out today the exact details. The vet kept him overnight last night, so he is still there, so I don't know the exercise restrictions or anything yet.

Don't worry, after the towels, the bathroom door is always closed now.

The roommate is 26 and should know better. I just didn't want to jump to conclusions, but I agree with Traci
-'According to your post, the roomate said he "tossed" the kitten. To me, that would be indicative of harm, and I doubt it was a gentle toss. To fracture a limb, it would have to be considerable force, or due to the pet landing/forced against an object, or possible landing in a position where the limb is twisted, which would most likely indicate considerable force or distance from point A to point B.'-

I have just been having a hard time believing him on this one, but also was almost feeling badly for thinking he was lying.


Thank you soo much for all your help.

[Traci]

If your instinct is telling you that you don't believe him, trust your instinct. You have not only your kitten to worry about safety, but perhaps your trust in this person. If you think he violated your trust, chances are, he may do so again (if he hasn't already in the past).

Whenever there is a pet or child involved, personally, your priority should be for the pet/child. Mind you, not saying the guy is abusive intentionally, (but I wouldn't wait to find out), but it sounds like you are doubting him, and if that doubt is strong, trust your feeling on that and do whatever is necessary to protect your kitten. If it were me, I'd take that action immediately.

[Auntie Debbie]

I'd like to make a note here. If your vet puts a cast on your kittens' leg, please make sure it is checked periodically. As your kitten grows, he will outgrow the original cast and this could cut off circulation. Please speak to your vet about periodical visits to have the cast changed. I hope he will heal well and quickly and that you get things sorted out with your roomie.

[Tambrey]

I agree with Traci..friendship aside....if you feel you cannot trust him....don't...
If he is even unintentionally "rough" with a kitten...would that transfer over to women and children as well?...just something to think on...I always think that if a person can do it to an animal...they will do it to a person...eventually...because one day their temper will explode bad enough to do that....

glad kitty is being taken care of....let us know how he is doing and post pics in Debbie's Cloud when you can! We LOVE pics!!

[DaniBanani]

Thank you everyone. You are all very helpful.

We got Hippo back today. His leg is in a bandage that is almost as big as he is, but as odd and funny as he looks he gets around very well.

The vet said the fracture looks like it should heal very well, though there is a slight possibility that it could heal wrong, she said the odds are good.

We are planning on moving as soon as our lease is up in 2 months, so no more roommates.

I have included a pic of our baby from today when he just got home.

Thank you again.

[/img]

[Traci]

What a precious baby...

Did the vet instruct you on strict confinement, limited activity? Did he schedule a followup to check the bandaging and cast?

Please try to find a low soda type box and line it and add either a tiny amount of litter and keep it changed regularly or simply put folded paper towels into it for his litterbox, and change the towels regularly. If he has a normal sized box, it will be difficult and painful for him to get into it. Also make sure you understand that limited activity is crucial for the fracture to heal and align properly. If at any time he seems painful (crying out, biting at the cast, acts wildly or seems lethargic, get him to your vet immediately as a pinched nerve or alignment may need to be addressed immediately.

Until you move, make every effort to ensure the roommate is not to be left alone with your kitten at any time.

[Tambrey]

What a sweetheart....poor baby with the cast and all...

I had a pregnant feral cat a few years ago, I rescued her with a broken pelvic and broken front leg...of course they could not cast the pelvis, so I kept her in the bathroom, a 5x7 room basically...she had her bedding area and food dish on one side of the sink and her litterbox on the other...I used a disposable foil lasagna sized pan and rolled down the one side so she could step into it...

She healed fine...but restricted movement/confinement is imperative to proper healing....

Thanks for posting the pic and hope all goes well for Hippo...and you on finding a new home!