Kitty that needs amputation.

[Mou Chat]

I have an appointment for this wednesday at 9:00am for the

kitty. Couldn't get one any sooner. !@#$%^&*()+

[Auntie Debbie]

Donna, atl east you're doing what you can for the little guy. I just skimmed through your previous thread and he's so lucky you're wuilling to help him. I hope the operation will go well and that he will heal and recover quickly. You're a life saver!

[Mou Chat]

Thank you Debbie. She is doing pretty good, but I know it hurts her.
I can't wait for the surgery so she will start to get better and feel
better. This way she is just on hold.

[Traci]

Mou, if the fracture is at the elbow, can't you get her in for at least a temporary splint? Splinting at least will help keep bone from jarring excruciating pain, also, pain meds could and should be prescribed. It's a little known fact for owners, but the pain aspect alone is enough to weaken the immune system and make it riskier for anesthesia/recovery once surgery does take place. Please call your vet on this.

[Mou Chat]

Traci,

She is on pain meds. The vet says a splint or wrap won't help

this because it is also in the humrus (sp). My vet would do it

now, but the specialist (IS BUSY)! It is a nasty break in two

places, both at the elbow area. I am just about to let my vet

do it. I am really at the end of my rope here.

[Traci]

Is she on a fentanyl patch? If so, has it been replaced ? You really can't risk a cat being on a fentanyl patch for this long, as it may induce dependance or render ineffective at some point. Also, I'd recheck her bloodwork prior to surgery to ensure her liver and kidneys aren't affected by the duration of the patch.

Is your own vet experienced with this magnitude of an amputation?

[Mou Chat]

Yes, she is on the patch. and yes, my vet could do the amputation.

It was just left this way because:

1. I took her to a "vet" here in La Pine first because she wasn't mine.
They did the first xrays and sent me to the surgery specialist. He
did a new set of xrays and said he would amputate the leg.
2. The owners said to PTS, and I said "NO"! and then I wrote to
you. Since I had been to the specialist, my vet didn't want to get
involved, but he did talk to the specialist and he gave me the
patches. If I insist, I am sure my vet would do the sugery.
3. I haven't kept the patches on consistantly. I watch her and if I
think she is uncomfortable I put one one. If she is outgoing and
seems OK I don't put a new one on.
4. I am very frustrated Traci.

[Traci]

Well, do you feel she's doing ok? She isn't feverish, is she? The bone is not protruding through skin that would invite infection, is it?

Is she eating/drinking normally and producing urine/stool normally? Is she overall as content as posssible or is she crying out, freaking out if a nerve is pinched when she moves her leg, etc? You're keeping her strictly confined, yes?

[Mou Chat]

She is doing very well Traci. I would never wait if she had a compound
fracture. She is eating, drinking and eliminating normally. She is confined
except when I sit with her in a big easy chair and we "cuddle". She
acts normal except somewhat subdued. She likes for me to sit with her
and tell her how beautiful and sweet she is...and that I am trying to get
her help faster. She does not have any fever.

[Traci]

As long as she's not crying out in pain or lethargic and inappetant etc, it can probably wait until Wednesday. But, cats do hide their pain well, so maybe at least call your vet and ask if you should keep one patch on for the duration (depending on the dose, ask him for how long each patch will be most effective throughout the next 4 or so days).