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Non union of bone in cat
Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 09-Feb-07 02:05PM | viewed 1385 times
Q Deb asks about Hodge (cat - Moggy, M) (age 3 years, 6 months):
I would like to enquire, by way of a second opinion, on best treatment for my cat's non-union of bone in his back leg (2 metatarsals). Our vet has mentioned pinning, but has put a less rigid/lighter cast - as a support on the back on the leg only, leaving the front padded up - back onto Hodge's leg to see if a couple of weeks on this will encourage him to walk on the leg and thereby activate bone growth. However, after 4 days, he is not putting that leg down at all (where he was with the full cast), is out of sorts and not eating (which I appreciate may in part be due be to the constant to and fro from the vets over the last few weeks) and is generally very fed up. He doesn't seem to be in pain... or at least is not vocal on that score. My question is whether pinning is the only option and whether, given his current mood, we should press for it to be done sooner rather than later? My worry is how much this will affect him and whether we should just be patient and take the time the vet has indicated first? It's distressing to see him so down, especially when he seemed to take the first few weeks very much in his stride (he was clearly irritated about not being able to go out and having to use the litter, but not generally unhappy). Many thanks in advance for any advice you can give.
Q Samantha says: I am sorry that Hodge is not having a very easy time at the moment. I am sure that your vet is doing the best for him. If they have suggested that it is best to give him a little more time then this is no doubt the best thing to do for the moment. If this does not work I am sure that they will take care of the situation well. I know that it can be very frustrating for both you and your cat but sometimes bones just do not heal as well as we would hope them to. Often a little extra time is all that is needed, especially in cats who usually seem to heal well. Keep in contact with your vet and attend all the check-ups which are scheduled for Hodge. It may be necessary to treat the problem surgically as your vet suggests but without being able to see either your cat or any x-rays it is impossible for me to make a specific suggestion as to what the best thing for Hodge would be; every case is different and Hodge's treatment must be tailored specifically to his needs. Since Hodge has stopped eating and seems unhappy it would be best to ask your vet for a check up appointment as soon as possible in case there is an underlying problem causing this. When cats stop eating they can quickly get problems and it is a situation which needs to be taken seriously. It is unlikely that the journey to the vet for a further check will cause too much extra anxiety for him (although I do appreciate it is stressful) and I really think he should be checked because of his depression and anorexia at the moment. I hope Hodge gets better soon.

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