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Post by Spock on Apr 15, 2013 22:16:54 GMT -6
We recently found out from the Vet that our kitten had somehow broken its leg. It's not an easily repaired break either, evidently the ball is broken off the end of the bone and is not even in its socket. We had thought he had simply bruised his paw somehow because he was acting almost normally except he would not put any weight on his left rear leg! Let me state up front that all I'm asking for are any suggestions, good or bad, so we can broaden our, and our kitten's, options. We are on a fixed and limited income, so must make any decision with that in mind. We didn't even really want a kitten but were doing a favor for a friend of my wife, who got the kitten only to find out she was allergic to him. Having said that, we have still gotten attached to him and don't wish him any discomfort. Option 1: The vet seems to think that an expensive surgery will give him almost full use of his leg again. They would insert a pin to help re-fuse the ball to the upper leg bone and he would have to be kept "quiescent" while healing. Problems: Possible rejection of the "parts" implanted and likelihood of ongoing arthritis … forever. Option 2: Amputate the leg completely and, again, try to keep the kitten as quiet as possible while he heals. This would likely give the kitten (and hopefully cat later) less pain over its life and may or may not be less expensive. Problems: Has anyone ever tried to put toothpaste back in the tube? I'm sure it would be easier than keeping a kitten quiet. Option 3: Do nothing or as little as possible. Problems: This is even less attractive than spending money we don't have for surgery because the kitten/cat would be in constant pain the rest of its life. Option 4: Put the kitten down. Problems: It may be the simplest solution but is also the most emotionally distasteful. We have lost pets before and always felt a profound sense of loss. Just because we weren't looking to adopt this animal doesn't mean we should turn away when he needs us. Option 5:  |
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Post by Scrappy Amazon on Apr 15, 2013 22:25:03 GMT -6
How did the kitten break it's leg?
Amputate. Depending on the age the cat will quickly get used to not having it and adapt. Plus the pain level will be less. As for keeping quiet you can try a crate for a little while. Animals always know their own level ability.
If you are having trouble paying for it I'd be willing to bet there are several rescues or animal advocacy groups in your area that can help if you trade some volunteer time etc. Call your local Humane Society or Animal Control. They will probably have some phone numbers for you. Your vet might even be able to get you in contact with some of them.
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Post by Spock on Apr 15, 2013 22:35:53 GMT -6
My wife seems to think it lost its footing when it jumped up on a desk and fell wrong on a hard floor. I was really amazed when we found it jumping up onto (four foot?) counter tops from a standing start. I always thought cats were invulnerable.  |
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Post by Scrappy Amazon on Apr 15, 2013 22:38:41 GMT -6
Sorry was modifying while you were answering.
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Post by Scrappy Amazon on Apr 15, 2013 22:41:13 GMT -6
I had a cat that coud jump flat footed from the floor to the of the china cabinet. About 6 feet. Until she got too old.
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Post by Mini Mia on Apr 15, 2013 23:10:15 GMT -6
I would opt to amputate before having the kitten put down. Unless it too was too much money.
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Post by Phalon on Apr 16, 2013 6:13:05 GMT -6
Sorry, Spock, that you are faced with such a decision.
My opinion would be to go for the amputation. If the cost is too great, look into Scrappy's suggestions - she knows of what she writes; it's her profession.
Good luck.
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Post by Spock on Apr 16, 2013 14:02:12 GMT -6
Just got a quote from our Vet. She contacted a couple of Orthopedic surgeons and the high quote is $1900 and the low (from the surgeon who is not "board Certified) is $1700. Neither will be an option for us. We are now exploring options with other, out of state, Vets. Unfortunately, for the kitten, even if we got the price down to $500 it would be too much for us. |
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Post by stepper on Apr 16, 2013 18:15:33 GMT -6
I agree with the amputation idea.
I have not personally explored them, but I understand there are pet insurances that are quite affordable and generous in benefits (especially where younger pets are concerned) - which could very well include pre-existing conditions. One or another might make this affordable.
Have a garage sale and get the kids to donate stuff they don't need too.
I hesitate to suggest this, but you could check with a local credit union for a low interest personal loan.
Go public - facebook for example. Put up a cute picture of your kitten and explain that you are trying to save a life by removing a leg because you can't afford more. Let people donate to help you with the cost. And/or do the same thing in a local paper (with a decent circulation). Use the paper to point to facebook. Let people help if they can. I can't promise what results you'll get, but you get none if you don't try.
Don't forget to explore the options Scrappy mentioned - and don't give up if your initial results are not what you hoped - cast a wider net. Your vet not being overly helpful? Try other vets with this pet. I'm sure you asked, but will the vet let you make payments?
And as a very last resort, if you've tried and are not making headway, and if the kitty is stressed/hurting/etc., then make the tuff decision. As much as it pains us to make those decisions, ending the suffering of a pet is as loving a choice as going broke trying to make the boo boo better.
Okay Spock - I know I haven't got the best ideas for options, especially under the circumstance you describe, but please know, and I presume to speak for the board here, we all wish you great luck as you endeavor to help your kitty.
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Post by stepper on Apr 16, 2013 18:27:34 GMT -6
I always thought cats were invulnerable. I've had seven and they were many things, but none of them were invulnerable. |
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Post by Siren on Apr 16, 2013 21:39:57 GMT -6
Spock, I can tell you that cats can not only deal with an amputation, they can thrive. An injury necessitated the amputation of one my mom's adult cat's back legs. He recovered well. The poor boy looked clumsy as he hopped around at walking speed. But, unbelievably, when he ran, you could not tell he was injured. He seemed to use his tail as a balance when running. He was just as good a hunter as before, and could even climb trees. Lived to a ripe old age.
I'm thinking that if your cat underwent the amputation at such a young age, it might adapt even better than my mom's cat did. Good luck! And best wishes to your kitty.
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Post by Phalon on Apr 17, 2013 5:15:53 GMT -6
Here's a link to a nonprofit organization called FVEAP - Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program - that "provides emergency financial assistance to cat and kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their companion when life-threatening illness or injury strikes." www.fveap.org/index.html They also offer financial suggestions to obtain funding, and links to other organizations that offer donations: www.fveap.org/resources_11.html The AFRP (Animal Friends Rescue Project) gives links to several organizations that offer financial assistance for veterinary services. www.animalfriendsrescue.org/financialassistance.htmlOn PetChance.org www.petchance.org/ It appears you post your pet's photo, type of veterinary care needed and the cost. Donations are then made to your pet's cause, and the organization sends the funds directly to your vet. |
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Post by Spock on Apr 17, 2013 16:28:08 GMT -6
Thanks for all the input. I have turned the matter over to my wife to handle, as she is the one who made the initial decision to adopt. I haven't abandoned her though, as we still discuss options and I will let her know of your input.
Right now she has contacted a different Vet for their input and is considering how to finance any operation.
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Post by katina2nd on Apr 17, 2013 18:54:39 GMT -6
Wish I had something to add Spock, but think most of your options have been well and truly covered by others on here, just like to wish you the best whichever path you go down.
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Post by Spock on Apr 18, 2013 9:43:08 GMT -6
Something new has occurred that doesn't speak well for the kittens longevity. My wife is 70+ years old and the kitten is always underfoot. Yesterday she actually tripped over the kitten and fell. Fortunately, the area where she fell was covered with a half inch thick resilient cover. She might not be so lucky next time.
I think the kitten is on his "last legs" ...
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Post by Scrappy Amazon on Apr 18, 2013 23:21:38 GMT -6
Dude....I rarely get angry and start trouble here because I'm not around enough anymore to feel like I have a right to jump up and down and make a fuss.
However, this is my thing. It's my job and my passion. I will not stand by and say nothing when I have the ability to speak my mind.
Make a decision and get to it. The cat is probably in pain. Even if you take it to a local shelter and they put it down because they don't have the resources to fix it at least the cat will not be hurting anymore.
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Post by katina2nd on Apr 18, 2013 23:43:07 GMT -6
...... because I'm not around enough anymore to feel like I have a right to jump up and down and make a fuss. Since when has that ever stopped you in the past. ;D Sorry, just couldn't help myself, the temptation was to great.  |
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Post by Spock on Apr 18, 2013 23:54:53 GMT -6
... at least the cat will not be hurting anymore. The cat, Paul, isn't hurting anyone now and to see him "run" and "jump" around you wouldn't believe he has any problems at all. I know I need to DO something but find myself paralyzed with indecision. If there were nothing wrong with him, I would take him back to the ASPCA where the previous "owner" (does anyone really "own" a cat?) got him from. I would know that he would end up in a good home. Injured as he is now though, I find it hard to do. I don't want him put down but we cannot afford the fees. We also cannot afford to keep him even though we've already put out over $500 on him already! Maybe my age is starting to work against me. It used to be that I had no problem doing Internet research, assessing different courses of action, and implementing what I thought best. Now I just sit here hoping for a miracle, knowing that it just won't happen. Today is Friday. I suppose I had better get in touch with the ASPCA to find out what they have to say ... |
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Post by Spock on Apr 19, 2013 21:11:02 GMT -6
About 1410 this afternoon I called the local SPCA organization where our kitten, Paul, had originally been adopted from. After talking with the young lady in charge of accepting pets and explaining the situation to her, she said I should bring Paul in. She said they had several Vets who did volunteer work for them, so there would be no problem getting Paul the surgical help he needed.
By 1440 Paul was back at the SPCA and I had been assured that they would take care of his required surgery and, after his recovery, find him a new home.
It was an emotional time and once I called everything happened rather quickly but I wanted to get him help as soon as possible once I finally realized there was nothing we could do for him. I gave them all his left over food and the remainder of the pain medication we had purchased from the Vet. When my wife got home, we had a bit of a cry over it because we had actually gotten attached to Paul in the short time we had been his care givers.
I just hope everything goes smoothly for him now that he is there. Thanks to all who thought enough of me and Paul to respond.
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Post by stepper on Apr 19, 2013 21:48:28 GMT -6
Well, it may be the penultimate conclusion Spock. You had to give him up, but the pressure and concern is relieved, Paul will get the help he needs, and since he's such a lover he'll have no problem getting a new home. And of course, there's always the that thing about him not tripping up your wife.
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Post by Mini Mia on Apr 19, 2013 22:26:19 GMT -6
That's good news, Spock. I'm sure he'll find a wonderful new home after he's mended. Maybe Paul was meant to go to someone else, or he needed to go because there's another pet coming your way? 
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Post by Spock on Apr 22, 2013 12:32:55 GMT -6
Thanks. Intellectually I know it was best for Paul but it still feels wrong somehow. Probably because we were starting to get attached to him. I was surprised to find out that we had him for about 2 months!
As far as another pet coming our way, hopefully it will be a long time. Our dog is 13 and deaf now. I don't think she deserves the terror of another cat ...
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Post by Mini Mia on Apr 22, 2013 15:33:11 GMT -6
Yeah. Old pets deserve their peace and quiet in their remaining time.
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Post by Siren on Apr 23, 2013 21:45:40 GMT -6
I'm surprised you could give him up at all, Spock, after 2 months. But it just shows that you do want what's best for the kitten. I hope your missing him eases soon.
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Post by Spock on Apr 24, 2013 14:02:37 GMT -6
I'm surprised you could give him up at all ... We probably wouldn't if my wife hadn't let slip that he had caused her to trip and fall. After that I figured it would be better for all involved if we gave him up. |
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