Hip Popped Back Out After Closed Reduction

My cat was diagnosed with a luxated hip on Thursday. It was clearly popped all the way out of the socket on the xray, so the vet tried a closed hip reduction, which involved putting him under anesthesia and manually pressing the hip back into place.

It went in well and I had him crated to restrict his activity, but after five days his pain medicine ran out, he was feeling better and was no longer even mildly sedated, so he was freaking out in the crate. I called the vet and begged then to give him some tranquilizers for two days. They finally agreed, but it was too late: he had already popped the hip back out of place.

Now I am really unsure what to do. Has anyone here had success with closed hip reduction or FHO surgery? I am a single mom on disability, so the $2k they are asking fur the surgery is a lot of money. In fact, the $500 I've already spent is a lot of money to me! On the other hand, he is my daughter's cat and I don't know how to possibly tell her that I am having him euthanized because we can't afford surgery!

I just can't keep going through this, financially or emotionally. I worry that I will end up spending 2 months' income on vet bills, only to be told that the surgery didn't work and he needs another operation. :'(

Sorry, I meant to ask if anyone had experience with OPEN hip reduction, but I guess I am interested in hearing about any experiences anyone has had with either procedure, or FHO, or any other treatment for a dislocated hip.

Hi there,

I will see if I can find someone with some knowledge on this, but its a very specialized subject.  You might ask for a second opinion from another vet.

Stephen

The little understanding I have of this injury is that cat hip luxations which are reduced using the closed method or manipulating the head of femur back in to the joint socket are often no successful.  However because of the additional risks and costs of open surgery if an injury is recent the closed method is usually tried.

Following the relocation of the femur head in the joint socket the limb is usually imobilised using aspecial type of sling, and the vet will reccommend containing the cat to reduce their mobility and control to some degree the risk of dislocating again.

I think it is unlikely that a closed reduction would be attempted for a second time as success rates reduce significantly the longer it is since an injury first occurs.  You could ask for a second vet opinion, though on line information looks fairly consistent in the advice.  

If you live in the US there is some helpful information on meeting vet costs and payment plans on the site, I am posting the link here together with another advice link given by a member in another thread: 

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/when-you-cant-afford-a-veterinarian

http://beingstray.com/dogs/financial-assistance-for-pets/

I would certainly struggle meeting these costs even with the insurance cover I have for my cat, and very much hope you are able to find some way to resolve this.  

Thanks for the replies!

I did get a second opinion from a nearby vet, who did a visual/manual exam and prescribed stronger pain killers and the sedative I had originally asked for. That very says she didn't have much faith in closed hip reductions and wants to try an FHO, which is where they saw off the head of the femur to allow a 'false joint' to form. That surgery is still $1500+. As a single mom on disability, that is equal to my entire monthly check, so it is a lot to spend.

My best friend has been googling and has found some stories of success with just a month or so of cage rest and sedation, allowing the same false joint to form without removing any part of the bone. I'm leaning toward this option right now, because I am really not ready to euthanize, and he really does seem to be resting comfortably with the stronger meds.

And I have clicked on a lot of the links for financial assistance. Most of them are either shut down completely, or they have notices that say they are not giving grants right now, etc. It is a difficult economic time for charities, too.

Hi @mplsmom    Can I ask if your vet put your cat's leg in some sort of splint/wrap to immobolize it, so that the ligaments had a chance to heal?

( When a human dislocates an elbow, a splint/sling is worn to allow healing of surrounding tissue.)

Sorry the financial assistance options aren't coming up with anything.  I would be in the same position with my budget and it is an awful thought.  I think it is worth discussion with the vet about the option of possible joint immobilisation.  Like cat nap suggests - using the type of sling which is often used for keeping the first joint reduction in place, plus minimizing mobility in a crate and pain relief / sedation as needed.  See what your vet says, if there is some chance of success hopefully they will consider it over the alternatives within budget.

What is you cat's name?

Thinking of you.  I hope you are able to talk with the vet soon.     

I had a cat years ago who had an FHO, and I have a cat now who needs to have one.   It really helped him out, and once my kitties heart gets stable enough he will be having the FHO surgery for hip dysplasia.  Have you tried contacting some of the local rescues to see if they have funds to help?  Some vets have funds like that as well for people who cannot afford treatment for their pets.