Torn ACL

A couple of weeks ago, my 5 year old cat Nellie was limping.  Of course, it was a holiday weekend.  Come Monday I took him to my vet.  The vet did a thorough check and could not find anything wrong.  In fact Nellie made me a liar and didn't make a sound when the vet checked her back legs.  Nellie surely made sounds for me.  So the vet gave him a couple of shots and sent me home with oral meds, stating if he is not better by Wed, to call him.  Well Nellie was not better.  Took him back and well the vet felt Nellie had a torn ACL.  Now I must make a decision, surgery or no surgery.  Nellie is a good cat, he is my barn cat and a pet.  Since the vet visit, last Monday, I have kept Nellie in a large crate to keep her from using her back left leg.  That is the leg that is affected.  The vet said the surgery would have to be done at a bigger hospital, about 30 miles or so away.  Im pretty sure the surgery will cost at least $500 if not $800.  I am sure the leg hurts him.  Any advise for me from anyone who has had to make this decision?

I think one thing to look at is how likely it is that the surgery will fix the problem. If the odds are good that it will leave Nellie symptom free then I think I'd go ahead. If, on the other hand, there's a good chance that the surgery will fail then it's a much harder decision.

It certainly sounds as though Nellie can't continue as she is now...its just not fair to leave an animal in pain.

Consider the recovery/rehabilitation time too. How is Nellie coping with being crated? If she's majorly stressed by being so confined, and the surgery means a long period of confinement during recovery, then that's another factor to consider.

I know I'm posing more questions than answers, but that's because it ultimately has to be your decision. You know Nellie better than anyone. It's about way more than just money. You have to look at her as a whole, and go from there.

I hope some others who've had experience of this surgery are able to chime in. I'm just letting you know how I'd approach the situation. Mega for you both.

Thanks Columbine, lots to think about.  Guess the first place would be to take him to the vet who would perform the operation and see what the Vet says. 

Nellie is doing surprising well in the crate.  Altho when I clean the litter, he does want out, but settles back down soon.  Nellie sleeps most of the day and I guess night time.  He's eating well, drinking water and using the litter. 

We have no plans for traveling this summer so rehab would not be a problem for me.  Just seems if Im keeping him crated might as well be for rehab.  My vet is hoping it may heal on its own if I can keep him up and calm and off the leg.

Nellie is a very good cat and I guess I should do all I can to aliveate his pain.  Its got to hurt, altho he is not making any sounds, other than wanting to get out of the crate but like it sad, he settles down.  I give him some wet cat food and back to sleep.

Im hoping someone with experience in this will chime in.  I do thank you for giving me more to think about.  I tell other pet owners that they should do all they can to help their pet, then you know you have done what ever you could.  Again, thanks.  I will be calling my vet on Monday and see which Vet he personally recommends and call that vet and get the ball rolling.

I wish you luck in finding the right decision. I've had to make a couple of major operation decisions for my greyhound (following a bad car accident when he was young and foolish). It's always difficult trying to work out what's best...especially if your vet has a cautious nature, or is working hard not to pressure you. I'm sure you'll make the right choice for Nellie in the end. It's really great that she's tolerating being crated so well though Definitely bodes well for future treatment options.

Thanks Columbine, lots to think about.  Guess the first place would be to take him to the vet who would perform the operation and see what the Vet says. 

Nellie is doing surprising well in the crate.  Altho when I clean the litter, he does want out, but settles back down soon.  Nellie sleeps most of the day and I guess night time.  He's eating well, drinking water and using the litter. 

We have no plans for traveling this summer so rehab would not be a problem for me. 

I thought I posted the post above the other day, oh well, its there now.  So here is the latest.

I took Nellie to the Animal Hospital recommended by my Vet.  The Dr there did find a torn ACL.  No xray needed, he could feel it.  He said he has taken care of many dogs with torn acl's and had never had a cat with a torn acl.  He said he could call some collegues and see what can be done and call me later.  The Vet called later that day and said, he had talked with two Vet who are board certified orthopedic surgeons and they say that there is a 95% chance that the acl will heal with enough scar tissue for surgery to not be necessary.  The catch is to keep the cat confined for 8 weeks.  If after 8 weeks the cat doesn't not put weight on that leg than surgery would be warranted.  Confinement means, no running, no jumping, just relaxing.  Not necessary to keep crated, but to keep him calm and in a small room if possible.  The Vet said 95% chance is pretty good.  So I am working on week 2 of the 8 week program and will see what happens.  I will do all  can to make sure when I have Nellie in the house that he doesn't jump on the couch and when he goes back outside he will be crated.  The Vet also said, it would be ok for Nellie to play with my new kitten, Fred.  Even though we had to drive over 30 miles to this animal hospital, the charge was only ...get this...$13.  Thanks for your replies.

That all sounds very positive Good luck with helping Nellie rest - I get the feeling it will be far easier said than done :lol3:

:cross: for a full recovery

Thanks Columbine,  You have gave me lots of kindness.  Nellie is loving being inside in his favorite box with the air conditioning.  Hoping for a good outcome.