Orthopaedic surgery for metatarsal fracture

[Kasperr]

My cat has broken 3 out of 4 metatarsals and is currently having a cast and crate rest. My vet is pushing for surgery to fix the bones with pins or K wires. Is it actually safe or beneficial to traditional immobilisation

 

[Maurey]

It depends on the type of breaks, and their severity. Breaks that can’t be properly aligned, or that have high chances of going out of alignment definitely benefit from surgery, and decrease healing times and risks of bones healing wrong. Also, any vet worth their salt won’t recommend needless surgery. If you have concerns, get a second opinion from a specialist, but if you do, don’t wait too long, and get everything sorted ASAP. If your cat actually needs the surgery, she might need her bones rebroken if they start healing wrong.

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

It depends on the type of breaks, and their severity. Breaks that can’t be properly aligned, or that have high chances of going out of alignment definitely benefit from surgery, and decrease healing times and risks of bones healing wrong. Also, any vet worth their salt won’t recommend needless surgery. If you have concerns, get a second opinion from a specialist, but if you do, don’t wait too long, and get everything sorted ASAP. If your cat actually needs the surgery, she might need her bones rebroken if they start healing wrong.

Agreed! Kasperr , is there some reason you don't trust your Vet on this? If not, then definitely get another opinion.

 

[Kasperr]

Agreed! Kasperr , is there some reason you don't trust your Vet on this? If not, then definitely get another opinion.

She is referring me onwards to a specialist as she doesn’t do it herself, what worries me is that they referred us straight to surgery, without an actual consultation, so I got worried. I’ve researched it extensively and it seems it’s the right thing to do