Possible dislocation? X-rays provided

Wakeboardcraze

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So we have rescued a litter of kittens found in the wild that we are putting up for adoption. Unfortunately one little guys isn’t so happy. He’s got a limp and can barely walk on the left front leg. We have been to the vet and put him on antibiotics which did nothing, changed up the antibiotic and the swelling went down and he seemed to be walking much better, but still a limp. There already talking amputation but I want to avoid at all cost. He deserves to keep his leg at 2months old! I’ve posted the x ray, what do you guys think?.. that was with full swelling before antibiotics. His next appointment is Jan 3rd. Hopefully the vet can get a better look without swelling…

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FeebysOwner

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If you haven't done so already, I would consult with a vet who specializes in orthopedics. Most of these specialty vets require a referral from your regular vet for an actual physical exam, but I am pretty sure many of them would be willing to take a look at the x-rays and offer their input on what the possible treatment options might be. Worth asking your vet to follow through on this.
 

fionasmom

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The vet feels very strongly that this is a dislocation? To me, it does look like one, but I am not qualified to make that determination. I am a firm believer in amputation when it is necessary, but not as the quickest or easiest solution especially in a young animal. Consulting a specialist would be a very good idea, in person or via telemedicine. An orthopedist will probably know immediately what is going on, or be able to give you a couple of logical scenarios from which you can proceed.

Joint Dislocation in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
Joint Dislocation in Cats | PetMD
 
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Wakeboardcraze

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They didn’t say anything besides couldn’t tell and amputation is easiest. I want him to walk on 4 if possible though.. I tried doing research and seems like a dislocation
 

LTS3

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Ask the vet to consult wit a vet school or a vet hospital that has orthopedics and radiology. Here's one vet hospital that does courtesy consults to vets: Referral Services Orthopedics falls under Surgery for some reason.
 
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Wakeboardcraze

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Thank everyone for all the help. I will reach out to other specialists and check with my vet when I bring him back in on the 3rd. Got my fingers crossed. I did catch him spreading his claws and using it so I know it still works somewhat, I feel horrible watching him limp..
 

silent meowlook

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Are the x rays in your first post? For some reason, I can't see them.
 

di and bob

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I could see them, it seems the bones in his 'ankle' and his 'elbow' are messed up. hopefully, maybe you can just bring in or send the x-rays to an expert and see what they say to do next. Does he act like he is in pain? Poor little guy, has he always had this, or did it suddenly develop? Did he ever walk normally? At 8 weeks he hasn't even had enough time for anything to properly heal. Please keep us posted!
 
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Wakeboardcraze

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I could see them, it seems the bones in his 'ankle' and his 'elbow' are messed up. hopefully, maybe you can just bring in or send the x-rays to an expert and see what they say to do next. Does he act like he is in pain? Poor little guy, has he always had this, or did it suddenly develop? Did he ever walk normally? At 8 weeks he hasn't even had enough time for anything to properly heal. Please keep us posted!
No signs of pain, still trying to play and run around, but at the end of the day I feel horrible and I’m sure he’s in some type of discomfort. As far as when we first saw mom and kittens they were fine. Planning to catch them but didn’t want to risk mom not catching them all so we waited until they were done nursing and old enough to be separated. During that time we noticed he was limping so decided to immediately catch them (all 4 and mom) 2 have since been adopted and have great homes. Still working with this guy, his brother and the mom
 

silent meowlook

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It’s hard to tell from this x- ray but there looks to be problems in the elbow and wrist.
So, if you put a cat in the same room with a broken bone it will heal. But it won’t usually heal well on its own and the cat can wind up with chronic pain. The longer it isn’t treated the worse it gets and the harder to fix due to bone growth and the body trying to heal.

Can this kitten be made an indoor only cat for the rest-of his life?
Amputation isn’t a horrible idea, but it must be done by an experienced veterinary surgeon.
 
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Wakeboardcraze

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It’s hard to tell from this x- ray but there looks to be problems in the elbow and wrist.
So, if you put a cat in the same room with a broken bone it will heal. But it won’t usually heal well on its own and the cat can wind up with chronic pain. The longer it isn’t treated the worse it gets and the harder to fix due to bone growth and the body trying to heal.

Can this kitten be made an indoor only cat for the rest-of his life?
Amputation isn’t a horrible idea, but it must be done by an experienced veterinary surgeon.
Going back to vet on the 3rd.. we will not adopt this guy out to anyone who will even think about allowing him outside, so he's definitely going to be indoors weather it’s in my house or his forever home
 
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