I am from australia and my 10month ol burmese kitten, Simba, was recently hit by a car. He suffered a 3/4 break to the bone in his rear leg, just above the knee - which was pinned - and a couple of days later we found out she had a damaged vertebrae. The vet could not tell us exactly what damage had been done to her spine, just that it had moved upwards slightly and there was a small chip. He said that it could be due to swelling and could settle down but more than likely it would be permanent. My cat has partial movement and can feel me touch his legs. He doesn't move his tail much but he can slowly move his legs as if stretching them and the supposedly non injured leg has started to sort of pump up and down. He hasn't made any effort to stand up - just drags himself along. At the moment I am going to have to take him to the vet as this morning he had bloody urine. the vet said that this is from overstretching of the bladder.(?) I am learning to try and express his bladder myself but I don't think I am doing it fully and I think I may be hurting him slightly as the injuries are only a week old. Whatever it is he doesn't like it. I usually pat him and get him purring first then keep patting him while I do it.
The vet has told me that I should look at putting him down as he won't have any quality of life. I can't do this as my cat is otherwise himself. He even tries to climb out of his porta cot using his front legs and pulling himself up!! Talk about stubborn. he doesn't seem to mind dragging himself around and is actually quite fast. I do see him staring longingly at higher places but I won't put him up there just yet. I am going to give him at least 6 months and see how he goes. If all goes well he could return to slow walking. If not and he seems to be happy, then we are looking at getting a wheelie made up for him. I don't want to keep him going just for me. I understand at the moment he is in a bit of pain ( with the accident just happeneing ) but if he continues to be in pain and not heal I won't be horrible and keep him alive. I will do the right thing and put him to sleep, as hard as it would be.
Its hard as I have a 18 month old son as well. So I kind of look at it as having to look after 2 kids. But I think I can do it. I have started him on homeopathic remedies as well as the vets antbiotics and anti- inflammatories. And in the future I am looking at acupuncture as well. I will do anything to help my cat and make sure he is happy and comfortable.
I just want to know how other people coped in the first few wekks. Sometimes I wonder if it would have been more humane to put him down but when I first saw him ( 4 days after the accident ) and he meowed at me, I knew I couldn't let him go without a fight.
recently partially paralysed cat - coping
Re: recently partially paralysed cat - coping
Moo:
First of all when I hear a vet say that a disabled animal will not have a good quality of life and his guardian should consider killing him, I would get another vet. He has no idea what he is talking about. I have several disabled animals, all of whom have an excellent quality of life. Simon, who has the most severe disability, has severe congenital deformities of his back legs. His back legs which look like they are on backwards and stick out to his left side are paralyzed and he pulls himself along. He is a wonderful happy cat who I have had for four years tomorrow. I also have to express his bladder. Glory, my beautiful petite calico, appeared to have had a compression injury at birth so her spine healed at a 45 degree angle. She pulls herself along while pushing with her back legs. She has no problem getting on top of the cat trees. My cat Gracie has no back feet while Rupert's back legs are twisted inward at his tarsus. Neither have any problem getting around. My dog Jack was born with congenital spinal deformities and had partial paralysis of his back legs. He has no deep pain sensation but with physical therapy he no longer needs his wheelchair and goes on walks. I certainly would not give up on Simba. (I also have a cat named Simba who has a ventricular septal defect, or hole in the bottom two chambers of his heart. He is doing fine.) I think you will find he will adapt just fine. He may actually improve over time especially with physical therapy and possibly the acupuncture. I would be concerned about the blood in the urine and I hope there are no other internal injuries. Consider having him looked at by an orthopedic specialist. I am sure you will hear from others on this website who will tell you the same thing I have and how rewarding these animals are to have in our lives. I think if Simba had his choice he would want to live with you as long as possible. Diana R.
First of all when I hear a vet say that a disabled animal will not have a good quality of life and his guardian should consider killing him, I would get another vet. He has no idea what he is talking about. I have several disabled animals, all of whom have an excellent quality of life. Simon, who has the most severe disability, has severe congenital deformities of his back legs. His back legs which look like they are on backwards and stick out to his left side are paralyzed and he pulls himself along. He is a wonderful happy cat who I have had for four years tomorrow. I also have to express his bladder. Glory, my beautiful petite calico, appeared to have had a compression injury at birth so her spine healed at a 45 degree angle. She pulls herself along while pushing with her back legs. She has no problem getting on top of the cat trees. My cat Gracie has no back feet while Rupert's back legs are twisted inward at his tarsus. Neither have any problem getting around. My dog Jack was born with congenital spinal deformities and had partial paralysis of his back legs. He has no deep pain sensation but with physical therapy he no longer needs his wheelchair and goes on walks. I certainly would not give up on Simba. (I also have a cat named Simba who has a ventricular septal defect, or hole in the bottom two chambers of his heart. He is doing fine.) I think you will find he will adapt just fine. He may actually improve over time especially with physical therapy and possibly the acupuncture. I would be concerned about the blood in the urine and I hope there are no other internal injuries. Consider having him looked at by an orthopedic specialist. I am sure you will hear from others on this website who will tell you the same thing I have and how rewarding these animals are to have in our lives. I think if Simba had his choice he would want to live with you as long as possible. Diana R.
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Cindidoxiemom
- Posts: 1359
- Joined: Mon Dec 05, 2005 2:17 pm
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Re: recently partially paralysed cat - coping
Well Dianne said it so well...
I will just add that I have a paralyzed pupper doodle who has a wonderful life! He can scoot inside and has a cart to manage outdoor activities. I have to express him 3 times a day, but don't even think about it any more...it is just part of my routine.
The blood in the urine should be addressed immediately. Bladder infections are something you have to be very aware of with a paralyzed pet.
Stay positive..things do get easier...I promise!
Cindi
I will just add that I have a paralyzed pupper doodle who has a wonderful life! He can scoot inside and has a cart to manage outdoor activities. I have to express him 3 times a day, but don't even think about it any more...it is just part of my routine.
The blood in the urine should be addressed immediately. Bladder infections are something you have to be very aware of with a paralyzed pet.
Stay positive..things do get easier...I promise!
Cindi
I am not a vet; please consult your vet before making any treatment decisions.
Hunter IVDD Surgery x 2~Walking
Oscar IVDD Surgery x 1~ Paralyzed
Sage and Misty
Hunter IVDD Surgery x 2~Walking
Oscar IVDD Surgery x 1~ Paralyzed
Sage and Misty
Re: recently partially paralysed cat - coping
Dear Moo, I have a paralysed dog who has a great life!!!! but I can't tell you how important it is to have the right vet. I went to 3 vets who told me my dog minnie who has rheumatoid arthritist should be put down.... then I found a great vet hospital that told me she can live a good life as long as I give her lots of help. My sister's dog had spinal surgery, paralysed after surgery for 2 months and is now running around like nothing ever happened thanks to lots of love and physical therapy, but when we brought him home from the hospital paralysed we never could have imagined that he would walk on his own again!
Please have hope and know you are doing the right thing.
gio & minnie
Please have hope and know you are doing the right thing.
gio & minnie
Re: recently partially paralysed cat - coping
To all who replied to my post,
I wish to thank you for all your wonderful replies. I am seeing the vet this afternoon regarding the blood in the urine. But the good news is - I think I actually expressed properly and fully!!! Yay!!! And Simba actually did a "poo" on his own this morning! I had just picked him up to wipe his penis and all of a sudden his bottom started " puckering" and out comes a "poo" Sorry to be so graphic. But its exactly what happened. I think he may have been a bit constipated as he hadn't done one since I brought him home on Friday ( 5 days ago ) Although he has only been eating one meal a day. So I don't really expect him to be doing as many as before.
Do any of your pets have pressure sores? From dragging themselves around? When he has healed a bit more I was looking at getting one of those bags that wrap around their belly and cover their legs. Especially for outside. I took him outside this morning ( which I probably shouldn't have seeing as the vet said keep him confined - but he was looking out there so longingly ) and he just dragged himself around and sat in the sun.
I know when someone said that i should get another vet don't get me wrong I considered it. See when the accident first happened all he told me was that he had a broken leg and would be fine after a pin in the leg. But when he didn't get up after a couple of days they redid the xrays and found the back injury. Thats when they told me to consider putting him down. They also haven't charged me a single cent for anything so far because they feel they should have picked up the spinal problem. I don't fault them or blame them. The damaged vertebrae is a bit further up the back than the broken leg, so they wouldn't have been looking for it. As for the query about internal injuries - there are definately none. He has good heart sounds and good colour. And is otherwise in great shape. I won't give up on him ( and I don't think he will give up on himself ) I have only had him for 6 months and I am not ready to live without him ( my fiancee won't admit it but I don't think he can either )
so once again thank you to everyone who replied, it sure does cheer you up. I hope to hear from you and other people in similar situations.
best wishes
moo
I wish to thank you for all your wonderful replies. I am seeing the vet this afternoon regarding the blood in the urine. But the good news is - I think I actually expressed properly and fully!!! Yay!!! And Simba actually did a "poo" on his own this morning! I had just picked him up to wipe his penis and all of a sudden his bottom started " puckering" and out comes a "poo" Sorry to be so graphic. But its exactly what happened. I think he may have been a bit constipated as he hadn't done one since I brought him home on Friday ( 5 days ago ) Although he has only been eating one meal a day. So I don't really expect him to be doing as many as before.
Do any of your pets have pressure sores? From dragging themselves around? When he has healed a bit more I was looking at getting one of those bags that wrap around their belly and cover their legs. Especially for outside. I took him outside this morning ( which I probably shouldn't have seeing as the vet said keep him confined - but he was looking out there so longingly ) and he just dragged himself around and sat in the sun.
I know when someone said that i should get another vet don't get me wrong I considered it. See when the accident first happened all he told me was that he had a broken leg and would be fine after a pin in the leg. But when he didn't get up after a couple of days they redid the xrays and found the back injury. Thats when they told me to consider putting him down. They also haven't charged me a single cent for anything so far because they feel they should have picked up the spinal problem. I don't fault them or blame them. The damaged vertebrae is a bit further up the back than the broken leg, so they wouldn't have been looking for it. As for the query about internal injuries - there are definately none. He has good heart sounds and good colour. And is otherwise in great shape. I won't give up on him ( and I don't think he will give up on himself ) I have only had him for 6 months and I am not ready to live without him ( my fiancee won't admit it but I don't think he can either )
so once again thank you to everyone who replied, it sure does cheer you up. I hope to hear from you and other people in similar situations.
best wishes
moo
Re: recently partially paralysed cat - coping
Buddy was a starved, homeless boy when he was HBC Apr. 9. Initially he was 100% expressed and 100% paralyzed--pooping came back first, then walking, then peeing. He currently has his 2nd UTI but, as you can see, he can climb the cat tree. http://www.handicappedpets.com/pics/buddy.htm He's quite uncoordinated, but he does what he wants, when he wants. He'll probably never jump much, but he climbs where he wants to go.
Re: recently partially paralysed cat - coping
Yep, took Simba to the vet - same surgery but I got the vet I like better. HE seems more optimistic. Or at least doesn't make me feel like an idiot for doing this. Simba may be getting some bladder control back. The vet tried to express him when we were there and he said yes that simba was trying to stop us from doing it. He seems quite happy with him at the moment. And said that Simba was quite relaxed and happy. ( He was lying on the vets table purring loudly and falling asleep ) I commented to him that he seemed mor optimistic than the other vet and he said he wasn't more optimistic but if I wanted to give it a go then no worries. He also said he wouldn't hesitate to tell me if simba was in pain and ther was nothing we could do for him. The good thing is that simba didn't want his pain medicine yesterday and seemed okay without it. I do have him on homeopathy medicine so I don't know if that helps.
The vet also said he has no problems with me letting him outside for a drag so long as I am there with him. If I am not home he stays in his porta cot anyway. Simba misses the sun ( although now its started to rain quite a bit - I won't complain seeing as we are in a drought )
And the bladder expressing is getting easier even though simba is pushing his bladder against my force to stop me. And last night there was hardly any leakage. So things may be looking up although i won't get my hopes up. Doesn't matter anyway I love him the way he is.
The vet also said he has no problems with me letting him outside for a drag so long as I am there with him. If I am not home he stays in his porta cot anyway. Simba misses the sun ( although now its started to rain quite a bit - I won't complain seeing as we are in a drought )
And the bladder expressing is getting easier even though simba is pushing his bladder against my force to stop me. And last night there was hardly any leakage. So things may be looking up although i won't get my hopes up. Doesn't matter anyway I love him the way he is.
Re: recently partially paralysed cat - coping
Pets with spinal cord injuries or tail injuries become constipated more easily. If you cat becomes badly constipated, waste can build up inside the colon and stretch the colon until it is a large dried out mass that is impossible to pass. The result is a condition called megacolon. Sometimes the cat can be cleaned out under anaesthesia, but it is expensive and sometimes it has to be done more than once and sometimes doesn't work. Then they have to do surgery to remove a portion of the colon. You might want to get your cat on a regular program of lactulose syrup to keep the stools soft if you continue to notice slow bowels.moo wrote: And Simba actually did a "poo" on his own this morning! I had just picked him up to wipe his penis and all of a sudden his bottom started " puckering" and out comes a "poo" Sorry to be so graphic. But its exactly what happened. I think he may have been a bit constipated as he hadn't done one since I brought him home on Friday ( 5 days ago )
Re: recently partially paralysed cat - coping
I don't think he is constipated because he did another one last night. I think he may have actually been trying to get where his litter tray used to be. He couldn't get there though because there is a child gate and he used to be able to squeeze through it. We have moved it now and he is able to get to the laundry. So hopefully he will try to use it. Anyone got a good idea for a litter tray for a disabled cat? I was thinking of using a cheap baking tray and putting a pit of newspaper underneath to catch the kitty litter. It would be easier than trying to get in and out of a normal litter tray.
But I am happy that he has done 2 poos in 2 days. He really won't let me empty his bladder now. I tried today and he is pushing with his bladder everytime I go to squeeze it - as if he is saying I don't need you to. There was hardly any leakage this morning so who knows , maybe he will start to pee on his own.
He has started to claw at his climbing tree everytime he scoots past it. And he is getting really fast dragging himself round the house.He really doesn't seem to care that he can't use his back legs. And he seems to be stretching them a little better than he has been. You know when they do the whole body stretch- well it used to be just the front legs now the back legs join in a little bit, they can nearly fully strecth out.
Anway we are back to the vets on Saturday to get the stiches out and I might get the vet to fully empty his bladder then. Maybe he can get the cat to let him do it.
Take care everyone
But I am happy that he has done 2 poos in 2 days. He really won't let me empty his bladder now. I tried today and he is pushing with his bladder everytime I go to squeeze it - as if he is saying I don't need you to. There was hardly any leakage this morning so who knows , maybe he will start to pee on his own.
He has started to claw at his climbing tree everytime he scoots past it. And he is getting really fast dragging himself round the house.He really doesn't seem to care that he can't use his back legs. And he seems to be stretching them a little better than he has been. You know when they do the whole body stretch- well it used to be just the front legs now the back legs join in a little bit, they can nearly fully strecth out.
Anway we are back to the vets on Saturday to get the stiches out and I might get the vet to fully empty his bladder then. Maybe he can get the cat to let him do it.
Take care everyone
Re: recently partially paralysed cat - coping
https://www.handicappedpets.com/mediawiki/?title=Litterbox_for_handicapped_petmoo wrote:Anyone got a good idea for a litter tray for a disabled cat? I was thinking of using a cheap baking tray and putting a pit of newspaper underneath to catch the kitty litter. It would be easier than trying to get in and out of a normal litter tray.
If you want, I can mail you one of these. I have mailed one to South Africa, one to Canada, and several to people in the US. It would be fun to send one to Australia! It would be a free gift for your cat and you wouldn't owe me anything. I have a set in the closet waiting to go out. Just let me know, I could ship it on Saturday. I would need your mailing info. You could PM that to me.
Re: recently partially paralysed cat - coping
Buddy could use his even when he was still dragging!
Re: recently partially paralysed cat - coping
Hi Moo,
The box is in the mail. They are saying it will take a week to a week and a half, but we'll see about that. The last 2 boxes I sent out of country both got hung up in Customs. They ask you to write what is in the parcel on the Customs form, and then when you put litterbox for a handicapped cat I don't think they believe it. I packed and taped it neatly, but if it arrives taped crooked or something it wasn't me! lol! Also, several of the cats I mailed boxes to recovered, and your kitty may, too. If that happens, then you have a very nice large litter box and a very nice pillow. And I always say as far as the cat is concerned, the cardboard box it arrives in is the funnest part
Here are a couple of messages from previous overseas shipments, so you can see what to expect:
http://www.handicappedpets.com/cgi-bin/ ... read=12544 (Mailed to Dawn in Canada 12/29/04)
http://www.handicappedpets.com/cgi-bin/ ... read=13040 (Arrived 1/19/05)
http://www.handicappedpets.com/cgi-bin/ ... ?read=6881 (Mailed to South Africa approx. 2/13/04)
http://www.handicappedpets.com/cgi-bin/ ... ?read=7209 (Still in transit 3/4/04)
http://www.handicappedpets.com/cgi-bin/ ... ?read=7325 (Arrived 3/13/04)
http://www.handicappedpets.com/cgi-bin/ ... ?read=7421 (loves box)
Please let me know when it arrives? It is insured but there is no tracking. Also, you probably need to go buy some extra kitty litter, as it takes a LOT to fill the box--it is roomy so a cat who is laying down can drag around in it and find a clean spot. I recommend cleaning it frequently since your kitty will need to drag across the litter. Also, you can put a standard size pillow case over the cushion if you want.
The box is in the mail. They are saying it will take a week to a week and a half, but we'll see about that. The last 2 boxes I sent out of country both got hung up in Customs. They ask you to write what is in the parcel on the Customs form, and then when you put litterbox for a handicapped cat I don't think they believe it. I packed and taped it neatly, but if it arrives taped crooked or something it wasn't me! lol! Also, several of the cats I mailed boxes to recovered, and your kitty may, too. If that happens, then you have a very nice large litter box and a very nice pillow. And I always say as far as the cat is concerned, the cardboard box it arrives in is the funnest part
Here are a couple of messages from previous overseas shipments, so you can see what to expect:http://www.handicappedpets.com/cgi-bin/ ... read=12544 (Mailed to Dawn in Canada 12/29/04)
http://www.handicappedpets.com/cgi-bin/ ... read=13040 (Arrived 1/19/05)
http://www.handicappedpets.com/cgi-bin/ ... ?read=6881 (Mailed to South Africa approx. 2/13/04)
http://www.handicappedpets.com/cgi-bin/ ... ?read=7209 (Still in transit 3/4/04)
http://www.handicappedpets.com/cgi-bin/ ... ?read=7325 (Arrived 3/13/04)
http://www.handicappedpets.com/cgi-bin/ ... ?read=7421 (loves box)
Please let me know when it arrives? It is insured but there is no tracking. Also, you probably need to go buy some extra kitty litter, as it takes a LOT to fill the box--it is roomy so a cat who is laying down can drag around in it and find a clean spot. I recommend cleaning it frequently since your kitty will need to drag across the litter. Also, you can put a standard size pillow case over the cushion if you want.
Re: recently partially paralysed cat - coping
Depending on your poopster you might want to put a blue peepad under said pillowcase. 
If your baby falls and wallows a lot, we found that shredded paper worked GREAT for not making a huge mess and sticking to Buddy's butt. I had to dump it and hose it almost daily, but the paper was free and it decreased his discomfort A LOT.
If your baby falls and wallows a lot, we found that shredded paper worked GREAT for not making a huge mess and sticking to Buddy's butt. I had to dump it and hose it almost daily, but the paper was free and it decreased his discomfort A LOT.
Re: recently partially paralysed cat - coping
Well Simba was back at the vet today for another checkup. Vet is quite happy with him. I think Simba is actually urinating a little bit on his own. He was outside " playing" and started to dig a little in a pile of grass clippings ( It was his favourtie spot before the accident to lie in the sun) and he dragged himself so that his legs were behind him and went over the little hole. It was like he was going to the toilet. I couldn't check if he had done a wee because it would have absorbed if he had. But the vet said he certainly didn't have as much in his bladder. So who knows it could be the start. He isn't walking but he is putting pressure on his good leg if you hold him up. Which is another good sign. His tail is also working better. And his appetite is also improving. Also when he is outside and dragging himself along the good leg is actually clawing at the ground to help him move.
Whatever happened to "he has a 10% chance of walking again " and the " he has no movement in his legs" This is one stubborn, determined cat.
He has a bit of the shakes from time to time. But the vet said that in the event of spinal injury, as the nerves start to heal and come back, they do get a bit of the shakes. I was worried that Simba might be in pain but he stops as soon as I pat him. So the vet says he isn't in pain and he hasn't had any pain killers/ anti inflammatories since last Wednesday. He decided he didn't want to take them. He is still taking the homeopathic remedies and will be for quite some time. It makes you wonder - did the homeopathy help or is he coming good on his own. I like to think that its been helping. Especially seeing as he hasn't had painkilllers. He likes the Arnica cream that I rub on his legs and back. A bit sticky but he seem to quite enjoy having it rubbed in.
Well until next time. Thanks for all your replies and support. I hope i have more good news soon.
Whatever happened to "he has a 10% chance of walking again " and the " he has no movement in his legs" This is one stubborn, determined cat.
He has a bit of the shakes from time to time. But the vet said that in the event of spinal injury, as the nerves start to heal and come back, they do get a bit of the shakes. I was worried that Simba might be in pain but he stops as soon as I pat him. So the vet says he isn't in pain and he hasn't had any pain killers/ anti inflammatories since last Wednesday. He decided he didn't want to take them. He is still taking the homeopathic remedies and will be for quite some time. It makes you wonder - did the homeopathy help or is he coming good on his own. I like to think that its been helping. Especially seeing as he hasn't had painkilllers. He likes the Arnica cream that I rub on his legs and back. A bit sticky but he seem to quite enjoy having it rubbed in.
Well until next time. Thanks for all your replies and support. I hope i have more good news soon.
Re: recently partially paralysed cat - coping
I think I have good news. Simba tried to get up and walk. We have a small pile of sand leftover from my sons sandpit and simba was trying to use it as a litterbox (!) he couldn't quite drag himself up so he stood up on 3 feet and kinda hopped/ walked up it.I think it may have either hurt a bit or tired him out cause he didn't do it again but its a good sign. He is alslo definately peeing on his own.
Unfortuneatly, he has developed a sore on his good leg, I think from dragging himself round. Its basically all the hair has been rubbed off and the skins a bit sore. So I have started to apply calendula cream to it and put one of my sons old socks over it. I will see how it goes. We go back to the vet today so lets see how surprised he is with the peeing and trying to walk. I love proving people wrong when it comes to this sort of stuff. I tell you what - anyone who is considering trying holistic medicine. I say do it. I think thats what has helped Simba to recover so well ( so far )
Anyway thank you to everyone again. I will keep you all updated.
Unfortuneatly, he has developed a sore on his good leg, I think from dragging himself round. Its basically all the hair has been rubbed off and the skins a bit sore. So I have started to apply calendula cream to it and put one of my sons old socks over it. I will see how it goes. We go back to the vet today so lets see how surprised he is with the peeing and trying to walk. I love proving people wrong when it comes to this sort of stuff. I tell you what - anyone who is considering trying holistic medicine. I say do it. I think thats what has helped Simba to recover so well ( so far )
Anyway thank you to everyone again. I will keep you all updated.