Possible fracture on cat?

[Seagoat]

First of all, Hello. This is my first post on this wonderful Forum.

I have a question about a cat that has a owner, but always at my house. I actually think you can call him a roamer.

This morning when I saw him, I noticed that his front leg is quite swollen. From the elbow down. I know his owner won't do anything about. I live in a place where the vet comes around once a month. Is there anything I can do until the time comes?

I took a picture, but not sure if you can tell.

Thank you

[bendyfoot]

:sad:eeesh. Is he bearing any weight on it at all? Does he have control over his paw/elbow? What happens if you try to touch the swollen area or manipulate the joints? Poor kitty

[Seagoat]

Well, he hasn't been using his front leg. He still seems to get up to high places. Then I try to move it and he tries to bite me, not to hurt...just to let you know it hurts. I feel so bad for this lil guy. He is such a tuff kitty, hence his name from me "tuffy".

[bendyfoot]

Is there seriously no way to get him to another vet for a whole month? If it's broken, it'll be set by the time the vet shows up, although depending on the nature of the break (if that's what it is) it could heal crookedly, which may or may not end up being a problem. The biggest thing I'd be looking for is good blood circulation in the lower leg and toes...make sure they're warm and the skin between the toes is the same colour as on the healthy foot. Does he pull his foot away if you pinch between his toes? If he's not using the leg, and otherwise has control over the leg, you might leave it alone. Otherwise, you could try splinting it, or you could try letting the cat rest the injury by putting him in a cage where he can't run/jump. Is he otherwise eating and toiletting ok? What a sad situation.

[otter]

pooor kitty :sad:
I too live far from vet care and it really sucks
Is there anyway you could call a vet - just to ask if there is anything you could do to help until he/she comes? Is there no way the cat could get brought to the vet?

Otherwise do the best you can to keep the poor thing comfortable. He might lose use of the leg if it doesn't get treated soon. Quite a horrible situation :sad:

Is there any way to keep him crated/caged for a while - some rest might help a bit, keep him from causing further injury

[otter]

sorry, I didn't see bendyfoot's post

[bendyfoot]

mms://wmv.apogeevideo.com/apogeevideo/catsplint2.wmv

I found this, it's just I clip of a full video I think, but it might give you an idea. You could use any basic human first aid/splinting principles here to support the leg. I probably wouldn't use anything hard as a support, just layers of bandage (if you don't have the stretchy wrap like in the video, you can use strips of cloth tied down the length of the splint)...and check often for proper blood circulation in the feet...

[Seagoat]

Well, he is resting now. Poor lil guy, I keep bugging him to check all these things you guys are suggesting. He does move his leg when I pinch his toes. The leg feels warm as well as the paw. Not too warm like an infection though. The link that Bendyfoot suggested doen't open but I can look up youtube.

Thanks for help,

Jessica

[bendyfoot]

You just don't want a cold foot, it would mean that the blood flow is blocked. I'm glad he moves his foot when pinched, I asked because I was wondering about nerve damage. Consider icing the leg if he'll let you. Just look up human first aid for a broken arm, and you'll get ideas there.

[Seagoat]

bendyfoot....thanks

[Love4himies]

How about sending Dr Lee a private message? He would know what to do.

[NoahGrey]

Originally Posted by Seagoat

I know his owner won't do anything about.

The owner can be charged with not providing vet medical care when needed.

This animal NEEDS to see a vet ASAP. By not having this cat examed by a vet, it pose new problems down the road for the cat later on.

Either you get in your car, use a friends car, get someone to drive you and take the cat to the vet yourself. Or I would call the spca and let them know that you feel that this cat has a fractured leg, but the owner will not do anything. They can be able to issue him an order ti comply.

You said that the vet comes once a month. Does he not do Emerg calls? Where do you live that you don't have easy access to a vet?

You have to do something. I would not call the owner and say you need to take him to a vet. This might make him mad and he might do something to the cat.

ACO22

[Love4himies]

I think the kitty is in Costa Rica, they probably don't have the same animal rights laws as we do in Canada:sad:

[Seagoat]

Love4himis, your right about the animal rules. They are starting to have some rules, but unfortunately they are never forced.

Tuffy (cat) is up and walking around. I talked to an Indian doctor to see if he could tell if the leg was broken or fractured. Hoping that he can reset it then use a splint. He just ate and drank some milk, so at least he still has an appetite. We'll see what happens tomorrow with the Dr.

Love4himis, another thing...you mentioned PM'ing Dr. Lee? How can I go about this? I'm new to this site and haven't had much time to browse.

ACO22~ When I signed into this site, I didn't realize that it's based in Canada. So yes, it's very different here from there. I am originally from Seattle, and used to live 30 minutes from the BC border.

[14+kitties]

I Pm'd Dr Lee and directed him to this thread. Hopefully he will see it very soon. Other than that just try to keep him from doing things and keep him at your place if you can. Great advice from the others.

[growler~GateKeeper]

I'm wondering if this is actually an infection, you say he is a "roamer" if he got into a fight or was caught on a nail or wood fence in his travels there could be infection there. It wouldn't necessarily feel really hot, but a little warmer than usual especially if this is the begining of the (possible) infection.

He wouldn't want to move it too much or will attempt to bite when you move it, if the infection site is in the joint or close to it.

Don't worry about it being a Canadian forum, there are members here from all over the world.

[rainbow]

You've already received lots of good suggestions so I just wanted to wish you lots of luck with the doctor tomorrow.

And, thank you for caring about this poor kitty.

[Dr Lee]

Originally Posted by growler

I'm wondering if this is actually an infection, you say he is a "roamer" if he got into a fight or was caught on a nail or wood fence in his travels there could be infection there. It wouldn't necessarily feel really hot, but a little warmer than usual especially if this is the begining of the (possible) infection.

Great advice. This looks like a cellulitis stage which precedes an abscess. Obviously I cannot be sure, however from the description and picture, this would be my first thought - a burgeoning infection. Good luck with the vet! Let us know how it goes.

[chico2]

A sweet little tabby, am glad he has you to care for him
Whether you are in Costa Rica or Alaska anyone is welcome here,our love for animals is Universal.
I hope this little guy gets some help,please keep us updated and WELCOME TO OUR FORUM!