Nerve damage in cat

[bendyfoot]

Well, if the front leg is working fine, then I see three scenarios here:

1. the hind leg nerve recovers and kitty regains proper use of the foot This would obviously be best
2. the hind leg nerve doesn't recover, but kitty adapts and can get around without injuring the foot that's knuckling and does not self-damage the foot...no issue, carry on as normal with a slightly gimpy kitty
3. the hind leg nerve doesn't recover, and kitty's foot is getting injured, the gimpy leg is impairing kitty's mobility, or kitty is resorting to chewing on the nervy foot...not good...so kitty becomes a tripod and after a brief (2 weeks) recovery period never has to worry about that leg again.

Either way, long-term, you don't have too much to worry about. It's the waiting and wondering what the outcome will be that's going to be the hardest thing. Seriously, animals carry 60% of their weight with the front legs, the back legs don't have much of a supportive role, mainly propulsion. If, down the road (I think it's very early still especially since the hind leg is still recovering from surgery) kitty's hind leg becomes a problem/impairs mobility/is getting injured, a tripod kitty is just as good as a fourpod.

[Tuxcat]

You are right; it is the waiting and wondering and looking for the tiniest sign of response that is hard.

I did get permission to let him have some more activity today. I took him on two short walks outside. We won't have too many more nice days to do that. He has never been on a harness/leash before and did very well. The distraction of the outdoors helped with that I'm sure. He walked on his knuckles of his damaged foot the whole time. He had a great time and his brother didn't mess with him at all after not being together for 12 weeks!

Has anyone ever successfully made a little bootie to make the foot land on the toes properly? I've been thinking about it but haven't come up with a good way to keep it on the foot.

Here is a picture of him soon after the shooting. His front leg has since healed.

[growler~GateKeeper]

awwww what a cutie pie how anyone could be that cruel is beyond me

I'm so glad he is doing much better on continued sucess w/his rehab

[bendyfoot]

There are braces made for just that sort of thing, actually...you could order one or get some ideas on how to go about making one...

http://handicappedpets.biz/xcart/leg-splints.html

here's an example from a good source....

[luskentyre]

Howard had to be put to sleep tonight...

I want to thank eveyone on here who gave me messages of support after his accident and helped me through that very difficult time. Unfortunately Howard developed a tumour last year (possibly as a result of the accident) and ultimately it was making him so uncomfortable that a tremendously difficult decision had to be made.

Thank you everyone. I wish you all the very best with your pets. May they bring you happiness for a long time to come.

x

[Love4himies]

I am so sorry to hear he didn't make it

[luskentyre]

Thank you Love4himies - and my thanks to everyone else on here who gave me support after Howard's accident.

[chico2]

Lusketyre,I am soo sorry,Howard was a beautiful little boy.
sweet little one