Three Legged Missy ran away and came back w/ a broken leg

[kathryn]

Hi everyone, not sure that I mentioned it but early last month Three Legged Missy ran off and got herself lost somehow. She just returned home last Friday and seemed to be in okay shape other than some scrapes and bruises. The vets was closed for the holiday weekend so we took her in yesterday to have her checked out and the prognosis is much worse than we expected Upon closer examination, her back left leg (she is missing her back right) looks like it was chomped on by some sort of animal such as a fox or raccoon. There are deep puncture wounds and her whole leg was filled with pus.

I had her stabilized over the weekend with supplies I got from the shelter because no one realized just how bad the internal wounds were.


Sadly her leg is fractured in 3 places and her knee joint is almost completely crushed. It's lucky I did get antibiotics and stuff from the shelter right away because she probably could have gotten alot worse. She had over a 104 fever and her leg was really abscessed.


I don't know what to do She is in VERY good spirits. Eating, drinking, rolling around to the best of her abilities. I mean she is purring as I'm shoving pills in her mouth!! But she cannot walk and she is already down another back leg so she might have to be euthanized Her leg is just so shattered and if the infection has spread to the bones and joints we would have to amputate it to keep it from killing her, but that's not really possible.


I'll try to post x-rays later... they are on a disc and I couldn't figure out how to load it on my computer. But I really have no idea what to do. The cat can't just live without back legs and drag herself everywhere. I am interested in wheelchairs and would be willing to buy her one. I need to do what's in the best interest of her and I just have no idea what that would be.

[cpietra16]

I am happy she came back. How did she make it home if she can;t walk...what will power.
As for what will happen, take it one step at a time. There is use getting all worked up about it. You have her home and you are doing exactly what is best for her.
Time can heal. Give her the love , attention, and meds ...and most of all breathe....because if she is purring then you should be breathing...you are amazing for what you have done sa far...breathe. I am glad she's in your home again

[rjesak]

I don't know how similar the situations are but my friend's cat fell out of a window and his hind leg was broken in nine places (I don't think his knee was crushed but something was...). They basically attached steel rods to the bone from the hip down and, although the healing process was long, he's pretty much fine now. His leg is stiff and he can't jump like he used to but he's got a pretty good life. In any case, your cat's injuries may be different so I don't know if this'll mean anything.

Either way, I wish you the very best of luck with her.

[Frenchy]

You guys know that purring doesn't mean anything right ? Don't want to be a downer here but cats will purr even when in pain or even dying.

I'm so sorry kathryn , what does your vet think about the situation ?

[kathryn]

Originally Posted by Frenchy

You guys know that purring doesn't mean anything right ? Don't want to be a downer here but cats will purr even when in pain or even dying.

I'm so sorry kathryn , what does your vet think about the situation ?

Everyone agreed that it was a really bad situation. I know purring happens when cats are dying, but this is more of a happy purr. She LOVES when I scratch her chin and is in overall very good spirits. I am going to be working with the vet who did Timmy's heart surgery tomorrow and I am crossing my fingers he will be able to fix her leg!! My vets office only does minor surgeries because it is a small practice so I have to find a specialist. He does orthopedic surgeries on dogs quite often such as cruciate repairs and things so I am hoping he might be able to fix her leg.


I think she deserves a chance. She's a sweet cat. I had been trying to get her to be an indoor cat for so long and she resisted. I think she finally learned her lessons as to why I wanted her in the house. Just a bit too late though

[kathryn]

Here is her x-ray

[chico2]

Kathryn,any news on Missy
Rick in Alberta has a cat who's both backlegs were chopped at the"knees",I don't think she can walk either,but is doing fine