Conference misery::feline_v1

    Aud -
    
    Sorry to hear about you kitten.  We had a standard poodle who
    had a broken pelvis and the vet said he was so young all we had
    to do was confine him for 2 weeks. He was 3 or 4 months old. We
    carried him up and down the stairs and during the day he was confined
    to a dog carrier and at night he slept next to our bed. He was very
    sore and stiff the first week and we handled him ever so gently but
    he did improve each day the second week and continued from there.
    
    When we took him to the vet he held him by his front paws and let his
    back feet touch the floor and they did a spread eagle and the vet
    said, just as I thought, broken pelvis. He never did take x-rays and
    there was no signs of blood on him at all.
    
    How about a second opinion? I know Angle Memorial is a good hospital
    but they all think there is not end to the money people will spend
    on their pets. (No flames please.)
    
    Let us know how Chumley is doing. We know you will make the right
    decision.
    
    Barbara

    I think I would wait to make any determinations until the surgeon at
    Angell Memorial calls you back.  He can answer your questions about the
    internal organ damage, and what kind of quality of life Chumley might
    have after surgery.
    
    Jo

    This is the kind of injury my Sweetie had.  Apparently an important
    factor is how far in the pelvis is crushed.  If its far enough in, it
    can interfere with the ability to defecate and thus be fatal as it will
    cause a blockage -- HOWEVER, only if that's untreated -- my vet sent
    Sweetie to a surgical vet (Dr. Brown in Fremont Calif.) who had developed
    a new surgical technique
    that avoided the common problems of operating in that area (there used
    to be a high probability of nerve damage).  Sweetie has been fine ever
    since and it has been a number of years.  Basically the technique is to
    spread the pelvis  open like butterfly wings and then hold it in place
    with wires and some sort of spacer.  Call me at DTN 543-6669 if your
    vet needs Dr. Brown's phone number and can't find it from information
    (I have it at home.)
    
    I have also heard that if the pelvis isn't crushed that far in this
    type of injury will heal by itself.  Sweetie had to be confined to a
    cage for a while (no jumping, etc.) while he healed.  I set the cage up
    in the living room and slept next to him.  My recollection is that it
    all did cost about what your estimate is.
    

    Aud,
    
    Sorry to hear about little Chumley.  Angell Memorial is an excellent
    hospital and he's in good hands.  Don't be afraid to talk frankly with
    the staff at Angell.  They're professionals and they deal with these
    types of situations every day.  They can give you medical opinions and
    help you decide what's best for Chumley and for your family.  No matter
    what, we're hear to listen and offer our experiences, but they're so much
    closer to the situation.
    
    My heart goes out to you...you must be worried sick.  On Saturday,
    while I had Biff at the vet (a very long story...), a woman rushed thru
    the door carrying a box containing her kitten who had just been hit by
    a car.  She was trying to be very brave and not cry, but she looked at
    me and I started crying for her.  Next thing you knew, everyone was
    crying.  The kitten was in much better shape than the rest of us!!
    He has a broken leg, but will be fine.
    
    Talk with the folks at Angell; they're there to give you a shoulder to
    cry on, moral support, and the best advice you can get.  And we'll say
    a prayer or two for you and Chumley...
    
    Mary

    THANKS for all the responses.  Yes, I am worried sick.  The Dr.
    has been in surgery all day and has not returned my calls.  Now
    I feel sad that poor Chum-Chum.  He's probably been in pain all day.
    
    If I knew more abut his injury I could make a decision, but for
    now we both wait...
    
    Thanks for your caring -- I knew I had the right place to write.
    I can't believe how attatched I got to him.  Last night my house
    seemed so empty.  My fluffy shadow wasn't constantly under my feet
    and scratching my ankles.  There was no 6:30 wake-up call from
    outside my door in the morning.  I sound pathetic, but I am sad.
    
    aud...
    

    
    The good news is that Chumley didn't have a broken pelvis after all.
    The surgeon reported that it was fecal matter in the X-ray that looked
    like a fracture.  So I went to pick him up last night.
    
    I still haven't spoken with the surgeon  -- I got this information
    through liasons.  He hasn't returned any of my calls.  When I got to
    hospital to pick up Chumley he had already left for the evening.  I
    am very frustrated!
    
    Chumley is still very sore.  The report said that the swelling
    (internally) won't subside for another 2 weeks.  He can't limp more
    than a few feet at a time.  I have moved his litter box into the
    dining room so if he is in his bed he has to walk 4 feet to his food
    and 8 feet to his box.  His left back leg is turned out.  His toes
    point to his side instead of infront of him and he won't put any weight
    on the foot.  I hope this will be corrected when the swelling subsides, 
    but until I speak with the surgeon I have no clue.
    
    I'm so frustrated!
    
    aud...

    I'd call your regular vet and tell him or her about the problem you're
    having communicating with Angell.  I expect the vet will be able to
    extract information, or perhaps get the xrays and look at them himself
    and answer your questions.
    
    I actually had a problem like this with Angell when I lived in that
    area and took my parakeet to them.  It's unfortunate.
    

    
    Thanks for all the support.
    
    The surgeon finally called!
    
    The kitty has NO neurologic damage.  I am so relieved.  I missed the
    "no" when I got the message off my answering machine.  She said that
    she thinks a big dog picked him up shook him and that he has a lot
    of muscle damage in his back and down his thigh.  She said it would
    be another 3 or 4 weeks until he felt better, but it is not life-
    threatening at this point.  I just have to keep him comfortable.
    
    aud..
    

    Poor baby!  Please keep us updated on how he's doing.  Glad it is
    better than it seemed at first.   I guess he needs as many hugs as his
    little body can tolerate to make him feel safe.
    

    Oh, what good news!!  I'm glad Chums is gonna be OK, and so are you!
    
    You might want to have your own vet get Chumley's x-rays and records from
    Angell so he/she can follow him more closely.
    
    Take care of him and give him lots of love from the Feliners!
    
    Mary
    

    
    A day later ... He is SO much better!
    
    His back leg was sticking out because the muscle in his inner
    thigh was so swollen that he couldn't bring his leg in line with
    his body, but today is leg is almost in line.  He has started to 
    have an interest in food and eat; and, he even made a poop this 
    morning (I get very concerned when he doesn't poop for 3 days)
    
    He is still very sore and can't walk very well, but the progress is
    great.  As long as he eats and poops, I am sure now that he will be 
    just fine.  I am so happy! 
    
    Thanks for all your support.
    
    aud...

    Lots of luv to your little guy, spoil him rotten for all of us.
    
    Giudi +3

    I'm very relieved to hear Chum-chum is doing better.  I hope you'll
    keep in inside now that you know there is a danger in the neighborhood.
    Next time he might not be so lucky.
      Nancy DC
    
    

    
    And even another day later, he is doing even better.
    
    He is walking much quicker -- not yet galloping, but I can see this in
    the near future.  He tried a couple of stairs in the house.  When I
    find him downstairs, I just pick him up carry him back to the top. 
    Perhaps he even goes up and down while I'm slaving away here at work.
    
    He is getting frisky.
    
    He's starting to eat like a little piggy.  I've been making him boiled
    chicken and my mom sent over some fresh roasted trukey breast (none for
    me, just for Chum-chum).  This is her first experience at being Grandma.
    
    I'm completely worry-free.  I'm so happy that he is OK.
    
    		aud...
    
    PS.  He will now be a house-cat.

    great news....I bet day by day you will continue to see
    improvements!
    
    Watch out for too much turkey...because I heard it was hard
    for kitties to digest!  Chicken is better for them!
    
    Sandy