Help! Advise needed! My cat got attacked by dogs!?

Question

Help! Advise needed! My cat got attacked badly!

My cat, whom is still young, got attacked by three dogs, and is injured terribly. It pains me to even go on about the details. Right now her one of her spine is fractured and the other dislocated.

She's in deep pain, and is taking medication from the vet. I wonder how long it will recover. It might take months or years. Right now it can't walk at all. It's just lying there. According to the vet, going for operation might cost thousands and i am not sure if i have the money.

I'm thinking about putting it to sleep because its suffering so much. But i'm afraid that i might prevent her from getting to recover. I won't mind if she walks with a limp but at least hopefully it will feel no more pain one day.

Someone please help me. Tell me what to do.

Answer 1

Thousands for an operation? Possibly years to recover? What you are describing is a very poor quality of life. Some times you have to give up for the better good.

If her spine is really fractured, on top of everything else, it is more evidence that euthanasia may be the best option. I know you are stressed too, but your post was confusing on this issue since there is only one spine.

If the vet says her quality of life is questionable after this is over, there is no question in my mind what I would do.

You can rescue 10 homeless cats for one thousand dollars. I realise this is not just a money question, but at some point money becomes a factor.

The prognosis sounds very bad. You might talk to some local ASPCA and/or shelters about this also. They might have some input on the subject that will help with your decision.

I know that some people are totally against any kind of euthansia, but sometimes it is the most humane solution. It is always a terrible decision, but it has to be made sometimes.

One more thing that would be remiss in not saying...Please keep your next pet indoors. An indoor pet lives an average of twice as long.

Answer 2

Well you can't let her go on in pain without any care from the vet or operations. I agree come hell or high water, my babies would have the operation immediately.

It's really a tough decision. I know. I'm so sorry :'(

Talk some more with the vet and see what he thinks. Maybe you can work out a payment plan for the operation. Most vets will understand, and I'm sure they much rather help the animal then put her to sleep.

Don't give up right away, there is always some way to get her better.

Answer 3

I had a dog that was run over by a car--he was a very small dog and the prognosis was not great. To make a long story short, after a lot of love and attention the dog
had good quality of life. Each case is different and you need to ask all the questions suggested and go on a day by day basis. There are doctors that also do homeopathic medicine on animals and also do accupuncture for animals that may also be a consideration. Weigh all your options and also ask advise of the ASPCA. Follow your heart and pray that you make the correct decision for the sake of your cat. I feel very sorry that you are in this situation--which makes me extremely appreciative of having only indoor cats. Indoor cats live much longer--I have 6 precious cats.

Answer 4

Are you able to find out who owns the 3 dogs? There is a leash law in most states, so the dog owner(s) would be responsible for the vet bills. It's the same as if the dogs would've attacked or bit you.

I would get the surgery as long as there's a chance your cat will be able to live without constant pain. Take the dog owner to small claims court after the surgery and everything is taken care of. They may get scared and just pay your vet bills because they don't want to get sued.

Good for you for getting your cat medical attention right away. Good luck to you both!

Answer 5

I'm sure if the kitty is at the vets they are giving him/her something for the pain, ask your vet and the humane society if they know of any animal groups who may be able to help with the vet bill. First I would track down the owners of the dogs and explain what happened and tell them you will not only report the dogs to animal controll but also take them to court for the vet bills it may help you get the money for the operation. I had a kitty that got hit by a car and was pregnant at the time I thought about putting her down, but didn't have the heart it was expensive and we lost her kittens but she did fine so leave the putting her down thing as a last option

Answer 6

I just want you to know that I am so sorry that this happened and you have to go through this. I can only imagine how horrible it must be to even think about. Only you can make this decision. Does the vet say what the chances are of recovery? What will recovery mean, will she have bowel and bladder control, will she walk? How old is she? How long have you had her? Would she have a very, very long life ahead of her if she goes through all this? How would you pay for the care? The vet should start answering these questions and would possibly at least make a recommendation. Hugs! I will be praying for both of you.

Answer 7

I understand your dilemma here. It is so difficult to find a balance between the love for our pets and the cost of medical care...
Is there any way you can give her, say, one week and see how she progresses? Often with spinal injuries, there is lots of swelling in the initial stages, and with appropriate medical therapy, the swelling goes down and the nervous supply returns. If you can afford the hospital stay, try to hold on for one week. Then you can evaluate if she is likely to recover to a good quality of life or not. At the end of the week, talk with your vet and see what she/he thinks about the kitty's chances. Take all the opinions you can get and make your decision from there. It is a big choice to make, so make sure you've settled your mind and heart before proceeding. I really feel for you here, best of luck to you, and I truly hope that things work out for you and your cat.

Answer 8

Yikes! I have a boxer too. She just turned 2. NO WAY would I let her walk along the street when I know other animals she does not know will be there. She can't be trusted. She loves people tho. Big people small people,stinky people, old people, babies and especially Bikers :) I notice bikers are the most dog friendly people on earth.But she does not like other peoples dogs.and I don't try to make her. If we have to be in area with other dogs she is kept at at very short leash and my husband is in control of her not me.Except for stealing chocolate she is otherwise very well behaved and well trained...and my best girl-friend :)

Answer 9

Zorro,
I am so sorry your cat was attacked. It always hurts when anyone we love is hurting.

On the good side, you did great by getting your cat to the vet. That means she has the best chance possible. On the up side, younger cats heal better/quicker than elderly cats. Their bones heal quicker and they learn to compensate for injuries better.

Talk to your vet. Ask what are the possibilities of recovery? Can she be kept out of pain? What does recovery look like? Will she be able to walk? will she always be in pain?

I'm sure when you have the information, you will do what's best for her . . . . whatever that is with whatever resources you can.

Talk to your vet. He knows cats in general and yours specifically.

Good luck!

Answer 10

A young cat is sorta like a baby if they are hurt it may not take long for it to heal. Just do what the vet says and give the kitty time Hopefully it want take long at all. I wouldn't put it to sleep just yet with the vets meds and your love he/she should be just fine.