doctor is saying surgery. my cat seems fine eating, drinking, walking (but limping) i just wonder if there is alternatives.
2007-05-01 08:59:49 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
the diagnosis is patellar luxation
2007-05-01 11:29:52 · update #1
I don't have a cat, but I have a small dog with the same problem. It's a patellar luxation, which means her knee dislocates periodically, then pops back in. It's quite common in small dogs, and I'd imagine it's common in cats as well.
Surgery is the only alternative if this is the case for your cat. However, ask the vet the degree of the problem (on a scale of 1-5). Apparantly a more severe case (4 or 5) needs more immediate attention, while a moderate case can carry on sometimes indefinitely without surgery.
2007-05-01 09:09:19 · answer #1 · answered by irish_giant 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ah, from the title of the question I thought you meant the whole leg is dislocated out of the hip.
No one on here can advise you better than your vet - we haven't seen the animal.
People on here will probably tell you there are other methods - the knee can be relocated manually, anti-inflammatories etc - there are indeed different ways of approaching luxations. Not every one will be appropriate to every case.
Please ask your vet about alternatives, and why he feels surgery is the best in this case. He can explain his decision to you and also explain why other options are not suitable in this case. It may well be that temporary relocation of the patella and anti-inflammatories will work - your vet may be offering you the long-term fix. However, it may be possible that the knee can not be relocated without surgery!
Discuss with your vet to get the correct answer.
Chalice
2007-05-01 11:46:38 · answer #2 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It never hurts to get a second opinion, but you didn't say what your vet diagnosed the lameness as being. Is it a luxated (dislocated) hip, or patella, or ??? The diagnosis determines the treatment.
2007-05-01 09:22:50 · answer #3 · answered by paintpony26 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No way and your cat will be in soo much pain! Take it to the vet immediatly! This type of problem will escalate quickly and cause even more damage. I understand vets are expensive but they understand what needs to be done. You cat will never heal it leg by its self. Go quick now ! Even to an emergancy appointment ! I hope it feels better soon!
2007-05-01 09:07:55 · answer #4 · answered by claireabela86 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would take the cat to another vet and get a second opinion, than once you have done that i would make my decision. But you do want to do what is best for you kitty
2007-05-01 09:18:07 · answer #5 · answered by Gina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋