Miles needs Pet talk Prayers Update on miles

[furrykidsmother]

Just heard from Gina. She has a 1:00 p.m. consultation today, she is there now waiting to see what options are available for Miles. She'll update as soon as she knows the choices they have. Fingers crossed that something can be done for him soon.

[Russian Blue]

I'd stick with option number one! not that I wouldn't love him less if he's three legged, it would be so sad if he had to lose one.

What a journey you have been on over the last 48 hours Gina! I hope you get the right diagnosis that you are comfortable with from the doctors.

From my experience, and from everything I have read regarding similar situations where cats are involved, please don't rule out amputation of the leg. Cats are very adaptable creatures and pull through just fine with an amputation. There may be less pain and surgeries with this option as well, instead of trying to keep the leg and having more pain and recovery in the future.

Sending many positive thoughts your way that Miles will be on the road to recovery soon.

[catnapper]

How'd I miss this????

First off, being that I have Flutter, I can tell you100% unequivocally (sp?) that 3 legs will not stop a cat. They get around just great and don't even know they have any problems.

Second - the surgery with plates and such. Angel went through that. She came through with flying colors but will always have problems with her leg for the rest of her life. She will most likely need additional surgeries and the vet said she will most likely get terrible arthritis in that leg. She will be in a lot of pain as she gets older thanks to the broken leg that needed surgery. I was determined to save her leg, but now that I see Flutter doing as well as she is, I realize how much happier Angel might be if she could live completely pain free. Her new parents report that she still does not walk on that leg, and she'll occasionally act sore on rainy/cold days.

I have to be honest and say I'd prefer amputation if I had to face it with any of my cats. Its one surgery, one healing and he'll never feel pain associated with that leg again. I would not want to impose a life of pain associated with that leg just because I feel he needs his leg. Truthfully, that a selfish wish on us humans. We want to see complete animals. When we all know animals adapt well to physical changes. I honestly forget she's even 3 legged.

Good luck in whatever choice you make and I'll be praying that he comes through with flying colors. ((((hugs))))

[Lizzie]

I was on this site:

http://kenpope.com/index.php

and read about a cat that can only use her front legs but plays happily with the other cats. She has a cart for her back end but refuses to use it, preferring to haul and slither. There are lovely pictures of her on the site. Actually the whole site is inspiring.

I've been very inclined to think that Gina should go for the extensive reparative surgery, simply because I don't like accepting compromises myself. But these new posts have made me think about what that can mean to Miles; I didn't realize that the surgery could mean more pain and distress. My vet's office has two dogs that are three-legged, and they romp around all the time. I hope Gina gets a really good consult with her vet so that she fully understands the results of both options.

[furrykidsmother]

Gina, could you update us please. I know everyone is wondering how things went. More ((((Hugs)))) to you and Miles!

[Lizzie]

I just wrote to Corinna, asking if she has heard anything but she hasn't. She said Gina was having problems with the internet, so that may be why we haven't heard - I certainly hope that's all it is.

[Corinna]

Update on Miles
gina just got in touch with me she apoligises for not returning the Pm's and messages both her computer and sidekick crashed . (figures huh)
She went for the consult but they had a big emerency happen and so as luck would have it the deaf vet was there. (cool huh she must be following her)Haha any way she got to "talk " with her and they decideed after laying out all the things seen on the xrays , that amputaion was the best option for Miles . (I did read her catnappers post and she felt even better ) So no consult but surgery to be monday the 6th. They gave her plenty of pain meds for him so resting as well as can be.
Gina assures me as soon as she can fix electronics she will answer you all. Wants me to thank all for prayers and support. If she can't up date she will have me do it.

[catfamily]

I was hoping for amputating.No more pain for Miles.Good Luck and More Prayers on the way for Miles on the 6th.

[kuhio98]

Thank you for the update. I have been worried all day and have not been able to check Pet Talk. (Can you believe, they expect me to work? Don't they know that Gina and Miles are more important?)

Gina ~ I sure wish I lived closer. I'm sorry for all the troubles you're having. Please let us know if we need to do some more fund raising. The PT'ers always come through!

[Catty1]

Oh good - less pain for Miles. And with the inspiring examples of Snoopy and Flutter - Snoopy having four legs, but three good ones - Miles has mentors!

Ready to help with some funds when needed. Will watch this thread.

hugs
Catty1

[QueenScoopalot]

Oh my Gina! I just read this post too, and wanted to add my two-cents. I have multiple handicapable cats, and my (hing leg) amputee Impy is the best off of all my three (and one 2) legged kitties. Miles will feel 100% better not having pins and plates in his leg, which do set him up for problems down the road as catnapper Kim mentioned. Animals adapt very well to amputation, and especially being a hind leg, Miles should be feeling purrfectly fine in a few weeks. If you have any other concerns or questions about Miles recovery this is a terrific website to ask them on...http://www.handicappedpets.com/cgi-b...bbbs_config.pl
There are many persons in the same 'boat' as you dealing with accidents, and they also have a fund to help out as well as IMOM etc. Sending purrayers that all will work out for Miles.

[rg_girlca]

I was sooooooo hoping that Catnapper would see this and respond and am I ever glad she did. Just reading about the difference between Flutter and Angel was very encouraging. I am so happy, but sad at the same time, that Miles will go through the amputation.

Gina, my heart goes out to you with all that you have gone through.

((((((HUGS)))))) to you dear girl and gentle kisses to Miles.

[catnapper]

I am so glad to hear that my post helped soothe your anxiety! Honestly, I sometimes want to cry when I see the difference between Flutter with the half leg and Flutter today. Cry with happiness knowing my little sweetheart is now completely happy. You might remember the guilt I felt by putting her through the amputation. I now know it was the best thing I could have ever done for her.

As for Angel, I know her new family will do anything and everything to keep her pain free... but that doesn't stop me from feeling guilty that I made the decision to do whatever necessary to keep her leg. I tell you honestly, if I knew then what I know now, I would have pushed to amputate Angel's bad leg.

Gosh, after Flutter's surgery, I hated seeing that sewed up wound and her shaved areas. It just made me feel so... so.... I don't know how to describe what it did for me emotionally. I felt guilt. I felt like I failed her. But now that she's all healed and the fur is all grown back..... I see her running and playing in ways she never did before the surgery, I feel nothing but happiness. I honestly do double takes when I see her without the 4th leg. She does everything my other guys do, except sitting on my lap. I finally figured out that she doesn't do that because it upsets her sense of balance. I can deal with that and accomodate her!

Good luck and please keep us updated - sorry to hear about your computer woes.

[Grace]

Very late getting in here. I'm so glad Miles will get the help he needs. Amputation is one of the options we considered with Grady last year. We did opt for intramedullary nailing for his horrific left femur fracture. It was done up at MSU Vet School. He is totally fine - just wanted everyone to know that hardware insertion doesn't have to be a bad thing.

[furrykidsmother]

I am sorry to hear that he will lose his leg, but perhaps as others have said it is probably the best choice. At least there will be no pain. Glad he has pain medicine to get him through the weekend. Poor baby!

Continued good thoughts and ((((Hugs))))