Miles needs Pet talk Prayers Update on miles

[catfamily]

I hope that Miles is being helped.It IS getting late like Phred has said.

[sandragonfly]

phred, I'm glad you could update everybody for me as I asked you to, thank you! everyone, I'm sorry if I had you some worried - I called my mobile this morning, they refreshened my mobile! (my net still is being grouchy!) going to update now, never got a chance to last night - phred's post are quite a bit mixed up.

when the vet came back with xrays, they gave me shivers, the left femur was completely broken - the crack top part was hanging over the joint - looks so painful! the doctor came back with three options, 1) plate/pin operation, 2) amputation and 3) PTS. when I heard the second & third one, it upsetted me very much - I know it's not the choices I would choose! with hearing PTS has to be one of it and the look on vet's face wasn't good, had me going over to emergency (named above - VRS) as quick as I could for options discussions after miles vet suggested me to go and see VRS to find an earliest available date/time for miles - I hate and breaks my heart to know more how much pain pain miles have been/was in. now he's on better medication and is much relaxer! now I too can relax a bit too. anyway, the xrays could have came with me but the pittsford vet changed his mind, wanted to keep them to show his boss for second opinion. they just sent the xrays over this morning - the surgeon or person who's responsible for miles' surgery wasn't there last night. he should be there today, this afternoon for ??more options and should give me an accurrate esitmate.

but then ... it was dark, me in tears, new to big big rochester city, drove and drove around, I found just one part the pittsford recepionist wrote a wrong exit number! I kept going in loop, knew I was somewhere close, that got me frustrated more. there also was so many missing signs, argh! at around 10PM, my car finally sputtered out...sigh. I flagged for help, a man stopped by, I asked quickly if he'd know where VRS is, he said yes, he took one of his animals there before! and took me, miles there - sorry, I didn't care about my car! I was three hours late than what they expected and just wanted to get there before the day starts new.

got there, the all-night girl rushed me into an exam room, I stopped her - told her miles was already examed, xrayed - I was a bit confused because the pittsford told me VRS is expecting me there (for finding an earliest available, find more options and to apply care credit for IMOM - one of their requirements - I'm disqualified because I wasn't denied) - while I was applying - VRS doctor (doctor kirk) came and sat down, miles was greeting him!! but we had to put him back in cage before he hurts himself again. again, gosh - he was PURRRRRING. so, doctor kirk only could tell me what he knows for surgeon - these same options and even better, an estimate - "I'm not a surgeon but I'm good at guessing an esitmate, approx $1,800 - $2800 and to play it safe, up to $3,000." - he could not know if either surgeon could do miles on thursday or friday (their typical days of doing surgery) and asked me to come back.

a bit after, miles got a lot of BIG doggy veggy treats, he looooves 'em, especially chewiing them! the sweet kim had me take some extras for home. just few minutes going around back the few blocks away corner (where my car was left to) to get a snack, got a surprise call from cinder & smoke. he addressed himself as a fred, I know a best fred (lady's human), just met another vet named fred, and they both had my number but not phred! I got all confused - he was insisting to know where I am, if my car was running - asking me over and over again if I or the car is fine - I didn't want to answer because didn't want to worry anybody. (the car was being uncooperative!) well, relay is always impersonal to me though, you tell things to one through another person, eh. the call then was somewhat fishy to me, I asked him for his last name, ah morris! he couldn't let me go until I answer so I offered a solution, "I will call back when I get home!" someone was working on my car, jump started it, had more oils in. someone in new hampshire just had my car checked few days ago and said things were fine. oh well.

home at 1:30AM! a long, long exhausted day/night. took crayola out and settled miles in a huge comforty cage as vet's order in case he will have a surgery today. I'm going to call back just after this, and see if miles's surgeon is there by now and discuss more about what to do next since the xrays are there now.

there are a few people who could help me get ball start rolling in for special treatment at VRS (where he'll be having a surgery at).. I'm praying to do as soon as possible what we can. I want and still need more opinions what's best for my dear miles. (some of yours or experienced ones would be very much appreciated too). 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.

since this is so long, (sorry!) I'm going to stop for now. I probably will come back with some pictures next of my little boy. right now, he's right next to me in bed after just gave him another pain killer injection. and best of all, purrrrring!! gosh, what a little big motorboat is he! my heart feels much much lighter now, a couple anchors off.

allright, again, thankyou and thank you very much for your caring hugs and thoughts! if I were in front of you, beware.. I'd squeeeeze you! sure need lots of them. (((((all)))))

[furrykidsmother]

OMG!!! What a night I missed. I was sick and went to bed early. So much happened. I am glad that Miles was seen and that surgery is an option for him. I know he wouldn't be loved any less if he only has 3 legs, but if his leg can be repaired that would be the best solution. I hope and pray for strength for both of you and I am glad that he has pain killers for now. Gina, I hope that you will hear something soon. Please update as soon as you can. Continued good thoughts, (((((Hugs))))) and prayers to both of you.

[catfamily]

OMG I can't beleive the nightmare you've been through.Especially being lost at night in a strange city...having to except a strangers ride to the vet.God is on your side.Prayers for Miles and especially you for all your going through.Please take care.I know everything will work out in the end.

[Lizzie]

Just to add a little something to this nightmarish drama, I found out when I called the original vet's office this morning that the receptionist who had taken my credit card details yesterday afternoon had put them in her pocket and left without telling anyone. She said it had been a "crazy busy day". Words pretty much failed me. I hope Miles can be fixed up without any more chaotic twists and turns.

[Catty1]

Gina - you go with what is best for Miles, even the plate and pin. Many people here will chip in a bit, and will get you covered!

Hey - Miles can be the Bionic Cat! And set off metal detectors at the airport!
(Just trying to give you a smile, hon.)

The Emerg Vet info is in this thread. So np. Hope you got something to eat!

hugs
Catty1

[kuhio98]

Gina ~ I'm so sorry for all that you and little Miles are going through. I have mailed you a donation for whatever treatment is decided upon.

I'm still not clear on whether IMOM has denied your application or if after reading their instructions, you decided not to apply because you believe you don't qualify. If they did deny you, what reason was given?

I'll PM you with my contact information. Unfortunately, I'm away at work (in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska) until March 19th. So, I won't be on as much but I can access my home e-mail. I'll send you that info.

Here's a list of other organizations that may be able to help. If anyone knows of others, please post them. Let's help Gina and Miles!
I got this list in an e-mail, so I can't verify the legitimacy of these places-and I know some are listed in the other sources page of the IMOM site, but figured I'd post for you.

Add www.omaspride.com as they help rescues.

American Animal Hospital Association
www.aahahelpingpets.org/home/
"The heartbreak happens all too often a pet owner is unable to afford treatment and their sick or injured companion animal pays the price. If the owner is elderly, disabled or on a fixed income, the cost of care may be too much of a stretch for their pocketbook. Perhaps they have been victimized by crime, property loss or a job layoff and are experiencing a temporary financial hardship ? making it too difficult to afford pet care. And some animals, brought to clinics by Good Samaritans, don't have an owner to pay for treatment. Whatever the situation, the fact remains the same: When sick or injured animals are unable to receive veterinary care, they suffer. Through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or injured pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is experiencing financial hardship."
Maybe would help rescues?

Angels 4 Animals
www.Angels4Animals.org
"Angels4Animals, a non-profit organization and a program of Inner Voice Community Services, has a mission to serve as the guardian angel of animals whose caretakers find themselves in difficult financial situations. At Angels4Animals we believe that animal owners should not have to say goodbye to the animals that they love. Our work is accomplished in conjunction with veterinary clinics across
the country, eager to assist as many animals, and their owners, as possible. Our services range from financial aid to complete treatment to those pets and pet owners in need."

Help-A-Pet
www.help-a-pet.org/home.html
"Our efforts focus on serving the elderly, the disabled, and the
working poor. For lonely seniors, physically/mentally challenged
individuals and children of working parents, pets represent much more
than a diversion."

The Pet Fund
thepetfund.com/
"The Pet Fund is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit association that provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need urgent veterinary care. Often animals are put down or suffer needlessly because their owners cannot afford expensive surgery or emergency vet visits. Companion animal owners must often make the difficult decision to put an animal down or neglect urgent medical needs because of the costs involved. The purpose of the Pet Fund is to work towards a future where decisions about companion animal
medical care need never be made on the basis of cost."

United Animal Nations
www.uan.org/lifeline/index.html
"The mission of LifeLine is to help homeless or recently rescued
animals suffering from life-threatening conditions that require
specific and immediate emergency veterinary care. We strive to serve Good Samaritans and rescue groups who take in sick or injured animals. In certain cases, LifeLine can also assist senior citizens and low-income families pay for immediate emergency veterinary care."

[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.

[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))))

[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.