Update on Sterling Locke [4] - (To Vet Today! #16 @%#(&^!! #17)

[sandragonfly]

okay, I am calmer now.

no, no surgery. the vet said it's unusual to have surgery on broken clavicles as it doesn't really joints to other main bones. it was hard to see on xray - we could see about "1/3" of clavicle poking out mass of muscle right by upper chest/neck as you could feel it poking his skin when feeling for it. and from how the fracture showed on the film, vet believed he was being kicked in chest.

I was mostly worried about the pain, I would imagine a sort of dislocated collarbone poking your windpipe trying to eat, the vet reassured me that otherwisely locke wouldn't have had tried blankets, pajamas and towels.. then I came to think of this, all were reachable higher (on boxes) than where his foodbowl was anyway. we also see no other obvious obstruction in lower body = good news!!! he potties very well, and just saw brown-bluish kitchen towel loggies in the litterbox.

still, we think it's affecting him most uncomfortably right now so he recommended to continue soak the food he likes in a bowl on something a foot higher, and try some prescription food/appetite stimulators if this continues as he didn't eat very much past this week. he also sent locke home with pain killers I asked for. the vet does not thinks he is in pain but I preferably so to test if pain is not the reason, and I would want to wait until after his next breakfast/dinner at a higher height before I start it.

the vet said it IS possible, IF he is in pain, that he'll have a quick-n-fix operation - taking off the edge of that poky bone by sawing it out then re-heals on its own along with muscles closing in place; less pressure I presume.

if that happens, ONLY the owners who gave him to my friend will pay for it. I have no problem and am all ready to report on them. my guts didn't really like one of fishy owners when I first met her anyway. I've just emailed her/them for his records, all of it and told them all about this.

jenn, with me since the end of june, locke was never seen by a vet - never had a chance or time until just today.

oh poor my baby boy... he was always so stiffy when I successfully pick him up or gets stiffed, sulks when I tried to. and I just relaized it's his first birthday tomorrow.

[Donnaj4962]

Awww, Gina, poor you and Locke! I am so glad that you took him back to the vet! Poor little guy. Many prayers that he heals nicely and no surgery is needed.

[phesina]

Oh, Gina, poor little Sterling Locke.. what a horror story.. so glad he is with you now to finally get the care and love he needs and deserves.

God bless you both.

Love,
Pat and cats

[Taz_Zoee]

Unbelievable! And these people are breeders??? Poor kitty has been living like this for months now. Who knows what would have happened if he wasn't with you right now.
Gentle pets to Locke.