Dimitri the stray kitten hit by car...Can anyone help???

**critters** · 10-08-2008, 04:53 PM

Having been both ways, I TOTALLY agree with the amputation route. TK's pin shifted, and ended up coming out her back. It was terribly painful for her, and she was an adult. I can't imagine pinning a baby's leg and having a good result. My tripods are both fine, and once it's healed, it's over.

**Medusa** · 10-08-2008, 06:31 PM

Oh gosh, they're out in numbers, aren't they? Poor little Dimitri. I've not had experience w/the surgery or leg amputation (tail amputation, yes) but I do know of cats that have had a leg amputated and have done well. Many prayers going up for Dimitri and Karen and you, too, Donna.

**moosmom** · 10-08-2008, 07:07 PM

I'm also for amputation. Especially since the surgery is no guarantee that the leg won't have to be amputated later. I just talked to Karen and she's going to call the vet in the morning and schedule the repair surgery. She's worried that his "handicap" of hardware will prevent him from getting adopted. Since I've got at least 3 websites I can put him on, I promised her I'd find a good home for him. I also offered my bathroom should she decide she can't foster him. She said she may take me up on it.

I'll keep you posted.

**Catty1** · 10-08-2008, 07:28 PM

So - Karen didn't get a second opinion? She is scheduling the repair surgery - or the amputation?

Sorry - just a bit confoozed by what I read. I hope all works out well for dear Dmitri!

**moosmom** · 10-08-2008, 08:14 PM

She going for the repair surgery. I called my vet:

I called my vet, told him that Dimitri had a lateral/medial conjugal fracture of the leg and asked him what he thought. He said it's based on cost. If money is no object (which it is here) then repair surgery is the way to go. However, he said the issue at hand with repair vs. amputation on a 6 month old kitten, is the growth plates in that leg will not grow after it's been damaged and repaired and the leg may have to be amputated evntually anyway.

I didn't want to take him to my vet because he's in a lot of pain right now and the ride would be excruciating for him. I'll know more tomorrow after Karen speaks with the vet.

**Catty1** · 10-08-2008, 08:16 PM

OK, I understand now. And I guess you told Karen what your vet said...which is good, because she'll have a bit more to discuss with her vet.

Prayers for Dmitri!

**moosmom** · 10-09-2008, 08:31 AM

I just got a message from Karen. She spoke with another vet about the repair surgery, and the vet said that it has a HIGH FAILURE RATE which the other vet failed to tell her (why am I not surprized) so, she is going with the amputation. Once he's discharged, I'll be fostering him and will try to find a furrrever home for this very special kitty.

Thanks again everyone for your support, and generous donations. We could not have done it without you!! Keep those PT prayers coming.

and (((((Hugs))))))

Donna, Karen and furkids

**moosmom** · 10-09-2008, 02:07 PM

Dimitri is out of surgery and doing very well. They tested him and he's negative for Aids and Leukemia AND, while he was under anesthesia, they neutered him!!

The vet tech that assisted in the surgery said that amputation was the best thing because he was injured far worse than the x-rays showed.

Karen is going to visit him tonight on her way home and he'll be discharged on
Saturday. He's on injectable pain meds too.

I'm relieved it's over. He can now concentrate on healing. When he woke up from the surgery, he was PURRING!!!!!!

We've contacted the media and hopefully they'll give this some much needed publicity.

Thanks again for all your prayers and support everyone! PT members are the BEST!!!!