My cat's leg healed bent and rigid. Is re-op or amputation needed?

I'm sorry that Salem is having this issue. I bet he is in pain :( Once a metatarsal is fused it is impossible to re-break and splint to get it to heal. Even if they could do that (which I highly doubt) it would most likely need to be fixed with plates and screws; splinting will not help. I suggest you consult with an orthopedic surgeon. They will tell you how the leg can be fixed or even if it can be fixed at this point. The surgeon may know of a way to fix it that your vet may not be aware of. Ask your vet about a referral to a surgeon. Honestly, in my opinion, it is better to amputate the limb. Cats (and dogs) do AMAZINGLY well with 3 legs. I have had numerous 3-legged cats and dogs (my personal pets) that once they have the surgery they never look back. The source of pain is gone and they adapt to using 3 legs very easily. That will be the easiest and least painful option for him and it will heal very quickly. The surgery is very easy and quick to do. He will heal in no time and will no longer be suffering. I hope this helps. If you have more questions feel free to ask. Best wishes.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear Nova had an accident that caused a leg issue. I would recommend he be re-evaluated by a veterinarian, or even an orthopedic specialist. At his age, it may be permanent, but depending on the type of injury there may be a possibility for a procedure to improve things. Good luck!

I would also likely recommend amputation if the wound is not healing as the possible complications and pain involved would likely be much worse than the surgery. Cats do very well with three legs, especially if it is a young cat! If you would like another opinion I would recommend consulting with a boarded surgeon as they have more training in fracture repair. Good luck!

He really needs an x-ray of the leg. If there are broken bones sometimes just a cast for few weeks will fix it. The wound does not look that bad but antibiotics may be needed to heal it. I do no think you have to worry about an amputation but if he does need that cats do great with 3 legs. It sounds dramatic but they really adapt well. The first step is getting the diagnosis. If you want to post again with more information about your location we can try to help find you a low cost vet clinic.

I think a third option might be available based on the x-ray - an FHO procedure to remove the ball of the femur and allow for more comfort with the dislocated hip. To me it sounds like Maggie is not using her leg much at all, and the vets don't think an FHO would help (which is certainly possible, I'm just suggesting based on what I can see in the x-ray) it sounds to me like amputation might be best. I would worry that she cries out because the leg is sometimes painful.

Without having an xray done it is almost always impossible to determine if it can be repaired surgically or if amputation is needed, i strongly recommend having the leg xrayed before getting to such a conclusion.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Stitch! I think you are doing the right thing. If her bone density isn't normal then she will have a hard time healing and it will take her longer, could be more painful and put her through more. Amputating the leg will be uncomfortable for her for 5-7 days then she will do great. Cats do well on 3 legs! I wish you the best!