My cat's leg hurts from a surgical pin. Should it be removed?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Cleo. Yes, in rare cases pins can migrate after a surgery. Other times as the body heals and swelling subsides, the pins are more easily felt. If she starts to act painful, her lameness increases or she refuses to eat, then she will need to be seen today. If she is otherwise acting normal, then I would contact her surgeon on Monday. You can describe her condition and see if a recheck appointment or x-rays are warranted. In the meantime, follow your surgical discharge instructions. I hope this information helps!

No, being in more pain now is not normal after that surgery. It may be damaging her joint or hitting nerves that is causing her more pain. I would have her rechecked to see if that can be cut a little shorter and to make sure it has not migrated out a little and slipped. Having the pin removed is an option and it varies upon the dog and healing as to if it is taken out. If it is completely healed and not bothering the dog, then they typically leave them in. If she is healed and doing well, then suddenly seems bothered, then the pin can be safely removed with out compromising the break

Have her rechecked and possibly xrayed by your veterinarian or the operating surgeon. The pin may have migrated or moved just enough to cause pain. Restrict her activity as much as possible until the exam.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is normal for pins to be placed so that they stick out the other cortex (side) of the bone, as this ensures they have a good hold on the fracture fragments to prevent any movement of the fragments. As long as Toby does not develop an infection in his bone around any of the pins, and he is not exhibiting any discomfort from them, he will likely be able to have the pins in for the rest of his life. If you notice that the pins seem to be protruding more than usual, or if Toby is lame/painful on the affected leg, it is possible the pin(s) could have migrated inappropriately and/or could have become infected. This would require a visit to your veterinarian for an exam and repeat x-rays, and potentially surgery to remove the pins. I hope this helps :)

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Stella. If the pin is not causing her any pain or side effects (such as an infection) and is not interfering with a growth plate, then it should be fine to leave it in place. If she is suffering side effects from it, then I would seek a second opinion regarding removing it. I hope this information helps!

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!

Yes, surgery is required, the bones cannot heal as the leg is unstable and the ends are not touching. The bones could be manipulated back into place and secured with pins or amputation could be considered