Question about a ruptured disc
My name is Beth and I have been a member for a little while, but this is my first post. I know this is off topic, but from reading all your posts, I'm hoping someone can offer some help with this. I have a cat, Louie, who has a ruptured disc. He was hurt last Wednesday (11/1) in an outside kennel - I don't know how he was hurt, whether he jumped and landed wrong or fell or what happened. Took him to my vet, he kept him to x-ray him the next morning. When I called to check on him, said he had a ruptured disc. He put him on fluids, antibiotics and put in a catheter. He has had him still has him. Yesterday, he said that he didn't seem improved any, was paralyzed, and although he didn't like to do it, he recommended putting him to sleep. When I called today to ask what would be done if surgery was done. He didn't answer that question, but said that I would have to take him to the University of GA Vet School where they would do an MRI and based on a list of criteria they have, determine whether surgery would help him or not. I didn't ask if he knew what the cost would be. This cat is a former stray cat where I have several that have come to my home (I live in a rural area). As I couldn't take all of them into my house, we have erected a 10' x 10' chain link kennel with a top that is where these cats stay. I don't want to have to put him to sleep unless it is the only way to keep him from suffering, but I don't know if I can afford to take him to the Vet School. I don't want him to suffer, but I don't want to end his life if I don't have to do so. Has anyone had any experience with anything like this? If so, I'd appreciate any help advice anyone could offer. I'm supposed to give my vet an answer as to which way to go by Friday or Saturday at the latest. Thanks so much to all of you for the help love you give our cat buddies. Beth R. Harrison [EMAIL PROTECTED] Do you Yahoo!? Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta. http://new.mail.yahoo.com
Re: Question about a ruptured disc
hold on, beth, til some of the regulars are awake! there are lists that deal with exactly this sort of problem, but they'll have the info more easily accessible that i do. (a human who was, happily, NOT euthanized when she had her two ruptured disks..) MC On 11/10/06, Beth R. Harrison [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My name is Beth and I have been a member for a littlewhile, but this is my first post.I know this is off topic, but from reading all your posts, I'm hopingsomeone can offer some help with this.I have a cat, Louie, who has a ruptured disc.He washurt last Wednesday (11/1) in an outside kennel - Idon't know how he was hurt, whether he jumped and landed wrong or fell or what happened.Took him to myvet, he kept him to x-ray him the next morning.WhenI called to check on him, said he had a ruptured disc.He put him on fluids, antibiotics and put in a catheter.He has had him still has him.Yesterday,he said that he didn't seem improved any, wasparalyzed, and although he didn't like to do it, herecommended putting him to sleep.When I called today to ask what would be done if surgery was done.He didn't answer that question, butsaid that I would have to take him to the Universityof GA Vet School where they would do an MRI and basedon a list of criteria they have, determine whether surgery would help him or not.I didn't ask if heknew what the cost would be.This cat is a former stray cat where I have severalthat have come to my home (I live in a rural area).As I couldn't take all of them into my house, we have erected a 10' x 10' chain link kennel with a top that is where these cats stay.I don't want to haveto put him to sleep unless it is the only way to keephim from suffering, but I don't know if I can afford to take him to the Vet School.I don't want him tosuffer, but I don't want to end his life if I don'thave to do so.Has anyone had any experience with anything like this?If so, I'd appreciate any help advice anyone could offer.I'm supposed to give my vet an answer as towhich way to go by Friday or Saturday at the latest.Thanks so much to all of you for the help love yougive our cat buddies.Beth R. Harrison [EMAIL PROTECTED]Do you Yahoo!?Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta. http://new.mail.yahoo.com-- Spay Neuter Your Neighbors!Maybe That'll Make The DifferenceMaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCatsMSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED]ICQ: 289856892
Re: Question about a ruptured disc
Hi Beth, Just some thoughts for you - A ruptured disk can reheal - but it needs time and alot of rest, and it can also be operated on. A site with good info (even if it is D*g related) is: http://www.vth.vt.edu/clientsvisitors/sa-factsheets/sa-factsheets.asp?ivd.txt SMALL ANIMAL FACT SHEETS - INVERTERBRAL DISC DISEASE - If Louie is paralyzed but is not in any pain - they do make carts to help animals get around on their own - even for tiny dogs (which may be a good size for a cat). You are the only one who can look at Louie and judge his quality of life/living conditions/etc. That is what you need to base your decisions on - how far away from the vet school are you? Kat (Mew Jersey) On Fri, 10 Nov 2006, Beth R. Harrison wrote: Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:17:08 -0800 (PST) From: Beth R. Harrison [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Question about a ruptured disc My name is Beth and I have been a member for a little while, but this is my first post. I know this is off topic, but from reading all your posts, I'm hoping someone can offer some help with this. I have a cat, Louie, who has a ruptured disc. He was hurt last Wednesday (11/1) in an outside kennel - I don't know how he was hurt, whether he jumped and landed wrong or fell or what happened. Took him to my vet, he kept him to x-ray him the next morning. When I called to check on him, said he had a ruptured disc. He put him on fluids, antibiotics and put in a catheter. He has had him still has him. Yesterday, he said that he didn't seem improved any, was paralyzed, and although he didn't like to do it, he recommended putting him to sleep. When I called today to ask what would be done if surgery was done. He didn't answer that question, but said that I would have to take him to the University of GA Vet School where they would do an MRI and based on a list of criteria they have, determine whether surgery would help him or not. I didn't ask if he knew what the cost would be. This cat is a former stray cat where I have several that have come to my home (I live in a rural area). As I couldn't take all of them into my house, we have erected a 10' x 10' chain link kennel with a top that is where these cats stay. I don't want to have to put him to sleep unless it is the only way to keep him from suffering, but I don't know if I can afford to take him to the Vet School. I don't want him to suffer, but I don't want to end his life if I don't have to do so. Has anyone had any experience with anything like this? If so, I'd appreciate any help advice anyone could offer. I'm supposed to give my vet an answer as to which way to go by Friday or Saturday at the latest. Thanks so much to all of you for the help love you give our cat buddies. Beth R. Harrison [EMAIL PROTECTED] Do you Yahoo!? Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta. http://new.mail.yahoo.com
Re: Question about a ruptured disc
One of our other list members, (Phaewryn's rescue kitty, Bones), had a broken back. She seems to have recovered fully. I'm sure Phaewryn will post with some specifics and encouragement. We all understand the limitations of money when it comes to our little charges. Here's a site that I've had bookmarked for a long time that can point you to financial help with emergencies. http://www.magdrl-nj.com/links.html#finance Your vet may be suggesting pts because he is not experienced in these types of situations, and because he knows that it will be costly to treat. If you decide to pts, please make sure that you are confident it is the only option left to you. It's hard enough to make that decision when we are reasonably sure it's the best choice. Make sure Louie has pain relief and then do some research to help you live with whatever choice you make. Blessings to you and Louie. Rescue is not for the faint of heart. You would think that we would be rewarded with nothing but good experiences when we open our doors to those in need. Sadly, that is not the case. I have found that when I follow my heart and the wishes of my fur friends, the rewards are as great as the heartaches, (usually in the same furry package). I have learned to never say never. Please keep us informed. Nina Kat wrote: Hi Beth, Just some thoughts for you - A ruptured disk can reheal - but it needs time and alot of rest, and it can also be operated on. A site with good info (even if it is D*g related) is: http://www.vth.vt.edu/clientsvisitors/sa-factsheets/sa-factsheets.asp?ivd.txt SMALL ANIMAL FACT SHEETS - INVERTERBRAL DISC DISEASE - If Louie is paralyzed but is not in any pain - they do make carts to help animals get around on their own - even for tiny dogs (which may be a good size for a cat). You are the only one who can look at Louie and judge his quality of life/living conditions/etc. That is what you need to base your decisions on - how far away from the vet school are you? Kat (Mew Jersey)
Re: Question about a ruptured disc
Beth, I do not have answers for you - I am so sorry you and Louie are going through this. Others here may have answers to your questions - but I just wanted to say that I'm glad you've joined our group and you guys are in my prayers. elizabeth In a message dated 11/10/2006 2:17:46 A.M. Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: My name is Beth and I have been a member for a littlewhile, but this is my first post. I know this is offtopic, but from reading all your posts, I'm hopingsomeone can offer some help with this.I have a cat, Louie, who has a ruptured disc. He washurt last Wednesday (11/1) in an outside kennel - Idon't know how he was hurt, whether he jumped andlanded wrong or fell or what happened. Took him to myvet, he kept him to x-ray him the next morning. WhenI called to check on him, said he had a ruptured disc.He put him on fluids, antibiotics and put in acatheter. He has had him still has him. Yesterday,he said that he didn't seem improved any, wasparalyzed, and although he didn't like to do it, herecommended putting him to sleep.When I called today to ask what would be done ifsurgery was done. He didn't answer that question, butsaid that I would have to take him to the Universityof GA Vet School where they would do an MRI and basedon a list of criteria they have, determine whethersurgery would help him or not. I didn't ask if heknew what the cost would be.This cat is a former stray cat where I have severalthat have come to my home (I live in a rural area).As I couldn't take all of them into my house, we haveerected a 10' x 10' chain link kennel with a top that is where these cats stay. I don't want to haveto put him to sleep unless it is the only way to keephim from suffering, but I don't know if I can affordto take him to the Vet School. I don't want him tosuffer, but I don't want to end his life if I don'thave to do so.Has anyone had any experience with anything like this?If so, I'd appreciate any help advice anyone couldoffer. I'm supposed to give my vet an answer as towhich way to go by Friday or Saturday at the latest.Thanks so much to all of you for the help love yougive our cat buddies.Beth R. Harrison [EMAIL PROTECTED] If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. ~St. Francis
Re: Question about a ruptured disc
At 08:50 AM 11/10/2006, you wrote: I would perhaps take him to the vet school for a consult to see if there are any other options, Did they use steriods? So verysorry Kelly Beth, I do not have answers for you - I am so sorry you and Louie are going through this. Others here may have answers to your questions - but I just wanted to say that I'm glad you've joined our group and you guys are in my prayers. elizabeth In a message dated 11/10/2006 2:17:46 A.M. Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: My name is Beth and I have been a member for a little while, but this is my first post. I know this is off topic, but from reading all your posts, I'm hoping someone can offer some help with this. I have a cat, Louie, who has a ruptured disc. He was hurt last Wednesday (11/1) in an outside kennel - I don't know how he was hurt, whether he jumped and landed wrong or fell or what happened. Took him to my vet, he kept him to x-ray him the next morning. When I called to check on him, said he had a ruptured disc. He put him on fluids, antibiotics and put in a catheter. He has had him still has him. Yesterday, he said that he didn't seem improved any, was paralyzed, and although he didn't like to do it, he recommended putting him to sleep. When I called today to ask what would be done if surgery was done. He didn't answer that question, but said that I would have to take him to the University of GA Vet School where they would do an MRI and based on a list of criteria they have, determine whether surgery would help him or not. I didn't ask if he knew what the cost would be. This cat is a former stray cat where I have several that have come to my home (I live in a rural area). As I couldn't take all of them into my house, we have erected a 10' x 10' chain link kennel with a top that is where these cats stay. I don't want to have to put him to sleep unless it is the only way to keep him from suffering, but I don't know if I can afford to take him to the Vet School. I don't want him to suffer, but I don't want to end his life if I don't have to do so. Has anyone had any experience with anything like this? If so, I'd appreciate any help advice anyone could offer. I'm supposed to give my vet an answer as to which way to go by Friday or Saturday at the latest. Thanks so much to all of you for the help love you give our cat buddies. Beth R. Harrison [EMAIL PROTECTED] If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. ~St. Francis No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.14.2/528 - Release Date: 11/10/2006
Re: Question about a ruptured disc
yep, phaewyrn and mari/spirit cat are the ones i know of who have the most experience--mari's not signed onto IM or i'd have asked her! On 11/10/06, Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: One of our other list members, (Phaewryn's rescue kitty, Bones), had abroken back.She seems to have recovered fully.I'm sure Phaewryn will post with some specifics and encouragement.We all understand thelimitations of money when it comes to our little charges.Here's a sitethat I've had bookmarked for a long time that can point you to financial help with emergencies.http://www.magdrl-nj.com/links.html#financeYour vet may be suggesting pts because he is not experienced in thesetypes of situations, and because he knows that it will be costly to treat.If you decide to pts, please make sure that you are confident itis the only option left to you.It's hard enough to make that decisionwhen we are reasonably sure it's the best choice.Make sure Louie has pain relief and then do some research to help you live with whateverchoice you make.Blessings to you and Louie.Rescue is not for the faint of heart.Youwould think that we would be rewarded with nothing but good experiences when we open our doors to those in need.Sadly, that is not the case.I have found that when I follow my heart and the wishes of my furfriends, the rewards are as great as the heartaches, (usually in thesame furry package).I have learned to never say never.Please keep us informed.NinaKat wrote: Hi Beth, Just some thoughts for you - A ruptured disk can reheal - but it needs time and alot of rest, and it can also be operated on. A site with good info (even if it is D*g related) is: http://www.vth.vt.edu/clientsvisitors/sa-factsheets/sa-factsheets.asp?ivd.txt SMALLANIMALFACTSHEETS- INVERTERBRALDISCDISEASE - If Louie is paralyzed but is not in any pain - they do make carts to help animals get around on their own - even for tiny dogs (which may be a good size for a cat). You are the only one who can look at Louie and judge his quality of life/living conditions/etc.That is what you need to base your decisions on - how far away from the vet school are you? Kat (Mew Jersey)-- Spay Neuter Your Neighbors!Maybe That'll Make The DifferenceMaryChristineAIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED]ICQ: 289856892
Re: Question about a ruptured disc
I would at the very least get a second opinion from the specialists and if he isn't in pain, why would he need to be euthanized? Is he paralyzed all over or just the back or front? If he isn't in pain he could get a kitty cart, he would need special care so it would be up to whether or not you could give him the care he needs. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://HostDesign4U.com BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: Question about a ruptured disc
here's some links from an earlier emeow of phaewyrn's: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Handicats2/ (another yahoogroup I moderate, lots of disabled cat owners there) http://www.messybeast.com/disabled.htm http://handicappedpets.com/ she's also got lotsof info on her special-needs page: http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html On 11/10/06, Beth R. Harrison [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My name is Beth and I have been a member for a littlewhile, but this is my first post.I know this is off topic, but from reading all your posts, I'm hopingsomeone can offer some help with this.I have a cat, Louie, who has a ruptured disc.He washurt last Wednesday (11/1) in an outside kennel - Idon't know how he was hurt, whether he jumped and landed wrong or fell or what happened.Took him to myvet, he kept him to x-ray him the next morning.WhenI called to check on him, said he had a ruptured disc.He put him on fluids, antibiotics and put in a catheter.He has had him still has him.Yesterday,he said that he didn't seem improved any, wasparalyzed, and although he didn't like to do it, herecommended putting him to sleep.When I called today to ask what would be done if surgery was done.He didn't answer that question, butsaid that I would have to take him to the Universityof GA Vet School where they would do an MRI and basedon a list of criteria they have, determine whether surgery would help him or not.I didn't ask if heknew what the cost would be.This cat is a former stray cat where I have severalthat have come to my home (I live in a rural area).As I couldn't take all of them into my house, we have erected a 10' x 10' chain link kennel with a top that is where these cats stay.I don't want to haveto put him to sleep unless it is the only way to keephim from suffering, but I don't know if I can afford to take him to the Vet School.I don't want him tosuffer, but I don't want to end his life if I don'thave to do so.Has anyone had any experience with anything like this?If so, I'd appreciate any help advice anyone could offer.I'm supposed to give my vet an answer as towhich way to go by Friday or Saturday at the latest.Thanks so much to all of you for the help love yougive our cat buddies.Beth R. Harrison [EMAIL PROTECTED]Do you Yahoo!?Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta. http://new.mail.yahoo.com-- Spay Neuter Your Neighbors!Maybe That'll Make The DifferenceMaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCatsMSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED]ICQ: 289856892
Re: Question about a ruptured disc
Hi Beth, I had a cat that had a broken back (it was the vertebrae, not the disk) and she recovered WONDERFULLY with just cage rest and antinflammatories. I made a webpage that shows her story, if you're interested: http://ucat.us/Bones-Recovery.html I also had a cat that was worse off than her BEFOREI LEARNED THAT PARALYSIS IS NOT A DEATH SENTENCE THATI EUTHANISED, AND IT'S BEEN WEIGHING ON MY CONSCIOUS FOR YEARS! Your vet sounds like the one I had back then, didn't give me any hope, offered no suggestions or options other than euthanasia. BUT, there are options! For one thing, the surgery to stabilize the back will relieve the pain, but it may notcure the paralysis. That's OK, really, I know it doesn't SOUND ok, but it is! They make CARTS, like kitty wheelchairs, for them. The vet wont even tell you, most of them don't, because they are just negative people, but it's a option. Plus, many cats actually learn to drag their hind end, and are happy with that. You should join handicats, and ask this question there, they will give you lots of advice and support. http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/HANDICATS2/ I have a section on my website about the carts, and how to care for a paralyzed cat: http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Scroll down to the section that says "Special Needs Cat Information"It's like the 4th major section down. Phaewryn Please adopt a cat from Little Cheetah Cat Rescue!!! http://ucat.us/adopt.html Low cost SpayNeuter services in VT, and Emergency Financial Assistance for cat owners:http://ucat.us/VermontLowCost.htmlSpecial Needs Cat Resources: http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html The Sofa Poem: http://ucat.us/sofapoem.htmlFind us on PETFINDER! http://petfinder.com/shelters/VT44.html BEGIN:VCARD VERSION:2.1 N:O'Gwynn;Jenn;Phaewryn;Ms. FN:Jenn Phaewryn O'Gwynn NICKNAME:Phaewryn ORG:Little Cheetah Cat Rescue;operations/field work TITLE:Cat Rescuer NOTE:I rescue cats. I run a small personal rescue operation, all on my own, and out of pocket. Donations appreciated at any time! Paypal donations can be sent to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or send donations via check or money order to Jennifer O'Guin, PO Box 1008, Hardwick VT. 05843 TEL;WORK;VOICE:802-472-8628 TEL;HOME;VOICE:802 472-8628 ADR;WORK:;home office;;Hardwick;VT.;05843;USA LABEL;WORK;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE:home office=0D=0AHardwick, VT. 05843=0D=0AUSA ADR;HOME:;;P.O. Box 1008;Hardwick;Vermont;05843;USA LABEL;HOME;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE:P.O. Box 1008=0D=0AHardwick, Vermont 05843=0D=0AUSA X-WAB-GENDER:1 URL;HOME:http://ucat.us URL;WORK:http://ucat.us/adopt.html BDAY:19750928 EMAIL;PREF;INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED] EMAIL;INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED] EMAIL;INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED] REV:20061110T201901Z END:VCARD No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.14.1/527 - Release Date: 11/9/2006
