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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

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Original poster

Samson a little setback

27 replies

EnlightenedOwl · 16/04/2014 23:03

We took him to the vet tonight to get his second vaccination. Whilst there mentioned we had noticed he seemed a bit ungainly and lacked some power behind. The vet palpated his hips and he had a strong pain reaction. We are wondering about a possible old injury? The vet is going to do some x rays to see if there is anything there.
The problem is he is within the initial exclusion period so we can't claim on insurance.
However we can fund the x rays so will do this and take things from there.
the xrays will be done on Wednesday - will update

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cozietoesie · 16/04/2014 23:12

Poor Samson. Best of luck to the boy.

timtam23 · 17/04/2014 21:01

Oh no poor Samson! Although if there is something wrong he is lucky to have found you - it would only have got worse as a stray.

Fluffycloudland77 · 17/04/2014 21:22

How old do they think Samson is?

cozietoesie · 17/04/2014 21:25

I've a feeling that he's about 3?

HotCrossCervix · 17/04/2014 21:26

Poor Samson. Does he look uncomfortable orally? Like when he jumps up and stuff?

HotCrossCervix · 17/04/2014 21:26

Normally nor orally. Obv.

HotCrossCervix · 17/04/2014 21:27

Ignore me you've noticed he is ungainly.

Poor boy.

cozietoesie · 17/04/2014 21:28

That threw me for a second I must admit - until I realized what you would have meant.

Original poster

EnlightenedOwl · 19/04/2014 17:35

Vet thinks about three - probably about right.
Its almost like he lacks a bit of gear in his backside. So whilst a cat jumps up he sort of scrambles up. Which at first we just thought he's a clumsy so and so but then when the vet prodded around his hip he really hissed as if to say that hurt.
Other than that he's fine. Walks normally can trot/ run and sit with feet tucked up underneath him. But its worth having the xrays done as then we know if there is anything there which may start to trouble him later and we should keep an eye on. Also can get his microchip done while he's under anaesthetic so minimising any distress for him.
It may be there's nothing there at all and he is just a clumsy cat but we need to be sure.

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cozietoesie · 19/04/2014 17:42

I think you're right to have it checked. It almost sounds as if he has some hip problem such as a badly mended bone fracture from an accident while he was on the lam. Whatever - at least you'll know. Poor lad.

Original poster

EnlightenedOwl · 21/04/2014 10:47

Are we mad?
Had a little chat with my brother yesterday (we share a house long story!)
Neither of us are rich - make enough every month to pay bills and have something over.
But we have said if Sam needs something to put him right we will spend some money on him if it definitely cures the problem up to a maximum of £500 - so say £250 apiece - we both have rainy day money.
But this is a stray cat we have taken in - are we totally mad to chuck money at him? Trying to get perspective here!
And of course x rays may come back totally normal and we are just anticipating the worst - as usual!

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cozietoesie · 21/04/2014 11:23

No, you're not in the least mad. This is a fellow creature who might be in pain or discomfort.

And in any case, he's not 'a stray we have taken in'. He's the glorious Samson isn't he?

cozietoesie · 21/04/2014 11:24

PS - I think we all need the latest pic to cheer up our morning.

Fluffycloudland77 · 21/04/2014 11:29

I don't think it's mad, the difference between a chosen pet and a stray is that the strays had something go very wrong in its life.

Original poster

EnlightenedOwl · 21/04/2014 11:37

Going to have to stop calling him a stray aren't I? He's been on my knee all morning - we fell asleep on the sofa (Jasper my other one is asleep upstairs so no jealousy)
Can't believe I've not posted this pic its hilarious!

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cozietoesie · 21/04/2014 11:41

Oh he's wonderful - what a grin!

Fluffycloudland77 · 21/04/2014 11:42

I love his cheek pouches. Properly cobby face.

Original poster

EnlightenedOwl · 21/04/2014 11:51

he's just made me get a bit emotional. He's laid on me and looked up at me and whilst it sounds a bit mad it was like he was saying thank you. He really does seem to appreciate the help he's had.

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cozietoesie · 21/04/2014 11:52

I'm not surprised. He looks happy as happy there - a great photo.

timtam23 · 21/04/2014 18:11

He is so lovely and I wouldn't even question spending money on him - vets' bills do rack up pretty quickly. Imagine him trying to struggle on & fend for himself as a stray with a hip problem - he wouldn't manage at all well in the long term. He must be thanking his lucky stars that you've given him a loving home!

Original poster

EnlightenedOwl · 23/04/2014 19:51

He's home. There is an abnormality probably an old injury of some sort - pretty hard to tell. He may need pain relief now and again if it troubles him, a bit of physio maybe..but nothing too troublesome. also may cause early onset arthritis in years to come. Good news

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Fluffycloudland77 · 23/04/2014 19:53

He'll need a nice hot water bottle to lie on when it's playing him up.

How are they getting on?

AtYourCervix · 23/04/2014 19:55

very good news.

dear Samson

cozietoesie · 23/04/2014 19:59

That's better news because I think arthritis can be pretty well managed with meds. (And have a look at the thread about Green Mussel extract - it seems to be working with my old boy.) Has the vet given him anything for necessary use together with advice on administering it?

Just imagine if no-one had taken him in and he was stuck out there through a few winters, gammy leg and unneutered so having to fight for his scraps. No wonder he's smiling!

Original poster

EnlightenedOwl · 23/04/2014 20:34

He has got anti-inflammatories which he may only need on ad hoc basis not all the time. He's full of beans at the moment every cat I've ever had has come back hyper after anaesthetic. He's bouncing round the room - my other cat just yawned at him and went to sleep!

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