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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

Saddle clot

78 replies

ThreeQuartersEmpty · 02/10/2014 11:29

My cat came home last night crying and not himself. He kept wanting to sit down, his back leg seemed sore. Thought he might have been hit by a car. Phoned the emergency vet who said if his leg not obviously funny shape and not bleeding to leave him be and take to vet this morning.

Got appointment first thing. Vet says he has probably got a clot in his back leg caused by heart disease. Hes on strong painkillers and is staying in.

Ive googled. And I'm so sad.

OP posts:

Original poster

ThreeQuartersEmpty · 14/10/2014 23:13

Thanks Tim. Maybe yes it could be the nerves.
I've been wondering why he can't feel his paw, yet has learnt to throw it forward in an exaggerated step to make sure it ends up pads down.

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cozietoesie · 14/10/2014 23:55

Have a good chat with the vet tomorrow then as you suggested. It's been nearly two weeks now so they should have a fairly good idea of the likely prognosis for the lad.

Good luck to him.

shaska · 15/10/2014 10:10

ThreeQuarters - not at all sure if this is comparable, but one of ours had a head injury that caused some physical issues and she does a similar leg throw - much reduced now as she's come on leaps and bounds (literally). I suspect it came from her losing sensation in the leg, but then getting some back, so she was aware that it was there and sometimes landed 'wrong', but didn't have full control, so was being careful to make sure it did what it was supposed to. I imagine it feeling like it does when your foot's gone to sleep- where you can feel movement but not touch, if that makes sense?

I've been following along and have my fingers crossed for you and your boy!

Original poster

ThreeQuartersEmpty · 15/10/2014 13:49

Thanks Shaska for the crossed fingers!

Spoke to the vet. He's pleased with his progress so far, in particular about throwing the paw forward and weight bearing on it. Said that he might just be feeling better in himself and cant be bothered with having the massages now. I'm to persevere even if I only manage one a day its better than not. He obviously made an impression that night he ripped out his line, as the vet said rather me than him attempting it! He joked about chain mail and oven gloves.

He was quick to remind me he is on limited time. His long term prognosis is not good. Its only a matter of when another clot will break free and block an artery. The heart medication and the aspirin will reduce but not eliminate the risk.

We will enjoy his company while we can, and ensure he is pain free.

Many thanks to all of you on this thread.

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cozietoesie · 15/10/2014 13:58

That's good despite the long term prognosis - which you knew about anyway. If you can keep him pain free that will be great because a little study of the topic raises pain as one of the bigger issues. (Leaving aside the underlying causes.)

If he's a happy boy who enjoys his life, eh?

All the best to him and to the rest of you.

Original poster

ThreeQuartersEmpty · 15/10/2014 18:43

Yes Cozie, a happy and pain free life is all any of us can ask for.

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timtam23 · 15/10/2014 22:53

Thanks for the update. Glad the vet thinks things are improving.

We had to think often about quality of life with my 2 oldies, as they both had various life-limiting conditions

They are both dead now but I really treasured the last few months with each of them (although it could be quite full-on and stressful at times)

Keep us posted

Original poster

ThreeQuartersEmpty · 23/10/2014 21:04

Update.
We have been back tonight to the vets for the check up appointment.
Vet was astounded at BigManCats progress. Astounded!
The best outcome the vet has seen!

Cat can walk, run, jump. Only a v slight limp, you'd not notice unless looking for it. Has brought back 3 mice in the past 3 days so hunting easy enough still. Cat showed signs at the weekend of wanting to go out rather than use his litter tray. Started out with short supervised outings, now he goes out for up to an hour by himself.

He has a good strong pulse in both back legs, heat and pink in both paws. Heart sounds good, chest clear. Vet tested blood sample for thyroid problems when we were there but result came back in normal range so that's good.

We've obv to continue with the meds, but cat and me have reached an understanding with the pills. I have learnt the maximum size to disguise inside a hand rolled ball of tuna, and cat has agreed not to bite my fingers.

We are back to being licked awake for breakfast, and shouted at if the delivery isn't fast enough. He can bound up and down stairs at speed.

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cozietoesie · 23/10/2014 21:14

cozietoesie · 23/10/2014 21:20

By the way - isn't it time we had a picture of the lad now that he's recovering?

Fluffycloudland77 · 23/10/2014 21:26

You've done so well with him. All he physio has obv paid off.

timtam23 · 23/10/2014 22:20

That's really brilliant to hear

Original poster

ThreeQuartersEmpty · 23/10/2014 22:33

Thanks all. I've tried to get some photos up, but they are too big.
No idea how to manipulate them from ipad, will try tomorrow from work pc.

I'm still

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cozietoesie · 23/10/2014 22:39

I'm not surprised. So much worry and now you've got a happy boy back on your hands. Is he still to have his massages or is it just the meds now that he can do some exercise himself?

shaska · 23/10/2014 23:09

Marvellous news!

Original poster

ThreeQuartersEmpty · 24/10/2014 15:01

Pic on my profile Cozie

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Fluffycloudland77 · 24/10/2014 15:06

Oh wow he's a massive bruiser of a cat! & you had to medicate him. You are much braver than me.

Original poster

ThreeQuartersEmpty · 24/10/2014 15:21

Yes, he is big. But a softie with everyone bar the vet.

No more massages required, I've just to encourage him to be active and exercise. That's easy enough done. Certainly easier than the massaging!

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cozietoesie · 24/10/2014 15:45

What a wonderful boy!

All the best to you all.

Original poster

ThreeQuartersEmpty · 15/02/2015 16:02

Sad update.
We've lost him.
Seems likely the recently sighted big dog fox has taken him.

He was snoozing under a bush at the front door at 5 pm last Tuesday evening when I was making dinner, I realised after half an hour that he hadn't appeared for his own dinner. Went to get him and he has just disappeared of the face of the earth. We've looked everywhere.

Still, at least it would have been quick.

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Jennywren85 · 15/02/2015 17:52

so sorry. Praying he's just having a lovely adventure somewhere and will come home to you soon x

timtam23 · 15/02/2015 19:28

Oh no I am so very sorry. I hope you manage to get some news about him. So sad after all you & he went through.

Original poster

ThreeQuartersEmpty · 15/02/2015 19:53

Thanks, but he doesn't walk far now with his bad leg.
Even if someone has taken him in (unlikely) the vets said he might mange a few days without his medication. He's not had his tablets since Tuesday morning so that's 5 full days.
When DS and I put flyers through the neighbours doors, people were reporting a bigger than normal fox, as bold as brass. He wouldn't have been a match for it.

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Fluffycloudland77 · 15/02/2015 20:00

That's awful. Your poor cat. I am sorry

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 15/02/2015 20:17

Your poor cat, I'm so sorry

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