Whiticker's urgent complex reconstructive surgery
Donation protected
Whiticker update:
Discussed the condition of congenital bilateral stifle luxation (congenital knee dislocation in humans) being the suspected
primary cause for Whiticker's pelvic limb deformities. There is possible underlying bilateral hip dysplasia as well (bilateral hip
laxity is seen on the CT scan). This condition is quite rare, even in children (1 in 100,000 live births), and no reports were
found in the veterinary literature. As a consequence, treatment recommendations are somewhat based on what is done in
humans and from anecdotal reports of what other veterinary surgeons have done. It is suspected that this condition is
unlikely to resolve on its own with growth, and limb deformity would more likely be further worsen instead.
Surgery is required within 4 weeks.
Surgery can be staged (with a fairly short interval in between procedures of 1 week) or performed as a single session
bilateral procedure. Usually, single session bilateral limb procedures are avoided due to the higher risks of complications
occurring, although Whiticker's situation is somewhat time sensitive and it is reasonable to perform correction under a single
session. It is likely that he will require assistance (e.g. to get to his food/water bowls and to the toilet) and encouragement
initially in the recovery period, especially if his stifles are fixed with both lower limbs in splints. The duration of time that the
lower limbs are to remain in splints is unknown, although rigid splinting will unlikely be adopted for a prolonged period of
time to prevent ankylosis. Once rigid fixation of the joints are removed, ongoing daily stretching and passive
range-of-motion exercises will be paramount to encouraging normal/close to normal joint range of motion. Activity will be
restricted while rigid implants are in place, and will gradually be increased/moderated to encourage more normal
weightbearing. Enrolment in a structured rehabilitation program is strongly encouraged during the recovery period (further
investigation has to be done in this area to search for a rehabilitation practitioner that would be willing to work with cats).
An estimate of $4-6k has been provided for the initial surgery, with ongoing costs associated with weekly bandage
changes. The estimate does not include treatment for complications if they arise. A rather general estimate of 10k was
discussed to hopefully cover the entire treatment process.
Whiticker had his specialist appointment yesterday. Sadly, during his consultation with the specialist surgeon based on his physical examination we learnt that little Whiticker has Bilateral pelvic limb deformities where he has suspected torsional deformities meaning This is when the long bones of the leg are turned to the inside or outside so that the paws do not point straight ahead.
His specialist surgeon mentioned that there is a possibility that bone deformities may be amenable to surgery although the main concern with a young patient is the potential for over- or under-correction, leading to a requirement for additional corrective surgery. There is also no guarantee that surgical correction would restore Whiticker to a normal cat's anatomy. This would also mean that Whiticker has to go under Aggressive rehabilitation.
Pelvic limb amputation was also discussed. This is not currently the procedure of choice as Whiticker is using both pelvic limbs as props to assist in ambulation. It is expected that Whiticker’s pelvic limb (his hind paw which appears collapsed at the ankle) is likely to worsen with growth, although the degree to which this worsens is unknown. An amputation would be considered if the pelvic limbs are non-functional and hindering Whiticker's ability to ambulate or bothering him (e.g., developing ulcers/rub sores).
As the pelvic limbs are not bearing weight appropriately with current increased load transfer to the forelimb, there may also be an increased risk of degenerative conditions in the forelimbs.
A CT was recommended as the next step for further understanding of Whiticker's condition. In order for us to understand further about Whiticker‘s condition we need your help, If you are able to help us raise funds for Whiticker’s CT scan which is estimated to be $800 we can get more answers on what is the best options for Whiticker and his long-term diagnosis.
Discussed the condition of congenital bilateral stifle luxation (congenital knee dislocation in humans) being the suspected
primary cause for Whiticker's pelvic limb deformities. There is possible underlying bilateral hip dysplasia as well (bilateral hip
laxity is seen on the CT scan). This condition is quite rare, even in children (1 in 100,000 live births), and no reports were
found in the veterinary literature. As a consequence, treatment recommendations are somewhat based on what is done in
humans and from anecdotal reports of what other veterinary surgeons have done. It is suspected that this condition is
unlikely to resolve on its own with growth, and limb deformity would more likely be further worsen instead.
Surgery is required within 4 weeks.
Surgery can be staged (with a fairly short interval in between procedures of 1 week) or performed as a single session
bilateral procedure. Usually, single session bilateral limb procedures are avoided due to the higher risks of complications
occurring, although Whiticker's situation is somewhat time sensitive and it is reasonable to perform correction under a single
session. It is likely that he will require assistance (e.g. to get to his food/water bowls and to the toilet) and encouragement
initially in the recovery period, especially if his stifles are fixed with both lower limbs in splints. The duration of time that the
lower limbs are to remain in splints is unknown, although rigid splinting will unlikely be adopted for a prolonged period of
time to prevent ankylosis. Once rigid fixation of the joints are removed, ongoing daily stretching and passive
range-of-motion exercises will be paramount to encouraging normal/close to normal joint range of motion. Activity will be
restricted while rigid implants are in place, and will gradually be increased/moderated to encourage more normal
weightbearing. Enrolment in a structured rehabilitation program is strongly encouraged during the recovery period (further
investigation has to be done in this area to search for a rehabilitation practitioner that would be willing to work with cats).
An estimate of $4-6k has been provided for the initial surgery, with ongoing costs associated with weekly bandage
changes. The estimate does not include treatment for complications if they arise. A rather general estimate of 10k was
discussed to hopefully cover the entire treatment process.
Whiticker had his specialist appointment yesterday. Sadly, during his consultation with the specialist surgeon based on his physical examination we learnt that little Whiticker has Bilateral pelvic limb deformities where he has suspected torsional deformities meaning This is when the long bones of the leg are turned to the inside or outside so that the paws do not point straight ahead.
His specialist surgeon mentioned that there is a possibility that bone deformities may be amenable to surgery although the main concern with a young patient is the potential for over- or under-correction, leading to a requirement for additional corrective surgery. There is also no guarantee that surgical correction would restore Whiticker to a normal cat's anatomy. This would also mean that Whiticker has to go under Aggressive rehabilitation.
Pelvic limb amputation was also discussed. This is not currently the procedure of choice as Whiticker is using both pelvic limbs as props to assist in ambulation. It is expected that Whiticker’s pelvic limb (his hind paw which appears collapsed at the ankle) is likely to worsen with growth, although the degree to which this worsens is unknown. An amputation would be considered if the pelvic limbs are non-functional and hindering Whiticker's ability to ambulate or bothering him (e.g., developing ulcers/rub sores).
As the pelvic limbs are not bearing weight appropriately with current increased load transfer to the forelimb, there may also be an increased risk of degenerative conditions in the forelimbs.
A CT was recommended as the next step for further understanding of Whiticker's condition. In order for us to understand further about Whiticker‘s condition we need your help, If you are able to help us raise funds for Whiticker’s CT scan which is estimated to be $800 we can get more answers on what is the best options for Whiticker and his long-term diagnosis.
Organizer
Jessica Ruf
Organizer
Kingsbury, VIC