Double Knee Surgery Recovery Questions!

[TheDowtyGirl]

Hey guys! Long time lurker, first time posting. My baby boy is right around 16 months old now and had an accident a few weeks ago now. Long story short, I had family over, one of my younger-in-laws played rough and he hurt his back knee. We took him in and he has a grade 2 luxating putella. We scheduled an appt to discuss surgery with a few orthopedic surgeons. His trochlear grooves are too shallow, and they are wanting to hollow those out more to protect against futher injuries.

That being said. I don't have too many worries with the surgery itself. I've seen a few vets now for more opinions and have settled on a surgeon we like. What I'm hoping to get advice for is recovery. I'm assuming a few people have gone through this? It's a 4-6 week recovery, and I know he'll have stitches and a cone for awhile. As well as he will need movement restricted for at least 4 of those weeks. I am okay with purchasing whatever will help my velcro boy feel more comfortable while he's hurting and restricted.

Any recommended cat cones? Kennel type things to keep him restricted but not cramped? Swings or better type sleeping arrangements? Also any advice on what to expect from recovery?

I really love the community here and appreciate any advice given. Thank you in advance!!

I'll attach the xrays and also some photos since I never officially introduced him here. Meet Rauru!!

 

[Yoda mom]

Welcome to the lair family. We are here for you and your adorable baby Rauru
Love his name
Headed to bed and will chime in tmrw as surely otherbers will too. Hugs n head smooches.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Oh so sorry to hear that surgery is needed. Kudos to you for researching and looking for the vet you feel is best for the surgery. Just a reminder, be sure Ketamine is not used as the anesthesia as it can be fatal if there is an underlying/undetected heart issues.

As far as cones these have been my favorite.

The first one gives much more freedom for them to eat/drink.

When we ever had to confine, we went with a large cage. You can get those disposable litter boxes or use a disposable aluminum foil tray for a litter box. They can fit inside the cage more easily. And if need be you can cut down the side they enter the box in lower so they so can get in easier.

Good luck to your cutie. We are here for you. @TheDowtyGirl

 

[kauna]

So sorry to hear of the surgery needed. Are they doing one knee at a time or both at the same time? While I don't have reference to knee surgery with sphynx cats. I do have experience with dogs and the key there is keeping them calm and leash walking for any bathroom breaks. No running, jumping or any of that. For the first few days they are usually going to be sedated with pain meds. It is after that then they start to want to go back to usual habits (playing, jumping and so on) that is where it gets a little tricky to keep calm.

I agree with @Catzzzmeow in her recommendations. I personally like the donut type cone (second one pictured) it gives them ability to move and not get the typical cone caught on anything litter especially. I also agree a large cage/dog crate would be best for confinement and limit movement.

Keep us posted!

 

[TheDowtyGirl]

So sorry to hear of the surgery needed. Are they doing one knee at a time or both at the same time? While I don't have reference to knee surgery with sphynx cats. I do have experience with dogs and the key there is keeping them calm and leash walking for any bathroom breaks. No running, jumping or any of that. For the first few days they are usually going to be sedated with pain meds. It is after that then they start to want to go back to usual habits (playing, jumping and so on) that is where it gets a little tricky to keep calm.

I agree with @Catzzzmeow in her recommendations. I personally like the donut type cone (second one pictured) it gives them ability to move and not get the typical cone caught on anything litter especially. I also agree a large cage/dog crate would be best for confinement and limit movement.

Keep us posted!

Vet wants to do both at the same time. The one is more preventative than anything, but he'd like to do them together since putting them under is always a little risky. Plus it saves a bit of money even if it's more upfront. Got it scheduled officially today! March 18th!

 

[Yoda mom]

@TheDowtyGirl , thank you for keeping us updated , all paws crossed for Rauru's surgery.
make sure NO ketamine anesthesia or deritivate of it. ( it can be fatal , it has have a rebound effect on heart if unknown underlying heart conditions.)

*** ask what anesthesia. my vet uses isoflurane or others she uses on exoctics.

ask lots of questions!

*** will he be the first surgery of the day? are the incisions laser incisions?
blankets in recovery cage at vet? (some do rub heads/chins on cages at the vet.)

I would ask lots of questions ,does he come home with pain pills, antibiotics, after care tips, recovery tips..

some members use the donut shaped soft flower cone.

I write questions down to ask vet because inevitably , I forget to ask some when I am at vet's office.

I know you schedule both knees at the same time. I would ask how he will use litter box with both knees done at same time .

do you use a top entry or low profile litter box?

sharing, my bengal years ago had a luxating patella that was mild and did not need surgery, lived with it no issues for 16 years.

. is the second knee luxating? graded? ..... I see you mention it is "preventative". just wondering.
k

all paw are family. hugs n head smooches adorable Rauru. following closely for updates. he is soo cute!!! thanks for the photos!

do you have a set up organizing for the 4-6 week recovery?
** I am sure the vet's office has some suggestions.

** if they suggest crate rest, be sure NO collar, I personally would leave off his clothing, be aware they can get paws, heads, caught on the bars.

I personally would opt for a kitty safe room instead of a dog crate if it is suggested. our babies are like little monkeys.

i would suggest moving out temporarily any tall cat trees, perhaps a floor flat cat scratcher instead of a tall reach up one. low profile litter box.

just some things that cross my mind

 

[Toa and Ross]

Great advice given so only here to sent healing vibes

 

[TheDowtyGirl]

Hey everyone! He's home!!! His surgery was yesterday morning, first thing. They ended up wanting to keep him overnight because he was being a bit of a drama king and they wanted to give him more meds/monitor. I picked him up today after work. He's walking, stiff legged, but he's walking! He's in lots of pain, and I've got about 4 different meds for him. But, he's quieted down loads since coming home. I think the vet underestimated how loud his attachment anxiety can be...

You guys were amazing with your suggestions. I ended up writing a list and emailing it to Dr to make sure I got everything answered. They worked with me so well and were amazing with him. Thank you for the kinda wishes, and here's some photos of his first bit home and his recovery area! I took him out of his cone to let him eat and got him in his jammies that cover his incision site now.

 

[Yoda mom]

@TheDowtyGirl , happy hugs.awh, I bet Rauru was very happy to see you! so glad the surgery went well and he is home now . Strong Team Rauru! you got this, hugs and speedy recovery vibes. thank you for sharing the update and photos of your sweet warrior. great idea with the recovery area, jammies, and cone. great job mum! He is walking and eating ! that is wonderful news! I see your strong boy making a speedy recovery.. so glad you vet and team worked with you and were amazing ! that is a major source of comfort on the journey.

keep us updated , all paws are family.

 

[nudebea]

Really glad to hear that Rauru,s surgery went well. Wishing him a good and speedy full recovery x

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Keep us updated on how he is doing as your experience can help others in the future. Continued happy healing vibes are sent.

 

[kauna]

Glad to hear surgery went well! Keep us updated on his progress and healing.

 

[Yoda mom]

@TheDowtyGirl , checking on on you and Rauru.. continued speedy recovery hugs n head smooches

 

[Toa and Ross]

Glad to hear the surgery went well. speedy recovery and positive vibes