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Syndactyl

Sweetshe0731

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Hello I posted this in the health area. I tried deleting it from the and have no idea how . I copied and pasted this so I didn’t have to re write it............


Hello everyone! Its been a while! Ok back story, I just got my 3rd sphynx from the same breeder my other 2 boy are from. When I contacted the breeder to see if she had kittens available she told me yes and sent all the pics. Before I had the change to pick which one I would like she sent me a pic of a little boy that had a lobster paw(syndactyly) she knows I LOVE my boys and told me she would feel comfortable with me taking him if I didn’t mind the paw and I did my research( or she would keep him). I researched and found out there is not a lot of people who report this in there cats so there’s not a lot of info on it. But every site did say this does not hind there lives and they can live long healthy happy life like every cat. So I took him to the vet and the vet said he’s never seen a cat with this type of abnormality. We did xrays and he had a surgeon look at them over the weekend. Today he called saying the surgeon hasn’t really come across this type a problem just read on medical boards the best option would be to amputate. I’m trying to figure out if this is there easy way out of it since they do not have experience with it. And it seems like the easy way out. Ir if it really is the best option for the kitten. Does anyone have/had experience with this? Just looking for opinions
Thank you and sry my post is so long. I do have pics if anyone would like to see
 

Yoda mom

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hello, welcome back and happy gotcha...have to catch up on the details..read other threads too. I am not familiar with condition.
what is his name?
is surgery necessary? is it something that if left alone will not cause issues ..just a unique kitty?
following closely for updates

hugs n head smooches

hope to see pics of all your nakids names
 

Sweetshe0731

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Feb 24, 2012
Messages
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hello, welcome back and happy gotcha...have to catch up on the details..read other threads too. I am not familiar with condition.
what is his name?
is surgery necessary? is it something that if left alone will not cause issues ..just a unique kitty?
following closely for updates

hugs n head smooches

hope to see pics of all your nakids names


His name is Sebastian( the crab in The Little Mermaid). Hahahah. But we call him Bash. The X-ray shows him having his finger fused together, he has no hand and partial wrist. The reason they want to amputate is they think he is uncomfortable and in pain. He will walk on it but mostly drags it and he will hold it up when sitting. He will shake it sometimes after he’s used it. But for the most part he’s an active boy that’s plays jumps climbs like the other 2. He is the sweetest boy I don’t want to do anything that’s going to affect his personality but if it needs to be done I guess I will do it. I’m hoping someone here will have some type of experience. I will post a pic
 

Sweetshe0731

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Some pic of Sebastian
 

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Sheldon13

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I have experience with it in people. Corrective surgery is the only option for humans. They’re not going to amputate a person. That being said, the two reasons I would say to go ahead and amputate Bash’s right leg would be a) pain and b) skin breakdown (leads to infection). If he is having either of those I wouldn’t feel guilty about going for it. He will get used to 3 legs. He’s still very young. Just don’t let him get overweight ;)


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Sweetshe0731

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I have experience with it in people. Corrective surgery is the only option for humans. They’re not going to amputate a person. That being said, the two reasons I would say to go ahead and amputate Bash’s right leg would be a) pain and b) skin breakdown (leads to infection). If he is having either of those I wouldn’t feel guilty about going for it. He will get used to 3 legs. He’s still very young. Just don’t let him get overweight ;)


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Thank you for the reply. Amputation sounds so scary! I know it’s most likely the best option. The vet did say he will talk to the specialist sometime this month to see if that is the best option. But what about if he isn’t in pain. How would I really know?
 

Catzzzmeow

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The holding up of the paw could be due to having pressure on it hurts him. I wish your baby could tell you for sure. I know amputation sounds crazy, but they specialist come back saying do it, then I would just for fear they are in pain. The older the heavier he will get so even more pressure etc.


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Sweetshe0731

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The holding up of the paw could be due to having pressure on it hurts him. I wish your baby could tell you for sure. I know amputation sounds crazy, but they specialist come back saying do it, then I would just for fear they are in pain. The older the heavier he will get so even more pressure etc.


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I have another appt the 18th. I’m hoping the vet takes tonthe other surgeon that works with him. If it has to get done I guess that’s what we will be doing. He is missing a hand basically, do you think that’s his hands up more. It’s a lot shorter than the other. I know I keep looking for excuses lol
 

Sheldon13

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I have another appt the 18th. I’m hoping the vet takes tonthe other surgeon that works with him. If it has to get done I guess that’s what we will be doing. He is missing a hand basically, do you think that’s his hands up more. It’s a lot shorter than the other. I know I keep looking for excuses lol

If it was me I’d get the surgery


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Yoda mom

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@Sweetshe0731 AWHHH he is adorable.. I definitely would get at least two specialists opinions so you are comfortable in your decision to to what is best for Bash. I personally would want to talk with the specialist in person, taking with me a note pad with questions about surgery, after care for recovery and options for pain management if no surgery if that is even an option.

**also confirm NO Ketamine anesthesia . it can have a rebound effect on the heart.
many vets use ISO and propofol instead

imho its always best if you are going to do joint surgery to do it at a younger age ( I would ask specialist too) .

hopeful other members who have kitties with leg amputations chime in with their experiences and support..

we are here for you!

thanks for sharing the sweetest pictures of your adorables! they are so stinkin cute together :)

hugs n head smooches. following closely for updates on the 18th flwup appointment
 

Yoda mom

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I do want to add , years ago I helped an abandoned 3 legged kitty get a forever home with my neighbor.
Tripod did amazing going about her new home, Healthy and Happy,
Tripod did extremely well and was amazing to see in person.

sending hugs n head smooches!
 

Toa and Ross

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What a handsome cutie Sebastian is. I'm so happy he lives with you and will get the best care!
I have no experience in this and only wanted to chime in to sent positive vibes! Good luck in making a decision. You're doing great with researching and looking for experienced people. Hugs.
 

Sweetshe0731

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Thank you everyone. I will update after the 18th. The vet did mention fusions but didn’t get into it after he spoke to a orthopedic specialist. Oh I’m well aware no ketamine. The other 2 were neutered and did not use that. I’m glad Sebastian found his home with me and I will do whatever it is he needs to live a happy life. It does freak me out but if he needs his leg amputated then so be it. It’s just sad to think about him with 3 limbs. I fell in love with his little paw.
 

Sheldon13

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Thank you everyone. I will update after the 18th. The vet did mention fusions but didn’t get into it after he spoke to a orthopedic specialist. Oh I’m well aware no ketamine. The other 2 were neutered and did not use that. I’m glad Sebastian found his home with me and I will do whatever it is he needs to live a happy life. It does freak me out but if he needs his leg amputated then so be it. It’s just sad to think about him with 3 limbs. I fell in love with his little paw.

Totally know where you’re coming from. My first thought when I saw it was “oh it’s so whittle and cewt! I hate that it needs amputated cuz it’s adorable!”


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Cleopatra Beers

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I love your adorable boy! He is soo cute with his gray spots! And bless you for taking him in. There are probably plenty of breeders who would have put him down instead of finding him a wonderful home. After looking at your pictures, I would also probably not hesitate a lot about doing an amputation on his poor leg. He can do really well after he heals.

I know this because we had a wonderful cat with an amputation in the 1980s. Our 2-year-old short haired boy cat, John, loved to roam around our neighborhood in Oregon. A sadistic neighbor shot him with a 22-gauge gun, because John was in his yard. John’s left front leg was badly damaged, and had to be amputated.
The amputation was done at his shoulder, and it was a painful operation. But once we got his pain under control with medications, John healed very rapidly and did extremely well with only three legs. Once the stitches were out, he was able to run and jump, and he kept up with all our other cats with no problem. John’s remaining front leg grew very muscular, and we nicknamed him Popeye. John lived for nearly 16 years on three legs, and had a wonderful life. His only real problem was that he would climb trees and forget that he didn’t have that leg. He would reach for a bird, and fall out of the tree. The falls never hurt him, but they were funny. The vet who did the surgery told us that he could be compared to a marble-topped table; he was a conversation piece that was useful too!

If an amputation will help your Sebastian to live, run, climb and play without pain, please do know that he can live a long, full life without pain, and you will notice that he will be able to do just about everything a 4-legged cat can do.
 

Jeanhill72

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First of all, he is adorable! I don't have any experience, but I would ask the ortho specialist if Bash is in pain. If not, I would think that he would learn when to use his right leg, and when not to (if it is weak or if putting too much pressuer on it does bother him). If the specialist thinks it bothers him, OR will in the future, then he will need it amputated. That sounds so scary, and obviously you love is little claw, so I can imagine how upsetting it must be. Try to find a specialist that will talk to you, and that you trust; that should help you make the decision as a team.
 

Sweetshe0731

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I love your adorable boy! He is soo cute with his gray spots! And bless you for taking him in. There are probably plenty of breeders who would have put him down instead of finding him a wonderful home. After looking at your pictures, I would also probably not hesitate a lot about doing an amputation on his poor leg. He can do really well after he heals.

I know this because we had a wonderful cat with an amputation in the 1980s. Our 2-year-old short haired boy cat, John, loved to roam around our neighborhood in Oregon. A sadistic neighbor shot him with a 22-gauge gun, because John was in his yard. John’s left front leg was badly damaged, and had to be amputated.
The amputation was done at his shoulder, and it was a painful operation. But once we got his pain under control with medications, John healed very rapidly and did extremely well with only three legs. Once the stitches were out, he was able to run and jump, and he kept up with all our other cats with no problem. John’s remaining front leg grew very muscular, and we nicknamed him Popeye. John lived for nearly 16 years on three legs, and had a wonderful life. His only real problem was that he would climb trees and forget that he didn’t have that leg. He would reach for a bird, and fall out of the tree. The falls never hurt him, but they were funny. The vet who did the surgery told us that he could be compared to a marble-topped table; he was a conversation piece that was useful too!

If an amputation will help your Sebastian to live, run, climb and play without pain, please do know that he can live a long, full life without pain, and you will notice that he will be able to do just about everything a 4-legged cat can do.

This is great to hear. I’m still very nervous thinking about it but if it’s the only thing to do than I will. I just want to make sure it’s not the vets easy way out of it since he’s never dealt with this situation.
 

Sweetshe0731

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First of all, he is adorable! I don't have any experience, but I would ask the ortho specialist if Bash is in pain. If not, I would think that he would learn when to use his right leg, and when not to (if it is weak or if putting too much pressuer on it does bother him). If the specialist thinks it bothers him, OR will in the future, then he will need it amputated. That sounds so scary, and obviously you love is little claw, so I can imagine how upsetting it must be. Try to find a specialist that will talk to you, and that you trust; that should help you make the decision as a team.

This is exactly what I want to find out. If it hurt and will be a problem I understand but how will they know he’s in pain
 

Sheldon13

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This is exactly what I want to find out. If it hurt and will be a problem I understand but how will they know he’s in pain

It is certainly hard to tell in cats since they don’t always vocalize. Signs of pain would include holding the leg up so no weight is put in it, withdrawing when attempts are made to touch the limb, redness and irritation to the area.


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Caloci

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Hi Congrats on your special little guy. I would err on the side of caution and amputate if there were any possible chance he were in pain or that it would cause complications down the road. Do it while he is young and he will adjust quickly. I am curious if you have talked to your breeder about amputation and how they feel. I look forward to hearing more information on this topic and what the specialist says.
 

Sweetshe0731

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It is certainly hard to tell in cats since they don’t always vocalize. Signs of pain would include holding the leg up so no weight is put in it, withdrawing when attempts are made to touch the limb, redness and irritation to the area.


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He definitely holds it up. But he runs jumps climbs with it.
 

Sweetshe0731

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Hi Congrats on your special little guy. I would err on the side of caution and amputate if there were any possible chance he were in pain or that it would cause complications down the road. Do it while he is young and he will adjust quickly. I am curious if you have talked to your breeder about amputation and how they feel. I look forward to hearing more information on this topic and what the specialist says.

I talked to the breeder and she doesn’t see happy. She said she will take him back if I don’t want him. And that is not the case. I love this baby. I don’t think she understands why they want to amputate. I did email her a copy of the xrays she will show they to her vet. I’m hoping her vet explains to her why amputation will be a good thing
 

Sheldon13

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I talked to the breeder and she doesn’t see happy. She said she will take him back if I don’t want him. And that is not the case. I love this baby. I don’t think she understands why they want to amputate. I did email her a copy of the xrays she will show they to her vet. I’m hoping her vet explains to her why amputation will be a good thing

That’s tough. I’m sure there is no way you would want to give him back anyways. I hope she can understand that you are not trying to take away something that makes him special, you are only trying to improve his quality of life.


Definitely better if he gets it done young, but there’s also no need to rush. Take your time thinking about it and you will do what’s best by him. Just watch him for a few weeks and see what you think.
 

Jeanhill72

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@Sheldon13 makes a good point: just watch him for a few weeks and see what you think. Some of the articles I have read state that the rare condition doesn't cause thier cats any discomfort. You may be able to tell if it is hurting him or not. Also, maybe the breeder's vet will have some valuable insight. I will say, that I would try to find a vet or specialist that I trust to help me make the decision. Maybe they can spend a few minutes watching the kitten moving around to make a better recommendation. Maybe you could even take in a toy or laser light or something that he likes to chase? At the end of the day, you are trying to do what you think is best. Try not to beat yourself up, and continue having conversations about it with professionals (including the breeder).
 
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