Hi,
Saturday night (3rd September 2011) my lovely Billy cat came in as usual, he was a bit slower than usual but seemed ok. Sunday morning we awoke to silence, normally Billy is very vocal if we lie in (how very dare we!) and fusses around us for his brekkie then asks to go out...nothing. No Billy. After a long search we found him curled up in a dark corner.
I checked him over, he was reluctant to stand had a cut by his left eye, torn hind claws and a bald patch by his left knee.
Fearing the worst I took him to the vets. She checked him over and Billy the fraud stood up and fussed round her. She agreed with us that he had most likely been hit by a car, she could feel no long bone fractures but that his knee and paw on his left side were swollen and tender so she gave him a shot of Metacam and some to take home to give orally and to watch him over the next few days for any signs of deterioration.
Anyway, 2 days on and he is the same. He will walk but slowly and reluctantly. He is sleeping almost all the time on a special bed I have made for him. He is eating and drinking but as of yet I haven't seen any wee or poo. He cannot jump at all which is causing him much frustration around my children's stairgates!
I'm really not sure if this is normal recovery or if I should be taking him back to the vets? He is fully insured so I have no issue with money what so ever, I just want him back to full health.

What do you guys think? Could he have a knee fracture or damage to his pelvis? Or is this just the normal behaviour of a cat with a sore bruised knee?

Thanks all comments appreciated!

Emma.

Did the vet check for any signs of internal injuries, as that would be my first thought with a RTA.

__________________

As above.I would be taking him back for another check over.He may just be very bruised and sore but the fact that you dont think he has pee'd/poo'd would be a worry to me.I probably would have been back today to be honest but I wouldnt delay much longer in getting him checked out again.Hope he is okay,please keep us updated.

__________________

Agree with the above. Take him back asap expressing your concerns and expect a full work up, including xrays

Agree with the others, especially X-rays and even an ultrasound asap.

Hope he's better soon. Incidentally torn claws are a classic sign of an RTA.

Welcome to PF by the way!

Hi everyone and thank you for your replies.
Billy seems very active this morning and has been going up on hind paws for fuss and clawing at the carpet (tsk tsk) which is much more like his old self.
I think I will keep a very close eye on him today and take him straight down if he looks ill again.
I'm not sure that the vet did check for internal injuries, she felt his legs, spine, took his temperature which was slightly raised and then gave him the shot.
Watching him now, he still wont jump. I might even ring the vet first. Hmmm.
I also saw him in the litter tray this morning. No evidence of any result but he was there. It's so hard to tell though as he isn't the only cat to use the tray!!
So unsure of what to do...

Why spend the day worrying when you can settle your mind by taking him back in to the vet? It really is as simple as that.

__________________

Nellie Paddy Mitzy Milo Peggy Murphy

Millie and Monty, the White Devils!

If you sw him go into the litter but didnt see any result then please take him to the vet ASAP this is not a good sign!! The not jumping etc could all just be down to a sore knee but why be worried if it is broken or not when you are insured and could request an xray etc?? Surely it is better to know one way or the other? If you had been run over or your child would you not expect an xray from the hospital??!? Why expect any less from the vet for your cat?

__________________

There would be no doubt in my mind - take him back to the vet ASAP

If he has not used the litter tray then something is wrong. I would insist on x rays as well if it is suspected he has been hit by a car.

Hope he gets better soon

Very sorry to hear about your little boy I agree with the others, take him back to the vets and keep us posted
xxx

__________________
Mummy to;

Sooty 9.6.1996 - 28.04.2011 Rest in peace my love!
Storm (Sueragdandy Phantom) 28.02.2010
Benji (Kassaro Benjamin Franklyn) 08.03.2011