Hi all,
I have a poorly kitty, Brutus who is 2 years old. It would appear that on 23rd January 2013 he was involved in an RTA. Brutus was x-rayed and it showed a damaged pelvis and a 'pulled tail' with a significant 'gap' in the sacral (spelling?) area; perhaps significant the tail is not pulled to an angle/diagnoally but straight. We were told he had little chance of recovery and was transferred to hospital for the weekend, during which time he failed to poo or urinate on his own - at this time he had no anal tone whatsoever.
On the 29th January 2013 and meeting a more optimistic surgeon, he underwent surgery to have his pelvis pinned and his tail amputated. He was catheterized at this time and given two weeks to recover. We were told at this time chances of recovery are around 30%.
His catheter was removed on the 4th February 2013 but put back in on the 6th February 2013 as there were no wees in this time.
Good news..on the 8th February 2013 the nurses and surgeon confirmed (after finding a number of stools in his litter tray and other indicators) that they were now convinced Brutus was pooing & knowing that he was doing it!
His catheter has been removed today and the vet has said he wants to give him a few more days.
We are encouraged to think he has gone from no anal tone whatsoever to now pooing regularly. Also, the effort the vet has gone to I perhaps naively believe means he sees some 'potential'. Heartbreaking, and I know common, is that Brutus is eating, pain-free, affectionate, and generally happy in himself so the worst seems unthinkable!
I have read about people who express their animals, but I am unsure on whether this is a long-term option particularly as Brutus is an adventurer in his very nature, and I feel expressing would require making him house-bound (we also have another two cats who have free roam in and out of the house to consider!). I think this would just make him miserable.
Brutus has been on liquid paraffin to help his bowel movements and is on medication to help his bladder contract (although he has not been given this whilst the catheter was in).
What I want to know is how likely do people think a recovery is..have any of you experienced this yourselves? Should we be encouraged about his bowel recovery or are the bowels and bladder COMPLETELY independent of each other? I understand the nerves are in the same area..
Any advice would be welcomed. I want to whats best for him, but how do you draw the line..if we had given up when they wanted us to, he never would have had the opportunity to regain his bowels which he obviously now has...