posted 11-06-2003 01:57 PM           

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:concerned: I also recently had one of my kitten's tail shut in a door by one of the kids - quite by accident. There was some differences in recommendation by my vet and the vet of her new owner (the kitten's, not the kid! ) My vet, who consulted with me by phone and knows I have handled a lot of cats through the years, asked me to feel the tail, check for bleeding (there was no actual bleeding - but probably a little oozing that couldn't be seen through all her fur), asked about the location and depth of the cut. After discussing all of this she told me that it would be an expensive visit for something she wouldn't recommend messing with - unless there was swelling or signs of infection (there was not) - because it wouldn't necessarily benefit the kitten to have it amputated. She felt that with proper attention and care that the wound would heal on it's own. I placed the kitten with this information and the owner took her to his vet, who after seeing the kitten, recommended partial amputation because there was no response to stimulation on the "far side" of the wound, which seemed to have progressed. I understand the reason he did recommend this was to ensure a clean, cosmetic healing - and to eliminate any chance of tissue necrosis or infection. I agreed to pay for most of the surgery cost, but really wonder if this is not a more liberal approach designed to benefit the vet - and not necessarily in the kittens best interest. The approach I took was that if there is any risk to the kitten for not having the process done that it should go ahead and be done, but now I have questions. What are some less severe and still permanent solutions? What if the nerves were damaged? Would it harm the kitten to have it left alone? How high ARE the risks if we did not have the procedure done? I appreciate your time and attention!

[This message has been edited by alixw (edited 11-06-2003).]

[This message has been edited by alixw (edited 11-06-2003).]

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Posts: 996
From:sheridan, wy
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 11-06-2003 07:25 PM         

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I don't know how much help I can be. I wouldn't amputate the tail unless it was causing a problem. My cat got his tail shut in the door once and it healed a little crooked, but never caused him any problems. Maybe she should get a second opinion from another vet.

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