I'm feeling really lost and need some advice. My sweet cat, Muffin, has been through so much lately and we finally got scheduled for her FHO surgery today to help with her hip issues. I dropped her off at the vet, expecting things to finally get better for her, but I just got a call from the surgeon saying they have to decline performing the surgery. They didn't go into much detail, just something about complications they hadn't anticipated. I'm really confused and worried about what this means for Muffin's future. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? I don’t know what my next steps should be and I honestly feel a bit helpless thinking about her being in pain. Any advice or support would mean the world to me right now. Thanks for listening.
Hi there, I can understand how upsetting and confusing it must be to hear that the surgeon declined to perform the FHO (femoral head ostectomy) surgery on your cat. Let’s talk through some possible reasons and your next steps.
Sometimes, a surgeon may decide to delay or decline surgery due to unexpected findings during a pre-operative assessment. This could involve discovering a different health issue such as a heart condition or infection that might complicate surgery. It's also possible that your cat's injury or condition has changed, making surgery less appropriate or requiring an alternative approach.
At home, focus on keeping your cat comfortable. Ensure their living space is safe and free from high places they could climb or jump from, which could aggravate their condition.
Watch for signs of pain in your cat, such as limping, vocalizing, hiding, reduced appetite, or aggression. If you notice any of these, or if your cat’s condition seems to worsen, it's important to bring these to your vet's attention promptly.
To fully understand why the surgery was declined and explore what you can do next, consider scheduling a video consult with one of our Dial A Vet professionals. This way, we can get a clearer picture and guide you through the best care for your furry friend.
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