Wednesday, April 02, 2014

Kind thoughts for Ponyboy, please



Ponyboy was hit by a car last night and suffered major injuries.

He has a broken scapula (shoulder), nerve damage to that leg, and a huge laceration on his side.

As soon as I discovered what had happened, we were off to the emergency vet.  He was sedated until he could be thoroughly examined this morning.

The laceration was sewn up, and we were sent to Colonial Vet in Ithaca for a consult.  The scapula will be surgically repaired as soon as possible, hopefully this afternoon or evening.  The nerve damage should heal itself with time. When the specialist looked at his x-rays, there was an possible issue with his bone density (possibly due to malnutrition prior to him coming  in to rescue care), but barring any complications from that (and THERE WILL BE NO COMPLICATIONS), his prognosis is good.  He will have to be crated for several weeks while he recovers.  I'll have to rig some way to get a crate in front of a window, that's for sure.

He is currently on painkillers while waiting for surgery and is alert, if somewhat groggy.

I'll keep everyone posted, and please keep those kind thoughts coming toward Pony.


13 comments:

James P. said...

More than kind thoughts for both of you......genuine worry and concern. You have endeared your kitties to us. What horrible news, but great to hear the prognosis is good.....and that he has someone willing to take all the steps with him. For crying out loud! Just when everything was going well........So sorry for your spring to begin like this.............Ginny

James P. said...

Can you just clear off a nightstand, bookshelf or card table (temporarily) to set in front of the window for his crate? Might cramp the other kitties' viewing style, but they might be just as happy sitting on top of the crate....(?)

Domestic Kate said...

Poor guy! I'm definitely sending good vibes your way. Amazing how much I feel like I know him ... he'll recover just fine I'm sure.

Robyn said...

Poor baby. Good thoughts, coming your way!

rockygrace said...

Update: Pony is out of surgery. The procedure was complicated, with many teeny-tiny screws involved, but the bone density turned out not to be an issue, and full recovery is expected. Hopefully, he will be home on Friday, where he will then begin a lengthy recovery process.

I will keep everyone posted, and thank you for your kind thoughts.

p.s. Ginny, I am looking at several options for his confinement right now - thank you for your suggestions!

James P. said...

GREAT NEWS about full recovery expected! His biggest problems may involve keeping himself entertained doing next to nothing during recovery AND/OR getting through airport security with those screws.

How do crated kitties go to the bathroom while you are at work, etc.? Also, you might have a word with him about toning down the need for adventure....between tangling with cars, pinkeye and nearly hanging himself in the collar....you need LESS drama in your life, not more..........Ginny

Holly Jane said...

Oh no! I'm so glad he made it - good job with speedy response. Where you there when it happened? :(

the queen said...

Noooo! I am harsh and I think you should abandon all other cats in favor of contestant Ponyboy catering.

James P. said...

Yeah, if he wasn't spoiled before, it's gonna happen now!

Zella said...

Oh no, poor Ponyboy :( Will be sending healing thoughts his way !

Becs said...

What the Queen said. Feel better soon to both you and Ponyboy.

fmcgmccllc said...

Oh wow, so sorry to hear this. Take care and be okay.

rockygrace said...

Update: Ponyboy is doing well today. I'll put up a post shortly.

Thanks, everybody, for all your well-wishes.

Ginny, the crate he will be in to start is a 3 x 4 dog crate - big enough for a small litterbox, food and water bowls, and room for him to move - a little. He doesn't have to be completely immobilized - just quiet. and I agree about the drama - who knew that it would be Pony, the most laid-back of cats, to create such a fuss!

Holly Jane, I wasn't there when it happened, and in fact, the vets aren't even sure it WAS an HBC (hit-by-car). The broken bone would indicate such, but the wound could indicate a large-animal attack. In any event, the vet feels the incident probably occurred several hours before Pony made it in at 1:00 that morning, at which time we went directly to the vet.

and Becs, thank you for not saying what I know you want to say (and rightly so), i.e., that's what you GET when you let a cat outside. Trust me, I am beating myself up over this right now.