Momoka

When Momoka was taken into care it was noticed that she favoured her hind legs and walked slowly and did not do much climbing. Xrays were taken which showed both hips were displaced and her knee was injured. We consulted our Veterinary partner, who is experienced in feline hip and knee surgeries to see if surgery needed. The knee is most likely due to an injury that is in the process of healing, rather than a luxating patella. Surgery for her hips would be unlikely to improve her mobility. A trial of Metacam (non-steroid anti-inflammatory) compared her activity and mobility on and off the medication. There was little difference with or without this medication. The conclusion to our consult was that surgery and on-going pain management are not warranted. She has become more active as her comfort level in her foster home has increased. It is likely she will develop arthritis in later years and a supplement such as Cosequin, which can be purchased at the pet store, may prove helpful. Another option may be prescribed injections of medication, which should be discussed with her adopter's Veterinarian. Momoka has had soft loose stools, so a test was done of her stools. This test showed low level of Clostridium perfringens; a gut bacteria imbalance. This is not a parasite nor contagious. Momoka is currently taking daily probiotics and a Veterinary prescribed diet of gastrointestinal food (Hill's Biome) to re-establish her gut bacteria levels. Although it may take time to re-establish a good gut, her foster parent has noticed improvement with recent interventions. It is recommended she continue daily probiotics and Hill’s GI Biome canned/dry formula, for a while after adoption in consultation with your Veterinarian.