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Feline (Cat) Orthopaedic Surgery - Sydney
At VSOS, we understand that your cat is a cherished member of the family.
While cats are famously agile, they aren’t invincible. Whether it’s a fall from a height, an unexpected encounter with a vehicle, or even an awkward landing after jumping from your arms, an orthopaedic injury is a deeply stressful time for both you and your feline companion.
Our team, which includes leading-class specialists like Dr Rachel Basa, provides the calm, expert care needed to get your cat back to their curious, active self. We don't just treat the injury; we treat the whole cat, ensuring their unique feline needs are met at every stage of the journey.
The "Master of Disguise": Identifying Cat Pain
Cats are evolutionarily designed to hide physical discomfort to avoid appearing vulnerable. Unlike dogs, who may whimper or limp obviously, a cat in pain often simply "slows down." Because cats are so adept at masking injury, chronic orthopaedic issues, such as old fractures that didn't heal correctly or ligament tears, are frequently misdiagnosed as arthritis or general "old age."
Research suggests that a vast majority of older cats suffer from some form of orthopaedic discomfort. At VSOS, we encourage owners to look for subtle behavioural cues rather than waiting for a visible limp.
Signs your cat might be suffering from a hidden orthopaedic issue:
- Jumping Reluctance: No longer jumping onto high counters or beds, or choosing "stepping stones" (like a chair) to get to a higher surface.
- Hesitation: Pausing for a long time before jumping down from furniture.
- Behavioural Shifts: Becoming reclusive, hiding more often, or showing uncharacteristic aggression or grumpiness when touched.
- Altered Posture: Subtle changes in their gait or how they "tuck" their legs when resting.
- Reduced Appetite: Sometimes, the effort of moving to a food bowl is enough to deter a cat in pain.
If your cat’s behaviour has changed, it may not just be age. A specialist evaluation can determine if a treatable orthopaedic condition is the true cause, giving your cat a new lease on life.
Why Feline Orthopaedics is a Unique Discipline
At VSOS, we live by the mantra that "a cat is not a small dog." While the basic principles of bone healing are similar across species, the feline skeletal system and biological response to trauma are entirely unique. This requires a specialist approach that respects feline physiology.
The Paradox of Brittle vs Flexible
Cats are famously "liquid" in their movement, yet their bones are surprisingly brittle compared to dogs. This creates a specific surgical challenge: feline bones can splinter or shatter more easily under the high-velocity impact of a fall. Because of this, the way a specialist handles the bone during surgery must be incredibly delicate.
Anatomy and Forearm Rotation
One of the most significant differences between cats and dogs is the degree of forearm rotation (supination and pronation). Cats need this extreme flexibility for jumping, climbing, and grooming. Many standard orthopaedic repairs used in dogs can inadvertently restrict this rotation if applied to a cat. Our specialists, including Dr Rachel Basa, who has performed extensive research on the feline carpus (wrist), ensure that surgical repairs preserve this vital range of motion.
The Anatomy of Precision
Feline anatomy has "hidden" complexities, such as the specific opening in the humerus where major nerves and arteries pass through. Furthermore, cats have remarkably straight long bones, which require different implant alignment to ensure they regain their natural, spring-like agility. When dealing with bones that are sometimes less than a centimetre in diameter, there is no margin for error.
Immediate Care: When Minutes Matter
If your cat has suffered a recent trauma, we recommend coming straight to VSOS Emergency for an immediate evaluation. While your local vet is your primary partner in pet health, a major trauma case often requires the immediate, 24/7 diagnostic power of a specialist hospital to ensure the patient is stable enough for surgery.
Triage and Stabilisation
Upon arrival, our emergency team assesses your cat for life-threatening internal injuries. This often includes:
- A-FAST and T-FAST Ultrasounds: Using ultrasound probes to quickly check for free fluid or bleeding in the abdomen or chest.
- Chest X-rays: To ensure the lungs and heart are functioning normally after a trauma.
- Stabilisation in ICU: Managing pain with injectable opioids and providing oxygen support if required.
Once stable, our in-house orthopaedic specialists, if needed, take over the surgical planning.
We believe in a collaborative approach and keep your local family vet fully informed throughout the process, ensuring they have all the records needed for your cat's long-term care.
Surgical Innovation: Beyond the Standard
We utilise state-of-the-art technology that is rarely found in general practice. This includes intraoperative fluoroscopy (a real-time, moving X-ray), which allows us to align fractures and place implants with millimetre precision while the cat is on the operating table.
Our expertise also extends to advanced custom solutions. Dr Rachel Basa has published research on endoprosthesis, where 3D-printed titanium parts are used to fill gaps in bones left by tumours or severe trauma. This "Beyond Possible" technology allows us to save limbs that might otherwise have required amputation.
The Journey to Recovery: Crate Confinement
For any orthopaedic repair to be successful, the post-operative period is critical. Most fracture repairs require six to eight weeks of strict confinement to allow the bones to heal back together without the stress of jumping or running.
In the specialist world, we refer to this as "Crate Confinement." We recommend a small, safe space (approximately 1 to 2 metres) containing:
A cut-down litter tray: So the cat doesn't have to step over a high edge with a healing limb.
Comfortable bedding: Placed away from the litter tray.
Easy access to food and water.
To give your cat the best possible start, we include an initial physical rehabilitation session with most repairs. Our dedicated rehab team works alongside our surgeons to ensure your cat regains their strength and mobility safely.
Going Beyond Possible: Possum’s Story
Sometimes, the most difficult cases provide the most rewarding outcomes. Meet Possum, a young cat who arrived at VSOS unable to even open her jaw. Following a trauma, she developed TMJ ankylosis, a condition where scar tissue literally "locked" her jaw joint shut.
While other hospitals said the case was too complex to repair, the VSOS multidisciplinary team utilised 3D-printed skull models and endoscopy-guided anaesthesia to perform a radical reconstruction. Today, Possum is back to her normal routine and eating solid food with ease.
Meet Dr Rachel Basa
Specialist Surgeon & Associate Professor
Dr Rachel Basa is a leading authority in feline orthopaedics. She has dedicated her career to understanding the nuances of how cats move and heal, having completed a PhD focused specifically on the feline carpus (wrist).
Rachel is an active researcher and academic, regularly publishing new findings and lecturing at national veterinary conferences. Her goal is to close the gap in feline orthopaedic knowledge, ensuring that cats receive care that is specifically designed for their biology, not just extrapolated from dogs. When you meet Rachel, you are meeting a specialist who is as passionate about your cat's recovery as you are.
