Broken Hip, Orthopedic Surgery Tomorrow

[John Popp]

Thanks Patti!

That's kind of where my head is and he is supposed to be completely recovered as long as everything went OK. If things didn't heal properly, he'll need a second surgery, a femoral head ostectomy. I don't think that's where we'll end up based on how well he is getting around and without any signs of injury.

Keeping him contained in a single room while I'm at work should be pretty easy and a big improvement for Chongo. My wife needs to leave on a 3 week photo shoot, so I'll be pretty much on my own. The rest of the time I can limit him to a single floor to see how he does.

Again, I think he is going to be OK as we were very diligent about restricting what he could do over the last 6 weeks. it definitely hasn't been a lot of fun and we took a lot of extra time with him to make sure his psyche coming out of the crate was as good as it was when he went in. He's definitely been a trooper through all of this as has my wife and we appreciate the well wishes of everyone here.

 

[Tina Kinsley]

Man, John, you and your wife have done a fantastic job with this. My fingers are crossed for no further surgeries for Chongo.

 

[John Popp]

Thanks Tina!

We certainly have tried hard to make things as comfortable as can be for him, and make sure he has as much human interaction as possible. Sleeping on the floor (with a Futon) has been the most demanding part as once or twice a night he'll decide he wants to play for 15-30 minutes. I guess not a lot different than an infant.

 

[SV Dad]

Oh yeah, I am sure the scale(s) are working properly as I weighed him on two and then had my wife do the same to validate. I will say again he was rail thin and often needed to be closed up in the bathroom so he would eat. I also think we had him for a couple weeks before either of us ever saw him sleep. It was his full throttle jaunts and play play play ventures that got him into trouble with something cats of twice his weight couldn't muster over the last 15 years.

John, striking similarities with his brother Mayhem. He is still quite thin at 2 and is go, go ,go all the time. I wouldn't worry if he put on weight, I suspect he might lose a little when his active lifestyle resumes.
I can see the look (in your avatar) on his face. I don't think there is any slowing him down. Does this look familiar to you?

 

[John Popp]

LOL, yes very much so. Really need the video for the constant Serval pounce and two paws to the rib cage of the other cats or your feet. That's what always causes me so much solace as Chongo likes to play so so much and runs through life with his eyes always wide open.

 

[SV Dad]

That picture is Mayhem at around 4 months old. Funny you should mention the two paws to the feet. If I am not paying attention to Mayhem, and he wants to play fetch (endlessly), it's two paws and claws around a leg. And does he chase his brother and the other two cats! He is always trying to tackle them.
Chongo sounds just fine. Keep him off the top of the doors.

 

[John Popp]

Escape artist this evening. Can't wait for this to be done. The wife is gone for the next couple weeks on a photo shoot and it took all my cunning and skill to convince Chongo that capturing him was not a game, and I really didn't care if I caught him or not.

From appearances witnessed this evening, I can't imagine that we are going to walk away with anything less than 100% health. Still made my heart beat out of my chest as he was definitely on a tear and I'm just glad he didn't jump on or off anything. We had a little discussion on his return to the crate, and upon the bars closing he let me know just how much he wants paroled.

Soon enough buddy, soon enough.

 

[Jacq]

Wow, I can't believe it's almost over already. You did such a wonderful job taking care of him, I just can't imagine him not being completely healed.

 

[Patti]

I'm sure you're counting the hours at this point in time. I hope you have a HUMONGOUS celebration when he breaks free of his bonds!!!

 

[John Popp]

3 days 4 hours 33 minutes and 42 seconds.

He woke me up about a half an hour ago with some claws in my scalp. He has carried on ever since. I guess this is the part where I can really do this most for him and making sure his psyche is ok when he gets out.