* After performing the leg amputation surgery, and caring for Downie at her home post-surgery, Dr. Fleming fell in love with Downie, and he will be staying with her forever! Yay Downie (now named Gordie)! Best forever home, ever!

Hamilton Animal Control officers picked up Downie when they received a call about an injured cat. Downie had lacerations on his foot and he wasn’t using his back leg properly. HAC took Downie to the vet and he was looked over, and after a couple of days, sent back to the shelter with pain medication to wait out his stray time.
When we rescued Downie from HAC, we sent him to see Dr. Fleming at Guelph Animal Hospital to find out what was going on.
Turns out, Downie has some serious injuries. He has a fractured hip (femoral head) and a distal femoral fracture that has healed in an abnormal position. He also has secondary nerve damage. This is why Downie was dragging his leg when he walked, and what was causing the lacerations on his foot. We don’t know what caused these injuries, but they’re pretty extensive.
To sort out the best course of action, Dr. Fleming consulted with another vet about Downie’s injuries. They decided that because of the severity of his injuries and the likelihood that surgeries to try to repair the leg would not help, that Downie’s leg should be amputated. Downie had the surgery the next day, and came through it with flying colours. He will be resting comfortably at the vet clinic for a few days before he goes to his foster home.

Through all of this, Downie has shown nothing but love and affection to everyone he meets. He’s always got his happy feet on and he purrs and purrs. Amazing that he is going through so much, but is still so sweet.

Welcome Downie! We’re so happy we can help get you feeling better.