Cat Undergoes Revolutionary New Full Knee Replacement

A cat whose leg was rendered unusable by cancer last year has just received one of the first total knee replacements for felines, the Huffington Post reports. Due to his weight, the damaged leg could not be amputated. But though commonplace for dogs, bone replacement in cats is in its infancy. The challenge is in the felines’ smaller size, including their more delicate bone structure.

The surgery was performed at the veterinary college of North Caroline State University, in Raleigh. Engineer and professor Ola Harrysson described the operation as “[part of a] pure research project, in a way,” since a joint of this kind for a cat has never been done before.

The surgeon, Denis Marcellin-Little, practiced the operation four times on models before the real thing. Although knee replacement surgery was performed on a cat in Britain in 2009, the complex joint used in the NCSU operation is much more complex, and more closely matches the types used in humans, both in its functionality, materials used and precise matching with the living bone.

The joint was fabricated out of plastic and a cobalt chromium alloy, using a laser to harden the metal powder, a process which allows for more exact shaping than standard machining. The size and shape of the implant is supposed to match up perfectly with the actual bones with which it is fused.

The cat, whose name is Cyrano, survived the operation well. Since the surgery pioneered new, experimental techniques, and is considered research, providing an exact accounting of the cost was difficult for the university. Much of the cost was also defrayed by donated materials. But the owners are expected to pay about $20, 000.

Sandra Lermer, one of Cyrano’s owners, said “He’s my child. And if it were your child, would you begrudge the money? I have a personal philosophy that people are, at best, equal with the other inhabitants of the planet. And I’m very, very grateful that I have the money and (am) able to do it.”

Lermer happens to be one of the founders of the large electronics company, Cisco Systems. She is indeed fortunate that money didn’t need to factor in the family’s decision. Many pet owners, even with insurance, don’t always have the option of dealing with major health problems. Indeed, in the United States, many poor, uninsured people have in the past been unable to afford their own medical care.

Cyrano is supposed to take it easy for three months, but should be able to get back to being a cat after that. He is currently 10 years old and his cancer has remained in remission for a year so far. With luck, his owners will get at least eight more years of good health with their furry friend.

Integrating Holistic and Conventional Veterinary Medicine

Photo credit: Alvesgaspar

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Debbie C.

6:46AM PST on Feb 22, 2012

I am so glad Cyrano did well with his surgery. Good luck getting him to take it easy for the next three months!!

Cyrano, I wish you the best of luck and a healthy and happy life from here on out.

send a green star

Alina D.

12:57AM PST on Feb 13, 2012

I wish such a care about animals would spread all over the world some day.

Karen B.

3:13AM PST on Feb 7, 2012

I would find the money !!!!

Carrie Anne B.

9:03AM PST on Feb 6, 2012

thanks for sharing :)

Nancy L.

11:14AM PST on Feb 5, 2012

Here's a link to Cyrano's video. So happy for him and his human!! :)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/27/cat-knee-joint-surgery-cyrano_n_1237481.html

Darla G.

6:42PM PST on Feb 3, 2012

There have been many wonderful advances made in veterinary science and I think it's great. I did say "yes" that I would be able to afford an expensive surgery. That might have been a bit premature and I was thinking with my heart instead of my head but I know one thing...I would do anything I could to get the $ for surgery for one of my pets.

mari s.

4:21PM PST on Feb 3, 2012

Good luck to Cyrano and i hope he has many more happy decades -- i understand completely why his guardians love him so. But, what was the alternative -- would they have amputated and Cyrano then be a 3-legged cat? I hear about 3-legged cats periodically and they also live very happy and healthy lives -- some even have special wheels attached so the new pressure of being on three legs can be alleviated. I'm just thinking out loud here -- about all the options available out there. All in all, i wish Cyrano and his family continued success and health and happiness!

Lynn C.

3:56PM PST on Feb 3, 2012

Sending best wishes to Cyrano's continued good health.

Jo L.

7:21AM PST on Feb 3, 2012

I agree with most here: I would find a way to afford the surgery. My dog passed away recently after a 2 year remission of melanoma and then lymphoma. We are about $40K in debt, but I don't regret 1 penny. I would do no less for my 4-legged children than my 2-legged children. They are my family, and that will always be my priority.

Jennifer S.

6:38PM PST on Feb 2, 2012

I have spent tens of thousands of dollars on my animals over the past 15 years. One of my dogs has had close to $15K in vet bills in the course of her 13 years. In fact, she has had TPLO surgery on both knees, and that is about $3,000 each. Every penny is worth it. I would rather have her than a car, trip, restaurant meals, etc. People waste money on so many things. There is nothing more valuable to me than my dogs and bird. They trust me to care for them and make the best decisions for them. The bond I have with them and their trust is invaluable. There really is no "cut off" point where I would think it was too much money as long as it is in their best interest to have the treatment. They are not disposable or replaceable.Each animal's life has it's own intrinsic value and I respect that to the best of my ability every day.