Oscar the bionic cat

Re: Oscar the bionic cat

Andrew Kent — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 16:57:32 GMT

[quote user="robloxley"]So where would you draw the line?: 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years??
Surely it's about quality of life not quantity of life?[/quote]

Exactly my point, and is it good quality of life to go through lengthy surgical procedures, spend half of your remaining life span in an external fixator and then have to go through the rehabilitation of a new limb to get maybe a few weeks use out of it before you die?!?

Re: Oscar the bionic cat

Rob Loxley — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 16:13:26 GMT

[quote user="Andrew Kent"]There is no doubt this is a fantastic procedure, but is it appropriate to use in an animal that will only live 6 months when they are likely to see little benefit from the extensive surgery and rehabilitation.[/quote]

So where would you draw the line?: 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years??
Surely it's about quality of life not quantity of life?

Re: Oscar the bionic cat

Andrew Kent — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 12:31:23 GMT

The case used in this episode was clearly a fantastic use of this technology, but am I the only one who feels a little uneasy about its application in dogs with terminal conditions?

The technique has been most widely used in dogs who require amputation for osteosarcoma and are either too heavy or too arthritic to live on 3 legs. There is no doubt this is a fantastic procedure, but is it appropriate to use in an animal that will only live 6 months when they are likely to see little benefit from the extensive surgery and rehabilitation.

Just a thought,

Andy

Re: Oscar the bionic cat

Vikki Halliday LLB — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 22:11:08 GMT

I thought it was great and also may quell some clients moaning about fees regardless of the fact that their cat/dog/budgie/rabbit etc "only cost 25 quid!"

I am really pleased for Noel, and the "revelation" that he carried the cost of the procedure over and above the £4000 paid by the insurance was not mentioned in the prgramme, and watching it you were left with the impression that the owner was paying.

Can't wait, have set the Sky + for next week's episode.

I think his approach was great and hope the procedure goes on to be named a "Fitzpatrick"!

Re: Oscar the bionic cat

Gillian Mostyn — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:31:09 GMT

[quote user="Bob Russell"]They did skim over the cost a bit - mentioned thousands of pounds but that was all!![/quote]

Hmm - apparently Noel covered all costs over and above the £4000 they go from the insurers. I can understand him wanting to try out his new techniques - and they are certainly impressive - but I doubt they are within reach of the majority of clients.

Re: Oscar the bionic cat

Daniel Castillo — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:31:17 GMT

Unfortunately those outside of the UK can't view the documentary. I want to see it!

Re: Oscar the bionic cat

Bob Russell — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:58:12 GMT

What are peoples views on the documentry? I thought it was great for the profession in general. Nice to see someone so enthusiastic (do I dare say slightly nutty as well) about the work he is doing.

They did skim over the cost a bit - mentioned thousands of pounds but that was all!!

The arthritic labrador has provoked a healthy discussion in the practice!

My sky box is set to record the series!

Re: Oscar the bionic cat

Hannah Wynne Richards — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 10:20:13 GMT

Do I get a journalism award for the scoop ?????????

2nd thoughts-that might be a bit selfish since I've recently had a bottle of champagne from Arlo !!!!!!!!!

Very nice, I drank it last Saturday Thanks Arlo

Wynne

Re: Oscar the bionic cat

Arlo Guthrie — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 07:25:38 GMT

Sounds like the BBC documentary about Noel Fitzpatrick (starts 30th June) will be very good publicity too ...

Re: Oscar the bionic cat

Arlo Guthrie — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 07:18:19 GMT

Here's the VetSurgeon news story.

And here are the x-rays in the VetSurgeon gallery.

Re: Oscar the bionic cat

Laurence Webb — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 23:47:38 GMT

One of my clients brought a newspaper clipping of this in today to show me when they came in to take their cat home for the night for the first time since he was caught in a tractor cutting grass on Sunday.

He's not going to benefit from prosthesis, although I considered it for 1 leg which I amputated as it was (to use the technical term) mush.

Nice to see a positive story about vets for once!

Re: Oscar the bionic cat

Michael Woodhouse — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 22:30:36 GMT

Wynne - you beat me too this - I will post the BBC link anyways

clicky