DoveLewis Surgeons Repaired Broken Paw for Local Cat
Veterinarians used an external fixator to treat an 11-year-old cat over an eight-week recovery period.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Pet Health
An 11-year-old cat named Benny received specialized care at Portland’s DoveLewis animal hospital after sustaining three broken bones in a single paw. Veterinarians utilized a unique cage-like device to stabilize the injury.
Why it matters
The case highlights the complex orthopedic procedures available to Portland pet owners through local emergency veterinary facilities. It serves as an example of how surgical hardware can aid recovery in aging animals with multi-bone fractures.
The treatment for Benny involved stabilizing three broken paw bones compared to a standard fracture. The recovery process required an 8-week duration with the device, though the long-term impact on the 11-year-old patient's mobility remains a point of observation.
The players
DoveLewis
A Portland-based animal hospital that provides emergency veterinary care.
Benny
An 11-year-old cat who underwent orthopedic surgery for a paw injury.
The details
Veterinarians at DoveLewis performed the repair by inserting pins through the skin to secure a hardened epoxy resin frame. This structure, known as a SPIDER fixator, created a cage-like support on top of the paw to hold the shattered bones in alignment. Following the initial procedure, Benny spent one night in the hospital before completing his recovery over two months.
Timeline
The protective equipment remained on the paw for 8 weeks.
Beyond the Bridges
This case follows the clinical application of the SPIDER fixator system to manage complex, multi-bone fractures. It demonstrates how such orthopedic technologies are used in Portland to treat severe injuries that once might have necessitated more invasive surgical approaches.
Pet owners facing complex orthopedic injuries should discuss available stabilization methods like external fixators with their primary veterinarian. Understanding that hardware may remain in place for weeks can help households plan for the necessary confinement and activity restrictions.
The takeaway
Complex fractures in older pets can often be successfully managed with external stabilization devices rather than internal plates. Owners should observe any changes in a pet's gait and consult a specialist if multiple bone fractures are suspected.
Further reading
For more information on specialized care for aging pets in our area, visit Pet Health.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOIN 6 Portland.
