Older cat tears anterior cruciate ligament

Question
Hi, Norm.  My 14 year old domestic shorthair cat, Plato, has just developed
two problems. One is chronic constipation and I read your answer to someone
else on treatment for that problem; it sounds like a frustrating and chronic
problem for some cats. We are using stool softener, Metamucil, added broth
to food, high fiber diet, and starting tomorrow, Cisipride to try to solve this.
However, the other issue is a pulled anterior cruciate ligament on his rear
(driver side) leg. It is not torn, thankfully, but what is your experience on how
long he might be hobbling around? We're trying to confine him to one floor
and not jump (good luck with that!).  We tried pain meds at first but given the
constipation issue (and three enemas so far!), we took him off these on our
vet's advice. All we have done for him has been OK'd by our vet. Any
thoughts on the knee problem?  Kathy

Answer
Kathy,

At age 14 Plato is considered geriatric and is also, probably, somewhat arthritic.  So, the knee will eventually heal somewhat, but probably become more arthritic due to the injury.  In time (many weeks), you should note some gradual improvement. You just need to be incredibly patient and watchful.  At his age he is, hopefully, not quite so active, so confining him to one floor where there is little for him to jump up onto is best.

I have found that confining a cat to a cage, albeit a way to control the movement, often results in depression which might exacerbate the constipation problem.  Cats are very stoical about pain and can endure quite a bit.  So, if he is hobbled, but able to function reasonably well, I would let nature and time take care of the knee.

Best regards... Norm.