Twelve-year old cat had been missing from home for a week. When it returned, it had an open wound on rear upper leg/hip, and radiographs showed fractured sacral vertebrae.

This case was broken down into three parts --- address the spinal injury first, then treat the wound, and finally, suture the wound closed.

Owner presented pet to clinic, had been missing from home for a week, unable to walk, could stand only with assistance, open wound as shown. Radiographs also showed fractured sacral vertebrae. Administered Prednisone taper for 10 days to reduce swelling on the spinal chord as first step of this process, cat walking on their own at the end of 10 days. Once cat was off the prednisone, began a Manuka Honey mixed with insulin application to the open wound. After two weeks, wound healed enough to be able to allow for surgery.  Closed the wound with sutures as shown, cat now walking as before, owner very happy with results.