TNR Cat broken or dislocated back hock/ankle?

Found a previous TNR cat.  Super sweet but has an injury to its back leg. Not putting pressure on it and inside part of leg has a hard lump( not hot) no open wounds.  Had a friend that was able to x-ray. Not an orthopedic.   Question is it a old broken bone injury or is it dislocated.   Can any orthopedic vet interject?

Hello - thank you for posting this fascinating radiograph.  I hope that the patient is in receipt of appropraite pain relief and other support as necessary (lameness is usually a direct result of pain, but some very common human pain-killers are surprisingly toxic to cats, so can only given on prescription).  As you will have gleaned from reading the site rules, we are not allowed to interpret other vets' radiographs and in particular, we are badly placed to offer second opinions.  Most vets in the UK are general practicioners and not orthopaedic specialists, but will be quite used to reading radiographs of bones, fractures, arthritis, dislocations, tumours, soft-tissue injuries and various other weaknesses as part of their normal work.  If they have a reason for not giving a definite answer, it is usually advisible to understand it; your vet has hopefully taken a better history than me and will be well-placed to have had a good feel of that leg.  Furthermore, they ideally would have taken a second view showing the area of concern from a different angle, although this can be difficult if trying to avoid an anaesthetic.  If no diagnosis is forthcoming, then we would strongly recommend asking questions such as:  'What is a list of things this could be, knowing what we know?'  'How would we narrow it down from here?' and - if referral appears to be the only reccommendation - 'Why is this?'    I'm hope that my answer here isn't too disappointing, but there are codes of good wealfare and ethics that we have to stick to; the onus for interpreting radiographs really does lie with the vet who has examined the leg and the pet.

They simply have more information and context than I do.

We hope that you get the speedy resolution to your questions that you are hoping for, in an appropriate way very soon.

If you suspect that a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) cat has a broken or dislocated back hock or ankle, it's essential to take immediate action to ensure the cat's well-being and minimize its pain and suffering. Here are some steps to follow: 1. Approach with Caution: Be very cautious when approaching an injured cat, especially if it's feral or not accustomed to human contact. Injured animals can be frightened and may act defensively. 2. Do Not Attempt to Treat at Home: Attempting to set or treat a broken or dislocated bone at home can cause further harm to the cat and should be avoided. It's best to leave the diagnosis and treatment to a veterinarian. 3. Contain and Transport: If it's possible to safely capture the injured cat, do so using a humane trap or a carrier. Be gentle and avoid causing additional stress or pain. Ensure the cat is in a secure and well-ventilated container for transport. 4. Seek Veterinary Care: Take the injured cat to a veterinarian or an animal shelter with medical facilities as soon as possible. A veterinarian can examine the injury, take X-rays if needed, and determine the appropriate treatment, which may involve setting the bone, surgery, or pain management. 5. Contact Local Animal Organizations: Reach out to local animal rescue organizations or animal control if you need assistance with capturing the injured cat or finding a veterinarian. They may have resources and advice to help you. 6. Provide Temporary Shelter: While waiting for professional assistance or transport to a veterinarian, provide a safe and quiet place for the injured cat. Avoid handling the cat too much to prevent further stress or injury. You can offer water, but do not attempt to feed it without guidance from a veterinarian. It's essential to prioritize the cat's welfare and ensure it receives proper medical attention. Injured animals should be evaluated and treated by a veterinarian to prevent complications, relieve pain, and support their recovery.