HELP: Chronic non-healing wound on cat after impalement injury (9+ months) - Multiple surgical attempts failing
Species: Cat
Age: ~3.6
Sex/Neuter status: Male/Neutered
Breed: common indian street cat
Body weight: 5.5 kg before now its like 3-4kg
History of present illness:
In December 2024, my cat fell from a second-floor window and was impaled by a steel construction rod from a neighboring property. The wound was initially treated and began healing, but never closed completely—there was always a small opening that would reopen regularly, requiring stitches every few weeks at monthly vet visits.
In September 2025, my vet recommended skin grafting surgery (using fish skin graft material). However, approximately 10 days post-surgery, the wound opened dramatically—expanding to roughly the size of a tennis ball. Since that time, my cat has been hospitalized continuously because the wound requires regular medical care and monitoring that I cannot provide at home.
Current situation:
• Timeline: The wound has been in this severe state since early October 2025 (nearly 6 months now)
• Recent progress: There was brief improvement in late February 2026 when the wound closed to about grape-sized, but it has since re-opened to the size of tennis ball again.
Images: ( blood and wound nsfw )
https://litter.catbox.moe/xt362eqxzjyjuvdw.jpeg
https://litter.catbox.moe/8nl1mp9cn2uyxh9n.jpeg
https://litter.catbox.moe/bk0nt9ih9cwzur14.jpeg
• Medications: My vet states the cat has developed antibiotic resistance and that the current medications are no longer effective
• Activity level: My vet suggests the cat’s constant jumping and movement in the cage is preventing proper healing
Questions for the community:
1. Given the chronic nature of this wound and repeated failures to heal, what could be causing this? Are there underlying conditions (vascularity issues, infection, immune problems) that should be investigated?
2. Has anyone encountered similar resistance patterns where wounds repeatedly fail to close despite appropriate care?
3. What additional diagnostic tests or treatments might be worth exploring at this point?
I’m open to seeking a second opinion from a specialist if recommended. Problem is in my city this is one of the biggest vet hospital equipped with these facilities and I’ve known this vet doctor personally for years, he previously treated my dog for years. Given the lack of progress despite his efforts I am seeking additional perspectives.