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Update on Nora

Thu, 2008-04-10 23:37 — Robin Olson

After a crazy 48 hours, it looks like Nora is doing better!

Nora's blood test came back completely normal. No sign of elevated white blood cells, so no infection-yet. Also, since her regular Dr. (Dr. Larry) could see her, he brought up a good point-that she often has a high temperature when she is stressed out. She was STRESSED being in the car (doing a weird mix of meow and growl while I drove) and being at the Vet. Her temps were 103.9, 103.7, 103.5 and 104. Her paw pads were sweating, her ears HOT, she panted a bit.

That said, Nora got sub-Q fluids, just in case her fever wasn't stress related and she's on Baytril for a bit. She was also put on a wicked non-steroidal pain killer, that until recently was only approved for use in Dogs. It's called Metacam and I can only give it to Nora for 4 days, that's it. I need to read about this medication. It must be rather intense! It seems to have helped because shortly after she got her "loading" dose, she was ambling about much better.

Right now the jury's out. Not sure if it was from her rotten brother humping and biting her, that she does have some sort of infection that hasn't really blossomed, or that she simply twisted, or otherwise injured her leg jumping down from the cat tree (which is 8 feet high) or somewhere else.

Miraculously, I was able to give her the meds today. Keep in mind that pilling her took my Vet, his tech and myself during one Vet visit here, at home, so she's not exactly easy to deal with. I believe I'm learning to calm myself and think loving thoughts while I'm shoving a pill down her gullet! She won't go for a treat-bribe, but I love her up and praise her and remain gentle with her during the process. I try not freak out, which anyone who knows me, knows that's tough to do. I'm surprised my temp doesn't go up, too, each time I have to medicate the damn cats!

more updates to come...

Comments

Fri, 2008-04-11 09:51 — tuckers mom

Metacam is approved for dogs but has been used for cats for years. The only bad things I've heard is that prolonged use may lead to kidney issues.

I've used Metacam for many cats. Just for a few days as your vet stated.

You could talk to your vet about some maintenance pain med. Over the counter baby aspirin, 81mg cut into quarters. One quarter or if the vet says, one half of a pill given every third day. No sooner. Cats metabolize aspirin slower than humans.

I'm so glad to hear Nora is feeling better.

Fri, 2008-04-11 13:50 — Carolyn

You have never heard of the most wonderful invention in the history of EARTH!!
Pill Pockets!!!! Go get some chicken ones, your nightmare is over. :)
Hope this link works: Pill Pockets

I'm very happy to hear she's doing so much better, and yes, metacam is really for short term use only. I gave Spot 1/4 tab baby aspirin every 3 days for at least a year, for his arthritis. Any more could be toxic, so talk to your vet first.

Fri, 2008-04-11 10:34 — Robin Olson

Thanks, Jennifer! I'll see how Nora does on after Sunday to see if she's still feeling uncomfortable. On to the next thing...yikes!

Fri, 2008-04-11 17:14 — Robin Olson

I wish those things worked, but my cats either sniff right through them or they just don't like them. There was a time when I COULD get away with using them, IF the med was inside a capsule, not a pill. That way they couldn't smell the drug too easily. There's no getting around it. Pilling cats is TOUGH.

I will start a thread in the discussion groups about this!

:-D

Sun, 2008-04-13 13:58 — Fletchersmom

It's always so hard to see our little furries unwell...especially when we don't know just what happened or how to help them!

As for the meds....think liquid! And use a needle-less sryinge, not one of those stupid droppers. When pilling, PLEASE make sure to follow up with at least 3cc's of water or make her eat immediately. There is a serious risk of erosive esophogitis when pilling (the pill gets stuck in the throat, dissolves, and painfully erodes the tissue there).

Here's hoping that things continue to improve!

Mon, 2008-04-14 07:56 — Robin Olson

I didn't know about the post-pilling water or food need. I will make sure to do that, if I can get the cats to calm down enough to eat something. With Bob I have no problem, but the others do get so scared they run off-no matter how calm I am with them and how much love I give them before and after I pill them.

Good advice! We'll have to add a section to the discussion groups for pilling advice.

:-D

Mon, 2008-04-14 12:11 — tuckers mom

But if you can't get it, if the vet gives you pills and they are not time released pills they can be crushed and you can make a slurry and then use the needleless syringe.

Ask the vet first, some pills are time release.

I use Tuna Juice for our pill slurries.

Another trick I use for some of my kitties is Phili Cream Cheese. Just a dab, put the pill in that and my cats usually gobble that up.

How is Nora?

Wed, 2008-04-16 07:52 — Robin Olson

Nora's doing OK. She's off the Metacam and just on antibiotics. She's still not showing up for meals, but I know she's eating when it suits her. So far, so good! Yay!

-Covered in Cat Hair

Thu, 2008-04-17 10:12 — tuckers mom

She's such a special girl and with your love and support she's going to do just fine.

Sometimes, as Carolyn told me, when a cat hurts themselves, it's not that they can't walk, they feel funny and won't walk.

Please keep us posted.

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