Haiku went to the vet 1/2/2016. I keep the crates in the closet, with towels on the crate floor and the doors open. Haiku likes to get in the crates and sleep. But she does not like being crated in, nor does she like being in a moving vehicle. So, she cries a lot on a trip to the vet.
But she was so good in the exam room: She let the tech take her temperature, and draw blood. She let the vet examine her. The vet was concerned about how fast her heart was thumping and thought the problem might be thyroid. But it was not. It is kidney problems. We have 10 days of antibiotics to give her. Haiku let the vet show me how to give her a pill, and I have given her two already. She is sleeping a lot more than usual. I suspect that is the effect of the antibiotic.
The vet gave us samples of food. Haiku likes the dry kidney food. Hills Science Prescription Diet Kidney Care http://www.hillspet.com/products/pd-canine-kd-canine-renal-health-dry.html. So far, she has not tried any of the canned food. She ate good yesterday and this morning, but is not very hungry right now.
I hope she does better. She is so sweet.
Showing posts with label treatment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label treatment. Show all posts
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Yeah Ark Animal Hospital
I take Sake to the Ark Animal Hospital http://arkhospitalforpets.ybsitecenter.com/ and check them out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ark-Animal-Clinic/144313622430982?ref=br_rs&rf=374702392598106.
I took Mack there well before 1995, and they treated him so well. He hated to be in a cage, and when I told them that, when he had to stay for a procedure that they had to anesthetize him for, they put him in a room, and called me when he was ready to go home.
With Sake, they have been wonderful. They did not keep her after surgery, because of her attitude.
Sake stopped eating Sunday night, and did not eat Monday. So, when she did not eat Tuesday morning, I called for an appointment Tuesday morning and arranged for one Tuesday afternoon. I took Sake in, and we checked in, and the vet tech told me to go to exam 1. She asked me if I wanted her or the vet to give the injection, and I said it was fine if she did it. She also asked the vet, who agreed Natalie could give the injection. We opened the crate and Natalie injected Sake before she knew what was happening! She did not even get off a decent growl!
And because we are a frequent flyer, we do not pay for an office visit, unless something else has to be done. I truly appreciate that.
The last time I took Sake in for an injection, it was March 28, 2015. Before that, it had only been two weeks. This time it was a little over 3 weeks. On the 28th, they changed to a different steroid, and that seemed to help.
So we used that steroid, again. And, unlike the most recent past, Sake started eating last night. Not much, but she has free access to food all day, and can eat a little at a time. I suspect that is what she did during the day today, although she ate a little at breakfast time. She ate a little at dinner tonight, and was just eating again. So this is good.
When this problem started in 2013, she would usually respond to an injection within 12-24 hours, but as time has progressed, sometimes it took her 2-3 days to do more than just lick at food. So, maybe this different steroid will help.
I hope. I just hate that she feels poorly.
I took Mack there well before 1995, and they treated him so well. He hated to be in a cage, and when I told them that, when he had to stay for a procedure that they had to anesthetize him for, they put him in a room, and called me when he was ready to go home.
With Sake, they have been wonderful. They did not keep her after surgery, because of her attitude.
Sake stopped eating Sunday night, and did not eat Monday. So, when she did not eat Tuesday morning, I called for an appointment Tuesday morning and arranged for one Tuesday afternoon. I took Sake in, and we checked in, and the vet tech told me to go to exam 1. She asked me if I wanted her or the vet to give the injection, and I said it was fine if she did it. She also asked the vet, who agreed Natalie could give the injection. We opened the crate and Natalie injected Sake before she knew what was happening! She did not even get off a decent growl!
And because we are a frequent flyer, we do not pay for an office visit, unless something else has to be done. I truly appreciate that.
The last time I took Sake in for an injection, it was March 28, 2015. Before that, it had only been two weeks. This time it was a little over 3 weeks. On the 28th, they changed to a different steroid, and that seemed to help.
So we used that steroid, again. And, unlike the most recent past, Sake started eating last night. Not much, but she has free access to food all day, and can eat a little at a time. I suspect that is what she did during the day today, although she ate a little at breakfast time. She ate a little at dinner tonight, and was just eating again. So this is good.
When this problem started in 2013, she would usually respond to an injection within 12-24 hours, but as time has progressed, sometimes it took her 2-3 days to do more than just lick at food. So, maybe this different steroid will help.
I hope. I just hate that she feels poorly.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
My Issues Overwhelm Me
It is amazing to me how many of my patients present at the psychiatric prison where I work and say this, or something like this in so many words: "My issues overwhelm me." So often their issues are free world issues over which they have no control, could not change or influence even if they were not in prison, and would not even be a consideration if they were in the free world and living the lifestyle they lived that got them into prison.
But in prison, these issues take on overwhelming importance Perhaps for some, they have had an epiphany and understand what is really important to them in the free world, which does not include a life of crime. But for most, it is a stance, to use to manipulate the system, to get sympathy for their "pain," to get numbing medication, staff sympathy, and whatever attention they can garner. They know the magic words to say.
These same patients take up large amounts of time from the treatment staff, clog beds that need to be cleared for truly sick patients, are prescribed medications, at great cost, that they do not need, and in general, waste the resources of the system for which I work
But because they know the right vocabulary, they fall into the system, get the evaluations, and possibly the medications they so desperately seek.
I understand this. And woe to me for ignoring a patient's comments that indicate suicide or homicide because I think he is being manipulative. Although it happens that the manipulative comments and behaviors are more manipulative than psychotic, I report the patient comments and mood to the provider, so I will cover my responsibility, but more importantly, to protect the patients from themselves. Because some of them are desperate enough that they will truly act out in a self-injurious way to prove their point.
This is sad. But it is what it is, and it is a reality with which we struggle every day. I understand that prison is a scary, depressing place. And vulnerable people are more vulnerable in prison. I just hate that people who are "users" use the mental health system in prison to help the them negotiate the prison system so they are not exposed to the horrors of ill behavior, at the expense of truly mentally ill people who need our help and support. And, the "users" expose the staff to their manipulative behaviors so much so that the really needy people are lumped in with the users and are often not treated with the dignity, respect and consideration that the truly mentally ill deserve.
But in prison, these issues take on overwhelming importance Perhaps for some, they have had an epiphany and understand what is really important to them in the free world, which does not include a life of crime. But for most, it is a stance, to use to manipulate the system, to get sympathy for their "pain," to get numbing medication, staff sympathy, and whatever attention they can garner. They know the magic words to say.
These same patients take up large amounts of time from the treatment staff, clog beds that need to be cleared for truly sick patients, are prescribed medications, at great cost, that they do not need, and in general, waste the resources of the system for which I work
But because they know the right vocabulary, they fall into the system, get the evaluations, and possibly the medications they so desperately seek.
I understand this. And woe to me for ignoring a patient's comments that indicate suicide or homicide because I think he is being manipulative. Although it happens that the manipulative comments and behaviors are more manipulative than psychotic, I report the patient comments and mood to the provider, so I will cover my responsibility, but more importantly, to protect the patients from themselves. Because some of them are desperate enough that they will truly act out in a self-injurious way to prove their point.
This is sad. But it is what it is, and it is a reality with which we struggle every day. I understand that prison is a scary, depressing place. And vulnerable people are more vulnerable in prison. I just hate that people who are "users" use the mental health system in prison to help the them negotiate the prison system so they are not exposed to the horrors of ill behavior, at the expense of truly mentally ill people who need our help and support. And, the "users" expose the staff to their manipulative behaviors so much so that the really needy people are lumped in with the users and are often not treated with the dignity, respect and consideration that the truly mentally ill deserve.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Another Trip to the Vet for Sake
So, I brought Sake to the vet today: she never started eating well since her last injection, but she ate. Until Sunday. She woke me up early, wanted breakfast, but no matter how many options I tried Sunday, she did not eat.
She was not happy about going to the vet. We did get her to hiss so the vet could look at her mouth. They gave her two injections: an increased amount of corticosteroid, and a Vitamin B12 injection. She did not even react to the first injection, but she protested when the vet tried to find a muscle for the second injection. Eventually, she was restrained and the injection was given. She did not react to the second injection.
She was very upset today. But, I know she is already feeling better. She moved into the living room for a while tonight. In the past, she has liked laying on the afghans I have on the sofa. However, most recently, her world has been restricted to the garage, the kitchen and the dining room. Oh, she goes to other parts of the house, but briefly and restlessly. Tonight she spent some time just laying on the afghan that was draped from the sofa onto the floor. That is a good sign.
She was not happy about going to the vet. We did get her to hiss so the vet could look at her mouth. They gave her two injections: an increased amount of corticosteroid, and a Vitamin B12 injection. She did not even react to the first injection, but she protested when the vet tried to find a muscle for the second injection. Eventually, she was restrained and the injection was given. She did not react to the second injection.
She was very upset today. But, I know she is already feeling better. She moved into the living room for a while tonight. In the past, she has liked laying on the afghans I have on the sofa. However, most recently, her world has been restricted to the garage, the kitchen and the dining room. Oh, she goes to other parts of the house, but briefly and restlessly. Tonight she spent some time just laying on the afghan that was draped from the sofa onto the floor. That is a good sign.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Medication
I really do not like to take medication. There have been times in my life when I have consistently taken medication, but really would rather not. I am now advised to take calcium and vitamin D, and I try to remember to take it. But, I forget. I really try to take the blood pressure medication I am prescribed. It helps, but my blood pressure is all over the place, from too high to too low. I also try to remember to take the medication for high cholesterol.
Last year, I sprained my ankle, and when I went to the doctor, I did not ask for pain medication. I can effectively use over the counter medication for that kind of problem. I did ask for assistance in treatment, and confirmation it was not broken, although, I knew it was not. Confirmation was what I got.
I did go back to the doctor for my lower back pain and sciatica. I was given an anti-inflammatory, which made a major difference, and I was sent to physical therapy, but had little results. I gained some strength back, and range of movement, but no pain relief beyond what the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) provided.
Eventually, I went for pain management, and was sent for an epidural-steroidal-injection. The first one helped some. But a few weeks later, the pain returned. The second injection resulted in my being in horrible pain after the injection, and then not being able to tell there was any benefit after that.
I was sent back to physical therapy, and we did water therapy. It was like someone flipped a switch. By the time the insurance was exhausted, I decided, at the advice of a co-worker, to go to an exercise program where I could continue the exercises. The physical therapist thought that was wonderful: he gave me a copy of my regimen, which I had laminated, and started using for my regular routine.
I was on an NSAID, but the insurance company did not want to pay high dollar for it, so, the nurse practitioner that I see prescribed something else that gave me no relief. So, then she suggested something else. It gave me a little tummy problem at first, but as time progressed, the stomach upset became increasingly uncomfortable. I stopped using the medication.
I could call my provider and tell her I cannot take the medication. I have decided not to. I am learning to manage my pain in other ways. I do not want surgery. I am currently at a point where I can manage my activity and stress and keep the pain to a minimum. Also, the various physical exercises from physical therapy can relieve the pain. I will go for that versus surgery. And, I do not want medication if I can avoid it.
Last year, I sprained my ankle, and when I went to the doctor, I did not ask for pain medication. I can effectively use over the counter medication for that kind of problem. I did ask for assistance in treatment, and confirmation it was not broken, although, I knew it was not. Confirmation was what I got.
I did go back to the doctor for my lower back pain and sciatica. I was given an anti-inflammatory, which made a major difference, and I was sent to physical therapy, but had little results. I gained some strength back, and range of movement, but no pain relief beyond what the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) provided.
Eventually, I went for pain management, and was sent for an epidural-steroidal-injection. The first one helped some. But a few weeks later, the pain returned. The second injection resulted in my being in horrible pain after the injection, and then not being able to tell there was any benefit after that.
I was sent back to physical therapy, and we did water therapy. It was like someone flipped a switch. By the time the insurance was exhausted, I decided, at the advice of a co-worker, to go to an exercise program where I could continue the exercises. The physical therapist thought that was wonderful: he gave me a copy of my regimen, which I had laminated, and started using for my regular routine.
I was on an NSAID, but the insurance company did not want to pay high dollar for it, so, the nurse practitioner that I see prescribed something else that gave me no relief. So, then she suggested something else. It gave me a little tummy problem at first, but as time progressed, the stomach upset became increasingly uncomfortable. I stopped using the medication.
I could call my provider and tell her I cannot take the medication. I have decided not to. I am learning to manage my pain in other ways. I do not want surgery. I am currently at a point where I can manage my activity and stress and keep the pain to a minimum. Also, the various physical exercises from physical therapy can relieve the pain. I will go for that versus surgery. And, I do not want medication if I can avoid it.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
More Physical Therapy
Well, the insurance authorized 4 additional visits for physical therapy. I had the second of 3 pool sessions last Thursday (the last session will be a "dry" session, mostly for evaluation purposes.) I knew while I was doing this last PT session, Thursday, July 17, 2014, that I was working harder than I had been. I did not mind, because I want to get the maximum benefit from PT. When I got out of the pool, I was flushed and tired. I stayed for 15 minutes of moist heat and then, went home. It is good that Spectra is not far from where I live. I had trouble driving home.
I fed the kitties, and later myself. I was so tired I had to sit and rest, just moving around my little house. I was tired, but unable to get comfortable or sleep. I was too tired. My problem is that my body may be tired, but my brain is very active. And, I know that if I go to sleep too early, I will wake up in about 5.5 or 6 hours, wide awake, and generally be unable to go back to sleep.
Also, I noticed I had scraped the big toe of my right foot. It makes sense: in the current, trying to walk in the pool, I use my toes to help me navigate, and I obviously scraped the bottom of that toe on the cement floor of the pool
I was so fatigued, I was very concerned, including that I might not wake up for work in time the next morning. I sent my coworkers an email saying I might be late going to work. Then about 10 PM, I went to bed. (My usual bedtime is closer to 11:30 PM or midnight. Tonight, I am still trying to wind down from having been out to a play until 11:15 PM, so it is really not tonight, but early Sunday morning.)
Well, sure enough, at 3:10 AM, I was wide awake. I used my "tricks" to help me to return to sleep: a drink of juice and relaxation exercises. That worked. I tried to sleep in, but the cats wanted breakfast, so I was up at the normal time. I could have made it to work at the regular time, which for me is about or slightly before 8 AM. Because I had to rest so much in between doing things to get me ready for work, and feeding the cats, it took longer. I can usually leave the house about 45 minutes after waking up, but often, I stay home so I will not get to work too early. (I have trouble leaving work on time, and try not to work overtime by not going in early.) Well, Friday morning took me about 90 minutes to get ready for work, as I had to rest so much. So, I arrived about 8 minutes late. Even with that, I had my time in for the week before 5 PM, and left after finishing my tasks for the day.
So, all this to say that I am still in PT, and doing exercises, admittedly not every day, but on the schedule suggested by the PT, at home. I am also using the electronic stimulator device I purchased some time ago. I think between the two, I am really improving.
I can say that: I did house work on Saturday. The bending and twisting causes discomfort in my lower back. If I sit frequently, I can alleviate the discomfort. An electronic stimulation treatment afterwards, along with a certain set of exercises taught to me in PT, can eliminate the discomfort. I still have muscle discomfort because I am again trying to use muscles I have not used recently. But, I think I can tell the difference.
I have written more than the casual reader wants to read or know. The point is that although it is difficult, physical therapy can be so beneficial. But, we need to remember to allow for the impact it has on our body and brain.
I fed the kitties, and later myself. I was so tired I had to sit and rest, just moving around my little house. I was tired, but unable to get comfortable or sleep. I was too tired. My problem is that my body may be tired, but my brain is very active. And, I know that if I go to sleep too early, I will wake up in about 5.5 or 6 hours, wide awake, and generally be unable to go back to sleep.
Also, I noticed I had scraped the big toe of my right foot. It makes sense: in the current, trying to walk in the pool, I use my toes to help me navigate, and I obviously scraped the bottom of that toe on the cement floor of the pool
I was so fatigued, I was very concerned, including that I might not wake up for work in time the next morning. I sent my coworkers an email saying I might be late going to work. Then about 10 PM, I went to bed. (My usual bedtime is closer to 11:30 PM or midnight. Tonight, I am still trying to wind down from having been out to a play until 11:15 PM, so it is really not tonight, but early Sunday morning.)
Well, sure enough, at 3:10 AM, I was wide awake. I used my "tricks" to help me to return to sleep: a drink of juice and relaxation exercises. That worked. I tried to sleep in, but the cats wanted breakfast, so I was up at the normal time. I could have made it to work at the regular time, which for me is about or slightly before 8 AM. Because I had to rest so much in between doing things to get me ready for work, and feeding the cats, it took longer. I can usually leave the house about 45 minutes after waking up, but often, I stay home so I will not get to work too early. (I have trouble leaving work on time, and try not to work overtime by not going in early.) Well, Friday morning took me about 90 minutes to get ready for work, as I had to rest so much. So, I arrived about 8 minutes late. Even with that, I had my time in for the week before 5 PM, and left after finishing my tasks for the day.
So, all this to say that I am still in PT, and doing exercises, admittedly not every day, but on the schedule suggested by the PT, at home. I am also using the electronic stimulator device I purchased some time ago. I think between the two, I am really improving.
I can say that: I did house work on Saturday. The bending and twisting causes discomfort in my lower back. If I sit frequently, I can alleviate the discomfort. An electronic stimulation treatment afterwards, along with a certain set of exercises taught to me in PT, can eliminate the discomfort. I still have muscle discomfort because I am again trying to use muscles I have not used recently. But, I think I can tell the difference.
I have written more than the casual reader wants to read or know. The point is that although it is difficult, physical therapy can be so beneficial. But, we need to remember to allow for the impact it has on our body and brain.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Sake and the Veterinarian
Well, Sake was sick this week with an eye infection. Her eyes drain from time to time, so I was not too worried at first about the drainage. But her eyes started looking rheumy, and she
stopped eating, although she acted hungry. So, I made an appointment with the veterinarian. Sake ate well, Friday morning, which was probably due to being desperately hungry.
After all these years, we have figured it out: The veterinarian used to insist their vet techs handle and hold her, although I tried to tell them that it would better if I did it. Now, they know. Sometimes we do it together. But this time, the vet tech came in to take a temperature, and left. No way were they getting a temperature. The vet came in and asked me to hold her and open her eyes so he could look.
He diagnosed conjunctivitis, and acknowledged we would not medicate her at their office, so sent me on my way with medication to administer at home. I honestly thought that I would not be able to administer the ointment when I got Sake home, and planned to go back to work, then home a couple of hours later.
But, when we got home, and Sake left the carrier, she let me hold her and comfort her. Wow! That was amazing. So, I did put ointment in her eyes!
When I got home that evening, her eyes were remarkably clearer. And, she ate well.
So far, she has allowed me to medicate her and has continued to allow me to do so, although she is beginning to object. I can only think that the ointment has so relieved her pain that she is trying to be tolerant. Certainly, her eyes look better. And, she is consistently eating better. She even asked for food midday!
I am so relieved that this time, we were able to provide her treatment that worked and was not too stressful for her.
The veterinarian said that with her weakened state, from the poor eating, that she is susceptible to upper respiratory infections, as well. So, if she starts sneezing or coughing, I need to get her back into the veterinarian's office.
stopped eating, although she acted hungry. So, I made an appointment with the veterinarian. Sake ate well, Friday morning, which was probably due to being desperately hungry.
After all these years, we have figured it out: The veterinarian used to insist their vet techs handle and hold her, although I tried to tell them that it would better if I did it. Now, they know. Sometimes we do it together. But this time, the vet tech came in to take a temperature, and left. No way were they getting a temperature. The vet came in and asked me to hold her and open her eyes so he could look.
He diagnosed conjunctivitis, and acknowledged we would not medicate her at their office, so sent me on my way with medication to administer at home. I honestly thought that I would not be able to administer the ointment when I got Sake home, and planned to go back to work, then home a couple of hours later.
But, when we got home, and Sake left the carrier, she let me hold her and comfort her. Wow! That was amazing. So, I did put ointment in her eyes!
When I got home that evening, her eyes were remarkably clearer. And, she ate well.
So far, she has allowed me to medicate her and has continued to allow me to do so, although she is beginning to object. I can only think that the ointment has so relieved her pain that she is trying to be tolerant. Certainly, her eyes look better. And, she is consistently eating better. She even asked for food midday!
I am so relieved that this time, we were able to provide her treatment that worked and was not too stressful for her.
The veterinarian said that with her weakened state, from the poor eating, that she is susceptible to upper respiratory infections, as well. So, if she starts sneezing or coughing, I need to get her back into the veterinarian's office.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Energy at the End of the Day
For years, I suffered from sciatic pain, and stubbornly refused to do anything about it. Due to circumstances that resulted in my being at the doctor's office last fall, I decided that I might as well do something, if I am going to be at the doctor's office anyway. So we started with celebrex, added physical therapy, and then went on to pain management.
The celebrex offered me some immediate relief, and I could do more, but I tended to over do it. PT did not offer me extended relief, although one series of exercises would allow me temporary relief. Well, so wouldn't sitting down, or driving in the Vue. Hence the move to pain management.
And, treatment included a cortisone injection. I was very concerned about doing this, and not sure it would help. I had the procedure done on a Wednesday, and it was Saturday before I felt relief, about on schedule. And the progression of relief continued. By the time I had my two week follow up, I was really experiencing good relief. I still have some twinges in my back, and "a foot drop" in my right foot when I do a lot of walking. I am doing foot strengthening exercises from the PT which seems to be helping. I am unsteady of gait sometimes, especially on uneven territory. As when I am walking on the track around the park. But, I am walking, which amazes me.
I think the most amazing thing to me is that I am not exhausted at the end of the work day. I did not realize how much the pain was sapping my strength and endurance. And how tired I was at the end of the day, so how little interest I had in doing much, except playing on the computer or reading.
Wow, I have cooked, cleaned house, gone out and run errands, and even gone for a walk after work, since I have been feeling better. Things I had to "psyche" myself to do. I had stopped running spontaneous errands, having to plan things around my energy level, or work myself up to do it.
Wednesday night, I stopped at the store to pick up a few items, and cash a check. I had not thought about early voting, but I thought I might as well since I was there. I few weeks ago, if I had not "psyched" myself, I would not have added that task to the list.
At the bank, I told the teller how I was feeling energetic even at the end of the work day. I explained I had suffered from sciatica and had had pain management treatment. He asked what I did and I told him nothing in particular, it was due to poor posture, poor lifting procedures and general wear and tear and age, things I knew better but ignored. He told me his grandmother was always lecturing him about those things, and he would have to go home and tell her I told him the same thing! What a light moment and pleasant inter-change. I hope, mostly, that he was serious about paying more attention to the things he needs to pay attention, unlike me.
I had not realized how introverted I had become, not feeling like using the energy to interchange with people.
I am glad for energy at the end of the day.
The celebrex offered me some immediate relief, and I could do more, but I tended to over do it. PT did not offer me extended relief, although one series of exercises would allow me temporary relief. Well, so wouldn't sitting down, or driving in the Vue. Hence the move to pain management.
And, treatment included a cortisone injection. I was very concerned about doing this, and not sure it would help. I had the procedure done on a Wednesday, and it was Saturday before I felt relief, about on schedule. And the progression of relief continued. By the time I had my two week follow up, I was really experiencing good relief. I still have some twinges in my back, and "a foot drop" in my right foot when I do a lot of walking. I am doing foot strengthening exercises from the PT which seems to be helping. I am unsteady of gait sometimes, especially on uneven territory. As when I am walking on the track around the park. But, I am walking, which amazes me.
I think the most amazing thing to me is that I am not exhausted at the end of the work day. I did not realize how much the pain was sapping my strength and endurance. And how tired I was at the end of the day, so how little interest I had in doing much, except playing on the computer or reading.
Wow, I have cooked, cleaned house, gone out and run errands, and even gone for a walk after work, since I have been feeling better. Things I had to "psyche" myself to do. I had stopped running spontaneous errands, having to plan things around my energy level, or work myself up to do it.
Wednesday night, I stopped at the store to pick up a few items, and cash a check. I had not thought about early voting, but I thought I might as well since I was there. I few weeks ago, if I had not "psyched" myself, I would not have added that task to the list.
At the bank, I told the teller how I was feeling energetic even at the end of the work day. I explained I had suffered from sciatica and had had pain management treatment. He asked what I did and I told him nothing in particular, it was due to poor posture, poor lifting procedures and general wear and tear and age, things I knew better but ignored. He told me his grandmother was always lecturing him about those things, and he would have to go home and tell her I told him the same thing! What a light moment and pleasant inter-change. I hope, mostly, that he was serious about paying more attention to the things he needs to pay attention, unlike me.
I had not realized how introverted I had become, not feeling like using the energy to interchange with people.
I am glad for energy at the end of the day.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
The Ongoing Saga of Cat Care
Well, I was amazed that I was not awakened by a cat looking for breakfast until right before the alarm went off. I delayed my rising on purpose. I wanted to delay feeding the cats because I thought it would be prudent to put Sake in a crate right before I fed the cats, so she did not eat. So, I did every other early morning preparation thing that I could do, before I fed the cats. Then, I crated Sake, and fed Haiku and Taki. Haiku took a couple of licks of human tuna, and Taki booked: she hates having the crate in pre-eminence, although, at that point, it was just on the closet floor. So, neither she nor Haiku ate.
I thought, when I returned home from bringing Sake to the vet, that they would have eaten some, and if they did, it was not moist food. The treats dishes were pretty full, and the dry food was not vastly depleted.
I took Sake in for her treatment, and the vet and I talked about medication vs. surgery, but with Sake's disposition and failure to respond to a second antibiotic treatment, we agreed on surgery. Late morning, the vet called me and left the message that Sake had done well during surgery, and was recovering. They would normally keep her overnight, but given her "attitude" (a kind word from the vet) they said she could come home tonight with me.
I brought Sake home, and at the recommendation of the vet, left her in the crate. But she kept head butting the door, and trying to get out. Early in the evening, I tried letting her out and she could not wobble anywhere. I kept offering her water every 30 to 45 minutes.
A couple of hours later, I tried letting her out again. She wobbled towards the food, and lapped quite a bit of baby food chicken and even more paté style cat food. She wobbled off under a dining chair with a throw over it, so she had a tent. Later, she made her way to the top perch of the cat stroller. She has been up and down a couple of times from that perch. She is back in the cat stroller. She looks like she is resting as comfortably as she can be, given the assault to her body today.
I hope this resolves the problem. The vet tells me that some cats have ongoing mouth issues even after their teeth have been removed. I pray Sake's issues are resolved.
I thought, when I returned home from bringing Sake to the vet, that they would have eaten some, and if they did, it was not moist food. The treats dishes were pretty full, and the dry food was not vastly depleted.
I took Sake in for her treatment, and the vet and I talked about medication vs. surgery, but with Sake's disposition and failure to respond to a second antibiotic treatment, we agreed on surgery. Late morning, the vet called me and left the message that Sake had done well during surgery, and was recovering. They would normally keep her overnight, but given her "attitude" (a kind word from the vet) they said she could come home tonight with me.
I brought Sake home, and at the recommendation of the vet, left her in the crate. But she kept head butting the door, and trying to get out. Early in the evening, I tried letting her out and she could not wobble anywhere. I kept offering her water every 30 to 45 minutes.
A couple of hours later, I tried letting her out again. She wobbled towards the food, and lapped quite a bit of baby food chicken and even more paté style cat food. She wobbled off under a dining chair with a throw over it, so she had a tent. Later, she made her way to the top perch of the cat stroller. She has been up and down a couple of times from that perch. She is back in the cat stroller. She looks like she is resting as comfortably as she can be, given the assault to her body today.
I hope this resolves the problem. The vet tells me that some cats have ongoing mouth issues even after their teeth have been removed. I pray Sake's issues are resolved.
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