Marlow is at the vets

When my wife Becky came home last night she opened the patio door and called for Marlow. In 30 seconds he was at the door. When he walked in he was soaking wet. It had not rained at all. His hair was matted in a few spots. I was sure he'd been in a pretty good fight. I didn't tell Becky that. I made up a story for she wouldn't mind hearing.
Marlow was not himself. He wouldn't come to Becky who wanted to dry him with a towel. "That's it!" she said, "he's not going back out tonight". This morning Becky got herself off to work as usual. I got started cleaning. Picking up Marlows food bowl to wash it, I noticed a little blood. Sasha, my other cat, and I went to get a closer look. Marlow was in the basement hideout. I coaxed him out with a blue mouse and looked him over. He looked ok.
I called the vet and asked to get him in today anyway. They said bring him in at 10am. I had an hour and a half to figure out how to get him in the cat taxi. I can't believe he fell for the humane trap again. It was baited with his favorite. Peking duck and chicken.
We get to the vet and discover an abscess on his neck. A wound at least three days old. He's being treated now and I'll pick him up this afternoon. He's getting his routine exam too.
When Becky finds out about all this I'd bet real money that Marlow's outside forays are over.

the abscess heals up without complication.

...I'm pretty sure he won't complain too much about having to stay inside.

I just picked Marlow up from the vet. The wound was not abscessed but merely an inflamed and swollen punture. He was probebly bitten last night. I'm glad I discovered it early, today instead of tomorrow. It was very $$$ during normal business hours.
Marlow went straight to the basement hideout and is resting comfortably.

HOpefully last night's episode will keep him indoors forever.

Poor Marlow. Glad you were able to get him to the vet easily and that he is recovering well.

Marlow seems to be back to what is normal for him. He has been whining to go out all morning. I think it's going to be a long day.

Good job getting him in right away, glad it is not too serious. He's already had his neuter right? I think too it is time to keep him inside, despite his howls!

Because of that bite I recommend you have him tested three months from now for FeLV/FIV.

Keep us posted!

I would definitely play with him more than normal - in fact, as much as possible. I'd also put up bird feeders around windows where they like to hang out. Putting up a bird bath and perhaps a platform feeder for birds and squirrels on the deck right near the sliding door might be a good idea. Things like this help formerly outdoor kitties transition to indoor only.

Originally Posted by otto

Because of that bite I recommend you have him tested three months from now for FeLV/FIV.

Click to expand...

otto,
Marlow was vaccinated for FELV in May when he was TNR'd. What is the FIV and could that have also been covered by the "feline combination vaccine" he received?

LDG,
At our house if you want to see birds or squirrels you just have to look out any window. Oak trees in front, seedy shrubs all around. The landscaping was planned for insect predators*. Becky's got playing with Marlow covered. I'll get in on it when he warms up to me a little more. Marlow is bonded to Becky. Our other cat Sasha is bonded to me. You know how these once feral guys are.

Marlow has been inside/outside for three weeks now. He's come far. This fight and bite thing set him back just a bit. Now that it looks like he may stay inside, I bet he progresses even faster.

*thankfully Sasha and Marlow get along better than some of our other pet's (see photo I took last week)

Just food for thought..... Squirrels are even better, because they enjoy taunting the cats.

Originally Posted by diggerled

otto,
Marlow was vaccinated for FELV in May when he was TNR'd. What is the FIV and could that have also been covered by the "feline combination vaccine" he received?

Click to expand...

It is rare, but even a fully vaccinated adult cat can contract FeLV. Also, FeLV needs a booster the first time is administered then annually after that. I do suggest you ask for an Elisa test in about 2-3 months. If nothing else it will rest your mind.

The feline combo vaccine doesn't have the FIV vaccination. But IMO, that vaccine is less than worthless, as once they get that shot, they will show up positive for FIV the rest of their lives. And like most vaccines, they are not 100% effective.

Ah yes. You refreshed my memory with the vaccine info. I had been told this before. I should have taken notes.

PS;I just got home deporting a raccoon. Maybe what Marlow got into it with. 2+2, Marlow is soaking wet and bleeding. The raccoons use the ditch in my woods for a hiway. If it was a coon, I'm sure it must have been Marlow who started it. He's always been overly protective of his territory.