Prissy has been de-tailed

No, there doesn't seem to be any redness. It's a bit hard to tell though because her skin is a dusky, smokey grey colour (it is NOT the accepted colour "blue", it's darker) and her fur was just buzzed down, not completely shaved. But there is almost no swelling now.

Sorry for the quality of the pics but the light coming in is weird because of the snow on the ground, and any time the camera comes out, Pris goes into Bouncy ball mode, and WON'T sit still. I'm giving her a bit less of the Turbugesic than I'm supposed to. I think she's really sensitive to it, and that it might be what's making her not want to eat.

ANyway, thanks for the vibes. I know she'll appreciate them!

Everything looks good! You're doing a great job with her. How's she feeling?

She's doing a lot of sleeping, and a lot of Staring-out-the-window. There was a nice noisy flock of starlings JUST outside the door earlier, and it was almost funny to watch her little Nub twitch back and forth.

She's the only smart kitty in the house. She sits at the door and asks very nicely to be let out, but when I open the door, she goes "Oh no, it's COLD!!!" and takes 3 steps straight back before she sits down again. Then she'll look up at me as if to say "ok mom, close it up. Nuff outside for me!"

I'm going to stop the Turb. I skipped the last dose and she seems a bit more like herself. Does anyone think I should continue it, even though it seems to be killing her appetite?

Glad she's getting back to normal. Does she appear to be in any pain?

Sorry I can't help with the meds.

I'm late to this thread but wanted to send my good wishes to Prissy anyway.

If she's not showing any signs of pain, I would think you could stop the turbogesic. I like turbogesic for cats for pain, not many vets use it anymore.

The pics seem to show it is healing cleanly, though I can understand your initial shock and horror of it.

Soon all the fur will grow back and she will be even more special with her little bunny tail.

xo

Originally Posted by SamhainBorn

I'm going to stop the Turb. I skipped the last dose and she seems a bit more like herself. Does anyone think I should continue it, even though it seems to be killing her appetite?

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The true way to decide if she needs the pain meds is to get a heart rate. A normal cats heart rate is 120-200 bpm. At work (im a vet tech in an emergency hospital) if a cat's heart rate is above 140 bpm I normally give the pain meds. There are also other deciding factors but your Prissy does not seem to be showing them. I'm not sure when I'll be back on the site so I'll give you a lil info on how to get her heart rate. You can feel the heart beat through the chest wall. Hold the chest between thumb and forefinger and once you can feel the steady beat count for 15 seconds. Take that number and multiply by 4...that is your beats per minute. If you are having trouble feeling through the chest wall, you can always try her femoral artery that runs on the inside of either hind leg. If you take fingertips and slowly scan back and forth closer to the body you will feel a thin cord like structure. Place a gently amount of pressure and you will feel the beats. Do as same as above.

As for killing her appetite, it could very well be. I am not a fan of having an animal in pain so to be honest I would sacrifice a day of eating for a day of pain free. As long as you have noticed that her appetite is good once she is off the pain meds. I wish her the best of luck and please please don't beat yourself up for this....shes probably 100 times happier you did the right thing. still sending some to feel better

I stopped the Turbugesic this morning. Her rate at rest was about 130. I measured her 3 times. The first time I only got to count for 10 seconds before she moved. The second time I got 15 seconds, but the 3rd time she finally got nice and still for me and I got to 30 seconds. I averaged the second and third times together, and got 131.5 bpm.

Anyway, she actually ate quite a bit today. She was more active and seemed a little more like herself than she has lately. She had a good BM, and went outside to pee 3 times. She seems to be avoiding the litter box a lot, but I think it's because 1) she's extremely picky-- she won't use it unless I JUST cleaned it out and 2)the first day or so after her surgery, she had problem with her BM, probably because of pain from the missing tissue/ uncertainty how to go with missing tissue. SO I'm afraid she's going to associate the litter box with pain at least for a little while.

She is having a bit of an issue with "phantom pains" though, I think. I can't tell if it's habit or actual phantom pains. She will be sitting there staring at the window and then turn like she's going to groom her tail, only when she first turns around, she starts to groom air, where her tail used to be. She didn't have much if any feeling in her tail beforehand, so I'm thinking that it is only habit. This did start after I stopped the Turb, but I think it's because she's a little more active now than before, and feels more like grooming herself. At least, that's what I hope. I know Prissy is appreciating those vibes. And I appreciate all your support.

Originally Posted by katachtig

I think you are being too hard on yourself.

There is a big difference between medically necessary and owner preference.

I'm glad to hear that Prissy is feeling better. They really don't miss it and adapt very easily.

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I'm sorry..........I just HAVE to say something..... this back and forth banter is so self-righteous to me....I own, show and love a dock-tailed dog breed. The docking is done at about 3 days of age; it literally takes a few seconds and as soon as it is all done the puppies are back with mama, nursing and happy. Huge contrast between that and docking at an older age or due to emergency such as in the OP's case. Hunting dogs work in heavy brush at times and tail injuries are common with undocked dogs. And I won't apologize for LIKING the docked look. The reason this exchange irritates me so much as that I find it very hypocritical. Why is docking cruel but allowing a cat outside unattended when rattlesnakes are in the area is not? That said, I feel bad for the cat and the OP and I hope Prissy recovers well.

I do not intend to start and argument or debate or speak ill of the decisions of others.

However.

I PERSONALLY am against the docking of ears and tails in ANY animals if the docking is done SOLELY for appearances. I do understand the sense of docking in working animals, as it can prevent them from getting injured if it is done in a timely manner and done correctly. But in this day in age, there really is very little reason to have docking done. Many of the animals I've known have been docked just because it's the breed standard. Just like how cats are born with claws. If you want a cat without claws, don't mutilate, get a stuffed animal. IMHO, if you feel the need to maul your dog so that it is more visually pleasing to you, pick a different breed. It makes as much sense to me as hunters starving or beating the dogs to make them hunt. f it cannot be trained into them, you should find another dog.

As far as letting Prissy outside without supervision, that was my mother's doing, not mine. And, note, the area was rural south Alabama, an area notorious for snakes of all kinds, where I had actually come home to find a rattlesnake coiled in the middle of my living room floor.This is not an area where they can be avoided. Now that Prissy is living with me and is again MY cat, she is watched when she goes out. As I've stated in another post, I will not have indoor only pets. Sure, they may be safer inside and live longer lives, but how much of our own lives would we enjoy if all we did was stay inside one building our entire lives? How much of a life would it be if we never ventured out, even if we lived to be 150, even 200 years old? I take all the precautions I can, but I refuse to be condemned for doing the best I can and caring for my animals.

Originally Posted by SamhainBorn

Sure, they may be safer inside and live longer lives

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Enough said. I'd say a cat that's inside and safe is much happier than an outside cat that's injured, hit by a car, lying on a roadside suffering from being hit by a car, suffering after sustaining an attack from another animal - or - dead. I, like many, have strictly indoor cats and my cats are very happy inside, they have the best life ever and I thank god I can go to work each day, or go to bed each night not having to fear that they're outside "somewhere" - lost, injured, scared, hurting or dead.

Prissy isn't the brightest crayon in the box. (being tossed out of a speeding car at 4 weeks might have something to do with that.) She has no idea that things will actually HURT her, as evidenced by her habit of laying down in front of cars pulling into my mom's yard. At any rate, twice now, I have heard the sound of a rattlesnake, and searched it out, only to see my fearless kitty sitting a foot away from it. The last time, she had a 6 footer cornered and she was sitting there just staring at it, like she was hypnotized. Heart in my throat, I called her to me and the snake actually let her turn around and walk to me. (a promptly put her in the house and "took care" of the snake afterward.)

At one point, I had to leave Prissy with my mother for about 2 months while I moved out of state and looked for a new place to live. when I came back down to get her, I found the base of her tail swollen and oozing, and her tail limp. As far as the vet and I could figure, Miss Fearless finally got herself bitten. The venom could have caused the necrosis and the nerve damage, for sure. The very end of her tail had already necrosed and broken off by the time I came down to get her, so the vet put a drainage tube into the base of her tail and gave her some meds. She's been living with her limp tail since then.

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It is rather amazing that one has a cat that's known for being at admitted high risk of getting run over by a car, who seems to have no knowledge or fear of rattlesnakes, has sustained such a horrific injury and resultant tail docking when it all could have been prevented. As pet owners we're not expected to know "everything" but a good pet owner will at least 'learn' from their mistakes.

Originally Posted by SamhainBorn

As far as letting Prissy outside without supervision, that was my mother's doing, not mine.

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Originally Posted by the_food_lady

It is rather amazing that one has a cat that's known for being at admitted high risk of getting run over by a car, who seems to have no knowledge or fear of rattlesnakes, has sustained such a horrific injury and resultant tail docking when it all could have been prevented. As pet owners we're not expected to know "everything" but a good pet owner will at least 'learn' from their mistakes.

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I think that is a bit mean. I do not agree with having cats outdoors either BUT she said that it was her mother who decided, not her. If she is living in her mother's house, then she has no choice.

I believe that the site specifically says No Flaming right below the "submit post" button. I am here for support, not to be judged. I think it's very sad that I am doing the best that I can, but still being criticized.

I do not abuse my animals. I do not starve them. I get them regular pet checks ups and all the medical care they need. All my pets are spayed and neutered. I do pet rescue AND TNR. They are kept up to date on shots. I feed them a good food. I keep them clean and monitor their health. I do not declaw. Are these not the hallmarks of a good owner?

I do not feel the same way as you do. These cats aren't human children. These are in part still wild animals. Hell, even human children aren't normally subjected to 24 hour containment. When a child is, there are usually calls made to the authorities about child neglect and abuse. Why should it be any different for animals? I live with my husband in a small apartment now. Are you truly saying it would be better to keep them enclosed in such a tiny space for their entire lives?

That being said. This is not the first time I have been attacked on this site. I do care for my furbabies. But I neither expect nor wish to be told that I am abusing, neglecting or intentionally hurting them, or allowing them to be hurt. You do the best by your pets, and I won't comment about how you're an over-protective snob who is limiting the experiences of your pet: I'll do the best by mine, and you can just leave me alone.

I am beginning to feel like I am not welcome on this forum, and that is fine. It will not bother me to take my questions and comments elsewhere.

SHB, I would like to apologize to you. I should not have used Prissy's accident in a comparison that implied it was your fault. That was not nice of me and I take it back. I agree that cats are safer indoors, but I also agree that it is nice for them to get fresh air and sunshine; that's why I take my cat out on a harness and leash. She even sometimes goes in the dog kennel for a little while, weather permitting. I can take her anywhere the dogs go, but ON leash. That way I don't risk losing her. I am the last person to humanize my animals, so I'm with you there; I don't think the other poster was either though. I still don't appreciate the implication that routine tail docking on docked dog breeds is cruel and I don't like being told that if I plan to dock that I should get a different breed; that's just not fair. However, everyone is entitled to their opinion too. That's what makes the world go 'round and keeps things interesting is our different viewpoints. But I do apologize for any flaming, even unintentional. I do think you should stay and I hope that Prissy is doing better now.
Allmycats and her five dock-tailed sporting dogs and one spoiled, loved, undeclawed (I might add) kitty!

Just thinking about the litter box - I wonder if it'd be worth getting a whole new box, putting it in a somewhat different location, and maybe trying either your same litter or Cat Attract? If by chance she does associate the old box with some discomfort?

My little Larry who also has a nub sends his wishes for a speedy recovery! He looked exactly like little Prissy does now. And no, he doesn't miss his tail at all. I remember thinking that I didn't want to look at it and that I would never get used to it. Now it's just a normal part of Larry. He always will be adorable with or without a full tail! I don't recall him having phantom pains though...

Little Larry was born outside with a crooked tail. He stays inside permanently now. He was inside when he got hurt. Best guess is that he always walks literally right behind you when he is following you around and we think he got it closed in a door. My mother was staying with us at the time and she can't hear too well... we think she didn't even know it happened.

You've just got to take care of your pets as best as you can.
Whether inside or outside, these things happen. I have a former feral that I try to keep inside, but he still manages to get out quite alot. It makes me worry, but this is what he is used to. He spent over a year outside before we finally got him to come inside at night. It's my opinion that he will never change and I accept that.

Anyway, the gang and I are sending get well wishes to little Prissy! Feel better soon!

Awwww poor Prissy!

Sending vibes for fast healing!

I hope you did not take my post the wrong way. Personally, I think cats should be indoors. But I do not look down at people who have indoor/outdoor cats because I understand why someone would feel the need to let there cats have some freedom. My cats do get to enjoy the outdoors supervised on a harness (the ones that actually LIKE going out, I have 3 that are terrified of outside). It's just one of those things that is personal preference. I just can't do it because I would be worrying the whole time that my cats were gone. I am a worry wart, lol.

Please don't leave, you are just as entitled to your opinions as anyone else here. I hate that so much bashing goes on, but I guess it is going to happen with so many different members who have different opinions.

Back to the OP, how is Miss Prissy doing? Shouldn't her stitches be coming out soon?

Originally Posted by SamhainBorn

I do not intend to start and argument or debate or speak ill of the decisions of others.

However.

should find another dog.

. As I've stated in another post, I will not have indoor only pets. Sure, they may be safer inside and live longer lives, but how much of our own lives would we enjoy if all we did was stay inside one building our entire lives? How much of a life would it be if we never ventured out, even if we lived to be 150, even 200 years old? I take all the precautions I can, but I refuse to be condemned for doing the best I can and caring for my animals.

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I respect your choices, but I disagree with your argument. Cats aren't humans. Cats are domesticated animals and if they are given the proper attention and stimulation can be quite happy and adjusted as inside cats.

Originally Posted by KatKisses

I hope you did not take my post the wrong way. Personally, I think cats should be indoors. But I do not look down at people who have indoor/outdoor cats because I understand why someone would feel the need to let there cats have some freedom. My cats do get to enjoy the outdoors supervised on a harness (the ones that actually LIKE going out, I have 3 that are terrified of outside). It's just one of those things that is personal preference. I just can't do it because I would be worrying the whole time that my cats were gone. I am a worry wart, lol.

Please don't leave, you are just as entitled to your opinions as anyone else here. I hate that so much bashing goes on, but I guess it is going to happen with so many different members who have different opinions.

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Very well said. But believe me, the discussion going on here is not bashing. This forum is like being licked by kittens compared to other forums. I'm not complaining. It's refreshing to come here where people are not constantly at each other's throats and being as rude as they can be. But disagreement and having strong opinions is not bashing, it's the way of the world.

Back to the OP, how is Miss Prissy doing? Shouldn't her stitches be coming out soon?

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Yes, that's really why I was coming in to this thread. Just kind of stumbled into the other indoor/outdoor discussion

Yes, you're right, Prissy's stitches are out. Mostly. The original vet and the local vet both told me I could take them out myself if there was no infection and if they didn't get grown over. I had DH hold her and pet her while I clipped the stitches and pulled them through. (She took one out on her own yesterday, so I figured I wouldn't wait until Monday and the vet's like I'd planned.) I got two stitches out without any problems. They came out perfectly clean, no tugging or catching or tearing. The last stitch we may wait until monday and the vet's though. Prissy doesn't like to be held, so I couldn't get the last one before she lost patience and wanted down. I don't think it's grown over, but the knot is very close to the skin, and she doesn't sit still very well. I'm going to try again later. :-) If it looks like it's going to be too difficult, or cause her any pain, then I'll just wait for the vet to do it Monday.

As far as phantom pains go, I think it may have just been habit. Now that she's had more time to adjust, I don't catch her grooming air anymore. I think it only happens when she forgets she doesn't have a tail there anymore. Since she didn't have much feeling at all before the amputation, I think that makes the idea of phantom feelings less, but also makes it harder for her to realize there's not a tail there, since she was used to not feeling it before.

thank you all for your well-wishing. I know she's appreciated the extra love. And I apologize for being so over-sensitive. But this was a difficult experience for me, and between feelings of guilt and worry for my little girl, even the gentlest words feel like a harsh reprimand and judgment.

ANd Darlili, I am considering the new litterbox idea. I don't have any other place to put one, but I can get a new box. She seems to be using it better now than before, but she still prefers to be outside to use the bathroom, unless it's too dark or too cold.

I am so glad that Prissi is on the mend, my friend Kim has 2 cats that have had to be detailed due to medical reasons and they are both just fine. xx