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Prayers for Ginger

post #1 of 50
3/4/10 at 7:26pm
Thread Starter 
Hi there, I'm Okie. I need some oh so important prayers for a very sweet kitty named Ginger. I'm a veterinary technician, and one of our MANY surgery patients had a problem with her anesthetic last Monday, and died on the table. We managed to resussitate, and she now has brain trauma. I've been rehabilitating her, but she doesn't seem to be improving cognitively. I've re-taught her how to walk, eat hard food, drink, and use the litterbox, but she's just walking in circles over and over, and she has yet to regain her eyesight. She's not the first I've rehabilitated, not even the first for this reason, but I always get so attached to my patients, especailly ones like this... If she doesn't improve soon, she won't at all, and I'm not wanting her to be miserable... that would be unfair....so, if I can gets some prayers and good thoughts to Ginger, I'd greatly appreciate it!

I'll keep everyone updated!

Thanks!

Okie
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post #2 of 50
3/4/10 at 7:35pm
Oh poor baby, what a nightmare!
By the way, how common is that, and what happened?

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post #3 of 50
3/4/10 at 8:03pm
Your clinic doesn't use the recalled Ketamine, does it?
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post #4 of 50
3/5/10 at 3:30am
Oh this poor baby... You are such an angel for trying to help her! Vibes being sent!
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post #5 of 50
3/5/10 at 4:13am
Many vibes for you and Ginger. You are an angel for trying to get her through this.

Please do keep us updated. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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post #6 of 50
3/5/10 at 4:31am
I was thinking ketamine too.

I think it's admirable to want to save every animal you can, but please consider Ginger's quality of life. A life of blindly walking in circles is not my idea of a good life for a kitty. What about Ginger's people?

Let us know what happens..
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post #7 of 50
3/5/10 at 5:42am
That is so sad. How does the cat act otherwise. How are her owners taking this news. Ginger, prayers are being sent your way.
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post #8 of 50
3/5/10 at 4:45pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by otto View Post
I was thinking ketamine too.

I think it's admirable to want to save every animal you can, but please consider Ginger's quality of life. A life of blindly walking in circles is not my idea of a good life for a kitty. What about Ginger's people?

Let us know what happens..
Trust me, I've been down this route before, and I let it go too long last time. I got too attached and let my feeling get in the way of her happiness, and I kick myself all the time for it. I know that I need to say when if that time comes. That's why I'm hoping this drug therapy works, so I don't have to. I've known this kitty about 2 weeks and I'm already so attached... but it's well worth it if I give as much fight for her life as she did, and she knows she's loved until the day she dies... so, heartache and all... it's worth it... thank you for your concern for her!
As for her owners, they are aware of the situation... they are very busy in their work and don't have the time to care for her, so they let us try to rehab, but know that the outcome may not be desirable. I'm glad that they knew they couldn't handle something like this and asked for help!

Quote:
Originally Posted by the_food_lady View Post
Your clinic doesn't use the recalled Ketamine, does it?
No, we checked all the vials, and we do not have the recalled Ketamine. We use alot of Ketamine, so we are well past the recalled drugs, anyway... but, we still check every vial. Thanks for the suggestion!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Carolina View Post
Oh poor baby, what a nightmare!
By the way, how common is that, and what happened?
We believe she had an underlying condition, possibly congenital cardio myopathy (inherited bad heart muscles) on top of having a reaction to the anesthetic. It's not very common for it to happen, especially in young animals, however, doing pre-anesthetic bloodwork and thorough exams on all animals of all ages is preferred because things like this MAY be caught. Unfortunately, not every owner elects to do this; truthfully, most don't.

Quote:
Originally Posted by farleyv View Post
Many vibes for you and Ginger. You are an angel for trying to get her through this.

Please do keep us updated. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and thoughts! I appreciate them all! Ginger seems to be doing better today. She is still circling some, but not as much. She's eating, drinking well, and peeing and pooping in the litterbox every time, so that's good! She's doing a little better, but still not out of the woods... I thank everyone again for the prayers and good vibes to Ginger, please keep them coming for this sweet baby!

I will keep every updated! Thanks again!

Okie
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post #9 of 50
3/5/10 at 5:36pm
Prayers for Ginger, her family, and all in your practice that are working so hard for Ginger.
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post #10 of 50
3/5/10 at 5:49pm
Thank you for keeping us updated on Ginger. I'm happy to hear she is doing better! Sound like you have a great clinic there. So, what will happen to her, when she is better? Will she be put up for adoption, or are you planning on adopting her?

Lots of prayers and vibes still going out to Ginger
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post #11 of 50
3/5/10 at 6:59pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by otto View Post
Thank you for keeping us updated on Ginger. I'm happy to hear she is doing better! Sound like you have a great clinic there. So, what will happen to her, when she is better? Will she be put up for adoption, or are you planning on adopting her?

Lots of prayers and vibes still going out to Ginger
I actually have a good friend who cares for special needs kitties, so I'm trying to place her with her, or she has a family in mind who can take care of her, as well... I personally would LOVE to keep her, but my house is full.

Thanks again for all the prayers and warm wishes! I'll let you know more when I do!
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post #12 of 50
3/5/10 at 9:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Okie89 View Post

We believe she had an underlying condition, possibly congenital cardio myopathy (inherited bad heart muscles) on top of having a reaction to the anesthetic. It's not very common for it to happen, especially in young animals, however, doing pre-anesthetic bloodwork and thorough exams on all animals of all ages is preferred because things like this MAY be caught. Unfortunately, not every owner elects to do this; truthfully, most don't.
My vet never asked if I wanted pre-anesthetic blood work and both my cats have been under in the last four months. Which brings me to my question, since they both turned out fine, does that mean they're ok next time if they need a surgery? Or should I opt for the bloodwork every time?

Sending major Poor little lamb.
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post #13 of 50
3/5/10 at 10:41pm
I hope she gets better.
I would ask for blood work everytime.
I did when my sphynx kitten was altered in Jan.
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post #14 of 50
3/6/10 at 5:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by kscatlady View Post
My vet never asked if I wanted pre-anesthetic blood work and both my cats have been under in the last four months. Which brings me to my question, since they both turned out fine, does that mean they're ok next time if they need a surgery? Or should I opt for the bloodwork every time?

Sending major Poor little lamb.
This is so strange to me. My vet will not put a cat under anesthetic without blood work. There is no yes or no option. Blood work before surgery is considered part of the entire procedure..
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post #15 of 50
3/6/10 at 5:34am
Sending many vibes for Ginger...how unfortunate

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post #16 of 50
3/6/10 at 5:38am
Oh sweet Ginger. God bless you for the work you are doing for her. And I know she can feel your love. I pray for the best for her and for strength for you.
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post #17 of 50
3/6/10 at 6:46am
My two cats are just entering 'senior' years - they've both had dentals in the last two years. My vets' practice strongly suggests pre-op bloodwork for even healthy cats (mine had just had their check-ups, which led to the dentals), but I'm not sure it's absolutely mandatory. I opted for it, but I wonder if sometimes vets run into owners that simply can't, or won't, pay for blood work on top of the procedure, and it's one of those lesser of two evils situation - if the cat seems pretty darn healthy, better to move ahead with the procedure to definitely relieve discomfort or avoid further complications, or risk the owner just taking pet without tests or procedure being done.

Having said that, if a vet didn't even strongly suggest pre-op evaluation tests, I'd (a) either run out the door with cat in hand, or (b) vigorously ask 'why not'. But a lot of people simply aren't aware that the tests are a 'good thing'; after all, even when being knocked out for oral surgery, most humans don't routinely have significant pre-testing.

Heck, for a lot of long-time pet owners, they might not even realize that dentals, etc., are becoming far more common in pet care. My neighbor, who is older, had dogs many years ago, and he recently adopted a new little girl. When chatting with him, he was honestly surprised to learn that I'm taking my two in for six-month check-ups now that they're seniors, the dental deals, CBC's, all that. Twenty years ago, none of that was common - and sometimes people just don't cotton to the 'new-fangled' stuff right away. Bless my neighbor - I learned later he called his vet and scheduled his little girl for a dental exam and full check-up right away.
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post #18 of 50
3/6/10 at 7:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by darlili View Post
My two cats are just entering 'senior' years - they've both had dentals in the last two years. My vets' practice strongly suggests pre-op bloodwork for even healthy cats (mine had just had their check-ups, which led to the dentals), but I'm not sure it's absolutely mandatory. I opted for it, but I wonder if sometimes vets run into owners that simply can't, or won't, pay for blood work on top of the procedure, and it's one of those lesser of two evils situation - if the cat seems pretty darn healthy, better to move ahead with the procedure to definitely relieve discomfort or avoid further complications, or risk the owner just taking pet without tests or procedure being done.

Having said that, if a vet didn't even strongly suggest pre-op evaluation tests, I'd (a) either run out the door with cat in hand, or (b) vigorously ask 'why not'. But a lot of people simply aren't aware that the tests are a 'good thing'; after all, even when being knocked out for oral surgery, most humans don't routinely have significant pre-testing.

Heck, for a lot of long-time pet owners, they might not even realize that dentals, etc., are becoming far more common in pet care. My neighbor, who is older, had dogs many years ago, and he recently adopted a new little girl. When chatting with him, he was honestly surprised to learn that I'm taking my two in for six-month check-ups now that they're seniors, the dental deals, CBC's, all that. Twenty years ago, none of that was common - and sometimes people just don't cotton to the 'new-fangled' stuff right away. Bless my neighbor - I learned later he called his vet and scheduled his little girl for a dental exam and full check-up right away.

This is why it's added in. I'm not talking about a super chem here (though that is what I always get) just an in house cbc. It's not offered as an option, it is put on the estimate as part of the procedure.

The clinic I use is very "cheap" compared to fees I have seen mentioned here and in other forums. I think they do their absolute best to keep basic fees down, to encourage people to get vet care for their pets, without compromising the level of care. In a poor farming community like I live in (with two major colleges besides) there are a lot of pets, but not a lot of money.

to Okie and Ginger: sorry for the thread drift! But the fascination of cat health care bleeds into everything, doesn't it?
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post #19 of 50
3/6/10 at 7:06am
Sending major for Ginger and you have done a fantastic job. xx
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post #20 of 50
3/6/10 at 5:26pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by kscatlady View Post
My vet never asked if I wanted pre-anesthetic blood work and both my cats have been under in the last four months. Which brings me to my question, since they both turned out fine, does that mean they're ok next time if they need a surgery? Or should I opt for the bloodwork every time?

Sending major Poor little lamb.
I would strongly recommend it. In no time, an animal's blood values can change, even if slightly, and the stress of anesthesia can send it overboard, whether it be liver, kidneys, etc. Preferably, it needs to be done within a week of the actual surgical procedure itself, though some vets may take it for 30 days or more.

The clinic I work at requires bloodwork for all animals over 5 years of age. However, if they are under 5, we don't require it. Bloodwork is always recommended, but usually denied, unfortunately... anything to save a buck, right?

Okie
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post #21 of 50
3/6/10 at 9:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Okie89 View Post
I would strongly recommend it. In no time, an animal's blood values can change, even if slightly, and the stress of anesthesia can send it overboard, whether it be liver, kidneys, etc. Preferably, it needs to be done within a week of the actual surgical procedure itself, though some vets may take it for 30 days or more.

The clinic I work at requires bloodwork for all animals over 5 years of age. However, if they are under 5, we don't require it. Bloodwork is always recommended, but usually denied, unfortunately... anything to save a buck, right?

Okie
Thanks! I'll make sure it's done next time.
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post #22 of 50
3/7/10 at 6:49am
How is Ginger doing today?
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post #23 of 50
3/7/10 at 7:30pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by otto View Post
How is Ginger doing today?
Doing okay... a little improvment. Didn't get to see her much today... I miss her already... it's amazing how quickly you can get attached to a kitty!!!
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post #24 of 50
3/8/10 at 2:42am
I am still sending vibes for Ginger girl.

I hope you can get her back on her feet. Bless you for trying.
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post #25 of 50
3/8/10 at 4:15pm
Thread Starter 
Okay, I have an update on Ginger, and it's good news! I took her out today to spend our usual time together. I put her in a room, she started sniffing around, did a couple of loose - not tight- circles, then proceded to walk a straight line! This is a good sign!

So, tomorrow, I will do a vision test on her to see if she's regaining any vision back. Her pupils are responsive, so that's good - it means her eyes aren't totally fried - tomorrow I get to examine her eyes closely and do some tests to see if she can follow an object.

Wish us luck!

And thank-you again for all the prayers and warm wishes!

Okie
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post #26 of 50
3/8/10 at 5:16pm
Prayers she keeps getting better.
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post #27 of 50
3/8/10 at 5:54pm
This is such hopeful news. Thanks for keeping us all updated!

Fingers crossed that Ginger's tests go really well tomorrow!

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post #28 of 50
3/8/10 at 7:29pm
Thats good to hear! I wish you both the best. (its not always easy emotionally caring for these guys - is it?)

I cant imagine working for a vet and seeing these kind of situations - but God Bless you for it!!!
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post #29 of 50
3/9/10 at 9:31am
I am pulling for you guys!

It was good to see she is improving. Please keep us updated.
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post #30 of 50
3/9/10 at 10:37am
Sending many prayers that Ginger keeps improving!
Thank you and Bless you for all your care for that little girl!
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