Just Trapped a Calico - taking for Surgery Tomorrow

to the Animal Samaritans - I can choose a pain med, either Rimadyl or Metacam - 

1.  Should I = it's $18.00 - that's not an issue, I don't want her in pain

2.  If I should, which pain med should I choose?

okay, neither of the two choices that's given on the form meets the TCS Merit of Approval , then - I'll ask for another, and if there's not another choice, I guess it's best just not to give her a pain med (ugh), and be better safe than sorry.  

Thanks for your immediate attention.  I just (10:47 pm) removed the food - that it looks like she didn't touch ??, and the litter pan.  I put a small bowl of water inside the trap, with a box that contains layers of paper towels.  I have to have her there at 7:30 a.m., and it's first come first serve.

She's not a happy camper, but is quiet.  She showed me she was really upset and got a little scrappy, poor little girl!

I'm going to get her chipped.  The Animal Samaritans will tip her ear, but, I am going to try and find a home for her and if I do she'll be chipped.  Even if I release her, and someone gets her, they'll find the chip (maybe) and contact me.  Well, that's the way I'm thinking right now. And while they have her "out", they can also run Felv and Fiv tests so I'll know if it's okay to let the other cats around her during her stay here.

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I've named her "Callee" - she has a quiet and warm place to spend the night, and is covered with a privacy towel. 

Okay, gotta go feed the other 8 before I get to bed.  

Thank you!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by StefanZ 

Pain killers after surgery may be treacherous. The cat may feel it is just to move as usual.

While with no pain killers she takes it easy a couple of days. Which is exactly what is needed just after surgery.

So unless she isnt in excessive pains, pain killers are not necessary.

What is necessary is a nice, warm, dark, spot to be in, where she feels comfortable and safe.

Thanks StefanZ - it's 6:30 a.m., and I was just checking my email for any updates before I left - and will probably opt out of the pain meds.  She will be in a "comfortable" and safe spot, as best I can.  Gotta go, thanks everyone!

I dropped her off at 7:30 a.m., and go back to pick her up at 2 pm.

BTW - not a sound from her since she was trapped, and not a sound on the way over to the Vet in the car, wow!

I asked if they provided any other pain meds other than what's on the list.  I wasn't going to ask for them, but was curious. They don't.

They wouldn't chip her - because the "Feral Program" wouldn't allow.  They will only tip her ear.  It just makes sense to chip, if I release her, and someone else gets her, then they could contact me for history.  

I did ask that she be tested for FIV and FeLV.

The receptionist sort of questioned this request - I'm guessing it's kind of like as long as they don't know the cat is infected then there's no decisions about life or death??  

So, without testing the Feral-born, they just get released without knowing their health status - they just know that their reproducing days are over. (?)

She said that once Callee is tested - if positive - then I can decide what to do.  I guess I'm a little "raw" on this subject and responded that this disease isn't automatically a death sentence.  I told her I have two cats - one with FIV, and the other with FeLV, now living inside and doing just fine.  (I think her eyes might have rolled just a little ... Not )  Of course if she is positive, it causes extra effort on our parts as we share the house now divided into Zones. - but, there's really no choice IMO. 

I sort of think that the Feral-born lifestyle actually keeps them healthy from these diseases laying claim to their health - but then - the question is -really- are they really that contagious out in the "Wild" ???.  There's so little known about these viruses.

She will get the rabies vaccine.

Now to find a place for her recovery.  I had her in the laundry room, which is ideal - but I need to do laundry and ... .  I'm thinking I'll put her into the tub - it has sliding doors, and I'd be able to put the litter pan in the tub, etc..

Okay, gotta go and tend to the other little darlings. 

Yes, I am very reluctant to release her, and will try to find her a loving home. 

She's back - and she tested negative for FIV and FeLV.  

A Little Venting - kindly excuse please:

They rushed me out the door as they gave me instructions on paper.  I tried to ask about the instructions - like - but she's Feral born - how do I inspect the stitches?  "Oh, those instructions aren't for Callee, but for other cats," she said. ??? Shssssh. 

The instructions say she shouldn't have water until after 8 pm?  Callee has been in that trap since about 5 pm yesterday - and hasn't eaten, except for a little food when she was getting trapped (thank goodness for that).  I don't know about the water - most of it got spilled.

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The documents say she is 6 lbs.  They gave her Nobivac: 3-Rabies CA, Producer: Schering-Plough - anyone know what the "3-Rabies" means?  The Certificate says the vaccination expires 1/17/2013. Does it mean the age - i.e. 3 months?

All-in-all - I think we're doing okay -  I'm leaving her alone as she recovers, although I really like to offer her water.

Thanks for your input and suggestions. I'm sooo happy that she tested negative for the FIV, and FeLV!!!  What a major relief.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sugarcatmom 

That's a 3 year rabies vax. It does NOT "expire" in 2013, it's good for AT LEAST 3 years but most likely for the life of the cat. Individual state laws may vary and I'm not sure what it is in California, but if it were my cat I most certainly wouldn't be vaccinating annually with a 3 yr vaccine. Vets that do should be drawn and quartered. http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/rabies-vaccine-labeling/

I was afraid that's what was given.  It's hard to believe that the SPCA is so far behind on stuff.

I'm getting the rope.  Too graphic to think of the rest of that Sentence. 

I am one that leans towards the idea that the first dose of vaccine is the last vaccine given - if any is given.

I wish I could have afforded taking her to my regular vet, but couldn't.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feralvr 

So glad to hear Callee is back and recovering tonight. It just burns me up these vets And drug companies in bed together working to make as much money off of vaccines as they can. That is a three year rabies and she will be immune for life now. We won't get into a vaccine debate.... But really it is just awful how people trust the vets and keep vaccinating their pets unnecessarily and at the risk of their pets health too . There are more and more vets getting wise to the fact that most repeat vaccines are not needed but there are many who won't admit it. It brings them new clients and much business.
Anyway..... I hope dear Callee will recover easily and quickly as I am sure she will. AND for NEGATIVE test results .. Keep us posted

We're singing the same song about vaccines, I'm sure!  The Gray family - all four of them were altered by the same organization (SPCA-Animal Samaritans)
- so, from what I'm hearing - they, too, are immunized for Rabies for life.  Interesting.  I think my current vet, Dr. Jessica Young,  is one that is more current on the pros and cons of vaccines - at least she listens to my concerns and is willing to comply with my decisions.  The practice seems to be a head of the curve here, but this kind of good care also is a little pricier.   If Callee needs medical care - she'll be going to my regular vet.

So far I don't think she's touched her food or water - haven't put a litter pan inside the trap yet, she has a diaper-like paper in the bottom of the trap - from the hospital, and an old towel she's laying on which will be okay for the night, I guess.  Tomorrow I'll figure out what else I can do for her to help her be more comfortable.   Poor little sweetie.  

I'd love to be cuddling her right now, but that's the last thing she'd agree to.    

Well, I'm definitely not keen on releasing her - although, she may have a family here in the neighborhood that just let her out at night?  So, these decisions are always difficult - but then - if they were easy then we wouldn't be getting stressed over them, huh!? 

I live in Southern CA where a lot of people from a different culture live around me, and whoever had her (if someone did) either didn't know she was about to get pregnant, or didn't care about such things?? Many folks are just plain naive about animals, so I try not to be too harsh about their lack of actions when it comes to getting their pets altered.

This morning, around 6:15 a.m., I was awakened with the sound of a new voice in the house.  I went to check on Callee, and sure enough she was speaking out for the very first time since I've had her.  

I am not a morning person, but - this little girl needed my attention, so I went about trying to figure out how I could help her.  

Her trap/cage hadn't had the towels or liners changed since I brought her home - I didn't want to stress her out by fiddling with stuff last night.

So, for the time being, basically all I did was put her litter pan inside the cage.  She also seemed to be quieted by the visit of our older, and very loving, cat - KiKi.  He was purr talking to Callee - really sweet.

The KiKi Family:  KiKi is the Black one, with his younger family members, Phoebe (Calico), and Simon

After I was more awake this morning I took out all the older liners, etc., and made her new boxes to lay in, lined with soft shop towels.  Fortunately the trap is a larger one, has both ends that open, and I have a fork-like divider that I can contain her in one end while working on the other.  She had been in the litter pan, but didn't notice any deposits. I put in fresh water, and some dry Taste of the Wild food.  

She climbed into the new box with higher sides - more private now - and is in there right now.

I'll have to be moving the cage later - I really need to do laundry!!,  but will wait until later after she's been able to sleep a while and do some more healing.  She looks really really good - the surgeon team must have done a great job - that's one good thing I can say about this organization.  

I'm so glad I had her tested for FIV and FeLV because of the relief of not having to separate her from the rest of the cats!!  This is BIG for me. 

This is a chart I found - thing is - the drug company is not the one on the prescription?

http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Documents/Rabies/2012-Approved-Rabies-Vaccines.pdf

I tried to put a copy of the chart here, but ... ANYway, the chart shows what vaccines are approved by California, along with ages to be administered, etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willowy 


I guess Pfizer bought Shering-Plough: http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/25/04/2008/110287/Pfizer-Animal-Health-acquires-Schering-Plough-animal-health.htm
To be legally recognized, rabies vaccines need to be given once, then again a year later (actually it must be given before the one-year anniversary), and only then can be given every 3 years (on the chart: "1 year later & triennially"). It really has nothing to do with how long the vaccine is effective for; it's all legalities. So that's what clinics need to put on the charts, or they could have legal trouble.

That all makes a lot of sense - in any case - this will be Callee's last rabies as long as she lives in this household - mostly because she will be an inside girl now. 

My mind needs to get into a different mode of thinking.  Callee seems to be more feral-like than what I anticipated.  I have to go back to my "First Grade Feral-Born and Socializing Class" now.  

It's funny, but it's hard to transition, or start all over again.  I'm still socializing the three feral-born that we brought inside 2010.  They're no longer fearful - it's just that there's very little touching allowed..  It's been slow going, but many rewards

Today I'm releasing her into my husband's bathroom - the tub has sliding doors, and they will help her feel she's got a place to hide.

I put a carrier inside the tub - all nice and comfy with bedding, and a rug.  The idea is when someone needs to be in the bathroom she'll run to her nest. ??  Hope that works out that way.

I'm putting her litter pan (which she has no idea of what it is) and her food and water on the floor outside of the tub.

I guess I'll have to go get some sand-dirt from outside to put into the pan - she doesn't know what that corn stuff is.

I am grateful that she took advantage of the shop towels, and paper towels last night - a good sign that her systems are up and running. 

I will cover the bathroom door frame with a screen door so there is sufficient air-flow, and she can become familiar with what happens outside of her little safe-place - and the other cats will get to see her, too.

So, it's slow and easy for a good outcome, taking it a day at a time - and punting.  Back to the Forum Classroom to get some refresher courses on how to do this.  It's amazing how much I've forgotten. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by LDG 

Well, my question in the other thread was answered in this one.
CONGRATULATIONS on trapping that beautiful girl! And SUCH a love you are. So... you are fostering her - right?

Laurie, I don't know if it's called "fostering" - but I'm not releasing her, for sure.   I let my husband know last night, and he's such a Sweetie! and didn't seem surprised.

Let me tell you a short story about Callee's name.  I decided on my own that I would name her "Callee".  When my husband came home from work we were talking about her and he called her by name.  Now, I didn't even notice he used the name that I had come up with - AND- he didn't know that I selected that name, either.

After a few moments it struck me that he called her by the name I had chosen.  Now, it may have been a coincidence, but... .

He said he was thinking about her as he was driving and thought that it would be a good name for a calico.  Pretty amazing!  I told Alan that I wanted to spell it C-a-l-l-e-e.  Our son and his wife spelled their girl's names with double ee's, and the 18th was his birthday - so it seemed only right that I would honor his birthday by spelling our newest addition the same way.  

Right now, she's in a carrier - in the bathtub, and to my knowledge hasn't ventured out.  When I put the trap, with her in it, into the bathroom, and opened the door it didn't take her long (after I left) to get out of it.  After all, she'd been in it since Tuesday night!  She yelled a couple of times as she crouched on the bathroom rug, then disappeared into her new retreat.  Haven't heard from her - hopefully she'll be quiet tonight and I can sleep, she sounds so sad and pathetic when she does speak out, and I like to cuddle her and tell her she's loved and it was going to be okay. 

She didn't eat her "breakfast", so I put in a different food, and some kibble.  Hopefully that little girl will eat. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by LDG 

Oh I got the chills reading about her name!
How's she doing?

Yeah, I sort of think she's suppose to be with us.   It was just too easy to trap her.  I had been observing her as she came for food, the time, her preference (Wellness Turkey & Salmon).  I set the trap out just before I thought she'd show up.  The only food I put out was her fav - inside the trap this time.

(You see, there are several other cats that are eating at my table, and I didn't want them inside the trap, I wanted her!! So, another miracle that she was THE one that got inside the trap.)

I was able to watch her come for the food, look around, find the food in the trap, walk into the trap and begin eating,  YIKES, that darn trap wasn't releasing the door!!!, I stopped breathing.  I had just tested it - maybe I reset the bar too much ????  YIKES!  Then I heard the wonderful sound of the trap slamming shut.  Now I could breathe.

I immediately went out with a large towel to cover her.  She was spinning and spinning around, but quieted down immediately when I put the cover over her. Whew!!

I brought her inside and put her into the laundry room, closing the door so she'd have lots of quiet - and the other cats wouldn't try to check her out.

So, the trapping ease - a miracle - and the naming of her - just makes me smile from ear to ear - seems like confirmation we should have her, huh! 

So far she's spending most of her time in the seclusion of her nest -  inside the carrier  - inside the tub.  Her carrier is even covered giving her more privacy.

She's going to need to get her nights and days straightened out, though.   I feel like I've just brought home a new baby being awakened several time during the night with her crying.  One thing, though - I think she's like our other young feral-born female who must make comments before she goes potty - come to think of it, our oldest has always made comments prior to the litter pan entry, and he even says something when he exits - so maybe that's what she's doing because she did have some deposits in the dirt/litter this morning. 

Today I bought the litter that was suggested, and a new litter pan.  I have both pans there for her to choose.

She's a little piggy.  She's eating everything I've put in her dish - Merrick, Wellness, and Taste Of the Wild, and Royal Canin Urinary SO kibble.  Her urine smelled a little strong and the Merrick, Wellness and TOW are all grain free and I've read that all grain food may be a little hard on the urine output - so, maybe the RC will help her a little, or, maybe she's just getting through the being trapped and surgery stress, and things will even out soon. ?  

I've been leaving the light out in the bathroom (no windows), but just turned them on to try and keep her awake (sure!) so her clock will get corrected. Well, I can hope, right? 

She's in my husband's bathroom, and he's been out of town since Friday - but will be back tomorrow - so, I'm going to have to come up with another plan for her at night.  Right now the set-up is ideal.  What's good is she is inside the carrier, so all I have to do is close the door and transport her to another location - which may be my bathroom.  Okay, no one promised this would all be easy.  

Thanks for your inquiry, Laurie!