Kissy

Well, had to take one of my colony to the vet this evening for an emergency visit.  My husband noticed her jaw was swollen.  We thought it might be a snake bite or a bee sting.  We called several vets and left messages since it was an off day.  My own vet was out of town.  When they all started calling back, they all told us to give her 12 mg of benedryl for a bite --- except one, and that was the one I took her to.  

She would not me handle her at all.  There was no way I could put a pill down her throat even if I had wanted to and that was WHY I took her to the vet.  I wanted a vet to help me medicate her if it needed to be done.  Kissy was very mad at me for even attempting to look at her and see what was wrong.  She would have bit and scratched me horribly if I had of tried to hold her and put a pill down her throat.

In this picture I was trying to get a pic of her jaw so I could zoom in and see the wound but it never happened....  She would not let me touch her it hurt so bad.   Her whole head was swollen.  She was not swollen yesterday...  





 It was hard to crate her for the vet but we got it done.

When we got to the vet, I had to hold her tight in my arms as she was so scared.  Since no one was there but me and Kissy and the vet, the vet left the room, so I could talk to Kissy and soothe her.   Poor little thing at that point, was laying her head in my arms with her little face buried.  I just kept my arms around her to try and calm her down.  I scooted her little arm out and held it so the vet could give her a shot to calm her so she could be looked at.  She kept her face buried in my arms the whole time.  AT THE VETS OFFICE, I WAS THE LESSER OF THE TWO EVILS.....

It was not a snake bite or a bee sting like I had thought.   Thank god I did not give her the benedryl and go to bed.  It would have done nothing for her.

The vet had to lance her jaw.   She has a draining hole about 1" deep and 1' wide as well.  She is crated right now and will be for  the next few days.  I am giving her antibiotics twice a day for a week and keeping her indoors for two weeks.

She gave her a pain shot that will last for two days.  During surgery, they had to gas her as she started coming to.  

Poor little kissy..... There was one tiny piece of grass in her jaw that "might have" caused the infection.  But the vet said, it might also be a tumor, but whatever it was, it was all removed.  All the dead black skin was cut out.  The vet said she will heal just fine and will be playing again in no time and be running around outside..

It has been an ordeal..... I have not taken a pic of her jaw afterwards.  If she is asleep and in the proper position I will, but I don't want to disturb her.  She is asleep....  if i can get a picture I will.  

Thank god for vets!!!

jenn     

oh god, when I see this pic, it just take the wind out of my sails.....Her jaw is shaved and you can see the drain hole .......  It looks pretty bad....  She is asleep in the picture so it was no trouble taking it.    I'm not going to disturb her at all tonight however.  I have the house quiet and the TV off and no radio playing.  Pretty somber mood in my house.

The swelling is already going down with just the procedure the vet did.  She is going to be okay...  The vet said she would be..

Also what was an 1"hole appears to have shrunk down some with all the infection removed and whatever else she took out ...  Vet said it will drain for several days too...  It's a very deep hole as she had to remove all the dead skin.....

My poor little kissy girl.  Please send little vibes for her and prayers.  I know she'll be okay but she sure is going to hurt for a few days....

On the lighter side, ears, eyes, lungs and everything else are perfect...  It's going to be a hard  night for sleeping in my house.  I have her in a crate by the couch and the couch will be my bed tonight so I can hear if if she needs some comfort.

Jenn

What a beautiful kitty  Bless your heart for taking such good care of this special girl.

Very few people would do what you did.  The world needs more people like you, jc.

When Kissy curled into your arms at the vet, she knew she was safe.

I think she felt safe too.....  I think when at home --  she just takes me for granted and wants to be the boss and I let her.  She's a very dominate female cat.  She is approx 9 years old.  She has been in our family since about 3 days old.  She was our bottle baby as she had no mama kitty to take care of her.   But since all her friends are basically ferals (mine), she has their attitude and is not socialized to other humans at all except one set of neighbors and one of my daughters and my husband.  It was very scary for her today.   At the vet I felt so sorry for her.  it was horrendous to watch the vet work on her and know she was so afraid. 

I'm fixing to put my gown on and try to sleep. I have to work tomorrow.  Husband will be home with her and he will take good care of her... I just wish it was already "next month" and she is totally recovered...

Thank you for the kind thoughts.........Jenn 

Kissy is much much better today. 
Swelling is completely down and she is eating, drinking and walking around th house.  Thank god.........

I just took these.  Her swelling is wayyyyyyyyyy down.  She has had two doses of antibiotics.  She is very very calm and just wants to snuggle... She does not look like the same cat....  She's been laying beside me while we watch movies.  The vet saved her....   ...  this is a happy ending!!!

jcribbs said:

Kissy is much much better today. 

Swelling is completely down and she is eating, drinking and walking around th house.  Thank god.........

Click to expand...

OH JEN..... Thank goodness Kissy is going to be alright. I just saw this thread. I cannot believe that infection - poor baby. Thank God she has you, hun. I think you and Kissy are going to have a stronger bond after this whole ordeal. I am really surprised that she is able to eat so well. That is just great news Massive vibes for Kissy tonight

WOW - you just posted the update pictures as I posted the above. SHE LOOKS WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!! Aw, you must be SO darn happy. YOU saved her life along with that vet. :heart3:

She is so much better.....  I am feeding her innova kitten food soaked in a little water (and slightly heated up) so it will be soft and not hurt her jaw when she chews.  I am mixing  a little bit of soft cat food in with it.  She has ate three small bowls of food today..  She is calm and relaxed thank god....

It is really just amazing how quick she is snaping back to normal....  24 hrs has made all the difference in the world.  I see no problem with her healing process.  I AM VERY VERY HAPPY!!!

I have a huge smile on my face from reading your update. I am happy that Kissy has recovered in record time That is amazing :nod: and I am happy for you too that you are so happy :happy3: :bigwink: Continuing the vibes

Yeah Kissy! So glad she's feeling better!

One week on antibiotics....... and she is back up to par...

My only problem now is -- I let her out today and she doesn't want back inside.....  I'm not real worried.   My would has completely closed.  Pretty amazing.  I need to call and thank that vet.  She looks about 15 years old.  I asked her how long she had been practicing and it was only three  years...  She is fresh, not burnt out and aced her diagnosis.....  I will use her again!

Congrats!  I bet she will come back in once she realizes she can come and go. She is a VERY lucky cat!
 

Wonderful that Kissy is fully recovered now I think she is feeling so good now that she doesn't want to come inside. She will if she needs you though, she is one smart and lucky girl. YES - great vet too :bigthumb: