My cat literally slashed my mother - Please Help :(

grizzlysapien · Jul 30, 2015

OK, anyone? Any ideas?

misterwhiskers · Jul 30, 2015

I'd ask the vet what exactly has him worried. But cats can do tremendous damage with teeth, esp unneuyered male cats as they have bigger jaw muscles. And some cats just have huge teeth. I know, because my cat has the biggest fangs I've ever seen in any cat.

However, I would ask this vet to ask her father to tell you exactly what it is that has him troubled. It had to have been something specific. Is he worried about rabies or something? Has Grizzly had his rabies shot?

Ps it's all probably nothing. It took my cat about....3 months before I noticed a change in his personality (less aggression) after he was altered. But as has been pointed out, some of this is now learnt behavior for him, so you'll need to back up his now-less-than-alpha status with gentle behavior changes. I hold Robin down when he acts up. I'm the big cat now, see. Don't do this til he heals up, by the way, and always back it up with a treat.

grizzlysapien · Jul 30, 2015

Thanks @misterwhiskers for replying.

Grizzly has had all his shots. The thing is that almost everything I asked them today, was followed by "you don't need to worry that much - relax" answers.. Like they were too tired to bother.. I don't know. I got a bit pissed off by the vet's behaviour mainly. I had asked her on Saturday about means to calm Grizzly down sometimes.. like a sedative or something. And she was "I'm against giving narcotics to animals". Today, she suggested 3-5 drops of Valeriana in his water in the evening, so that he gets more relaxed during the night. And I asked her "why didn't you tell me that, when I asked you on Saturday?" and she asnwered "You were talking about pills. I am against pills, but not herbs".. So, I told her "well, I didn't necessarily mean pills. You could've suggested herbal substitutes and I would go along!" Her insisting and snarky attitude, really ticked me off today. When I got Grizzly home, Ok.. he was as expected.. lethargic etc. But he started vomiting.. So I called her to her EMERGENCY cell and she didn't answer.. I called her dad, he didn't answer.. Then I called her dad a 2nd time and managed to talk to the guy and get my answers.. This overall behaviour was not fully appreciated by me, at all.. So, I don't think I will be visiting her again anytime soon. I'll just talk with her tomorrow, regarding the blood results and her concern on why does Grizzly seem thin, and I'll be "out of her way"..

I don't know.. She never was like that. My mother asked her opinion on what else she could do to care for her injuries, and she was like "I don't know, I am no pathologist".. So my mother told her "Yeah, I know.. But you do handle animals and I guess you 've had your share of injuries, so I am asking for an opinion, not a consultation".

I am just telling you this, to grasp the whole "atmosphere"..

I'll get the bloodwork and I'll get the hell out of there to look for another vet. You don't treat people that are injured, anxious, worried with such a manner. You really have to be more patient. Especially if you want them to listen to what you have to say.

Right now, Grizzly makes 3 steps and instantly lies down to the floor.. He nearly makes any sound.. The vet told me not to give him food or water until tomorrow. What do you guys think? 'Cause earlier he showed some interest in having a bite, so I guess he's gradually snapping out? Is it safe to give him at least a little food and water?

NewYork1303 · Jul 30, 2015

How long ago was he put under at this point? When we recently had our dog go in for dental work we got her back right after she came out from being under. She stumbled at lot and just wanted to sleep when she was home. We didn't let her have water until she was able to stand and walk around properly. We gave her food when she was able to keep the water down. When she got home she puked, and urinated all over, but the vet said this was all normal and to be expected.

grizzlysapien · Jul 30, 2015

Hi @NewYork1303

He got under this morning. Around 9:30-10:30. I took him home in the afternoon. Now it's 00:15 here. Last time he vomited was 1.5 hour ago (in total 3 times) and now he's OK.

NewYork1303 · Jul 30, 2015

I personally think no food or water for a whole day sounds like a really long time, especially when he couldn't eat before the surgery as well. If he's getting around fine, I am assuming he can swallow water and food as well?

grizzlysapien · Jul 30, 2015

My point exactly!

I told her that he hasn't eaten since yesterday! How can I leave him without food or water all throught the night as well! She said that we need to take all precautions. She reassured me he won't get dehydrated or harmed in any way and that he'll be fine.

I have to point out that he hasn't eaten in 28 hours by now.. His last drink of water was 24 hours ago..

misterwhiskers · Jul 30, 2015

I don't know about how your vet is, but mine gets annoyed if I helicopter parent my cat. I'm sure if it had been an emergency she would have called back.

Relax, it's been a long haul but sounds like Grizzlys going to be just fine. Really.

NewYork1303 · Jul 30, 2015

I looked online and it says you can offer food and water, but don't leave water out. This is the article I read.

http://pets.thenest.com/anesthesia-recovery-cats-3740.html

grizzlysapien · Jul 30, 2015

misterwhiskers said:
I don't know about how your vet is, but mine gets annoyed if I helicopter parent my cat. I'm sure if it had been an emergency she would have called back.

Relax, it's been a long haul but sounds like Grizzlys going to be just fine. Really.

She would have to call back to find out about the emergency. Not guess. She knows I don't call her for nothing. I've never dialed the emergency number. I only call her at the practise, 'cause I don't like to annoy people on their personal time. But we are talking about an animal after a surgery and a "troubled" suspicion of hers regarding his muscles.. So, I didn't get anxious on my own..

I know that nothing has gone wrong.. and my question didn't regard an emergency after all, but that's why she's the doctor and I am not.

I will admit that I am overprotective of him, especially now, after the incident.. 'Cause apart from you guys, everybody else is demonizing him for what happened. But, when it comes to health issues, I just try to elliminate any bad outcome.

Thank you for the reassurance that everything will be fine. I really need someone to remind me of that

grizzlysapien · Jul 30, 2015

NewYork1303 said:
I looked online and it says you can offer food and water, but don't leave water out. This is the article I read.

http://pets.thenest.com/anesthesia-recovery-cats-3740.html

Thank you for that! I just read it. It says I could give him a small quantity of food and water and monitor him for vomiting.

On the other hand, I will follow the vet's advice just to be sure, nothing goes wrong and I have caused it.. She insisted, so.. I'll have to go along with that. As much as I hate it. Besides, Grizzly is sleeping deeply right now, and thank God the trembling stopped a while ago. I'll feed him early in the morning, just to be on the safe side.

Oh! something I forgot to mention, @misterwhiskers.. the main reason I called my vet's emergency number was because I thought I saw blood coming out of the incision. Grizzly has already licked it quite a few times, so I had to be sure. Her dad said that what I see as blood, was post-surgery fluids, but the stitches are from the inside. And that I should prevent Grizzly from licking that spot..

Columbine · Jul 30, 2015

First off huge, giant :hugs:

grizzlysapien and Grizzly.

I'm really sorry I haven't been around today, and sorry I haven't got the energy right now for a big response.

Having said that, we've always been advised that a light diet (ie a little plain chicken or scrambled egg) is fine on the evening after surgery. Unless there were specific issues I haven't picked up on I'd have thought that literally a spoon or two of something ought to be safe enough.

Next DO NOT GIVE VALERIAN! It acts like a stimulant in cats - rather like catnip. I hate to go against veterinary advice like this, but it's one of those aberrations between human responses and feline respones to herbs etc.

I'm surprised you weren't sent home with an e - collar for him to keep him off his stitches. You could improvise one out of cardboard, or possibly try hashing up a post surgical jacket out of an old shirt -don't take this option if the house is hot though. You really don't want him overheating.

I'll catch up with you tomorrow. Hang in there. Tons of healing vibes for all of you :vibes:

grizzlysapien · Jul 30, 2015

Columbine said:
First off huge, giant

@GrizzlySapien and Grizzly.

I'm really sorry I haven't been around today, and sorry I haven't got the energy right now for a big response.

Having said that, we've always been advised that a light diet (ie a little plain chicken or scrambled egg) is fine on the evening after surgery. Unless there were specific issues I haven't picked up on I'd have thought that literally a spoon or two of something ought to be safe enough.

Next DO NOT GIVE VALERIAN! It acts like a stimulant in cats - rather like catnip. I hate to go against veterinary advice like this, but it's one of those aberrations between human responses and feline respones to herbs etc.

I'm surprised you weren't sent home with an e - collar for him to keep him off his stitches. You could improvise one out of cardboard, or possibly try hashing up a post surgical jacket out of an old shirt -don't take this option if the house is hot though. You really don't want him overheating.

I'll catch up with you tomorrow. Hang in there. Tons of healing vibes for all of you

Oh, gosh! Thank you @Columbine! LOL

I asked about the collar but the vet said it's too hot and it would only give him discomfort. Yet again, we came home and as soon as he got out of his carrier he started licking the incision. Now, whenever I see him, I try to prevent him.

Actually, on Saturday, I did a little research. And there were so many articles that refered to Valeriana and catnip so much, that I actually thought that catnip is another name for Valeriana! But, yeah, it's not. I know.

Thank you for reminding me!!

Now, I'm definitely seeking for another vet!

kkoerner · Jul 30, 2015

Cadbury is going just great

I'd have to agree with what has already been said: Give him a little water, little food, watch to make sure he keeps it down. Vomiting is normal, but still needs to be watched. If he keeps licking, make a cone or buy one!

It does sound like he is going to be just fine, but for peace of mind I would still ask the vet what her and her dad meant.

grizzlysapien · Jul 30, 2015

KKoerner said:
Cadbury is going just great

I'd have to agree with what has already been said: Give him a little water, little food, watch to make sure he keeps it down. Vomiting is normal, but still needs to be watched. If he keeps licking, make a cone or buy one!

It does sound like he is going to be just fine, but for peace of mind I would still ask the vet what her and her dad meant.

The "this is not normal" comment, came from her dad. She then, explained him by detail the incident. But he was troubled.. I don't know how far I will go, just by asking them.. I really couldn't care less. I've already decided which vet will be taking care of Grizzly from now on.

Regarding the vet herself, she is just concerned about Grizzly being thinner than what she believes is normal. THAT'S my biggest concern right now. And I'm hoping it will be solved tomorrow, when we get the results.

For starters, she advised me to deworm him, as it's been almost 4 months since his last deworming. So, I'll start with that. She told me that if deworming helps his body volume, then worms will have to be responsible for him being "thin". If deworming doesn't help, we're looking at a different set of tests..

Truth is that almost a month ago, I had noticed that he had lost some weight. But it was SO HOT then, and during heatwaves Grizzly just refuses to eat or play during daytime. He starts eating after the sun sets. I feed him treats he can't resist of course, I don't leave him like that! But he is also very active. Again, after the sun sets. So, I thought it was due to that. She hinted that maybe there could be some other problem, which we'll handle IF we come down to it..

grizzlysapien · Jul 30, 2015

Ok, guys? I just noticed that Grizzly was scratching the area where the vet shaved him to draw blood from.. He must have been scratching so much that it has become redish..

Not the whole area, just a part of it.

It looks like if he continues to scratch, it will bleed.. What can I do? I have Betadine solution + scrub + ointment , Bepanthol, NovAquasol A.. I can't think of anything else that could help.. What can I do?

Please help!

margd · Jul 30, 2015

Waiting for someone who knows about these things to chime in, but I wonder about benedryl. I know that's safe for cats, though I don't know the dose, but it might help with the itching. Poor Grizzly - itching on top of everything else!

NewYork1303 · Jul 30, 2015

Our dog had the same problem after her dental. She wouldn't leave the leg they shaved alone. I suppose it is just itchy as hair grows in. With the dog we just stopped her when we saw it. It looked red and unhappy for a while but healed on its own.

grizzlysapien · Jul 30, 2015

Margd said:
Waiting for someone who knows about these things to chime in, but I wonder about benedryl. I know that's safe for cats, though I don't know the dose, but it might help with the itching. Poor Grizzly - itching on top of everything else!

NewYork1303 said:
Our dog had the same problem after her dental. She wouldn't leave the leg they shaved alone. I suppose it is just itchy as hair grows in. With the dog we just stopped her when we saw it. It looked red and unhappy for a while but healed on its own.

Thanks @Margd and @NewYork1303

I already try to stop him whenever he tries to scratch it. But it's been a long day and I'm about to go to bed.. I fed Grizzly just a bit.. A really small amount of wetfood and water.. Now he sleeps like a horse.

I will call the vet tomorrow and ask her for some guidance on the "itchy" issue..

Thanks again!

sandrak7761 · Jul 31, 2015

It might be worth the vet checking his thyroid levels, if he has lost weight and had a personality change?

My cat literally slashed my mother - Please Help :(

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