Thinking of you and Artie! So love that he is feeling just a little frisky! Bless him! It wouldn't bother me one bit, either! Prayers, as always, for BOTH of you!
-
Too many ads? Join our community of cat lovers now to reduce ads by 90%! Click here to join for free!
Artie and his Issues
- Thread starter artiemom
- Start Date
- Status
You have prayers and healing vibes from me and mine! Your journey through the holidays brought back what I went through with hubby's dear old Fuzzie cat. Sit back and enjoy the good days with him. Fuzzie would rally, then falter, then rally...I never knew what I was doing or if it was right or wrong by her, but trust me, when the time came, we knew, we just knew. She let us know.
Until that time comes, enjoy being together. Lots of hugs to you both!
Until that time comes, enjoy being together. Lots of hugs to you both!
Glad Artie is feeling better!
I understand not wanting to start over with a different S vet, but I'm not sure I could deal with someone like that.
The vet had to use a cat bag to worm Mickey. It was quite a struggle to get the pill in him in the first place then he spit it out 4 or 5 times, then they used the bag, and he still managed to spit it out twice more.
I understand not wanting to start over with a different S vet, but I'm not sure I could deal with someone like that.
The vet had to use a cat bag to worm Mickey. It was quite a struggle to get the pill in him in the first place then he spit it out 4 or 5 times, then they used the bag, and he still managed to spit it out twice more.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #64
I am thinking of ordering a cat bag.. I did order one when I first adopted Artie, but it was too small for him, and I got the x-large..
Thinking about the E-Z- Harness.. that seems to be better.. I have to get the procedure down first..
One of the Vet techs called and is coming over to my apartment on Saturday to help me with the sub-q's.. I hope we can manage Artie, he is a handful, and very strong..
I know the Tech, from the Humane Society-- we are both volunteers. She is charging me $35 and asked if that was ok.. I told her I did not have any choice.. so we will see what happens..
Artie is having a good day today.. but his just went to the litter box for the second time in a few minutes.. poops this time...it was a ton of gas and a bit of diarrhea.. sigh...at least it is coming out.. and not staying in...
As long as he eats, I feel much better, and he is eating.. why do I associate food with well being?? I guess because food was always important in my life and in my family...
Thinking about the E-Z- Harness.. that seems to be better.. I have to get the procedure down first..
One of the Vet techs called and is coming over to my apartment on Saturday to help me with the sub-q's.. I hope we can manage Artie, he is a handful, and very strong..
I know the Tech, from the Humane Society-- we are both volunteers. She is charging me $35 and asked if that was ok.. I told her I did not have any choice.. so we will see what happens..
Artie is having a good day today.. but his just went to the litter box for the second time in a few minutes.. poops this time...it was a ton of gas and a bit of diarrhea.. sigh...at least it is coming out.. and not staying in...
As long as he eats, I feel much better, and he is eating.. why do I associate food with well being?? I guess because food was always important in my life and in my family...
It sounds like he is doing much better. I am so happy for you. We care.
If the specialist is difficult to work with because of her lack of compassion and bedside manner, then maybe it would be best to find a new specialist? It's important to have a vet you feel comfortable discussing your pet's health with.
At the very least, ask your regular vet to contact Angell or Tufts for a veterinary consult. It's free of charge at Angell. I'm not sure about Tufts but it should also be free. Your regular vet can pick the brains of other vets to come up with a treatment plan that might work better for Artie. VIN.com is also another place your vet can consult with vets from all over the world but I think your vet would have to pay a membership fee in order to join the web site and post.
I'm glad Artie is feeling well enough to eat and play a bit
At the very least, ask your regular vet to contact Angell or Tufts for a veterinary consult. It's free of charge at Angell. I'm not sure about Tufts but it should also be free. Your regular vet can pick the brains of other vets to come up with a treatment plan that might work better for Artie. VIN.com is also another place your vet can consult with vets from all over the world but I think your vet would have to pay a membership fee in order to join the web site and post.
I'm glad Artie is feeling well enough to eat and play a bit
It's so wonderful to hear that Artie is having a good day.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2005
- Messages
- 19,815
- Purraise
- 48,260
Since you are comfortable with the R vet and trust her perhaps you can confide in her about the S vet. Artie is your main priority and you are his advocate so please don't let the S vet intimidate you. We are behind you 100%.
You have a lot on your mind and any one of us would be upset if we were in your shoes right now. You know Artie best, follow your instincts and do what you know in your heart is best for Artie. If he needs extra cuddle time, so be it, if he wants your undivided attention, that's music to your ears. Enjoy his wonderful personality and cherish these moments together. I wish you sweet dreams tonight and hope that tomorrow goes smoothly. Fingers crossed that your car gets fixed too.
For Artie, right now, food is well being. You may also associate food with well being in other parts of your life -- I don't know -- but in this part of your life the association is perfectly accurate.
Margret
I used my rice packs to help make him feel held down. Once the needle was in, I used my left hand to keep the needle in place & still, & used my right hand to squeeze the bag to make it go as fast as possible, as the tech showed me. With him positioned this way, I could sort of stand/ squat in front of him, so he didn't go anywhere.
I really hope this helps!!
Lots of love to Cindy and Artie today and lots of vibes that he has another good day.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #72
Artie is having a so-so day. I am car-less until tomorrow ..darn..
Again, I did have him sleeping with me the entire night, except for food or litter box breaks..
Artie is so sweet.. At bedtime, all I have to say is: "Time for nite-nite; It's bedtime; time to go to bed, go to sleep".. He follows me into the bedroom, and as soon as I get comfy in bed, he is walking all over me.. trying to find the 'perfect' spot to curl up ..Then he is off again. Then back to walk all over me again.. and so on through out the night. I wake up every morning to him cuddling me...
I decided to put away some of the Christmas stuff.. all except the wall hanging, and the washables: the rugs, table cloth, etc...
Artie usually watches/helps me.. today, he just curled up and tried to snooze.
I also washed out his litter box--man, was it stinky...all his diarrhea.. I had to bring out the monster (vacuum).. he just watched it and ran when it came too close to him. Right now he is in his Quilt Tent.. he still has diarrhea. I wish that would ease up a bit.
He ate 3 cans in a 24 hour period yesterday.. so far 1 can while I was sleeping, and just 1/2 today.. he wanted new food, so I opened up some NV Rabbit instead of the Pride Rabbit.. a few licks and that was enough.. wondering if he is just exhausted from all the diarrhea and meds.. I think the Cerenia is making him lethargic also.. I want to stop that, because I do not think he is nauseous.. but I need to talk to the S Vet (witch doctor) about it.. I am afraid of doing it cold turkey...and what she will say if I do it...
I have more to do around the house. I know that Artie will be in his tent for a long time.. He was up most of the morning...nap time for him....
Unfortunately, I do not have any rice or bean bags.. and I am carless right now.. cannot think of anything else to use in it's place...
I did confide in his R Vet about how I felt.. I mentioned that I had my questions about the ER also.. I quoted her exactly what was said to me.. I do not think they want to get involved in stuff like that. They want to keep in professional.. but it is good for them to hear feedback. I told her that the S Vet was not 'warm and fuzzy'...
They do refer a lot of patients up to the hospital.. at least I said my piece..
Artie just came out of his tent and ate some food..
Of course, my luck, I bring my car in for the noise it makes when I start it..like the starter is going.. of course, they cannot duplicate it!!! They are keeping it overnight to see if the cold start makes a difference. I feel funny without a car, but I do know a couple of people who can drive me, if I need to get somewhere. I am planning on staying home the rest of the day..
Again, I did have him sleeping with me the entire night, except for food or litter box breaks..
Artie is so sweet.. At bedtime, all I have to say is: "Time for nite-nite; It's bedtime; time to go to bed, go to sleep".. He follows me into the bedroom, and as soon as I get comfy in bed, he is walking all over me.. trying to find the 'perfect' spot to curl up ..Then he is off again. Then back to walk all over me again.. and so on through out the night. I wake up every morning to him cuddling me...
I decided to put away some of the Christmas stuff.. all except the wall hanging, and the washables: the rugs, table cloth, etc...
Artie usually watches/helps me.. today, he just curled up and tried to snooze.
I also washed out his litter box--man, was it stinky...all his diarrhea.. I had to bring out the monster (vacuum).. he just watched it and ran when it came too close to him. Right now he is in his Quilt Tent.. he still has diarrhea. I wish that would ease up a bit.
He ate 3 cans in a 24 hour period yesterday.. so far 1 can while I was sleeping, and just 1/2 today.. he wanted new food, so I opened up some NV Rabbit instead of the Pride Rabbit.. a few licks and that was enough.. wondering if he is just exhausted from all the diarrhea and meds.. I think the Cerenia is making him lethargic also.. I want to stop that, because I do not think he is nauseous.. but I need to talk to the S Vet (witch doctor) about it.. I am afraid of doing it cold turkey...and what she will say if I do it...
I have more to do around the house. I know that Artie will be in his tent for a long time.. He was up most of the morning...nap time for him....
Thanks for the advice.. I do have a Chewy box in here.. that could be of help also.. I was thinking of using my bathroom.. or the spare room--his room.. I could even hand the bag on the curtain rod.I used my rice packs to help make him feel held down. Once the needle was in, I used my left hand to keep the needle in place & still, & used my right hand to squeeze the bag to make it go as fast as possible, as the tech showed me. With him positioned this way, I could sort of stand/ squat in front of him, so he didn't go anywhere.
I really hope this helps!!
Unfortunately, I do not have any rice or bean bags.. and I am carless right now.. cannot think of anything else to use in it's place...
I did confide in his R Vet about how I felt.. I mentioned that I had my questions about the ER also.. I quoted her exactly what was said to me.. I do not think they want to get involved in stuff like that. They want to keep in professional.. but it is good for them to hear feedback. I told her that the S Vet was not 'warm and fuzzy'...
They do refer a lot of patients up to the hospital.. at least I said my piece..
Artie just came out of his tent and ate some food..
Of course, my luck, I bring my car in for the noise it makes when I start it..like the starter is going.. of course, they cannot duplicate it!!! They are keeping it overnight to see if the cold start makes a difference. I feel funny without a car, but I do know a couple of people who can drive me, if I need to get somewhere. I am planning on staying home the rest of the day..
Do you have oatmeal or dried beans? If so, toss some into a cotton sock and knot closed.
Last edited:
I think you're right about the vet "keeping it professional." I understand. Yes, at least you gave your input. Who knows if anyone else has given them the same feedback.
That's great that Artie is eating. sounds like a good amount. It's good he is going to the bathroom, as you said, getting it out of his system. Would some pure pumpkin help firm it up?
You could ask the vet about it. It sounds like he is having a good day, despite the diarrhea.
As for the rice packs, you could probably use anything that would add a little weight. Maybe a bag of beans, anything like that & just put in a pillow case. Even a small pillow that may have a little weight to it.
Just walk around the house looking, & I bet & I bet you will find something that would work.
Maybe even a couple of towels & tuck them in by his sides, so he's kind of tucked in from upper back down.
It can be tricky, doing it by yourself, but you will find out what works for you. I also used my arm to help keep him down when inserting the needle. While I was "tenting" the skin between his shoulders w/ my left hand to put the needle in, I was using my right arm, forearm, to keep him in place while inserting the needle w/ that hand.
.....Just trying to remember these little things that can be helpful for you.
Last edited:
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #75
sorry, no dried beans.. I do have some oatmeal.. and a box of pasta...
There ya go. The oatmeal should be good. You could just put it in a large baggie, & then in a pillow case. I think pasta might be too light. Maybe when you pick up your car, you can stop for a bag of rice or two.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #77
thank you.. so much..
I think you're right about the vet "keeping it professional." I understand. Yes, at least you gave your input. Who knows if anyone else has given them the same feedback.
That's great that Artie is eating. sounds like a good amount. It's good he is going to the bathroom, as you said, getting it out of his system. Would some pure pumpkin help firm it up?
You could ask the vet about it. It sounds like he is having a good day, despite the diarrhea.
As for the rice packs, you could probably use anything that would add a little weight. Maybe a bag of beans, anything like that & just put in a pillow case. Even a small pillow that may have a little weight to it.
Just walk around the house looking, & I bet & I bet you will find something that would work.
Maybe even a couple of towels & tuck them in by his sides, so he's kind of tucked in from upper back down.
It can be tricky, doing it by yourself, but you will find out what works for you. I also used my arm to help keep him down when inserting the needle. While I was "tenting" the skin between his shoulders w/ my left hand to put the needle in, I was using my right arm, forearm, to keep him in place while inserting the needle w/ that hand.
.....Just trying to remember these little things that can be helpful for you.
I have tons of towels.. just washed some..
wonder if a wine bottle., wrapped in a towel would work? Have lots of those...or would it be too heavy? and solid..
trying to think outside the box....
I hate to take his carrier apart. I really put those screws in there tight. I do have the Chewy Box which I can line with towels; as I said, I have tons of them.. or even a king size sheet put in a pillowcase or wrapped in a towel--that I have.. and I even have an extra long twin that I can use also..
Man, so confusing..
I will not get the Terumo thin walled needles until next week.. I will put a couple of needles (harpoons) in the freezer...
I think I saw that someone took a loaf pan and heated up the bag in the loaf pan, in the sink, instead of filling up the entire sink.. gotta check that out also..
You are more that welcome!
Yea, a wine bottle may be too solid. You want something that will sort of fold, or drape over him, to feel confined a bit. Towels would work. You could just maybe use two folded just in half, & tuck the sides in by his sides, & all the way down. You want him still, so the needle doesn't fall out. That's also why I always held it in place w/ my left hand, while squeezing the bag w/ my right. Even if it were shifting around w/ any movement he makes, I was afraid that might hurt, at least not feel good, & possible falling out.
The loaf pan is a good idea instead of filling up the whole sink!
I'm home all day today as well, & will be checking email periodically, if you have any more questions, I will try to help.
Last edited:
Any grain in a bag should work well - even flour, salt or sugar would do the trick! (though I'd probably double bag those just in case - the mess if they split doesn't bear thinking about 
).
Thinking about it, if his kibble is pretty small even that might work for this purpose :dk: You just need something with a bit of weight that will mould around him
).Thinking about it, if his kibble is pretty small even that might work for this purpose :dk: You just need something with a bit of weight that will mould around him
GREAT ideas!! Yes, just put in a pillowcase, ...just in case.Any grain in a bag should work well - even flour, salt or sugar would do the trick! (though I'd probably double bag those just in case - the mess if they split doesn't bear thinking about).
Thinking about it, if his kibble is pretty small even that might work for this purposeYou just need something with a bit of weight that will mould around him
- Status
