Sorry, yet another kitty post. No quilting content at all. You'll see it here again someday, I promise.
I'm not going to go into the gruesome details, but woohoo, managed to give Pokey her sub-cutaneous fluids all by myself. I'd been reading about how lots of cats can't stand to be confined while this is happening to them so I tried to just hold her by the scruff. No, not with Pokey. Putting her in a shoebox didn't help either. In the end I wrapped her up thoroughly and completely in a towel so she couldn't move at all. After that she didn't struggle whatsoever.
She's got the whole hunchback look going now (where all the fluid is pooled up) and I wish she'd come out from under the bed so that I could just double-check that everything is okay. I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon. I hope she still loves me. She was still sweet this morning after two aborted attempts so I think we'll be fine.Thanks so much for all the encouragement and support. It means a great deal.
I just realized I haven't had anything to eat today. Wow, that's so unlike me. Gotta go grab a late lunch/early dinner. Later.
p.s. seconds after I hit "publish" Pokey came in and let me rub her head a bit. But when it looked like I was going to get out of the chair she was off like a shot. Still, she's up and moving and there's no fluids gushing... I take that back. She's somewhat damp. She came by for some more love and a quick belly rub. So I'm not sure I got all the fluid in there, but got most of it!
28 comments:
Whew! Hopefully she won't take flight whenever she sees that towel come out now ;- )
Continued well wishes...
I'm so sorry to hear about Pokey's condition. I hope the two of you can settle into some sort of agreement about this where she can tolerate the shots and you get to enjoy her company for as long as possible.
Nice work doc! She probably will start to resent "the towel", but better that than you.
Tonya,
I'm so glad to read that you were successful - I bet that you never thought that being a pet owner could involve nursing skills. It will be so nice for you when your husband is with you for physical as well as moral support! Hang in there!
I'm so sorry to hear that Pokey's condition is chronic. However, you will get used to giving her the fluids, and she will probably get used to getting them. We gave our cat Jasper insulin - eventually twice a day (for nine years!). He got used to getting a needle, and other than a meow to tell us he'd rather not, he was very docile through it all. And he never stopped loving us once - I think they sense when you're doing something for them that helps them. Hang in there. It does get easier in some ways.
The first time is the hardest -- and you've done it! I'm so glad you managed ok, and I'm sure Pokey still loves you. It's just an adjustment for her.
Oh my heart goes out to you.....just do your best Tonya! Its so hard when you know they are sick and can make them better instantly.
We're pulling for you!
I usually lurk (I really like your blog!), but I'm a huge cat lover so wanted to let you know that I'm wishing you and Pokey all the best! I have never had to do SubQ, but know so many people have done it succesfully, and some of them are people that you would never imagine could do it. We did have a diabetic cat that needed insulin shots daily. Like you, I was extremely depressed when I got the diagnosis - but the insulin helped him so much, and he got used to the shots (he was a good boy). I hope Pokey does well on the Subq fluids - it does sound like her prognosis is quite good!
Purrs to Pokey (and you too!),
Katie and the cats
Truthfully, once Pokey realizes that what you are doing is making him feel better, you won't have as many problems. And doing the sub-q will get easier too. Right now, you are worried that you are going to hurt him. As you both get more comfortable with the routine, it will really get easier. I had to learn how to give insulin injections to one of my cats and I was always worried that I was doing it wrong but we went and had a vet tech watch me do it and that made me more comfortable.
Take a breath and remember, getting most of the fluids in is better than none!
Sorry this was so long,
Anna in IL (mommy to Runt, Charles and Taz)
I totally know how you feel. I did it for years with my beloved cat, Pucci. It was okay though--it really does work. Just be careful-you've never felt pain like poking yourself in the finger (under the fingernail to be exact) with those big gauge needles! It doesn't hurt the kitty, but it'll do a number on you! Always pick up the needle with the cap on!!!
This worked for me when I had to give Sylvester IV fluids. I hung the IV bag on a coat hanger, and hung the coat hanger over the shower rod in the bathroom. And the perk to doing this in the bathroom is when the cat spooks, they can't run too far, or hide under a bed. Sylvester was a good boy, and tolerated my nursing well. He also had CRF and had several good years after he was diagnosed. Good luck to you, and don't worry, Pokey will always love you.
You should not be sorry for making another "kitty post" on your blog. Most of us want to know how Pokey is doing, and have worried right along with you.
I would imagine that the more confident you get with giving her the fluids, the more Pokey may ease up, too. It's an adjustment, and of course she still loves you. I know quite a few pets that run like mad at the word "vet" or "bath"! And they, too, still adore their owners.
I'm still saying my prayers for Pokey. I hope the fluids help and buy her many many years! And you need to be taking care of yourself! Eat right, and make sure you get enough zzzzzz's!
My Mother always told me that animals know when we are helping them. I am sure Pokey knows this too, even though she may not like it. I once had a cat who was nearly feral, but she came hunting me when she got a bone caught in her mouth. She let me hold her to pull it out. Then she ran off like a shot, but she trusted me to help her. I hope that Pokey will learn not to dread her "procedure."
Well, I think you need a nurse's cap! Good for you! It's hard to "hurt" someone or something for their own good, but it's harder watching them remain ill. So kudos to you AND Pokey for overcoming the first challenge!
Oh, I just love your beautiful Pokey. I'm cheering her on from afar. May she be one who lives a long time with CRF and suffers little.
Congratulations, you made a Pokey Burrito! I had to do that for DD's cat Amelie when she needed antibiotics. Then as soon as I released her she would go to an "I HATE YOU" place under some piece of furniture. She's a twitchy thing anyway and nearly impossible to catch, let alone just HOLD to try to give her something. So HI to Pokey from some California cats, Amelie and Mini!
I am glad you did it! I hope Pokey will be better after a few dose of that stuff. On the brighter note. Do you still need more 4 letters happy word? I would like to make one and send it to you. You can use it on the reverse-side, I don't mind
My daughter had to do this with her older cat for a long time. He got so he would just sit and let her do it. She thought that it helped make him feel better and he knew that...not sure if that is so, but who knows with cats? It is scary to do now, but you and Pokey will get to be pros in no time.
WOO HOO for you! Once you feel more comfortable doing this, Pokey will sense it.
When we have to take Angel in the car, it works best to wrap her up in a small quilt or large towel... swaddled and snuggled. Sounds like you'll have to gather an assortment of wrappings so Pokey doesn't run when she sees the same "medicine towel" appear.
Best wishes to BOTH of you!!
Tonya, Several years ago a friend's cat had this same disease. They went on vacation and my daughter and I did the subcutaneous fluids for them for a week. The kitty, Bear, tolerated it well. Their kitty is alive and well, and no longer needs the fluids. I hope Pokey makes the same recovery.
Good job! If you ever need a second career, maybe you can be a vet tech. Maybe you can fake her out by wrapping her in different things-a hunk of fleece, an old blankie, etc.
Lois
Good for you! Give Pokey rubs and kisses from us! We just lost our 6 year old orange kitty...I had to give her Vitamin B shots...I hated doing it everytime.
Keep it up Good Kitty Mama!
It will get easier on both of you!
now go get something to eat!!!!
Pokey will love you no matter what. The towel on the other hand...may see the wrath of Pokey. You are a good cat mother and it has to get easier with time. Keep us posted.
Deborah and Rusty
I'm so sorry to hear Pokey is still not herself. It is hard being a cat mom. We spent 6 weeks feeding our Siamese cat Cleo, wrapped in a towel, with a ketchup squeeze bottle full of vitamins and cat food. She still won't eat tuna. Keep faith. Our girl has been with us 18 more years since her illness.
That is one beautiful cat. I'm so sorry you have to do that procedure, it's enough to make anyone shake long afterwards, but good for you for mastering it.
The cat pictures and stories only add to the quilt posts. Strong work helping Pokey out with the fluids. I hope it gets easier for you both and that it helps her keep going. It is easy to see from the pictures that she is quite a love.
Aw, poor Pokey for having this condition. It's hard when our pets suffer but she is in the absolute most loving hands out there.
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