Second chemo treatment down. I was told that Doc was a bit more feisty this time, meaning he obviously feels better than he has before! He did just fine, his CBC was normal (although the lymphocytes were slightly elevated - just barely above normal range - but not enough that the oncologist was concerned about anything). He has his next treatment around 12/27 and then that will be followed by a full work up (full bloodwork, ultrasound, possibly radiographs) before he has his 4th treatment.
Only down side to today is that it cost more than what I anticipated (and what they estimated for me but I was told they were changing their chemo delivery system so it was possible the estimate would be low). I have funds available for one more treatment so I have to find a way to quickly replenish my savings account.
Tina B and "what a crew!"
How we behave towards cats here below determines our status in heaven ~Robert A. Heinlein
Question...the first time he had chemo the of course told me to wear gloves when I handled his litter for 24-48 hrs after treatment. Since he was isolated from Chunk and Lucy at the time anyway I didn't even ask about their exposure to the chemo drugs in his urine/feces. But this time I did ask and the tech said it was probably a good idea to keep them from sharing a box fir about 4 days. Thoughts?
Tina B and "what a crew!"
How we behave towards cats here below determines our status in heaven ~Robert A. Heinlein
No, once his e-tube was out I started letting him have more time out in the house, except at night, when I'm gone, an when they eat. They do have separate litter boxes and for the most part use them separately, but of course if he's out I can't guarantee it. I'll be sure to keep them separate for a few days and then clean the litter box he uses thoroughly.
Some websites I have found (for clinics that do chemo) have said that separating cats isn't necessary but I'm thinking if I shouldn't be exposed to the residual chemo in his urine and feces then certainly the other cats should not be.
Tina B and "what a crew!"
How we behave towards cats here below determines our status in heaven ~Robert A. Heinlein
That's what I was thinking. But it sounds like they(at the vet school) think I should practically wear a biohazard suit when scooping Doc's litter - not really, but they heavily emphasize wearing gloves when I scoop his litter box. I mean, I don't touch it - I touch the scoop but not the litter/feces/urine clumps themselves. I guess they are being overly cautious for possible liability sake?
Then again, when my first husband was on anti-rejection meds after a lung transplant I remember that anyone who prepared his meds were told not to touch the capsule without wearing gloves. Cumulative effect that is worrisome I suppose?
Tina B and "what a crew!"
How we behave towards cats here below determines our status in heaven ~Robert A. Heinlein
When I treated my angel Cayci, I handled capsules all the time, without gloves (not that I'm suggesting others do so).
I'm assuming the agents break down slightly enough before elimination, but yes, it is just a precaution. Radiation however, is another story, more caution needs to be exercised, obviously.
You're not giving capsules at home, just his injections at the clinic, right?
Most agents are excreted via urine/feces within 48-72 hours, so for caution, use the 72-hour guide (I believe the capsule form is in the body slightly longer) - so, for three days post-chemo administration, either separate the cats' litterboxes, or, be very diligent when cleaning/scooping them. When scooping, scoop several times a day (both urine and feces), and if you see residue attached to the box, wipe clean with a paper towel with bleach/water on it. Ideally, the boxes should be physically cleaned with hot soapy water or bleach w/water every day or every other day until the full 3 days are up.
As long as the boxes are scooped frequently, so that the other cats are not exposed to urine/feces from the treated cat, and any residue on the box is sanitized immediately, I think the consensus is fine with allowing the cats to share the litterboxes.
