Tripod ~ Just an Update ~ Dec 16, 2008

[Tambrey]

okay.....for Sammie's crate, we usually just get a CHEAP $2.50 pillow at WalMart, and I get the clearance fleece fabric and cut it into small blanket sizes that he can pull over himself....

So I could do something similar for Tripod.....get a cheap, flattish pillow for him...maybe still glue the padded stuff to the wall so it does not fall down on him...and get some of the fleece fabric to put over top of the pillow....

Yes, when I visited him, he was laying on his right side, and they had a towel in there for him sort of propped under his back, and head, and under him a bit, so then some of the towel was also supporting his left leg....

[Traci]

Yes, support is crucial. When the (phantom) limb is supported slightly upward, the pain is less, since blood is not drawing in that direction to the nerves or to throb etc. You don't want it elevated so much as if he had a cast on his leg though, but just slightly up.

When Cuddles (my rainbow baby) had her amputation, she was so spoiled she never even wanted to get up or do anything, so I simply put fluffy blankets around her on my bed, and a soft throw pillow to support her, she situated herself just fine but never moved for a week! (this is not typical of most pets, she was just spoiled).

When you talk to the vet or the staff again, each time, ask them about urination and bowel function, hopefully by the time you pick him up on Saturday, he'll have already done both (there should be no reason for not urinating). The vet knows this is important, and he truly wants to see something produced before Tripod is released, but if he's having any trouble by the end of today, it would probably be better to get him started on the A/D now, even adding a tad bit of Laxatone in the next couple days might be of benefit.

Btw, if you go to walmart, look for the throw pillows made of rayon/acrylic blend, they are soooooo soft. I think walmart also has those small throw blankets, the ones I'm thinking of are 100% polyester made with the Home Trends brand, I have about 6 of them for the kitties, they are so soft!

[E's]

I'm late getting in on this: spent most of yesterday under anesthetic myself - it was an out-patient procedure but they had to put me under because of my age ...Anyway, here's my 2 cents re bedding: I buy fleece throws (Walgreen's is my fave but of course many places sell these.) They are inexpensive, soft and manageable, washable... the cats love 'em to sleep on, and I like to sleep under 'em. You could probably fold and shape one or two into a good configuration for the space you're using. If Traci agrees, you might put a little catnip spray (not the actual) or similar soother on the underside.

Thanks for the updates - all the best to you and your family - and Tripod!
_____________________
Dot B
Austin

[E's]

Well, I see Traci has already posted about the fleece throws Figured I wasn't the only one discovering uses for these products of Globalization lol

[Tambrey]

Thanks E's....hope your procedure went well and all turned out okay

We have also gotten the fleece throws for $3 or $4 at WalMart for Sammie...but then I discovered the fabric department and the fleece fabric for $2 a yard on clearance and I can cut it to size for him....it is the same softness as the throws...if they are the same as what I am thinking....

maybe after supper, hubby and I will make a run to WalMart....

[momPaws]

Tambrey- they also have the small baby ones at the dollar stores around here. And yes, the fleece at Walmart is great and cheap, too - I have made throws from it also.

[Traci]

Yeah, baby throws and blankets are great too!

I got all those blankets at walmart for the cats around x-mas last year, they were selling them for $5 a piece, couldn't pass that up! (the ones I'm talking about are rolled up, with a velcro tape thingy around it and a label)

E's, the catnip spray would be ok, but since he's going to be on pain meds, he will be calm enough. Hope everything ok with your procedure?

[Cleo]

Just caught up with the thread. So sorry Tripod is going through so much but glad to know he's in good hands.

[Tambrey]

I could not find a SINGLE throw at WalMart tonight....but we remembered that we had got some quilting batting stuff to redo out dining room chairs, so we are going to cut and fold some of that and fashion a comfy bed for him, complete with a built in arm rest for the left front leg...

I went to the fabric department and got a 1 yard by 60 inch roll of fleece fabric for $3.33, so if I cut that in half that is a 36x30 piece of fabric to put over and fold around the "pillow" we will make.....if we do two of them, there is one to lay on and one to wash....

I am also going to use some egg crate foam, a couple inches thick and just glue that to the walls on corner there where he has taken up residence and that will cushion him that way, and still be a bit firm....the bathroom needs redone anyways, so gluing it to the walls is no big deal!!

[E's]

The batting and fabric sounds good, but I am still leery about the egg crate material - foam products give off gases that are not harmful to humans (in small quantities anyway) but could be to cats. And you would need to make sure the glue you used is nontoxic. Remember also, the space in the bathroom is the only indoor place Tripod has ever experienced (not counting the vet's) and strange new scents you might not even be aware of could freak him out.