Traci, Meet the Newcomer

[felinexpress]

She got a pain shot, but I don't remember what it was just that it was long lasting. The reason because it would be so difficult to pill her and giving her shots myself is something I don't even want to do. I was even told to hold off on the sub cus because of her skin being so thin and she has not ounce of fat on her body.

[Traci]

Yes, I took that into consideration, pilling would be difficult, hopefully the vitamins etc are in a form you can just add to her food. As minimal injections as possible, of course. Now that's she's drinking from the fountain, she will start maintaining her hydration soon. Also, the dex may have the side effect of increased appetite and water consumption, and in this case, a side effect that will actually help.

I'm not sure which long-lasting pain med it would be, could be metacam, but that shouldn't be used with the dex that was given. In the coming few days, keep an eye on her to evaluate her for pain, symptoms would include withdrawal, sternal position, head low, disinterest in food, disinterest or agitation when you give attention etc.

Remember, you can still give her the A/D too, she could use the calories. Maybe just alternate between the Z/D and A/D, whatever she will eat, as much as she wants, she'll let you know.

You're doing such a wonderful job, MA, please give little Shell a soft kiss for me, ok?

[felinexpress]

I believe she wants more than a soft kiss Traci! LOL It is now 5:29 a.m. and I did get some good sleep last night- but I did not check on her past 9:00 p.m. Howler likes to turn my alarm clock off for me. So I slept through the night. I went to check on her a few minutes ago and I see signs that are giving me mixed signals. Last night, before I fell out, I went in and put a bit of food in her bowl. She didn't come out to eat it, but peeked her head out to say hello- so I left the food there. (something I wouldn't normally do past 20 minutes) but I did. Then I crashed.

I went in, opened her cage and she came right out to greet me. I sit on the floor next to her cage, I have all my supplies nearby in a box. She leaped (Traci, this skeleton of a cat leaped) into my lap and demanded that I give her attention! I stay with her head it is the only place that has fur. Her ears are again cold, her legs cool to the touch (this just makes me crazy how they change from warm to hot to cool) But she was all over me demanding for pets and love. We had a bit of a love fest and she was settled down and just walking around a bit, so I pulled her bedding out to check and she had vomitted in the night. A lot of vomit, so I am going to re-do my feeding schedule and feed her more times a day, with less amounts. I was feeding her four times a day about two tablespoons each time until I could see if she could handle having food on a daily basis.

I have sulcrafate traci probably spelled that wrong- but I hesitate to give her anything really. On a normal cat, you would withdraw food for 24 hours and let the gut rest, but I can't do that to her, so for now, smaller portions will be the ticket. If this is wrong, I am sure you will let me know.

But she was jumping up on the bed ( a first for her) because I was cleaning her cage out, I just let her wander around. I laid on the bed and we had a nuzzle attack. She is so skinny Traci, it is like petting a skeleton. I was very careful, very gentle- but let me tell you this kitty isn't the same! LOL She almost knocked me over trying to get me to pet her and I was lying down.

I didn't take her temp. Without help (Mike is still down with a virus) I can't do it alone. But she is active, boy is she active. I did let her eat a tiny bit and then I took her bowl away. She sat there staring at me like "hey! What gives?" But she did eat and then went over and drank from the fountain.

I closed the cage door and she looked at me wanting more attention and as much as I want to snatch her up and hug her and tell her I hope all is going to be okay. I just turned off the light and left the room. I wonder if it is change in food that upset her- the minerals and vitamins? The fact that her system isn't used to having food on a regular basis? Heavens I wish you were my next-door neighbor at times Traci and this is one of those times! LOL

I can only do my best, pray that God will guide my steps and clear my mind and not make any serious errors as I try to help this kitty get clear of her past neglect.

I would appreciate thoughts, guidance from anyone.

Now it's time for coffee and a new day.

[Tina B and crew]

Oh...I'm sorry she is going through so much. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers. She looks like such a sweet girls (of course I've found dilutes always are) Bless you for taking such good care of her.

[Traci]

Try not to fret about the vomiting, it is probably a combination of food change and not having had proper nutrition.

Feed about every 5 hours instead, in small amounts, the 5 hours is a good time frame to monitor to see if she can keep it down.

Try to use only the Z/D and A/D, don't feed anything else. Try to feed Z/D the first half of the day and the A/D the second half of the day, see how it goes.

While the ears aren't a great indicator of temperature, and while the coolness is bothersome, it is most likely not concerning because she is in fact, eating, drinking, getting up and about, etc. Make sure the room's temperature is not too hot, not too cold, keep it around 70-73 if you can. Be sure there's no drafts by her cage, or that the cage isn't near a window or door with a potential draft, etc (especially if you're having low temps, snow and any cold wind).

[felinexpress]

Traci, question please? We were snuggling on the bed just now and my head was down so I have a better view of her tongue that is protruding out of her mouth. On the edges of the protruding part-on the outside tip and side is a thin band of red. I'm assuming blood. Is that an indication that she is losing circulation to that portion of her tongue and will require an amputation of that part down the road?

[Traci]

I doubt it, it's probably just swollen vessels from all the oral problems.

But, call your vet and see what his opinion is.

[felinexpress]

I didn't have to call him, he came into work last night! We talked for a bit but the store was busy. He just kept saying "mary anne, her mouth is a mess!" Like I don't know this?

I have to go to work today but here is her Third Morning Picture. Poor Kitty looks like she is drunk

[Traci]

Try to place drops of room-temperature water on the tongue, at least keep it moist when you can - don't touch the tongue, just use drops of water a few times a day.

[KJMTA]

She going to be very special.