Pumpkin update Friday
On Wednesday afternoon we gave Pumpkin his first dose of liquid steroids. He gets 1ml of the stuff twice per day, with food. In theory.
Each time we try to deliver the stuff our technique gets better and better, but every cat requires their own technique for each kind of medication delivery. I underestimated his ability to spit, but he's getting something down each time we're sure. And on his fur, us, and whatever surface we're attempting to use as a stage. The medicine is sticky, and apparently it tastes awful.
The results and outcomes of this treatment have been mixed.
On the bright side he's clearly getting pain relief and has been brighter and more energetic, which is exactly what you'd expect steroids to do if they're having an impact. At first. On the dark side he's made more of an effort to get around, particularly (and heartbreakingly) to follow me. This means he's been doing a lot more falling and dragging. While he's doing it he doesn't seem as distressed as you'd expect if the problem was just crippling pain, so it really does look like it's a mechanical problem of some sort. I've been wondering if it's a pinched nerve of some sort.
While we're very glad indeed that he's been feeling better at times, he also gets very tired very quickly, and lies wherever he drops, breathing heavily and needing a long period of rest before attempting another move. This can't go on for much longer. Our next vet appointment is Monday morning and Husband will be there as well. Maybe the vet will want us to try the steroids for another week. Maybe not.
Each time we try to deliver the stuff our technique gets better and better, but every cat requires their own technique for each kind of medication delivery. I underestimated his ability to spit, but he's getting something down each time we're sure. And on his fur, us, and whatever surface we're attempting to use as a stage. The medicine is sticky, and apparently it tastes awful.
The results and outcomes of this treatment have been mixed.
On the bright side he's clearly getting pain relief and has been brighter and more energetic, which is exactly what you'd expect steroids to do if they're having an impact. At first. On the dark side he's made more of an effort to get around, particularly (and heartbreakingly) to follow me. This means he's been doing a lot more falling and dragging. While he's doing it he doesn't seem as distressed as you'd expect if the problem was just crippling pain, so it really does look like it's a mechanical problem of some sort. I've been wondering if it's a pinched nerve of some sort.
While we're very glad indeed that he's been feeling better at times, he also gets very tired very quickly, and lies wherever he drops, breathing heavily and needing a long period of rest before attempting another move. This can't go on for much longer. Our next vet appointment is Monday morning and Husband will be there as well. Maybe the vet will want us to try the steroids for another week. Maybe not.