Christmas Pumpkin
I have Been Informed in no uncertain terms that I have been remiss in my reporting of Pumpkin’s progress, so here’s an update for you all.
Went to the vet this morning as it’s 1 month since his last Cartrophen shot. Quite frankly a month ago I don’t think anyone really expected him to make it this far. He responded so well to the daily double dose of steroids that about 10 days ago we switched him to one dose per day. He was still losing his footing now and then, but he really seemed to have adapted and was his happy little Birman self.
A couple of days ago though his mobility started to get worse again and rapidly declined. Last night he was definitely not a happy kitty, but fortunately the vet appointment was already made. Even without the vet visit I would have just started giving him the occasional extra dose of steroids until he seemed happier, and Dr Laura confirmed that strategy. I already titrate drugs for the other two cats based on their behaviour (never mind myself) so I’m quite comfortable being responsible for this.
In other maintenance she gave his claws a proper trim (I’d tried to take off the tips myself but only succeeded in making everything sharper). She also inspected the nicks in the skin around his Bits where the scissors got too close while I was trimming poo-y fur away. To quote my facebook entry for the event:
Oh noes! I am the Worst Cat Mother Ever! I was trimming poo-y fur from Pumpkin's arse (this is Good Mother behaviour) but I nicked his skin with the scissors! No bleeding, but let's say it's just as well his balls were removed some time ago.
She gave him a very thorough examination Down There, which is still pretty furry even with all the trimming that‘s been going on. He was Not Amused, but declared fine and at no risk of infection.
He’s lost a little weight, but nothing statistically significant.
His condition is still serious. When discussing steroid dosage Dr L said we weren’t really concerned about the long-term effects because without the steroids there wouldn’t be any long term. But, having responded well after a few hair-raising false starts, and with a lot of love and attention, he should be able to bumble along for a little while longer. The important thing is whether he is happy. Next visit in a month for more Cartrophen.
(As a throwaway line, Dr L blithely pronounced that 20-year-old Cally would live “forever”. We briefly discussed the problem of distinguishing between zombie and non-zombie cats. I <3 Dr L.)