I would like to thank everyone who expressed their concern and best wishes for Raleigh. It is good to know that his struggle for a good life holds a special place in others’ thoughts.
Peachy’s surgery went well. It was done as swiftly as possible to minimise his time under anaesthetic, and he came home after I finished work. He hid immediately.
The doctor’s instructions stated that it was good for him to eat, if he could keep it down. Raleigh was hungry, not having consumed anything for twenty hours. I prepared some Weruva fish soft-food for him, and he clearly wished to eat it, but had trouble with the texture, and it was obvious that he was suffering pain chewing. Re-thinking the menu, I substituted Merrick paté for the fish. The latter, though the little patient likes it, is made of lengths and chunks of fish in a smooth jelly. The paté was more solid without being difficult to chew. I broke it up into small portions, and he ate it more easily than the first dish. It still hurt him. I will feed him a greater quantity this evening. I disliked giving him too much, as I feared it would conflict with the anaesthetic and other drugs he had been given.
I have to put into him three kinds of medicine, for inflammation, pain and infection. All are oral; two are by syringe, the third by small tablet. I dreaded having to give these to him, but he took them like a mancat. I have administered two of the pills and, so far as I know, they have been swallowed without difficulty.
Raleigh was still hiding when I left for work this morning, wedging himself between two bookcases in the library. That’s all right. He is suffering discomfort right now, but the fact that he wants to eat and comes out to the bowl I place for him are good indications. I placed him on my lap last night, and he stayed and purred for about twenty minutes.
It will be a rough road to recovery, and I will have to be on guard for any relapses, or lack of healing. I will watch his reactions to chewing. But Raleigh will do well. He is young and, though stricken with FIV, strong. His lungs and heart are healthy. He is not going anywhere, and has all the time he needs. All signs are positive.
I'm so glad that things went well with Raleigh's surgery yesterday. I'm sure once he gets relief from the pain medicine he'll feel better and he'll start eating and stop hiding. Will you need to bring him back to the vet so his surgery can be re-checked? Please continue to keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear the surgery went well. Peachy has had more than his share of difficulties, but I'm sending my prayers that this is the beginning of the end of them.
ReplyDeletedood....we iz sorree ya hurtz....N it soundz crazee ta say rite now... but sooner N ya think ewe WILL feel 1000000000000 purrcent better...it just sux havin ta get thru thiz, ta get two that point ~~~~~ we ask st francis ta lend ewe a hand N hope de pain goes way sooner N soon ~~~~~~ ♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteLots of purrs and gentle hugs to both of those sweeties.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the confusion. Peachy is my nickname for Raleigh. It’s from subdued orange colour.
DeleteI will keep Raleigh in my prayers for a quick recovery.
ReplyDeleteAwww good on you Raleigh. Would mixing a bit more water into the food make it easier for him while his mouth heals? Give him a pat for us.
ReplyDeletePraying for Raleigh.
ReplyDeleteCan you give him Gerber baby food? If his stomach isn’t too sensitive to food changes the baby food will work well because it is a soft, almost pudding like consistency that he could lick.
Please tell him all of his friends are with him in spirit.
The food comes in beef, chicken or turkey. The label says 2nd foods, sitter.
ReplyDeleteSo happy he came through surgery like a trooper! Hope he will be pain free soon. I'm glad he still trusts you and rests on your lap. Hugs and kisses to you Raleigh and a speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to read the update and to know he's been eating a bit. His mouth will improve a bit every day, and once he's healed, he (presumably) will not remember this challenging time. Lots of purrs from Nicki and Derry, and scritches from me. It's a good sign he stayed on your lap and purred for 20 minutes!
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how happy I am that he is home and that he tried to eat. I am so sad that he is that frightened after this awful time in the hospital but of course, he would be. Oh Raleigh, I am looking so forward to your finally feeling well. All this is worth it dear little one.
ReplyDeleteRaleigh, sending more purrs and hugs for a quick recovery. We all know that your foster dad is gonna do everything in his power...and beyond...to help you attain good health!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear this. Raleigh, you're a trouper and setting a great example for the rest of us. It's all going to be all right, I promise you! - Tom x
ReplyDeleteGood news for Raleigh. What a champ!
ReplyDeleteI am glad he came through the dental surgery well. When Eric had several teeth out due to FORLS I used to add a small amount of water to his food and give it a quick blast in the food processor to make it easier for him to eat.
ReplyDeleteI had to look up what FORLS was. It doesn't sound pleasant.
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