Tucker is struggling in his recovery from dental surgery. In particular, he has yet to find his new diet. Because he tried to eat his regular hard-food too soon, it hurt him, and he is shy of trying it again. He won’t touch the Orijen. Nor will he eat the Z/D that he formerly liked. (I am not too put out because of the latter; it is not the best food, nutritionally, and I serve it in the cosy apartment only because Cammie’s body seems to tolerate nothing else.) However, Tucker will eat the special diabetic food that previously only Parker consumed; I was surprised at this but am encouraging it. If Tucker is eating hard-food, I would prefer he choose Orijen; but he won’t, and he doesn’t eat enough soft-food. So a full belly of the adequate nutrition beats a nearly empty belly of the superior.
He is finished taking his medicine. His blood-glucose numbers are high enough for insulin one day, and just too low the next. There will be an adjustment period for his diabetes treatment, I am sure. His body has received a shock, from which it is just now healing. The pain and, probably, toxins, from the bad teeth undoubtedly caused problems, affecting the diabetes. Then, there is his so far erratic menu. For the time being, his medical programme will necessarily be ad hoc.
But Tucker is slowly regaining his spirit. This may be seen in his boisterousness when I return each day from work. He is active and cheerful. He is not playing much, but he and I are getting back into our games. Last night he grabbed my fingers while I was attempting to crush his head with my hand. Normally, he then pretends to bite me; this time, he put my fingers to his mouth and gave them a gentle gumming.
I have no doubt I will see my roly poly fully rejuvenated, but it is a fretful path to that destination. I worry about the discomfort and discouragement he will encounter on the journey, but will support him every step of the way.
Oh poor Tucker. His recovery is progressing slowly, but in time, I'm sure he will be back to his "old self" Actually, I am not surprised to hear he likes Parker's diabetic food. I had two diabetic cats and I had no trouble getting them to eat a diabetic prescription diet.
ReplyDeleteAwww, sweet Tucker. He's in good hands, though. Nicki and Derry are sending him purrs. ♥
ReplyDeletePoor tucker, but he is progressing and that is the important thing.
ReplyDeleteOh Tucker. I do hope your recovery goes more smoothly. Having to adjust to no teeth and getting through the pain must be very hard for a cat.
ReplyDeleteI am glad Tucker is improving, hopefully he will be back to himself soon.
ReplyDeletePoor boy, I'm sure the shock of being unable to eat his favorite foods has him a bit off. That he is beginning to play with you again is a great sign.
ReplyDeleteThe kitties send their purrs.
Eileen
Tucker, did you know that your name, in Australia, is another word for FOOD?!? Eat up, big guy; it will make everything feel better.
ReplyDeleteI'm not surprised about the name, though I never thought of it. A 'tuck shop' in Victorian schoolboy slang meant a shop at which food could be purchased.
DeleteGetting over such a major adjustment is hard for cats or humans. I have no doubt Tucker will, it may be slower but each day shows improvement. Glad to hear he is playing.
ReplyDeletePoor buddy. I often think that cats are not given enough pain relief. I am sure if all of our teeth were removed we would be sucking on the panadol for weeks after surgery.
ReplyDeleteI do admire your nice white duvet cover. I had to give up the white with just one cat, as it would be too grubby after two days of miss pops clambering all over it.
We had a tuck shop at school and call food tucker sometimes too here in NZ.
Poor guy. Sorry he's having to go through so much but glad he is slowly recovering and regaining his playful spirit.
ReplyDeleteMe too. Sending him love.
ReplyDeleteAs with us humans, the older cats get, the longer recovery time they need. Last fall my 18 year old Sweet Pea developed a URI. He’s had a number of them in his long life with me and they all seemed to resolve on their own in about 10 days. The one last year took over a month, even after an antibiotic shot! I was quite worried fearing it was turning into pneumonia, but then something finally kicked in and he fully recovered. I know the agony that you must feel, though. Seeing anyone we love in pain is, well, painful ��
ReplyDeleteI'm sending healing thoughts and scratches to this brave boy! Don't you wish that we could snap our fingers and pouf, everything's better!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear he's starting to feel playful. Tucker has a very competent nurse so his recovery is well taken care of!
Best wishes to you and your tribe!