Saturday, February 13, 2021

An Expensive Lesson

Renn’s recovery from his surgery – or, rather, I think, from the pain-killer that was given to him after it – is slow. He has been more responsive today, purring when I petted him, and less lethargic; one may see in the photograph below that he is a bit more reactive to his surroundings.

He has eaten a very little; enough, I believe, to stave off the disastrous effects that come from a cat not eating for a few days, but not really enough to keep himself fed. I won’t force-feed him, as that would be very stressful, and I rely on that only in extreme cases of a refusal or inability to eat anything. Even so, the length of his inappetence is worrisome. It is also annoying: a drug beneficial in controlling pain should not, in my opinion, occasion possible disfunction in another aspect of recovery or, indeed, survival.

But I don’t doubt that my big boy will recover fully. It will take time, more than it should after a surgery, even one as complicated as that that he experienced. I suspect that the veterinary who usually deals with my cats would have at least explained to me the new drug that was used, if not discussed it beforehand. As in other instances, I continue to learn about caring for my cats. I just wish that my cats didn’t have to pay for my tuition.

16 comments:

  1. It's good to hear that Renn is feeling somewhat better today. Hopefully by tomorrow he'll be back to his "old self". But meanwhile you had good reason to be worried. Each patient (animal or human), reacts differently to medication, and unfortunately, it's not possible for a doctor or vet to know how each patient will react with every medicine. Please be sure that Renn's reaction is noted in his records and whenever he needs to receive medication for pain, check that he will not receive that particular medicine.

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  2. At least there's some improvement with Renn. Our purrs and prayers that he fully recovers over this long weekend. ❤️๐Ÿ™

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  3. I was hoping to hear that Renn had fully recuperated, but it’s good that he’s purring and at least eating something. It can take some time for certain drugs to fully wear off, unfortunately. (Not long ago, an elderly friend of mine was given a new painkiller that really wiped him out for awhile, even after he stopped taking it.) Please give us an update tomorrow.

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  4. We hope Renn eats soon, that always scary waiting to see.

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  5. I'm sending positive thoughts that Renn continues to recover and he is eating well enough soon. It would have been reasonable for the vet to discuss the meds with you before hand.

    Take care, stay well!

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    1. I really want to slap that vet.

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    2. I agree. A locum vet gave Flynn Convenia when he had cystitis. It was only later that I found out, and that was the beginning of his decline. I would have liked to do more than slap her!!

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    3. How terrible that Flynn was afflicted by such an unnecessary action. I'm very sorry about that, very sorry.

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  6. Renn we hope you feel like something tasty soon.

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  7. Well, all in all, he's getting there..
    I suspect in a day or two, he'll be
    right as rain..Bless him..!x

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  8. It's Sunday morning for me, so I'm hoping when you get up today Renn shows more sign of improvement. That he continues to try to eat a little more at a time. I know a year ago precious had to have a tooth removed that was being absorbed under the gum line also. She did not react well to the pain medicine she had to take. But nothing like what you're going through. It's Valentine's Day and I hope your gift is for cats that are all doing much better.

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  9. I hope there is more improvement today. It is such a worry when they are lethargic and don't want to eat. Sending my best wishes for Renn.

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  10. Poor Renn. We sure hope you start eating again soon.

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  11. "I just wish that my cats didn’t have to pay for my tuition."
    My biggest fear!

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