scarlettina's training

[scarlettina]

So this afternoon I went to the vet to learn how to give Spanky his injections of Epigen. I was instructed to bring him with me, unsedated. I knew this was a bad idea, but I followed instructions, wanting to be a good cat mom and a good client.

We kept him in the carrier while I learned about the meds he is to receive, and while I was taught how to prepare the injection. I practiced taking the caps off both ends of the syringe, holding the bottle of medication upside down, sticking in the syringe and drawing out the medication. I practiced inserting the syringe on a folded-up towel.

Then it was time to try it on Spanky. We put the carrier on the table, Spanky hissing all the while. The vet tech put on thick, protective gloves. I buttoned up the thick hunting shirt I wore. We took Spanky out. He screamed and growled and spat. He latched onto the vet tech's gloved hands and bit and clawed. We were able to get him to eat some of the food, but there was no way for me to give him a practice injection with saline; he was too tense and angry. So upsetting to see him this way. It took three of us to get him back into the carrier.

I practiced on the resident donor cat, Izzy. It wasn't as bad as I thought it might be, and the kitty managed it well enough.

I feel comfortable with the new food and the medication I have to give Spanky orally. Having given two injections (of saline) to Izzy, I feel pretty confident that I can do it for Spanky. But I admit that I left the clinic freaked out and sad. I still feel drained and unhappy.

Spanky starts his new regimen of new food and medication tomorrow morning. I hope I'm up to it.

Comments

[kistha.livejournal.com]

I personally think that it was a bad idea to bring Spanky in. As you do this at home (he's so good about everything else) if you don't get over worried about it, I think the two of you will do fine.

I'd offer to help (having done them before) but will be out of town.

Honesly, take heart, I think it will go fine at home.

[singingnettle.livejournal.com]

Is it something that can wait a few days until he calms down?

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

I'm supposed to start him on everything in the morning,with a check up in 10 days. The vet said to make my best effort, so we'll see how it goes.

[frabjouslinz.livejournal.com]

Subcutaneous meds and fluids are totally doable at home. I know it's upsetting, and it sucks. But on the bright side, my Abby kitty had kidney trouble too, and while she didn't like the process, we managed a truce and she stayed at a good baseline health for a long while. Good luck. It's daunting at first, but it gets easier.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

You'll do well with practice, I'm sure. Hugs for you and Spanky.

I confess to feeling sorry for Izzy. Poor practice kitty.

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

I felt bad for Izzy as well, believe me. But he got treats when it was over and two of the techs made much of him. It's a hard way for a kitty to make a living, but he's making a huge difference t a lot of other cats, Spanky included.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Remarkable that he's so good-natured and tolerates it so well. I would think it must hurt him. Bless his little heart.

Hugs for Spanky.

[singingnettle.livejournal.com]

Oy. So sorry. It's hard to see them so upset.

[dreamline.livejournal.com]

I can come over and help you.

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

Oh, Jen, thank you! I'm giving his first injection tomorrow; that's the part that's got me a little freaked. I've given every other sort of treatment to kitties before. I want to try this on my own because I'm going to have to get used to it, but if I find myself screwing up in some way or unable to handle it, I'm grateful to know I can call you.

[oldmangrumpus.livejournal.com]

You know, Gena's done this before too. I just remembered this.

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

I didn't know that. Good to know.

[ladyjestocost.livejournal.com]

You'll do fine. You always come through, especially for your kitties.

[cassiealexander.livejournal.com]

You can do it!

I had a diabetic cat for years. You'll get used to it in time, easy. Associate it with good things for Spanky, like setting her food out for the day, and she might not even notice. It's a super tiny needle.

[herself_nyc]

I'm so sorry. It's a very difficult adjustment to make, I know. Call me this weekend if you want to yak about it or anything else.

[e-bourne.livejournal.com]

I hope Spanky is doing better, and I'm so sorry you having to do all this for him. That is tough. I hope that the injections at home are easier and make a big difference quickly. HUGS!

[davidlevine]

You are a fabulous kitty mom and, like any mom, you adapt to whatever fate throws in your path and you're never convinced you're good enough. You'll do fine with this, I'm sure.

I'm just baffled by how Spanky turns into a crazed monster when you take him to the vet. He seems such a laid-back kitty whenever I've seen him...

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

::chuckle:: Thanks, David.

I have at least one theory about Spank's behavior with regard to the vet. Spanky doesn't see very well. His corneas are scarred from having dry eye, so while he's fine at home, where he knows the territory and the smells, it's much harder for him when he leaves familiar ground. I think it makes him paranoid to be somewhere that smells like other cats and medicine and strangers. He doesn't understand the visual cues. It's probably scary for him, so he fights and pre-defends himself. That's my thought anyway.

[twilight2000.livejournal.com]

I'm with cassiealexande - associate it with good things (treats, pats) and he'll take it a lot better. You'll be way better at it than you think - you're a wonderful kitty mom!