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

[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!