Two weeks ago I had a sudden and unexpected vet visit! Mum took me down some weeks ago as she spotted a paw wound, but antibiotics did not clear it up so we scheduled another visit. From this point, things started to move fast – very fast indeed…..
Why the Sudden Vet Visit?
The second vet check showed that the wound, a circular pink cup-shaped depression about half a cm (less than 1/4 inch) across, had not healed at all, and was beginning to develop slight granulations around the edges. This was no wound, but a very small development of cancer I had suffered from before. All due to my history as a neglected hoarder victim and abandoned senior, before I became a blogger with the Dash Kitten Crew.
Many here will remember my pinnectomy (ear tip removal) due to the arrival of squamous carcinoma cells and, knowing my history, the vet assessed quickly that these might be the same cells trying to make an appearance. The damage and the toe would have to be removed, along with a tiny amount of the black cells that had reappeared on my nose, pinhead size but capable of growth.
My Vet Visit – Surgery Report
After the usual ‘nil by mouth’ malarkey the night before, I went for my surgery on a Friday, and, of course, Mum worried all day. Don’t pet mums and dads make a hobby of that eh? The surgery went well and I did not require cage rest. I was ready to be collected at 4 p.m. and glad to be heading home.
I did look a bit of a sorry sight with an Elizabethan (Buster) collar around my neck and a blue bandage firmly in place over my paw, but I was home! I was groggy, and a bit disoriented but bravely tried an escape attempt. I limped to the cat flap but it was locked….. Mum had thought that through! Besides getting out of the cat flap with an Elizabethan collar on isn’t easy, I would have got stuck…. so I shook my blue bandaged paw for all I was worth and went to sulk in a corner.
Over the weekend I recovered slowly. I would not eat much and Mum and Dad could not get any pills down me, painkillers or antibiotics. Mum tried pilling me, dissolving tablets in water and syringing them in, nothing worked.
If I swallowed any I would never admit it, so, as the antibiotics were crucial to my safe recovery I was hauled down to the vet for a 48-hour antibiotic injection and he changed my bandage while I was there.
I ended up having four of these injections over the next week or so. It was much easier and less stressful than trying to pill me.
10 Days After My Vet Visit
I can proudly say, I am doing fine.
I walk properly, the tiny stitches from my nose cryosurgery, and my paw are healing well, and I am allowed to go outside. Miranda continues to fuss over me, but I don’t mind this at all. I am also getting a good helping of treats!
Things We Learned From The Cat Vet Visit
- Take Your Cat to the Vet Day is not just a cute promo for vets to make money – it means something. Mum had me checked as she spotted an odd wound on my paw, and, as a result I have had surgery that will keep me a healthier senior for longer.
- If you have any worries speak to your vet. They didn’t study for 7 years for you to go and search for symptoms on the internet! Mum did not know there as a 48 hour antibiotic until she asked for help. In spite of the vet visit it was LESS stressful than her attempts to pill!
- Do not worry alone. Many of your cat buddies on social media, be it Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat or Facebook, will have been through a similar experience. If you let them know your pet buddy is having surgery, people care, they will cheer you on, and be supportive.
- Us cats are tougher than we look. Mum worried that as a senior I would not recover well. Our blogging buddy Pawesome Cats reminded her cats are resilient and she is right.
So. Next time you are even slightly worried about something one of us kitties is doing, something you are concerned about. Monitor what seems to be happening and, if you are in any doubt, book a vet visit.
Even if you spend an hour getting one of us into a carrier – get that vet visit booked.
Even if we sign the song of our people all the way there and back.
OK Mum, I think I’ve earned some treats, don’t you? Speak later friends…
Harvey Button on his
Vet Visit Experience
