hilary1617
First time at the rodeo.
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2014
- Messages
- 3,764
I spent all day yesterday at the local Blue Pearl Veterinary ER after waking to find Isaac, our 19 year old singing cuddle kitty, in the midst of a lengthy and terrifying stroke-induced seizure event. He's home now and doing quite well, but in the moment, I thought it was very likely the end of the road.
Charles had dropped us off and then had taken the children home to keep them occupied. Having lost our other kitty, Katrina, last year, they *knew* the gravity of the situation and were very distressed.
I didn't have time to pack food. I didn't even think about it in the rush out of the house. That meant that all day long, I had access only to coffee of dubious age and a vending machine filled with carbonated beverages. The meds I take are supposed to be accompanied by food, so that was problematic, but at least I did manage to get my purse pack of vitamins down the hatch.
Lesson learned - I should have had an emergency pack of durable food supplies - Protein shakes, Jerky, etc. - by the front door. I've created one today and will plan to refresh it every 2 weeks when I sort my vitamins. I contemplated putting it in the car, but decided against it given they might overheat in the summer sun. Anyway, thought I'd share as though I definitely pack a "to go" bag on days when I know I won't be home, preparations for an unforeseen day away weren't something I contemplated previously. Hope this will help others who are similarly unprepared not have to learn the hard way!
Great news on the kitty recovery front! Isaac has a bit of a left hind leg limp now and isn't steady on his feet, but is very alert, cuddly, and happy. The Vet told us his test results were fantastic and that all signs are that he is in excellent physical condition, stroke/seizure of indeterminate cause notwithstanding. His heart and lungs are in great condition, and x-rays looked good. Decided against a brain MRI as the results might (or not) clue us in to the cause but would likely not alter his treatment or prognosis, and would require general anesthesia which bears risks... Just happy for every day he has with us!
Charles had dropped us off and then had taken the children home to keep them occupied. Having lost our other kitty, Katrina, last year, they *knew* the gravity of the situation and were very distressed.
I didn't have time to pack food. I didn't even think about it in the rush out of the house. That meant that all day long, I had access only to coffee of dubious age and a vending machine filled with carbonated beverages. The meds I take are supposed to be accompanied by food, so that was problematic, but at least I did manage to get my purse pack of vitamins down the hatch.
Lesson learned - I should have had an emergency pack of durable food supplies - Protein shakes, Jerky, etc. - by the front door. I've created one today and will plan to refresh it every 2 weeks when I sort my vitamins. I contemplated putting it in the car, but decided against it given they might overheat in the summer sun. Anyway, thought I'd share as though I definitely pack a "to go" bag on days when I know I won't be home, preparations for an unforeseen day away weren't something I contemplated previously. Hope this will help others who are similarly unprepared not have to learn the hard way!
Great news on the kitty recovery front! Isaac has a bit of a left hind leg limp now and isn't steady on his feet, but is very alert, cuddly, and happy. The Vet told us his test results were fantastic and that all signs are that he is in excellent physical condition, stroke/seizure of indeterminate cause notwithstanding. His heart and lungs are in great condition, and x-rays looked good. Decided against a brain MRI as the results might (or not) clue us in to the cause but would likely not alter his treatment or prognosis, and would require general anesthesia which bears risks... Just happy for every day he has with us!
