Monday, October 13, 2014

is it an emergency

If you have been reading along, you know that Coral hasn't been feeling well. Our vet did a titer test and it came back positive for toxoplasmosis. Which mom was reluctant to put out there since the it causes panic sometimes. However, in this case, she would have shed it for a few days but mom was careful so we are all safe.

Most cases respond to antibiotics. However, just to be difficult, our tiny brat did not. Some days were better than others, but we couldn't say with any certainty that she was definitely improved overall.

Then came Saturday night....she seemed disoriented - and even walked into a corner and couldn't seem to get back out. Mom had to pick her up to get her into bed. Although she hadn't been sleeping with us for a few days, so maybe this was a good sign.

Mom however got a good look at Coral's eyes and got concerned. The inside looked swollen and red. And Coral didn't seem like she was visually reacting to things.

What to do? Wait until Monday when her vet is in the office? We are lucky that there are two 24 hour places nearby...but one is expensive and the other mom isn't a fan of their "service". And then the other question - was this really a run to the vet at midnight emergency?

We are lucky in that mom has had cats for many years and has been in rescue for many too. So what constitutes an emergency for some people doesn't get a rise out of mom. In this case, mom decided wait until morning.

Sunday morning came around and ... no Coral. Let's back up though - mom got up about 5am to blow her nose (darned allergies) and Coral followed her into the kitchen and acted like she was hungry. Mom gave her about 1/3 a small can and stood guard as Coral ate everything. Mom went back to bed and Coral soon followed - getting up on the bed by herself. When mom got up around 9am, no Coral. Mom fed the fosters, fed us....still no Coral. Started laundry and then checked everywhere. Coral had gone downstairs and was walking near the garage doors crying softly. Mom picked her up and decided that was it....off to the 24 hour vet.

However, mom has done this before and knew a few things: take a blanket for Coral and make sure you have her medical history straight in your head - or take her records. Take a book and your cell phone charger - you could be there a while. And since mom hadn't had breakfast, she stopped for coffee and a bagel. She made a comment to the tech as they were going back to a room and the tech said that they can tell the people who have never been in before - no jackets in cold weather, no background. And then those that have been there come with drinks, snacks and a book. :)  Don't get us wrong....if there is an immediate emergency - get to the vet asap!! However, in this case it was more of a "probably shouldn't wait until Monday" thing.

Anyhow....after 2 1/2 hours, they sent Coral home with eye meds. They are fairly certain it is toxo that has now affected her eyes (which mom had read about). The resident who saw Coral thinks she has some vision and it may be more affected by swelling than anything else. He said she could walk around a room without hitting furniture but that he put a chair in front of her and moved it toward her and she didn't flinch either. The er vet is also a specialist hospital so the plan is for mom to check with Coral's vet today and see what the next step is...bring her in to them, see the eye doctor at the specialist hospital, or see the vet at the university that our vet was talking to about this.

Either way, Coral came home with mom and spent Sunday sleeping on mom's lap. We aren't sure what the next drug regamine might be but suspect we will have to try something else. Thankfully she is with us and mom is committed to getting her better....


22 comments:

  1. Mrrp? Meow! PurrPurrPurrPurr... We are nurse cats and would like to volunteer our services to help you and your meowmie take care of Miss Coral. We are also available as noms testers. When can we teleport over?

    Lilith Kitten Mahoney & Miss Tina Marie Maine Coon
    The Feline Contingent

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    1. mom would appreciate that....she worries while she is away at work :)

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    2. Mrrp? Meow! PurrPurrPurrPurr...

      Fangu! Please tell Miss Coral we are on our way. We are furry experienced caretaking kitties and nurse cats and promise to do an excellent job taking care of Miss Coral.

      Purrs,
      Lilith Kitten Mahoney & Miss Tina Marie Maine Coon
      The Feline Contingent

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  2. We are purring hard for Coral and hope the vet can help her feel better.
    Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

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  3. We send big purrs to little Coral.
    We hope the Vets can help her get better.
    Purrs Georgia and Julie,
    Treasure and JJ

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  4. Poor kitty, I will add Coral to my list of kitties to pray for.

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  5. Oh Coral, you are so lucky to have such a great foster Mom. Sounds like she is doing all the right things. We certainly send many many purrs and hope you get to feeling better really soon.

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  6. We are so sorry to hear that Coral isn't feeling well!
    Big Noodle hugs...

    Noodle and crew

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  7. Poor sweet baby! We're sending lots of purrs and hugs.

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  8. Lots of purrs are being sent for little Coral. We hopes she is feeling better soon and the v e t is able to give her the right meds while mom gives her such good care.

    Sasha, Sami, & Saku

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  9. oh my, how stressful! It would be hard to see her bumping into things. Probably good you brought her in just in case something worse was going on. Purrs for her and for you. Thanks for taking such good care of all your furry charges.

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  10. Poor Coral - I am sending lots of purrs her way. She HAS to get better soon!

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  11. We send lots of purrs for little Coral and for you ! Purrs

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  12. coral.....we iz pullin out all stops N askin St Francis ta due de same...sending manee manee blessings yur way that ya improve, get better, be healthee, stay healthee N yur eatin like ya shuld.....
    ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

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  13. Purring for you, sweet Coral! PURRS....

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  14. Oh the poor little scrap...We will purr hard for Coral. Mommy sends hugs, too.

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  15. We're purring our biggest purrs for Coral to feel better. This is so scary and upsetting, especially with no clear answers. We hope you can get some answers about next steps and Coral feels better soon.

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  16. Poor Coral! Hope you feel better soon!!

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  17. We're purring for Coral and hope she feels better soon.

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  18. Goodness, what an ordeal. We hope Coral is feeling better soon and doesn't need too many more medications.

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  19. Coral must be very confused and frightened. It is indeed a good things she is with you and your mum.

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  20. We are so very sorry that Coral's going through this (and you too). And we totally get the toxo scare thingy. People overreact in all the wrong ways to that word.

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