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by Sasha's Mom
Thu Jun 10, 2010 11:50 am
Forum: Emergency help
Topic: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...
Replies: 32
Views: 21448

Re: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...

Okay - it's 30 minutes later and I was able to find the vet's assistant who speaks English. He came over, consulted with the vet over the phone and Robbie's back does not appear to be broken, thank God. He gave him a shot of antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory and will call me as soon as the vet comes in tomorrow morning. He said it may just be a very bad bruise, and we'll do the x-rays at another clinic tomorrow. No x-ray facilities at this location.

The vets here may not be the best in the world, but they make house calls and come very fast, thank God. One of the storekeepers had his number and I was able to explain sufficiently that it was an emergency.

Robbie's resting in the cage and the vet said the shot should help him rest at least with less pain.

Five minutes before Robbie fell, I was getting ready to post that Sasha and Robbie spent the entire day together, not without fur flying, but they seemed to have finally reached a mutual agreement and actually co-existed together for the first time in six months without my having to separate them.

I always watch Robbie like a hawk when he goes onto the balcony and don't let him go on the ledge, but today, just like with all accidents, my head was turned at the wrong time... I feel like crap...
by Sasha's Mom
Thu Jun 10, 2010 1:31 pm
Forum: Emergency help
Topic: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...
Replies: 32
Views: 21448

Re: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...

You know, Carol, there was a stray dog sniffing through the shrubbery when I went down and maybe that caught Robbie's attention enough to lose his balance or he was chasing the summer insects. Whatever happened, the balcony is forever off limits now. He loves going out there and rolling around on the hot tiles in the sun, and I can see as soon as he jumps on the ledge as there are picture windows all around. We have concrete balconies about 3 feet high with a rough stucco finish and wide ledge in addition to a railing, and the instant he would even look at the ledge, I was out there and he would get down. This time I missed... I should have known better.

There was nothing to hit on the way down - straight drop to concrete - the grass is about 10 feet away.

No, the vet's assistant (a young vet just out of school) didn't listen to the lungs - will have to get the vet to do that tomorrow, but every time he moves, his respiration increases enough to scare me. He started scratching in the cage, so I put a small litter box in the cage, let him get in by himself and balanced him a bit when he squatted. He had a small BM, but the pain must have been terrible - he sounded like a wounded dog, not a cat. I'm worried about the bladder too... he's one of those cats that tinkles the instant you clean the litter box to make sure his scent stays there. If he doesn't urinate by the time I go to sleep (staying in the living room where the cage is tonight), I will try to very carefully express him. His face, legs and everything else except about a one inch spot above his tail "appears" okay. Have to check the internals tomorrow. I'm a nervous wreck and feel like a lousy mother.

I wedged the small insert pillow from the bed he usually sleeps on between the cage and the wall, and he leaned his head against it and is now sleeping quietly. I guess the scent made him a little more comfortable.

This is all too weird to take in right now. The very day he started leaving Sasha alone, he finds himself in a similar position. I won't sleep tonight.
by Sasha's Mom
Thu Jun 10, 2010 10:09 pm
Forum: Emergency help
Topic: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...
Replies: 32
Views: 21448

Re: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...

Thank you all, for your posts and advice.

I left the small litterbox in the crate over night and he did a kidney bean size poop, but that was it. I can't even figure out how to express him without hurting him and yes, will wait until we go to the vet. He hasn't eaten since yesterday evening right after it happened and just had a little water, so he should be okay.

At least he is able to walk (sort of) and get in and out of a small litterbox, his eyes are clear and he's alert. His breathing seems okay, but I, too am afraid of internal injuries. It just seems so strange to see him crated and not hyper-running and jumping around. I found him July 25th last year, he's just one year old this month. He moaned a few times during the night (just about 6:00 am here now) and will post back after we return from the vet in a few hours.
by Sasha's Mom
Fri Jun 11, 2010 3:24 am
Forum: Emergency help
Topic: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...
Replies: 32
Views: 21448

Back from the vet's

First, I just want to thank all of you for being here. Emotional support across thousands of miles is a real blessing in situations like this. :wub:

The vet said it is likely a hematoma on the spine (between the vertebrae) and nothing appears to be broken. He picked him up by the scruff and Robbie didn't peep. He felt the internals and everything seems normal, except the bladder was a little full. The vet gave him 3 different injections, including one to get the bladder and bowels moving again. That worked within an hour and Robbie urinated by himself enough to calm my fears - no sign of blood, thank goodness. He didn't even cry going in and out of the litter box.

He checked him with a stethoscope, bowels are gurgling, lungs appear healthy and nothing else hurts him except that spot on his back. He didn't think x-rays were necessary today and will take him back tomorrow morning for another check-up. I would have preferred x-rays, being an over-concerned mom, but we'll follow the vet's advice for now.

I put Robbie's little hooded bed in the cage with him and with a little maneuvering, he got in and is resting comfortably. He still won't eat or drink and keeping an eye on that. Will give him water through a syringe if he doesn't drink in a few hours. It's hot here today and I don't want him dehydrating.

Now for the interesting part - the bill:

1. The vet's assistant came to my apartment twice last night, examined him, gave him a combo injection;
2. Robbie had 3 injections and the exam at the vet's today;
3. I bought eye drops for Sasha (8.90 leva / $5.50 USD);
4. 2 cans of Purina Gourmet soft food for Robbie (2.60 leva / $1.61 USD);
5. A small double feeding dish for the cage (3.60 leva / $2.23 USD).

The grand total was a 21.10 leva ($13.05 USD), which meant all of Robbie's vet expenses including injections, home and office visit cost 6 leva or $3.71 USD.
I actually asked the vet to double check his math and he said it was correct. I'm still sitting here thinking he made a mistake or the vet is a saint.

Keeping fingers crossed that Robbie will rest comfortably the next few days and be back to Robbie Demonseed shortly.

Hugs to all from Bulgaria. :thankyou:
Leah
by Sasha's Mom
Fri Jun 11, 2010 4:52 am
Forum: Emergency help
Topic: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...
Replies: 32
Views: 21448

Re: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...

Hi Jane,
Yes, let's hope the good news keeps getting better. Thanks. :)
I know well the cost of a vet in the states. I had my share of $5,000 bills for surgery on a Turkish Van and $65 just for walking through the front door. I'm very lucky to have a super vet in NY who is semi-retired and charges about half what the others charge. Reading some of the posts here with $20,000 and up bills, makes me shudder.
Have a good day and thanks again.
Leah
by Sasha's Mom
Sat Jun 12, 2010 2:37 pm
Forum: Emergency help
Topic: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...
Replies: 32
Views: 21448

Quick update. :)

Robbie is doing okay. The vet is giving him an anti-inflammatory, a pain killer and vitamin injections and he is resting comfortably in the crate. He said we'll do one more round of injections tomorrow and that should do it. He started eating a little more, urinating normally, but the BMs are still the size of a guinea pig's turds. He only let out one little cry of pain today while maneuvering himself around the crate and when I gently touched the injured part of his back, he didn't even flinch.
If he doesn't have a good BM by Monday, I'm going to ask for x-rays just to be on the safe side. There may be a little blockage or twist.
:arrow: And, the grand total today: 6 leva - $3.71 USD (2 leva / $1.23 per injection).
They don't seem to charge for anything except the medication, unless there is an actual procedure carried out by the vet. They simply do not charge for exams. Had a bad tooth extracted for Sasha a few weeks ago, my vet brought in another vet who specializes in dentistry and the entire procedure with meds cost $31.
Yes, Critters, maybe I should stay! :D
by Sasha's Mom
Sun Jun 13, 2010 1:32 pm
Forum: Emergency help
Topic: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...
Replies: 32
Views: 21448

Re: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...

Hi Critters,
I'm on your side for this one and agree 100% with you. Saw the vet's wife today (she's also a vet) and going back tomorrow to ask for some pills. She also suggested keeping him on the Royal Canin urinary or renal for at least a month - no problem there as that is what I feed Sasha. I would do the injections myself (have to do it for Sasha every day), but I'm hesitant to do it with Robbie, because of the fresh injury. I don't want him to jerk the wrong way and I hurt him.
What is "pred"? For pain or inflammation? We have different names (and measurements) for pharmaceuticals here.
Whatever they are using, it is working, thank heavens. He's eating almost normally again and had a relatively decent BM today. He's not complaining about being in the crate and resting. He stood up straight on his hind legs today for a minute or so and did a few cautious back stretches. As nutty as he is, he obviously understands his limits and reacting exactly like a human with a back injury, maybe even better. :)
Leah
by Sasha's Mom
Sun Jun 13, 2010 2:01 pm
Forum: Emergency help
Topic: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...
Replies: 32
Views: 21448

Re: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...

Hi Bendy!! {{{{{{purrrrr}}}}}]
Mum didn't even see your post, so had to tear the laptop away from her to respond. :roll:
Thanks for the headbonks and purrrs! :wub:
Yup, I can see myself lulling around in Sasha's crate for a couple of weeks, that's for sure. Really not making me a happy camper seeing Sasha have full run of the house and although I'm feeling a little better, not up to chasing him around or biting mum's ankles right now, so this is it. I don't think I'll be pretending to be a bird again anytime in the future. Boy, that was one scary ride down. I'm glad I was able to find my way back to the door after I fell. Mum's still trying to figure out how I knew where to go when I'd never been out there before, but I'll keep that secret to myself!
Mum's a real worry wart. She watches me all the time and during the night shines a flashlight on me from the couch where she's been sleeping since I got hurt. She keeps coming over and asking me if I feel better every 15 minutes or so and I smile and tell her to "chill out"!
Shrimpies??? What are they? No! Mum never told me about shrimpies. Hmmm, gotta have a talk with her and see what that's all about, maybe she's holding out on me.
Mum and me are really sorry about the little kitty. That must have made you really, really sad. :cry:
I think NC is the place where mum used to go surfing when she was in college! A place with a lighthouse, an airplane and has a name like "Hat"! :D
I hope I don't need to see a doctor when we go back to NY, mum won't be able to afford those prices! We should be in NY late August or early October. Not 100% sure yet, but I'm not worried, I speak English fluently and will fit right in! Sasha's going to need me to translate, I can barely understand his English! :smart:
Okay, Bendy Kitty, thank you soooo much for your good wishes, advise and friendship. I'm a little sleepy and going to rest again!
Ciao!!
Kitty luv to you, your mum and everyone else!
Robbie semi-Demonseed! :twisted:
by Sasha's Mom
Fri Jun 18, 2010 1:13 pm
Forum: Emergency help
Topic: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...
Replies: 32
Views: 21448

1 week update

Well, Robbie seems to be doing okay. All bodily functions are back to normal and he's eating and drinking well, but not 100% yet. He's not crying anymore when the spot is touched, but it's obvious it does bother him. I let him out of the crate on the floor for a couple of hours today and he didn't even try to jump anywhere, although he did take a couple shots at Sasha. They wound up in the office together, sitting and watching each other at about 3 feet. Robbie has a noticeable limp and when I returned him to the crate, he didn't complain and went straight to sleep.
He's off all medication as it doesn't appear he needs anything but more rest at this point.
Gee, things are really quiet here without him terrorizing Sash and me!
Hope everyone has a good weekend.
Leah :wub:
by Sasha's Mom
Sun Jun 20, 2010 12:31 am
Forum: Paralysis: Neurological and IVDD
Topic: Sasha's Mom - new member
Replies: 16
Views: 11031

Re: Sasha's Mom - new member

Hi Denise,

Sounds like you found the Maine Coon exactly as we found Sasha - a royal mess from head to toe. I very much doubt I can add anything to Bendy's suggestions, and the vets here all seem to agree Sasha's paralysis stems from malnutrition. I would try to feed him a good cat food and perhaps plain fresh chicken soup as opposed to just the livers if he's not drinking. Is he dehydrated? From what I understand, cats absorb vitamins differently than we do, (i.e.: they can not absorb Vitamin D from the sun as we do), so a healthy cat food would be better than plain livers. How long have you had this kitty? More than pooping, I would be concerned with him urinating. Has he been urinating? Are his legs moving at all (i.e.: twitches, etc...)? I looked elsewhere for a reference to the cat, but only found your post here.

Prior to finding the vet I am now using, I spent the rent money (+) on Sasha when I first got him and am still reeling from the expense, although more than 50% less than I would have paid in the states. I, too, am out of work right now, as I teach English to Bulgarian senior high students privately, and my class graduated, with no new leads. Now, I am trying to make arrangements to return to the states with the added task of two kitties that I will not part with. I feel your pain, believe me.

Leah
by Sasha's Mom
Sun Jun 20, 2010 12:37 am
Forum: Emergency help
Topic: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...
Replies: 32
Views: 21448

Quick question...

How long do you think I should keep Robbie crated? The vet seems to think he does not need the crate, but I disagree, having had back injuries myself and knowing rest, rest, rest is usually the key to success.
Thanks. :)
by Sasha's Mom
Sun Jun 20, 2010 10:16 am
Forum: Emergency help
Topic: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...
Replies: 32
Views: 21448

Re: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...

Thanks, Bendy and Critters. I'm figuring two weeks minimum, and if I don't like the way he's walking after that or not jumping, one more week. He's already starting to take nips at me, so I know he's feeling a bit better. :)
He's tolerating the crate well (2 x 3 feet, which is big for a cat) thank heavens, and only gets a little antsy when he wants to eat.
by Sasha's Mom
Thu Jul 01, 2010 5:26 am
Forum: Emergency help
Topic: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...
Replies: 32
Views: 21448

Three week update.

Robbie is doing better, but the original "dent" about an inch above his tail (see first photo posted in thread) is still there. I've been letting him out of the kennel for about half the day and letting Sasha and him have their daily scraps. Robbie can jump down, but still having some difficulty with jumping up on things (except Sasha - he has no problem tackling him). He hasn't even tried to go to the counter-tops to reach his favorite perch on top of the cabinets and only yesterday tried the couch.

Otherwise, the Demonseed is back, but not quite as aggressive as before and haven't had a single ankle bite since the accident. One thing I've noticed when he and Sasha go at it, is that Sasha almost seems to enjoy it and chases after him when Robbie runs away or hides under the couch. I've been picking mouthfuls of fur from both of them and have completely given up on separating them - except when I sleep. They've even taken their little escapades into the office away from mama's watchful eye, and I only intervene if I hear a cry that's a little too loud. Neither of them sleep when they are out together no matter how long a period of time, so they both sleep like newborn babies when I put Robbie back in the kennel.

Went to the vet two days ago and we're going to do x-rays on Robbie's back Saturday to see what's going on. Hopefully he only needs a little more time and very grateful he tolerates the kennel so well.

Leah
by Sasha's Mom
Thu Jul 01, 2010 11:20 pm
Forum: Emergency help
Topic: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...
Replies: 32
Views: 21448

Re: Robbie fell 3 stories off the balcony...

critters wrote:Sounds to me like they're mostly playing; tomcat play can be QUITE energetic and noisy!
In the over 50 years I've had kitties of various makes and models, I've never had two male cats that were not from the same litter or related at the same time. So separating the two of them for the last six months was a waste of time?! :roll:
Thanks for the tip, critters!
by Sasha's Mom
Sun Jul 04, 2010 10:34 am
Forum: Other Problems
Topic: Travel with handicapped pet?
Replies: 8
Views: 4518

Re: Travel with handicapped pet?

Hello Caretaker,

One of the cats (likely Sasha) can stay in the cabin for the first leg of the journey from Bulgaria to Hungary, but no animals are allowed in the cabin (other than service animals) on flights longer than 4 hours. The flight from Budapest to NY is in excess of 6 hours. Thank you for the thought.