Fingers crossed please

[Simpo Two]

Poor thing. The hardest part is that you can't explain what's going on to them. Plus, cats are stoical things and don't give their feelings away.


As for food, if you need a new angle try fish (the kind from a fish and chip shop)

Hope he mends well.

[bexVN]

Please do not feel guilty about giving him a chance. Animals are just incredible when it comes to dealing with what life throws at them and if he is prepared to fight then let him. If things change and he starts to give up then you may need to think again. If after all this his bladder lets him down do not feel bad about your decisions. Life would be easier if we could see the future.

He's looking good in those pics (is he not on a drip at the mo?) tube feeding is a really good idea takes the worry out of making sure they're eating enough.

[K77 CTR]

bexVN said:

Please do not feel guilty about giving him a chance. Animals are just incredible when it comes to dealing with what life throws at them and if he is prepared to fight then let him. If things change and he starts to give up then you may need to think again. If after all this his bladder lets him down do not feel bad about your decisions. Life would be easier if we could see the future.

He's looking good in those pics (is he not on a drip at the mo?) tube feeding is a really good idea takes the worry out of making sure they're eating enough.

Thanks Bex, it's so hard trying to make these decisions when you're on your own. Am I right in thinking that the bladder issue is probably related to the fact he has the nerve damage to his tail?

He did look much better than I thought he would, was glad to see him walking around for a little while. He is on a drip but it was disconnected so that I could have a proper cuddle with him. He was off it for about an hour, that was the most they wanted to leave it for.

They will tube feed him if he doesn't start eating over the next 24-48 hours but have changed his opiates to see if this encourages him to eat. They are wanting him to eat to aid the wound healing.

Really wish we could see the future

[Simpo Two]

K77 CTR said:

Am I right in thinking that the bladder issue is probably related to the fact he has the nerve damage to his tail?

I'm no vet but I think not as nerves work 'downstream'. ie you can cut the tail off and it won't affect things further up.

K77 CTR said:

They will tube feed him if he doesn't start eating over the next 24-48 hours but have changed his opiates to see if this encourages him to eat.

Aren't steroids the usual 'appetite enhancer'? Perhaps they would react with other medication here.

[bexVN]

Yes the nerves of the bladder are connected to the tail so severe trauma to the tail can damage these nerves esp in cats.

However most will get away with it and the bladder will be fine. It's just something that we have to be aware of and warn owners about.

I thought there would be a catheter under that red bandage.

When Lucy was midway through her tx we wondered if we were being fair, she got MRSA her wounds weren't healing and she was starting to deteriorate in herself. I'm glad to say that we chose to keep going a few more days and she turned the corner. Believe me I know how you are feeling there are likely to be tough decisions ahead but keep talking to the vets and nurses, they will help (esp if you get a good nurse who gets to know Jenson)

[bexVN]

Simpo Two said:

K77 CTR said:

Am I right in thinking that the bladder issue is probably related to the fact he has the nerve damage to his tail?

I'm no vet but I think not as nerves work 'downstream'. ie you can cut the tail off and it won't affect things further up.

K77 CTR said:

They will tube feed him if he doesn't start eating over the next 24-48 hours but have changed his opiates to see if this encourages him to eat.

Aren't steroids the usual 'appetite enhancer'? Perhaps they would react with other medication here.

The nerve damage will occur at the base of the tail. If they are ok amputating the tail will not affect the nerves.

Steroids would not be the drug of choice as they will lower immunity and slow healing. The increase in appetite is a side effect only though sometimes a useful one!

Valium in cats can cause appetite increase also a side effect which seems specific in cats but it also can make them either sedated or hyped up.

[K77 CTR]

Thank you everyone for your words, means a lot to me. I'm much more used to dealing with humans in these situations and making decisions in their best interests than I am for cats.

I am going to take each day as it comes and see what happens, my aim for tomorrow is to hear he has eaten. The nurses do seem to be doing a great job with him and nothing seems too much trouble.

I'm sure I'll be on here regularly looking for advice and support so hope you all keep popping back

[mr2mk1chick]

glad his wounds are settling. Poor thing! I guess he may start to feel better as the pain subsides and he gets used to the routine. He may pick up his appetite too.
I bet he really appreciates your visits sitting on your lap etc.
Hope he carries on to make a great recovery. x

[K77 CTR]

Woohoo, his bladder works they had to remove his catheter last night as it had blocked and he went for a wee in his litter tray. Wounds are improving and discharge has virtually stopped.

He still hasn't eaten but I'm off there later to try and give him some chicken/ tuna.

So happy that it look like the little fella is going to be ok

[bexVN]

that is just brilliant news. He will eat soon enough I'm sure of it

[paulmurr]

Poor wee mite.

I'm very please to hear he's on the mend

[Karyn]

Those photos are heartbreaking! He looks so placid and gorgeous, and then you see the mess of his rear...

I'm SO pleased his bladder is fine - brilliant news!


Go, go, kittycat! Keep going!

All the best x

[moosepig]

[ali_kat]

Go Jensen!

[K77 CTR]

Thank you for all the messages,

Jenson is still refusing to eat for the vets but has wolfed down a bowl of chicken and a bowl of tuna for me this afternoon, got to go back tomorrow to feed him again.

He's looking so much better, interested in what's going on and walking around. Has started grooming himself today and just seems much more relaxed, although obviously sore as he's still hissing when being handled.

He's had all the dressings left off today to ensure that he doesn't sit in his urine for hours. Saw the wounds properly today, they look horrible think the plan is to remove the tail in a few days and partially suture his wounds.

I'm hoping that I might get him home towards the end of next week, although he felt warm to me today so just hope he doesn't have an infection. Being moaned at by my family as this will mean I can't visit them over christmas as I don't think it'll be fair to leave him overnight

[c8bof]

Gorgeous cat! Hope he makes a speedy recovery. Fingers crossed he's through the worst of it now.

[ali_kat]

Tried Tuna?

Pepi won't eat at the Vets either - it all smells wrong

If he does come home, can he not go to family with you?

[MillenniumFalcon]

Glad he's on the mend!

[K77 CTR]

ali_kat said:

Tried Tuna?

Pepi won't eat at the Vets either - it all smells wrong

If he does come home, can he not go to family with you?

He ate the tuna for me but won't eat for the nurses. They are happy with what he ate today and I'm going back tomorrow after work to try again. Only issue is with my shifts it's going to be difficult for me to go there over the weekend.

Not sure I could take him to my sisters as she has two cats and two very young children, she also lives 2-3 hours away. We will see what happens if and when he's discharged.

[bexVN]

You could crate him. Lucy had to live in one (size suitable for a growing lab puppy) for 3 months though I admit the journey is quite a time, doesn't mean he wouldn't cope with it.