Bassett's got me strung out almost as far as I can go..

I feel SO BAD for my sweetie. She is having to wear this cone, and it's totally freaking her out. She hates the bandages, and I know the bigger burn is hurting her. I'm hoping, hoping, hoping that she will only have to be coned for another week, but I just don't know how we are gonna do it :( Today she acted like she was high on drugs or something.. she was twitching her skin like crazy, growling and hissing at nothing, and just had this weird wide-eyed look. I just don't know how I'm going to help her through this! :( :( :(

Is Bassett taking meds now? If not, maybe a little Rescue Remedy in her water would help her. I'm sure she'll feel better when the burns are closer to healed.

My Cricket sends her sympathies. She had to wear a cone off and on for weeks while I was trying to get her to stop chewing on her tail (she had hyperesthesia). Every time I'd give her a break from the cone, she'd go after that tail again.

Oh gosh Naomi, this is breaking my heart to hear what Bassett is going through. I'm sorry to say this as the vet did a wonderful job on the surgery, but I think it was a little irresponsible of them not to check her more while she was on the thermol blanket.
This is worse than her surgery.
It's obvious by the sounds of it, that she is in pain. Isn't there anything that the vet can do to help poor Bassett feel more comfortable.
Oh Naomi, I am crying for you, as you must be going through hell watching your poor baby suffer like this.
I pray and hope that this will end soon.
Hang in there little one. You made it this far, don't give up.
I wish I knew what you could do to help her through this. Just try to comfort her as much as you can.

I didn't even consider the rescue remedy. That might not be a bad idea. Also, lately, Tilly has been very hostile toward Bassett, I think because Bassett has a medicine-y smell... would the rescue remedy help with that too? She is still on medication for hypertension.. I will ask the vet if there is something I can do for her. I will also ask the vet about something for the pain. I'm using antiseptic wash with a pain killer in it, and using polysporin, but that burn looks rotten :(

I don't know what to do regarding the surgeon. One side of me says I should get angry that they didn't do anything about this. The other says I should see it as an unforseen complication from a very intense and complex surgery. Nathan is going to the Critical Care Unit on Monday to drop off a payment for me, and he said he would let them know all the trauma Bassett has been through. On top of all that, I've spent almost $150 on medical supplies already, including ordering her a special cone in the hopes she will be more comfortable, vetrap, and burn pads which are $10 for only 4 of them.. well I'm using 2 every day. I don't know that I want the clinic to do anything about my costs, but I think they should at least know about it.

Right now, Bassett is sleeping. I will just leave her be all day tomorrow, and if her bandages fall off, well.. they do.. I'm not putting her through another bandage change if she's going to react the same way tomorrow as she did today :(

Bassett, you poor darling! You must be feeling very uncomfortable right now ... but remember, you are on the home stretch! The big scary surgery has now been and gone so you need to hang in there for your Meowmie. She is very stressed at the moment, so don't forget to cuddle with her give her kitty kisses!

Naomi, it must be difficult with all these complications ... its hard when you think something's over, when it keeps going on and on ... hang in there, too, my prayers are with you!

Thanks for the well wishes.

Once I got the bandages on, and she had a little nap, she seemed to calm down some. She even came and gave me kisses and lots and lots of purrs. I know it's an emotional thing.. she's just so tired of it all. I won't be home tomorrow (I have a wedding shower to go to) so maybe having a quiet house will be good for her.

I'll keep you posted.

Naomi

Oh Dear - I feel so sorry for both of you! I know Bassett must be in a lot of pain from the burn - I am still recovering from a 4 x 4 inch 2nd dregree burn on my leg - it was really painful! I can imagine how confused Bassett must be, 'cos you can't explain to an animal why they are sore.

I know the vet was really good with the surgery and the payment etc, but that does not absolve them from blame when they do something wrong! I can't help thinking that, seeing as they know your financial situation, and they were, after all, the cause of Bassett's burns, they should be treating the burns for free, or at least supply the dressings etc - they must get it much cheeper than you do, as they buy wholesale. JMHO!

Saying a prayer for you now:

Dear Lord,

We thank you for your strength and guidance, and for helping Naomi and Bassett through the surgery. We stand in agreement that Bassett's wounds will be healed, and she will be fully receovered. We thank you that you are laying your loving hands on Bassett, and taking away the pain of her wounds.

In Jesus' name

Amen

PLEASE, all PT'ers - stand in agreement with me that Bassett is healed

Nomilynn, mew-mew I hope Bassett is feeling better! Poor angel. KatMa hates it when any animal is hurt.

Mew, I'm sending kittykisses, purrs, nose twinkies, and sweet mewls to Bassett to help her recover.

Poor poor Bassett! That must be such an uncomfortable time for her and it must break your heart to see her like this!

I've noticed the same in Luna last month after she had surgery between her shoulder blades (a lump has been removed). During the entire healing process, she was nervous and growled, and she was twitching her skin until the stitches have been removed. And Bassett's scar is so much bigger than Luna's, so I can only try to imagine how much she is suffering! Poor girl, I hope the rescue remedy will give her some relief!

Kirsten

Poor Bassett. Even if the burn areas do not hurt, they no doubt itch. You all know the itch associated with a healing wound or scab. Maybe there is a hydrocortisone cream that could be put on the area to ease the itch.

I will be praying for you and Bassett.

Poor Bassett! I had second and third degree burns on my tummy once and I can tell you the itching was awful. Bassett is probably frustrated because she can't wash the burn and help relieve the itch. It can be madening, believe me. Just imagine the most horribe itch you've ever had and not being able to scratch it. You may check with the vet and see about a anti itch cream like Jen suggested.

Prayers on the way too!

Naomi,
I am sorry you are going through this, for both you and Bassett. Remember that this IS a temporary thing. This won't be forever, and you don't have to think, "How will I deal with this forever?" It is just temporary. Now, you need to recognize that NAOMI has been through alot, too (we will get to Bassett in a moment). You are prolly feeling alot of the tension/fear/sadness, etc., come out now, now that Bassett has made it through the woods. Prolly much like a grieving person goes through stages. For so long, you had to be tough to be there for Bassett. So, these 'other' things weren't an issue. Now, that you can breathe easier, some of the 'other' things are becoming annoying/irritating/bothersome, etc.

I know how you feel about Bassett's burns. When Binx was still laid up from his nuetering ten days after the sir jury, and three ER vets later, I was pretty peeved at the surgeon. I was about ready to aim when I recieved a bill in the mail for the three days worth of antibiotics they provided- after all, they were the ones that infected him (that is how I see it). In 24 hours time, I spent over 200, all because of his 'simple' nuetering. The surgeon has the audacity to say, "maybe it is connected to his mouth problem".

Back to you- whatever is the cause of Bassett's burns, that is secondary now. Keeping her ok is the focus. I know the cone thing is awful. BUT, it isn't going to kill her. She might hate it, but, so what. We all have had to endure things we hate. I am not saying don't feel bad for her, but, you got to just ignore that for awhile. Have you tried telling her what is going on? As to the other's reacting to her, and her own animosity, that sounds pretty normal to me. Fear will bring it out, uncertainty will bring it out.

Finally, instead of the cone, would you be able to purchase a baby's onsie? Put it on her backwards, so her privates are still accessible, and snap it on one side of her neck, or, cut a whole in it. Or, try a children's t-shirt, on backwards. It provides another layer of protection to the burns, and doesn't involve the cone.
This was an idea given to me by Albea when Binx had his problems. It worked for us.

Good luck!!! And, we are all still praying for you guys.

Oh, poor Bassett:( I wish I could help in some way, but I just don't know how. I hope that she gets better very soon, and that her behavior goes back to normal. I know those cones are horrible, Bassett, but try really really hard for me to tolerate it for your Meowmie, she is very, very worried about you, and wants you to get better and stop hurting.

Bassett will be in my prayers.

I have never heard of animals getting burns during surgery or recovery from surgery. It surely sounds as though someone dropped the ball and didn't check Bassett often enough. I would ask around about that. Since your vet bills are sky high to begin with, I would certainly try to get the vet to pay for the treatment of the burns. Fair is fair.

Have you asked the vet for some meds to relax Luna? I bet her skin is itching more than painful. Does it look like it is clearing up?

It is such a shame that you and Bassett have to go through this, after all the success with the surgery. It just isn't FAIR!

Chin up.

By the way, the cone isn't going to kill the cat. She will have to hang in there until the wounds heal. Miley had one on for awhile and she hated it, but she dealt with it. She may have one on tomorrow, who knows!

Good luck, keep us posted. Keep your chin up. Lots of hugs and headbumpies coming your way!

L,
SAS