Tiger's Home! 'The butter incident!'

[Emeraldgreen]

I had a hard time falling asleep last night thinking about Tiger in the cage at the vet hospital. I was so concerned about the swelling, not only inside his nasal passages that they said would force him to 'open mouth' breathe but also the possible swelling at the back of his throat from the incision in his soft palate. I had this fear that he wouldn't be able to get enough air overnight but I prayed alot and finally fell asleep. I called the clinic at 8:30 when they opened and the tech told me that he not only was he doing fine but that to their amazement he was not breathing through his mouth but through his nose. They said he sounded 'gurgley' but that was to be expected. He was even eating this morning. I'm so proud of him, he's such a fighter. I'm pretty sure we'll be able to bring him home this afternoon. Anyway, just thought I'd post a 'mini' update. Thanks for all those prayers and well wishes everybody. God is listening.

[Catlady711]

I'm not only happy he got through the surgery well, but that he's also eating and breathing through his nose!!! I'm happy for both of you.

Hopefully his recovery will go fast and he'll be back to the old Tiger in no time. Even if the surgery can't be done again, I'm sure he'll feel better with the time you have given him with the surgery. I pray that the time you guys have left together is long, healthy, and full of happy moments, snuggles and head butts.

Thanks for updating us.

[jennielynn1970]

Oh this is so good to hear!!! Big gentle hugs to dear Tiger when he gets home!!

[Catty1]

Awwww....Tiger! A kitty this happy and loved and determined is GOING to get well! Especially if he is on pain meds, he will be breathing easier and feeling better.

HUGS to that baby! Can hardly wait til he comes home!

[Emeraldgreen]

Thanks guys.
We picked him up at 4:30 and he's home with us now. He's so hungry but every time I put a plate of food down for him, he sniffs and sniffs and then looks at me. I tried 4 different foods and each time I entered the room he was all over me waiting for me to lower the plate but then he sniffed like crazy and then sniffed everybody else's food and then just stared at me. I think he can't smell it. In the end, he ate a handful of crunchy tempation treats!
He's wobbly but I'm so amazed by him. He gets these hiccup things happening which the vet warned me about but as soon as it passes, he just keeps truckin'. He's my superhero.

Here are two pics that I took about 15 minutes ago and one pic that the vet sent home with Tiger. I was so shocked when I opened the envelope and found it. But, it was very interesting to me as well. It is a graphic pic of his surgery and the opening they made in his palate so don't scroll down if you don't like to see that kind of stuff.
p.s. I ordered the Transfer Factor Plus Advanced today and it should be here next week so I can get started on building Tiger's defenses and ridding him of any remaining cancer.
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[Catty1]

WOW. The surgery pic didn't gross me out, but I am really impressed with vets who do the surgery...there are a lot of really fine bones in there, which is why they often can't get every last bit...they would hurt the bone.

He is looking very sweet...might take a day or so for the sense of smell to come back. Stinky Sardine Time?

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so glad to hear that Tiger is now home and doing well. He'll probably start eating more in a few days. I'll continue to keep him in my thoughts and prayers.

[Medusa]

I say a prayer every day for vets like yours and mine and the people who work w/them. What an incredible job they do and we rely on them so much to help and save our furkids. I'm so impressed w/how things rolled w/Tiger and I sure hope he has some peace for a while. (and you, too)