Paizly's spay incision....

[Freckles]

Mine I just scoot them in between my legs, while I am sitting on my knees, almost kneeling over them, then I lean their head back and then *squirt* the meds.

This worked for me, but be sure to cross your ankles so cat can't back out!

[kimlovescats]

Ok, that was HORRIBLE!! She hates me now! After I finally got it down her throat I sat and cried my eyes out.
I will try another suggested way tomorrow morning, or tonight if I don't have help.
Ugh, this is going to be a LONG week. My poor baby girl.

Awwww, I'm so sorry! ((((HUGS))))) It's so awful to feel like we are making our kids feel worse but we have to remember that we are helping feel better in the end!

Poor widdle Paizley will be fine, Mommy!!!

[jennielynn1970]

When Finae and Boris were spayed, they each got infections. Finae's was especially bad, and I was really upset with the vet because he was supposed to fix her umbilical hernia but "forgot". Jerk.

With both of them (and they were done years apart), I did warm compresses on their incisions to help with the swelling and it helps get the infection out. I think they both actually liked the feeling of the compresses and they would both be so good and sweet while having it done. It was a nice bonding experience as well.

The only other thing I would use on the wound would be betadine, along with the compress. My vet said something about it healing as well as helping keep it clean. It definitely helped Calloway's tail when he had the abscess. I'd make sure the vet said it was ok to use it on the spay incision first though.

Hope Paizly feels better, and she will get over being mad at you, lol, don't worry! She's needs to have it done for her own well being anyway. Some of my guys are good about being pilled, others are horrible. I just try to make it as uneventful as I can, just get the pill in as quickly as possible, not make a fuss, and give them a treat afterward. Same with nail clippings.... quick and done!

[CathyBogart]

PILL POCKETS!!

I have to pill Sherpa every day, and he comes RUNNING to eat it if it's in a pill pocket! They're a little expensive, but beyond worth it.

Edit: No peroxide! It doesn't kill that much bacteria, and its foaming action can drive bacteria deeper into wounds. Saline or betadine is the best thing to use to keep it clean.

[Taz_Zoee]

Thank you Kim and Jennie!

PILL POCKETS!!

I have to pill Sherpa every day, and he comes RUNNING to eat it if it's in a pill pocket! They're a little expensive, but beyond worth it.

Edit: No peroxide! It doesn't kill that much bacteria, and its foaming action can drive bacteria deeper into wounds. Saline or betadine is the best thing to use to keep it clean.

It's not pills. It's liquid. And that's what I thought about the peroxide. I haven't put anything on it. I will only if it looks not clean, and then I'll ask my vet first.

Well, my day only got worse (work related). So I just want to go home and cuddle with my animals. I've cried three times already today and it's only noon!
Coming on to PT is my only good, stress relieving thing I can manage at this time. Thanks everyone for being awesome!!

[kt_luvs_kitties]

Cathy, my vet said that isnt true. I asked when I had to clean Puffs ear, and she said that that is a common misconception

She always used peroxide to clean wounds, abcesses, etc.

Also, the years I worked as a tech assistant, we ALWAYS used peroxide, because betadine stings, and that will make it unpleasant for the kitty.

It worked for Puff.

I think it is only true of deep open wounds, in which you would have to flush

[CathyBogart]

It's what I was taught when I went through the veterinary technician program. The vets who taught us that have both been in practice for over 20 years, and make a concentrated effort to stay up to date because they have to teach new technicians each year. I've also worked in three different clinics and I've never seen peroxide used for anything except cleaning up blood.

Cindy: Liquid, ouch! How long do you have to give it to her?

[Taz_Zoee]

Cindy: Liquid, ouch! How long do you have to give it to her?

7 days!
I'm going to try the towel technique and/or the between the legs on my knees (if my knee will allow it).

I appreciate everyones suggestions and advice. I'll tackle each step as it appears.

[Catty1]

You might try this, even if you have to wrap her in a towel: Lift the upper lip at the REAR of the jaw...there's usually more space there to squirt the stuff in from the side, and you don't have to pry the jaw open. If you CAN (I know this may not work) don't give her the whole dose - allow time for swallowing AND breathing between squirts.

Have treats ready for afterwards - right away!

Good luck!

[cassiesmom]

Prayers for sweet Paizly from us in Chicago -- Cassie & Elyse

[Taz_Zoee]

Now she has diarrhea. I have a call in to the vet. She's supposed to call me back tonight. I'm not giving her another dose until I hear from her.

No offense to anyone, but you guys don't understand how squirmy she is. I'm going to have to use the towel or something. Either that or I'm just too inexperienced. I don't recall having to administer liquid meds to Taz. I recall putting stuff in tuna and he gobbles it up. That's the ONLY time he gets tuna, when he needs meds.

I'll see what the vet says and update later.

[Taz_Zoee]

The vet called back and said to give her the meds for one more day. So three more doses.
I'm off to wrap my little burrito!

[Catlady711]

I see someone already answered the how often on peroxide question. At work we use peroxide alot and recommend it to our clients. We've never had a problem with it. With certain severe injuries we do use the Betadine though instead. I suppose the peroxide debate just depends on the particular vet, what he/she was taught and what's worked for them for years. I'd say neither is really wrong or right, just different.

Anyways, Clavamox liquid is a particularly bitter tasting med (not that I've actually tasted it, just what the vets at work say about it). You might ask if they can flavor it if they haven't already, it might help a bit. Clavamox can also sometimes cause stomach upset, particularly on an empty stomach. Make sure your kitty gets a little bit of food either right before or right after giving the meds.

As far as squirmy, I can relate. I've had to medicate some seriously squirmy, and sometimes outright mean, critters at work. In those cases the wrapping in a towel like a burrito usually works best. In addition, I don't try to pry open the mouth on those types. I use my left hand (I'm right handed BTW), to hold the head still, my right elbow pinning the burrito kitty to my chest on a table or counter, then use my right hand to nudge the eyedropper into the side of the mouth. That causes the mouth to open and I squirt away being sure to keep that head still, and tilted slightly up so they aren't as likely to spit it back out. Then rub the throat a second or two to encourage swallowing, then quickly turn the poor critter loose. Later when they are calmer I go back and try to make friends again with it.

Here's a video of giving a cat liquid meds if that helps you any.

http://partnersah.vet.cornell.edu/node/305

Good luck.

[Taz_Zoee]

Thanks for the video. But I had to laugh. Those kitties were so darn calm. I can't even hold Paizly's head like that and she freaks!!
Well, tonight Bruce helped me. He held her in the towel while I held her head and gave the meds. It was much easier, but she still squirmed and fussed. Since I only have to give it to her tomorrow morning by myself I'll just do my best. Just in case, Bruce said I could come wake him up and he'll hold her. That could be funny....a half asleep man trying to hold a spastic kitten.

Given Paizly's unknown first few weeks of life, she doesn't really like to be picked up or restrained. I am definitely working on that. I often pick her up and cuddle with her and kiss her on the head. She fights a little usually, but I'm hoping she'll eventually just give up and except the lovings.

Well, her incision still looks very good today. Hopefully she'll get enough antibiotics so the infection will go away.

[kt_luvs_kitties]

Cindy, just keep up the good work! Sounds like with help, all goes relatively easy Hubby never helps me, but THANK GOD all of mine are cooperative, even when I do lion cuts, and dress them up, glasses and shoes included I guess I lucked out!

BUT I wanted to add, that I have never had nor fostered a tortie that LIKED being picked up. Cuddled, yes... Lap warmers, sure. BUT NEVER BEING HELD... I wonder if it is a tortie thing???

Penny is tortie tabby, and she is an exception. Lucy (full tortie) HATES IT! She will try and get down at all cost, including sticking nails in my chest The sounds that come from her, you would think I was torturing her