Prayers for Chestnut, please

**mrspunkysmom** · 05-13-2012, 07:30 AM

Prayers for Chestnut and your family.

**Freedom** · 05-13-2012, 09:09 AM

Thank you for the postings. Chestnut made it through the night. I hope - and pray - he is not suffering; he is clearly not a happy cat and not feeling well at all. Don't know how I am going to get him to survive 9 more days.

I alternate being teary, and angry at the vet staff for having let him scratch someone so I am now facing this potential horror if he passes in less than the 10 days.

**pomtzu** · 05-13-2012, 09:37 AM

I'm confused!!!

If he is an inside only cat, how is it possible that he could potentially have rabies? How or what could he have come in contact with in the first place, to get it. Doesn't make sense to me.

**Catty1** · 05-13-2012, 11:14 AM

Come on, baby Chestnut. One day at a time, stay with your mom as long as you can. If you have to go to the Bridge, then she can at least have a special place at home for you.

Hugs! I pray he rallies a bit, if only to feel more comfortable.

Might the vet allow a bit of prednisone to take down the swelling and perhaps boost his appetite?

Prayers and good thoughts for Chestnut.

**Freedom** · 05-13-2012, 12:38 PM

Candace, we are waiting for the lab report on the blood work before adding a steroid or anything else med wise. If it is this, prednisone would help; if it is that, it wouldn't help. Can't remember what all the possibilities are just now.

Ellie, I do understand that vets can't take the risk of an owner 'saying' a pet is indoor only, when in fact is in and out, or escaped recently. I do NOT understand why this is an issue when his vaccine is up to date and has been all his 14 years. Same vet, seen him since I got him as a one pound baby, never been a gap in his rabies coverage.

**Randi** · 05-13-2012, 12:51 PM

Oh Sandie, I'm so very sorry to hear about Chestnut's problems.

It's just not fair... you have been through so much lately. I so hope he will pull through this.

I'm sending lots of positive thoughts to Chestnut and to you.

(((hugs)))

**krazyaboutkatz** · 05-13-2012, 11:14 PM

Originally Posted by Freedom

Ellie, I do understand that vets can't take the risk of an owner 'saying' a pet is indoor only, when in fact is in and out, or escaped recently. I do NOT understand why this is an issue when his vaccine is up to date and has been all his 14 years. Same vet, seen him since I got him as a one pound baby, never been a gap in his rabies coverage.

I don't understand your vets way of thinking in this case either.

What good is it to keep your cats vaccines up to date if they may then have to undergo a rabies exam if they scratch or bite someone. I know that when my RB Starr bit me, he was also up to date on his rabies shot. I did go to the doctor and I was put on antibiotics. I explained to the doctor that he was current with all of his vaccines. She just told me to call my vet to explain what happened just in case this had to be reported. My vets assured me that everything would be fine and it was because nothing was reported.

Lots more prayers and positive thoughts are being sent to both of you. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

**pomtzu** · 05-14-2012, 06:19 AM

Originally Posted by Freedom

Ellie, I do understand that vets can't take the risk of an owner 'saying' a pet is indoor only, when in fact is in and out, or escaped recently. I do NOT understand why this is an issue when his vaccine is up to date and has been all his 14 years. Same vet, seen him since I got him as a one pound baby, never been a gap in his rabies coverage.

Well now I'm even more confused!!! If Chestnut had his rabies vaccine and it's current, then there shouldn't be any issue at all. Not telling you what to do, but I would certainly be making some phone calls and checking with the state about this. Hopefully it won't come down to a push/shove issue. I would also insist that anyone handling any of your cats in the future, that they wear protective gloves.

Still sending lots of prayers out to Chestnut and all of your family.

**Freedom** · 05-14-2012, 09:04 AM

Oh believe me, I am fuming over this! This vet has never been one I like, or get along with. When I phoned Sat am, she was the one working Sat. Next time she is the only one on, I will call another vet!!!

For now, I'm a bit stuck with her. Need to get the blood work lab report today. Will take it from there.

Rabies is carried in saliva . .. and cats are known to lick their paws, hence IF a cat has rabies, it COULD be on the nails. So the vet 'says' a human life is potentially at risk due to him scratching the vet tech, and he has to be tested if he dies within 10 days. I am also sure this vet is NUTS after researching online. However, I am now stuck with dealing with her.

Fom what I can figure, the vet is taking a VERY narrow interpretation of the applicable laws. This is why I usually do my best to avoid her; but he needed to see a vet Sat., and she was the one working. Next time, for sure, I go elsewhere if she is the only one available.

Symptoms on Sat morning were: protruding back, severely anemic (gums are white), can barely walk and has to stop and rest, vet felt something in his abdomen, could be a mass, could be enlarged liver. He had major black gunk eye discharge, lost his balance / orientation and was crying much of Friday night I was up with him. Since starting the meds (clavamox antibiotic and pet tinic for iron supplement) on Sat am, the eyes have cleared, has regained balance and no crying at all. He is eating, drinking, peeing and pooping fine. His gums are still white which is a big concern. We get the blood work lap report later today, and may be able to start more meds then.