Jim and Sterling, blood was found in urine

[HayleyRosie]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope they are better really soon.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Jen, I know this is a very hard thing for you to do but if it will help them then it's worth it. If it's too hard for you to watch then maybe your husband can take care of the cats and you can stay at your father's house. Prayers and positive thoughts are on the way for a complete recovery and a very happy ending. Please take care.

[jenluckenbach]

Well, Jim has quieted down and I am managing to get the pills into Sterling. He is difficult and does his darndest to spit them out. I am afraid he is going to begin fearing me. Yesterday he did not even greet me when I came home and up to see them BUT he greeted Charlie right away when he came home and went to see them. Not THAT hurt!

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

Jen,

I guess the only thing I can say it that "sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind" - just try to remind yourself that you are doing it for their own good - the last thing you need is a long-term behaviour problem!

Sending (((HUGS)))

[Barbara]

I think we have to tell the Whiskas people that they have to produce really yummy treats that can be opened to put a pill in and closed hermetically

With Filou we managed most pills by cutting a slot in a piece of wet cat food or in raw meat and get the pill in there.

I wish you find the trick that works for Sterling! It's devastating if you try and they don't talk to you anymore or they just don't get the meds they need!

[K & L]

I just saw this thread. We've been out of town recently (my father's very ill) and then my husband's mother came in from KY for a few days, so I haven't been on-line as much. I'm sorry to hear you're going through all of this, but the good thing is you caught it all before they were really sick! Hang in there, it will be worth all this once they're better!

[kimlovescats]

Oh Jen.... I didn't read this until just now. I knew of the spraying, peeing problems and then that you were going to be caging them temporarily....but now I see that they do indeed have UTIs. Like Cataholic said.... I hate to know they are uncomfortable with the infections, but it is somewhat encouraging to know that this is most likely contributing to their misbehaviour! You are doing what is the BEST for these boys, and they will still love you when it is all over! Hang in there, girl!!!

HUGS,
Kim

[Killearn Kitties]

This is very hard for you. I know how it feels when you have to keep a cat confined and it is calling to you, making the most anguished sounds!! It absolutely breaks your heart. I know a week seems like a month and knowing it is for their own good doesn't help.

I'll be thinking about you and wishing you the best of luck.

[slick]

How are things today Jen??

[jenluckenbach]

I sat and cried last night as I sat and listened to Jim yowl. I talked to the vet about his stress level in the cage and she said to allow them to be out when I am around to monitor. So they will get some "exercise breaks". I can only wonder if they will wonder why they are being put back in if they behave.
As anxious as I am to move on to the next step (the one room confinement) I don't want the last few day to have been in vain. This is the thought that keeps me going.
I have been getting the pills into them OK. I do need to tightly scruff them while administering, though. But I give them a very big hug after each one. At least when the antibiotics are finished, there will only be one pill each to deal with.
The problem with the amitippyline (sp?) is that the dose will vary from cat to cat. we are starting at 1/2 a pill daily. I was told that if they are too sleepy to reduce it to 1/4 tablet. But some might cats need a whole pill. What I don't know is how will I know if Jim need MORE? The vet said it could take up to a month to take its full effect. What if I go through all this, let them out and he pees again just because I did not give him enough medicine? I will ask more questions when I go for their second round of urine tests.

[Barbara]

In general the antibiotics should do their work quickly. the effect happens soon. So I think if the symptoms continue the dosis should be increased.

But that's the problem too. Some people think that if the symptoms disappear they could stop medication. And that's not true as the bacteria level is just much lower. To extinct them completely , the meds must be given much longer even after you can't see any symptoms.

{{{Hugs}}}

[jenluckenbach]

I am sorry, I am not talking about the antibiotics, I am talking about the medicine that is suppose to calm their behavior. The one that is suppose to make them stop wanting to spray all over the place. That is the medicine whose dosage is variable. And at this moment I am leaning toward the thinking that Jim may need a higher dosage.

[sasvermont]

Jen, there is a cream form of the amitrypiline (sp)..... you just put it in the ear. much easier than a pill. ask you vet.

[Barbara]

Oh I understand! Sorry for that. I hope it works asap