With Pan’s illness(es), these past couple of months have been somewhat trying around here. The past 3 weeks have been especially stressful.
But – like you’ve gotta do – we’re “adjusting” to the new reality and addressing things as best we can. Three days ago Pan had another steroid shot and hydration and has perked right up again… eating a goodly amount of pork chops, ham, steak, dry kibble and a lick of whipped cream (I bought the dessert for her, honest – she just didn’t like the raspberry creme filling so we ate it for her. No, seriously.)
Anyway, several days ago when I took her in for the steroid and hydration treatment, Stephanie (HUGE FAN OF PAN and “seasoned” vet tech)said, “you know, *you* can give her the hydration treatments at home – she’s very gentle and doesn’t squirm or try to run.” Me: Nope, that’d freak me out.
But when I got home I began thinking about all the stress it causes both Pan and me to have to get in the truck, head to the doc’s, sit in the room, have her take the treatment and then head back home again… the poor thing shakes from the minute I pick her up to head out the door until 20 minutes after she gets home again.
Surely I’m not such a wuss that I can’t give her the electrolytes… or am I?
The next morning I cruised by on my bike ride and picked up the stuff. Later that day I hooked her up but the needle popped out when she got squeamish and bolted – something I wasn’t expecting at all. (Doh!) So the next day I put her big basket on her island (thx for the suggestion, Ellen), placed her in the basket and hooked her up. We were both good for about 100ml of goodies, which seemed to help her a great deal through the day and night until I hooked her up again @ 11 this morning and gave her a full 200ml (the recommended dose). I headed out to lunch on the 750 to meet some nsx buddies and when I returned home (not long ago), she was resting comfortably in Joanne’s office on the blankie.
So that’s where we are… we’re all – including Pan – adjusting and doing better in our own ways. This will be the last of my “Special Bulletin” Pan broadcasts until something goes seriously wrong… it’ll be safe to assume she’s doing reasonably well but not going to ever fully recover… and we’re ultra vigilant to her comfort and well being.
I’ve got a ton of pics to post over the next few days, I’m sure you’ll enjoy seeing them – lots of nature stuff going on – it’s spring.
In closing, let me again say thanks to each of you for your care for Pan and for us. We know how special a creature Pan is to everyone who knows her… she’s been a part of our lives for a very long time now – kitten to mature Queen of The House – but we’re nearing the end of our time with her… so let’s enjoy her while we can – visitors always welcome! 🙂
’til next time.
hal