Toby going to the vet

[melysion]

Well I've been successful with pilling before but, for some reason, it's proving impossible this time. Plus, regardless of any success I have, flatmate will not be able to do it at all. I object very strongly to the possibility of having to cancel my holiday so I do hope that won't happen.

I'm hoping there will be a long acting antibiotic injection that will be appropriate. If not, I'll have to stay in London and struggle futilely with these bloody pills. They are huge and I have to cut them in half.

Very stressed. Just waiting for the vet surgery to ppen

[Kobster]

Do you guys have Convenia in the UK? Its an antibiotic injection that is long acting (2 weeks) GREAT for cats! We love it, but its only been around a few years here.

[melysion]

We certainly have long acting antibiotic injections. Don't know what it's called though but I do know it's not appropriate for all situations.

Just called the vet surgery. Vet will call me back in a bit, she is in theatre at the moment

[marie73]

Typical vet, going to the movies while patients needs her.

j/k

[melysion]

Marie

Well, I'm having a very frustrating time at the moment. The pills Toby has are Metronidazole. Apparently they are the worse tasting thing on planet earth so I'm not surprised he isn't keen on them. I have considered crushing them in butter and smearing it on his paw so he has to lick it off, but if it tastes that revolting I dont see it working.

I explained (or thought I had explained) my problem with the vet surgery, but all thats happened so far is that they think I've got the liquid form (flagyl) and have prescribed me the same darn tablets I have already.

Argh! I dont want them. Toby wont have anything to do with them. And theres no point trying to hide them in his food or treats because he isnt eating anything. NOT A THING!

I'm worried because I'm not even sure if its the right treatment. He has had the poos but isn't going any more than usual - just once a day as always. The medication prescribed is based on 'assumption' only rather than any firm diagnosis at all and I'm supposed to not be here for a week from Friday. Flatmate will just leave Toby to his own devices. He'll try the medication but then stop if its gets too difficult and will just plonk Tobys food in his bowl and leave him to get on with it rather than give any encouragement at all. He even said 'well Toby isn't actually ill is he' this morning I really, truly, need a break. I can't tell you all just how tired I am at the moment and if I don't take my holiday this week, thats it for the entire year because work deadlines are coming up that I have to deal with.

And I'm pretty sure that theres no injectable alternative to Metronidazole. Not 100% sure, but pretty sure thats the case.

Not sure what to do now.

[Huge]

If he's not eating anything and has the runs, then he's ill. Stupid flatmate.

I can;t offer any practical advice, I'm less knowledgeable than you on this, but you have my sympathies, and I really hope you get to go on your holiday.
Oh and unless it's in your contract when you can and can't take it, you can go whenever.

[melysion]

Originally Posted by Huge

Oh and unless it's in your contract when you can and can't take it, you can go whenever.

In theory, yes. But theres a lot of deadlines coming up which means practically it would be foolish for me to do so. The next practical time to take a break is October. Seeing as my holiday entitlement runs from September-September (academic year) and I havent taken any time off yet I'll effectively have blown my entire years holiday entitlement.

Even if I could take Toby with me, a two hours train journey when he is ill just isnt on. Particularly if he produces a cow-pat.

Anyway. I have an appointment at 6pm for a long lasting antibiotic injection. Its not as good as the oral antibiotics would have been, but better than nothing. If he hasnt eaten by the weeked he has to go back.

[laurief]

It isn't an ideal solution, but could you board Toby with your vet while you're gone? That way at least you'd know he'd get his meds reliably and be syringe fed, if necessary. Or perhaps one of the vet techs at your vet's office could be hired to care for Toby in your home while you're gone.

Laurie

[Heidi n Q]

Ugh! Metronidazole is awful! It made my poor Mister foam up and drool for what seemed like hours!
I'm hoping if the vet was simply prescribing the Metronidazole as a precautionary, then the injectible anti-biotic would work similiarly. Ask about the appetite stimulant shot, too!

[melysion]

Just left the vet. Toby was very good having his injection and looks bright enough in his carrier next to me waiting for the train home. Apparently he should pick up by tomorrow. Lets hope so.

He did nibble at some cooked pork before we left so that's good news at least