Feb 02 2010
Rescued
Henry Etta gets comfortable
On the Sunday Megan and I wallowed in “Gone with the Wind”, we noticed that all was not well with Henry Etta.
Though she’s always had a stumbling, arthritic walk, this was really bad. Henry dragged her back leg behind her when she walked, and you would be surprised by the noise the lame leg of a four and a half pound cat can make on a wood floor. It was horrifying to watch her drag herself through the cat door.
As I gazed at my sweet girl in horror, Megan swung into action and called Dr. Karen. Yes, we have our vet’s home number and cell number. And she called us right back. I could hear her family in the background as we spoke.
She suggested metacam, which is basically ibuprophen for cats, and treats with glucosamine and chondroitin called Sea Flex, carefully calculating the dosage for the tiny old cat. She said that she’d be in her old office in Fort Bragg on Wednesday and could dispense the meds there. This wasn’t good enough for the EMT in the family. Before Meg went to work on Monday night, she went to the Feed and Pet and picked up the Sea Flex.
She also stopped by Lu’s house, and it turned out that Lu had some metacam on hand from one of her cats’ past illnesses, and being Lu, gave the whole thing to Meg to give to me.
Anxious about Henry Etta, I slept badly that night, and woke when I heard Meg come in early on Tuesday morning – the same day I was leaving for the city. She dosed Henry Etta and said she’d come by each morning to do so while I was away, and that Rob would keep an eye on Henry Etta while I was gone.
Meg called me on Tuesday afternoon before she went to work to tell me that Henry was already better! And on Wednesday morning, Henry Etta actually ran to the door to meet Megan. Just one dose made such a difference!
Before I left, I put the cuddly bed you see above right next to the heater. This is the same bed I bought her years ago and which used to be under the porch in Oakland. She had scorned it since we moved here, but now it’s her place of choice. I’m happy that June and Audrey have left her alone on it and not tried to take it over or harass her.
Now I give her metacam every 72 hours and Sea Flex every day. She seems well and happy. I feel guilty that I didn’t notice it sooner and worry that she was in pain for a long time before I noticed. I’m just glad that we were able to help her. And I love how my sister is an EMT for animals as well as people.
8 Responses to “Rescued”
Both of my dogs are on Metacam. It really is as close to a ‘miracle drug’ as it gets, when it comes to dogs with arthritic pain or other chronic pain. Hugs to HenryEtta and you. Such a good mom!
Henry-Etta is sure in good hands…..many of them too. Can humans take this Metacam as well?
Glad that all is well now. jx
I believe a human formulation is called Mobic or Mobicox. It’s an anti-inflammatory. It certainly worked for Henry Etta!
Kel – thanks and glad to hear that you think it’s OK. A friend told me it causes renal failure in cats, but Dr. Karen says not. So much to worry about with our pets!!
Henry knew what she was doing when she chose you as her adoptive mother, she has had a tough life, now she has someone to take care of her and able to get a few good years in.
Glad Henry is feeling better. We’ll have to look into this Sea Flex; I think ‘ole Cato could probably use some. I’ll bring it up at his next vet check which should be soon.
It warms my heart that you and your extended clan are so good to Henry Etta. I hope I find people willing to be so kind when I am old and creaky.
I often think the same thing – especially since I’ll be a grumpy old lady! 🙂
Do ask your vet – it really works. Also Henry LOVES it, it’s more like a treat than a treatment.