angieh
15-10-2008, 02:29 PM
I am feeling quite upbeat about this. Merlin saw one of the senior vets today - who was so confident in handling Merlin that he flicked three pieces of tartar off Merlin's teeth before Merlin knew what was going on! "There" he said, "Not a complete dental but that's got rid of a lot of it!"
Merlin was by then swearing quite a bit, but the vet gave him a thorough check over and said how well he was doing for a cat of his age. We discussed the blood test results - as I said in the previous thread about the tests, Merlin's kidneys are not working 100%, but are still fairly good for a cat of his age but one consequence is of course the anaemia. He gave Merlin a vitamin B12 shot. I asked about repeating the antibiotic injection and the vet was of the opinion that as Merlin is currently eating well there really was no need unless the infection causes him problems again. He recommended that I try him on the Hill's k/d diet, and I have bought 6 pouches just to see how he goes. The vet said that there was absolutely no point in giving him the diet if he won't eat it, but I am going to introduce it very gradually over 5 or so days to see what happens.
Merlin has again put on a bit more weight, which is really good news.
As for the flea problem, this vet recognised that some people are having problems with Frontline and had no reservations about prescribing Stronghold for Merlin. He is due his next dose this Saturday - so fingers crossed that will solve our problems.
He also recommended a monthly check provided nothing happens in the interim of course.
I am very happy to have bought my Merlin home with me again and to know that he is not struggling. A bit stiff maybe, but he's not in pain nor is he distressed. He really is as well as can be expected for his age.
Thanks to everyone for their kind remarks, comments and suggestions.
Yola, I have taken note of your request for more pictures and am on it!
Merlin was by then swearing quite a bit, but the vet gave him a thorough check over and said how well he was doing for a cat of his age. We discussed the blood test results - as I said in the previous thread about the tests, Merlin's kidneys are not working 100%, but are still fairly good for a cat of his age but one consequence is of course the anaemia. He gave Merlin a vitamin B12 shot. I asked about repeating the antibiotic injection and the vet was of the opinion that as Merlin is currently eating well there really was no need unless the infection causes him problems again. He recommended that I try him on the Hill's k/d diet, and I have bought 6 pouches just to see how he goes. The vet said that there was absolutely no point in giving him the diet if he won't eat it, but I am going to introduce it very gradually over 5 or so days to see what happens.
Merlin has again put on a bit more weight, which is really good news.
As for the flea problem, this vet recognised that some people are having problems with Frontline and had no reservations about prescribing Stronghold for Merlin. He is due his next dose this Saturday - so fingers crossed that will solve our problems.
He also recommended a monthly check provided nothing happens in the interim of course.
I am very happy to have bought my Merlin home with me again and to know that he is not struggling. A bit stiff maybe, but he's not in pain nor is he distressed. He really is as well as can be expected for his age.
Thanks to everyone for their kind remarks, comments and suggestions.
Yola, I have taken note of your request for more pictures and am on it!