Pushkin Has Another Spell In Hospital
After such a brilliant three weeks or so since the New Year, on Friday night last week, Pushkin suddenly started to wheeze and breathe terribly heavily again. We nursed and loved her, but she simply could not get comfortable, and she wasn't eating - we all know how horrible it is to try to eat when you are so bunged up, and we were really worried about her.
At about 7.00 p.m., I rang the vets at Wylie, and they said to bring her in straight away; the kind and understanding vet I spoke to said he would wait for us to arrive, and he would admit her. We got there at 7.30, and took Pushkin in; she was clearly unhappy, and after he had examined her, the vet put her into an oxygen kennel straight away. He then came and talked to us about her treatment, and promised he would call us if there was any change or major problem. The vet who would be working the overnight shift was also someone who knows Pushkin well, and we said we were happy for anyone to call us at any time, should that be necessary.
Back home, it felt strange not to have Pushkin in the lounge - it is always like that when she is in hospital, but at least we knew she would have some respite with the oxygen, and we hoped the vets would think of other medication that might also help her. It is just so peculiar the way the problem returns so dramatically, especially after a goodly stretch of time when Pushkin has been well.
At about 12.30 a.m., I rang the surgery, and spoke the lady on night duty; she remembers Pushkin from all the other times she has cared for her, and is so kind and understanding - she has 3 cats herself! - and knows how we feel. She assured us Pushkin had settled down well; she was on oxygen, so her breathing was better, and her respiratory rate had settled down, too; she is monitored every hour. I repeated that, if they needed to talk to us, I am an owl, and happy to take a phone call at any time! but knowing Pushkin was doing alright so far, meant I would have a better night.
In the morning, another vet rang us to say Pushkin was doing alright but, as she was still not eating, it was felt she should stay in for another day, to check how she gets on, and they wanted to see more stability with her breathing. Pushkin had been given a steroid injection and also something to stimulate her appetite; I also asked if she was dehydrated, but the vet said Pushkin was fine in that respect.
There is no doubt that Wiley Vets are very conscious of the fact that we worry about Pushkin and want the best for her; later in the day, they rang us to say she had had a little bit to eat, and was settling better. We agreed to the suggestion that Pushkin stay for another night in hospital, and then, if all was well, we could probably bring her home on Sunday.
On Sunday morning, I rang the surgery, and was assured it was all good news. We could indeed take Pushkin home; she was eating well, and they also felt she would be much happier and relaxed with us! - and so we would be, too.
We arranged a collection appointment for 1.15 and got there in good time. With all the problems thrown up with the virus, on arrival we had to ring reception, and let them know we were in the car park, and presently, one of the nurses brought Pushkin out to us in the carrying case, and put her on the back seat of the car.
The nurse gave us a full run-down of all that had been done for Pushkin and what medication she had been given, along with the assurance that if we were worried in any way about her, to bring Pushkin straight back. The vet had repeated that, if Pushkin needed further treatment, it would be better to get it going quickly, rather than leaving it in the hope that she might improve on her own.
It continues to be a mystery as to why these distressing incidents come on so fast; the best veterinary brains in the area are puzzled by it, and we know we have not introduced anything strange in the house that could cause an allergic reaction. Because I also have such a sensitive sense of smell, I don't use any aerosols, powders, carpet cleaners, diffusers or air fresheners, either - nothing has changed from the time when Pushkin was well for all the past years to now, when things can flare up so swiftly.
When we got home and opened the top of the carrying case, Pushkin leapt out of it like a two-year-old; tail up, she went investigating the food situation, and finding all her bowls empty, gazed at us resentfully until I opened a sachet as quickly as I could, and emptied it into her bowl. She was on it in a moment, really tucking in as though she hadn't eaten for days! and it was just wonderful to see such a positive reaction.
She has continued to eat well, and has little strolls out on the patio - although it has been literally freezing cold, she is determined to check everything is still in its place - and is loved and fussed and generally made to feel she is definitely back in charge.
We enjoy every moment. Long may it continue.
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