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Hi white shadow.
Hi FeralHearts!
I've seen your thread going since the start, but hadn't read any of it 'till tonight.
Pillow Foot is a notoriously 'slow heal' but I'm sure your tenacity will overcome it.
I want to drop one thought for your consideration. It's about what you described here
"It took a few needles unfortunately to get blood for her but that wasn't their fault at all....I felt bad for her Doctor. Boy, BH made her work for that blood."IF they were attempting the draw from her jugular, I'd really suggest that you consider insisting on their using a leg vein for future needs. I've read accounts of very serious needle injuries in some cats, and have had personal experience with one of my fractious ones (where they resorted to a leg vein) and a second cat who was grievously injured in a jugular draw. Quite honestly, reading your account sent a shiver up my spine.
I'll say no more...it's just one of those 'words to the wise' things.
Hang in there!
.
Thank you for reading this and for the reply. It actually help me to understand something that happened.
Yes, sadly this healing is like watching paint dry. I feel bad I have to syringe her this medication every night. I can manage, but I feel so bad for her. Worse is knowing that her foot is just a manifestation, a symptom of what's really going on, and that no one knows why, or how it happens. At least they know it's an auto immune system issue so I can work on building her immune system up as best as I can. (That being said - I'm really be grateful it's not something far worse! It certainly could have been.)
This is what you helped me to understand - so thank you! (Below...)
They allowed me to stay in the room with her because of her nature. They made sure I wasn't squeamish etc and I let them know I was okay. I sat in a chair beside the table and stayed out of the way. I watched them take her pee and blood. Some of my babies, they take blood from the jugular - so I'm glad to know what happened with you so I can be mindful of this in the future. These are the things people really NEED to know about so they know what can happen. So truly, thank you very much.
She WAS looking at her jugular - as that is where she was going to take it - but she took a step back when she was looking at it. Something obviously bothered her, something about where the vein was sitting she didn't like - so she didn't bother to even attempt it. She went straight to her leg.
The blood refused to come out of her leg. Literally drips. She was being so careful and was very slow and steady. She took really good care with her and having two techs in the room steadying Braveheart was great. It took a bit as the blood wouldn't come.
When we go again, I'll be placing some warming bottles with her in the carrier to try to get her circulation better (maybe even massage her legs a bit before) so hopefully we don't have that issue again. I think her Doctor was worried I would think something bad because it took three needles to get the amount she needed - but I could see clearly what was happening and it wasn't on her at all. I can honestly say it was bad luck with it.
PS I am so very sorry to hear that one of yours was really hurt by a jugular blood draw. *hugs* Again, this is why it's so important for us to know these things. Risks etc. Makes me feel so relieved that her Vet chose not attempt it.
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