Conference misery::feline_v1

    A very BIG atta girl, Pat!!
    
    Enjoy him as I know he will enjoy you!
    
    E.T.

    There are a lot of truly amazing people in this file.  Wish there
    were more in this world.  
    
    Pam

    
    Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!
    
    F.

    Way to go Pat!  Rehabilitating strays can be VERY rewarding!! I
    didn't believe all the stories about the positive personality changes
    that cats go through when healthy and well cared for!   Jesse 
    taught me differently!  Can't think of much else I'd rather do.
      Nancy DC
    

    Hurray for you Pat.  Sweetie also came to me with healed injuries after
    no medical attention from what was presumed to be being hit by a car.
    One of his back legs had healed crooked, but he gets along fine in the
    house, with no signs of pain, and slightly reduced agility.  The vet
    said it was better to leave the leg alone.  I am not sure Sweetie
    was abandoned, and maybe your cat wasn't either.  I always wondered if
    Sweetie had crawled under a hedge and been unable to move except to
    drag himself to water for several weeks, by which time his owner had
    probably given up looking for him (I advertised and registered him
    at the shelter, but no one claimed him, thank goodness.)
    

    
    Great news for you and Midnight!!  My first cat was a stray tom
    that adopted me.  There is no better feeling in the world than to
    know that your cat choose YOU for his human.  I hope you and Midnight
    get to enjoy each other for a long time.  Bless you Pat!
    
    Feline GREAT!
    
    Sue & Panther & Spot
    

    You're wonderful, Pat, and Midnight is lucky to have found you!
    
    Everyone else is right--the relationship between yourself and a
    previously neglected or abused cat is very special.
    
    We got Melody from a shelter who picked her up from the "wilds".
    The vet suspects that she had been abused--both from 4 missing front
    teeth and her behavior (she cringes and runs at swinging objects like
    brooms, tennis rackets, etc and is terrified of strangers).
    
    Just to know how much she trusts us makes us feel undescribably good.
    
    All our best to all of you,
    
    Barbara (Melody, Missy and Brittany)
    

    Picked Midnight up Monday night from vet's as planned.  Vet told me he
    was a "sweatheart" while there being cared for and during his bath.
    Have to bring him back Sunday afternoon as vet wants to check his foot
    again.  I've been soaking it in warm water and epsom salts twice a day
    and he's good about that too.  He's had his first Felv shot and goes
    back in a few weeks for his 2nd.
    
    I was told, however, that the torn and bloody crippled foot was in that
    condition because of the way he walks on it and not because he was
    biting at it.  Due to the deformed foot, he can't walk normally on it
    and thus opens up the area when he's outside on rough ground or trying
    to run away from things.  He uses it much like a cane and she felt as
    long as he was kept indoors on soft rugs and bedding, this condition
    would have a better chance of healing.  It will remain a chronic
    problem for him so there's not much choice except to keep him indoors.
    
    He is also neutered; the tail flicking I saw him doing was probably due
    to a couple of things, the vet told me.  He was neutered late and he
    was undergoing stress.  Once he settles in and relaxes, this should not
    be a problem.  Right now I have to keep him confined in the large dog
    crate set up for him in my kitchen (not easy with just 3 rooms in my
    apt. to work with).  I have to use shredded newspaper for his litterbox
    as the regular kitty litter would only irritate his foot and it could
    get infected and not heal at all.  He is a very clean cat and has used
    his litterbox each time.  There are blood spots on newspaper lining 
    the cage floor, and on hood of his box bed where he likes to rest.  The
    chronic bleeding from the foot may also be why he was abandoned.
    
    I've had no problems giving him his antibiotic pills every 12 hours; he
    sometimes complains (meows or low growl) but he swallows them anyway. 
    He does not like the confinement and I think seeing my other 4 cats
    walking around and curiously stopping to look in at him may be causing
    him to feel resentment toward them.  Until the foot has healed and
    stopped bleeding, he will need to be confined.  Thai wants to play with
    Midnight but I have to warn him not to bother Midnight right now as he
    isn't well yet.  D.P. has been sleeping on top of the cage over
    Midnight's bed.  I have a towel over the top to give Midnight some
    privacy while he rests.  Holly has merely watched him from a distance
    and when she has to go by him, she "tip-toes".  Buffy (my other old
    cat) hasn't paid too much attention to him.  Only noticed him - as
    he was passing by the cage twice - stop, look Midnight in the eye, and
    give him a low growl.  Sort of a "I'm tough if I want to be so don't
    mess with me and we'll get along!"  He uses that on Thai too but Thai
    "calls him" on it and Buffy heads for cover.  I think Thai just likes
    to see Buffy run from him cause he never continues the chase.
    
    I have a feeling that Midnight may be the hardest to adjust to this
    multi-cat, indoor lifestyle so it may take awhile.  He is the first to
    come as a grown cat and I think due to his leg/foot problems, he
    doesn't have the best disposition.  Maybe time with us will mellow him
    and he won't feel threatened or hurt anymore.
    
    
    
    
    

    Pat,
      I know from personal experience that the pain of injury or
    infection can adversely effect a cat's disposition.  See what
    happens when he's no longer in constant pain.  Jesse's been
    trilling at me lately.
      N

    Yes, and it's stressful for you too, having him confined.
    I'm sure things will be a lot better (after an initial upheaval)
    once he is healed and out of the cage and off medication.
    

================================================================================
Note 2990.0               Some signs of improvement...                   1 reply
STAR::PMURPHY                                        49 lines  27-OCT-1989 12:26
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Midnight's foot has stopped bleeding and though still raw looking, I think
it's trying to heal.  I petted and made of him after they all ate last
night and I could hear a very faint purr coming from Midnight.  First time
I've heard that from him.  Each time after that when I would pass by, 
he'd meow to me; I'd stop, pet and talk to him some more.  Seems like 
he's already found out how to get me to give him that extra attention 
he must miss. Didn't hear him growl once last night at anyone.

This morning when I took his dishes out to clean them, I left the top of
the cage open.  Next thing I heard was "thump, thump" and there was Midnight
on the kitchen floor.  I had my inside door open (screen is still on storm
door) just to air out the kitchen after a night of using the litter boxes ;-)
(First thing I have to do in the morning is scoop out the boxes; with 
Midnight's, I have to completely change it due to the shredded paper 
in his.)

He meowed and walked over to the door, stood on his hind legs and meowed to
go out.  I explained to him it wouldn't be a good idea as it would cause his
foot to start to bleed again and besides he had noplace to go outside.  When
he realized he wasn't going to go out, he started "mingling" but staying in
the kitchen.  I warned everybody to "give him space" and they did. While I 
was cleaning their dishes and getting their food ready; Midnight was at my
feet rubbing on my legs like any cat does at meal time and watching the others
(who were watching him very closely too) :-)

He actually ate from his dish next to D.P.  Buffy has shown he does not like
nor trust Midnight so he still assumes his role of "I'm the old man of the 
hill here, not you".  Thai tried to move too quickly to be friendly and was 
put in his place right away by Midnight; he stayed his distance after
that.  Holly just stays clear of everyone, minding her own business as usual.

Cookie (my 15 yr. old Toy Poodle) suddenly made an appearance into the 
kitchen and I guess she was walking too quick as it frightened Midnight so 
he hissed and struck at her, causing Cookie to cry out and snap; no blood or
injuries thank goodness.  Cookie is used to multi-cats and wasn't 
expecting that reaction from Midnight.  I don't think Midnight is used 
to dogs though. I decided to put Midnight back in the cage to play it safe. 
Maybe by this gradual "being loose for awhile" introduction will work.  He 
protested a little but then relaxed.  Maybe his pill was working on him too.
He's real good about taking these.

From petting him, his body felt closer to a ten year old cat.  He's 
big-boned, has four double paws, and seems like he'd get along with 
other animals okay as long as they left him alone.  He does not feel 
like playing, no doubt due to his age and handicap.
    
    Pat
    

================================================================================
Note 2990.1               Some signs of improvement...                    1 of 1
STAR::PMURPHY                                         3 lines  27-OCT-1989 12:40
                               -< re. note 2976 >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sorry about that, Moderator.  Meant for this to be added to my previous
    note on Midnight #2976.
    

    My feline family has passed the ultimate test this weekend.
    
    The big test came when I left Midnight out of the large dog crate I had
    set up for him and left the door open for him to re-enter if he wanted
    to (which he did on a couple of occasions to eat and sleep).
    
    Saturday morning is my grooming time for everyone so Midnight got his
    turn too.  He was very good and I clipped his claws including the ones
    on his bad front foot.  
    
    Saturday afternoon with my housecleaning done, I left Midnight out in
    the apartment to explore and get more acquainted with my other 4 cats. 
    The weather was so beautiful outside that I opened my screened windows
    in the rooms, giving everyone a chance to pick a window to sit or lie
    in.  They had a wonderful time going from window to window and swapping
    places; even caught Thai and Midnight sitting together in my kitchen
    window enjoying the view together. 
    
    Saturday evening, I found Midnight sleeping on the top, back portion of
    my recliner and old Buffy was curled up on the seat part.  Midnight has
    found the two, corrugated scratching posts (the kind that lie flat in
    cardboard boxes with catnip scent) to be very enjoyable as he used them
    quite often the weekend.  He is quite able to jump to the window sills
    and chairs with little difficulty.  Only thing I haven't seen him use
    yet is the 3-shelved kitty gym but he may be on it right now. ;-)
    
    On the advice of a friend, I bought the soft clay litter by "Ever
    Clean" for Midnight's use.  He likes it too better than shreded
    newspaper.  Midnight went for a recheck of his foot to the Vet's
    yesterday morning and though it's still a little raw (and will probably
    be a chronic problem but not as severe if he's kept indoors), she said
    it looked much better.  She cauterized the area and gave me some of the
    cauterize sticks to administer "as needed" to keep the area from
    bleeding and to try to get a little tougher skin growth there. 
    Midnight was very well behaved during this procedure but Vet said it
    usually takes 2 people to do it - one to hold the cat and another to
    cauterize.
    
    When I brought the carrying case in to the examining room Sunday
    morning and let Midnight out, he was sooooo affectionate.  He put his
    front paws up on my shoulder and rubbed his face against mine and then
    went over to the Vet to let her pet him.  She put him on the floor to
    watch him walk again and he did a thorough search of the area.  He
    flicked his tail toward a couple of areas as a Tom cat might when it's
    marking territory, but when she checked there was no urine.  He still
    does this ritual but at least that's all he does.  ;-)
    
    He is scheduled for his next Felv shot Nov. 12th at 11AM.
    
    Pat, Thai, Holly, D.P., Buffy, and Midnight

    What a fantastic story to read on a cloudy blue rainy day.  It really
    made me feel good.  I read it from start to finish.  Midnight really
    picked a special person to own.
    
    Sandi & THUNDER, LIGHTNING, STORM & DEJAVU TOO
    
    

    
    Thank you, Sandi (and Company).  I think "we" were fortunate to have
    been chosen by him and there when he needed us.  I am very thankful
    that my "family" have accepted him so quickly and well.
    
    Pat, Buffy, Holly, D.P. Gremlin, Velvet Thai, Midnight (& Cookie) ;-)
    

    What can I say except that you must be a very special person.
    Midnight's story really touched me (sitting hear all choked up)
    and I'm sure he'll return the love you give him ten-fold.
    
    God bless ya!!!!
    
    
    Giudi in S.F. (Pippin, Gino & Stitch Too)

    Midnight is still trying to get me to let him outside.  He seems to
    pick after mealtime in the AM and PM.  He'll finish eating his "Mother
    Hubbard" canned cat food which he prefers over Hill's Prescription Diet
    canned cat food, and then limp over to the door, "complaining" in low
    growling sounds.  I told him he'd have to settle for the litterbox
    (which he does).  When he finishes using the box, he stands up on his
    hind legs at the door "meowing".  Glad he doesn't know how to use the
    door latch like D.P. does.  If I take too long unlocking my door when I
    come home, D.P. has been known to work at the latch from inside with
    his big front paws; it's so funny to see and hear the latch moving
    especially when you know it's a cat working it. ;-)
    
    Midnight seems so restless, pacing around the apt. until he settles
    down either on top of my recliner above my head or on the scratching
    posts on the livingroom rug.  I started thinking about the very faint
    possibility that maybe he had an owner (perhaps elderly folks who may
    have lost Midnight).  In any case, I decided to place an ad in the lost
    and FOUND columns in two of the local papers.  I've been checking those
    columns myself to see if someone put in an ad for a cat of his
    description.  The first paper printed my ad "free", 3 lines for 3 days
    (today is the 3rd day) and the other paper printed it "free", 3 lines
    for one week.  No calls yet and I really don't expect any but it makes
    me feel better anyway.
    
    Had to cauterize his foot a couple of times since his visit to the vet. 
    Turned out that I can do this myself without any problem because he's
    so good to work with.  He does a lot of moving about in the apt., as I
    said, and I think he scrapes the foot open when he jumps from the
    window sills or the bench I have for the cats at one of the kitchen
    windows.  Found he's also been on my kitchen counter and stove during
    the night, which is supposedly "off limits" to my cats but it's very
    hard to supervise all the time.
    
    Midnight seems to be a "junk food junkie".  I was eating some Doritos
    one night last week and next thing I knew, here was Midnight begging
    for some.  He stood on his hind legs and "hit" me with his crippled
    foot, just sort of swung it up and it hit my arm.  He ate the samplings
    of Doritos I'd give him which surprised me as my other cats wouldn't
    touch junk food.
    
    Wish you could have seen me and the "kids" yesterday afternoon.  I was
    relaxing in front of a good classic on TV ("How the West Was Won") and
    picture this: D.P. was sleeping on his back like a baby on my lap; next
    to him was Holly half dozing while watching TV; Buffy sitting on the left
    arm of the chair; Cookie down in the right hand side of the chair next to me
    sleeping; and Midnight in back of me on the top of the recliner also
    sleeping.  Only one missing from the picture was Thai as he was curled
    up on my bed.  Talk about being surrounded by critters! ;-)
    
    Pat, Holly, D.P., Buffy, Thai, Midnight, and Cookie.
    
    
    
    

    Try distracting Midnight with a "kitty tease".  That's what we're
    doing when Jesse begs to go out.
    
    Perhaps you can make some sort of "shoe" for Midnight to protect
    his foot.
      Nancy DC

    Funny you should mention the "shoe" for his foot, Nancy.  Midnight goes
    in to Vet's Sunday for his second Felv shot and I'm going to ask the
    Vet about some kind of covering for his foot.  
    
    When he begs to go out it doesn't last long; only if I have the inside
    door open for a moment like when I let Cookie out to do her business.
    Once the door is closed, however, he settles down soon after.  He does
    tend to follow me around in the apt.
    
    Received a call from a girl Monday evening re. Midnight.  Seems she
    lost a neutered male cat w/white on it 4 months ago.  When I asked her
    if she could tell me where the white markings were on her cat, she said
    "Oh I don't remember cause he's been gone four months now".  Don't
    understand how a person could forget how their animals are marked.  I
    have a total of 8 animals in my family now (including a horse and pony) 
    but I know how are each of them are marked.
    
    When I told her the cat I had also had a crippled leg and paw, she
    asked if she could get back to me the next night (which would have been
    last night) to arrange to see him.  She never called back.
    
    I really don't think Midnight is her missing cat but if he is and I got
    to talk to her again, I'd want to ask her some questions about him. 
    For instance, why does he always cringe when a friendly hand is
    extended to pet him?  He's finally getting used to the fact I'm not
    going to hurt him but there are times when he still cringes (with his
    eyes shut tight as if waiting to be hit), only to realize it's only me
    and he then pushes his head under my hand for more petting.
    
    Of course, it doesn't mean if she is the owner she did any hitting; she
    could have someone else living with her who did that and maybe that's
    also how he ended up homeless.  I guess I've seen and heard too many
    similar horror stories about cats.  I'm really still hoping nobody
    claims him as he's fine with us.  Just has to get used to my two wild
    boys, D.P. & Thai, when they start playing tag, hide-n-seek, and fetch_
    and_chase_the_ball.  ;-)
    
    Pat, D.P., Thai, Buffy, Holly, Midnight, & Cookie
    

    Maybe she should be asked for some photos of him.  I couldn't tell
    you exactly how my guys are marked everywhere, that's why I've taken 
    id pictures in case this situation comes up, although I'm sure
    I'd know them in person.
    

    Well, I've received several calls from the ads on Midnight from people
    who've "lost" their black cats in the past few weeks, but all had white
    either on their faces or feet (Midnight has no white on his face nor
    feet).  One person even asked me "how did I know the cat I had was
    neutered?"  I bit my tongue and just replied, "I have 4 indoor cats and
    to make sure the black cat was healthy, took him to the Vet's."  ;-)
    His missing black cat, it seems, was not neutered and missing for 3
    weeks.
    
    I then told him I was sorry the cat I had was not his but wished him
    luck in finding his cat, and hoped he'd get him neutered when found.
    
    Pat, Thai, D.P., Buffy, Holly, Midnight (& Cookie).
    

    Having some problems with the chronic bleeding/no healing of Midnight's
    deformed foot pad.  When I took him back to Vet's for his second Felv
    shot, the Vet (an associate of first Vet who saw Midnight) suggested
    not to cauterize the open area as it was destroying any living tissue
    preventing healing.  When I asked him what he'd recommend for a
    covering to protect the foot (as well as my apt. from blood stains), he
    suggested an infant's sock with some cotton padding inside.  He gave me
    a solution to mix with warm water for soaking the foot twice a day
    also.
    
    I picked up a package of bootie socks (3 prs.), and some velcro.  The
    only problem is, I find I have to check on it regularly as the little
    stock tends to slip down and off his foot eventually from all his
    walking about and jumping up and down from sills and furniture.  I
    tried crating him at first but it seems two of my other feline friends
    have decided Midnight's "ever clean" litter is wonderful to play with
    and they reach in through the bars pulling the sand-like clay outside
    onto the kitchen floor.  For those of you who've bought this litter,
    you know it's not cheap.  I bought it just for Midnight's use because
    of his bad paw.
    of his bad paw.
    
    I put the velcro around the top portion of the bootie sock as tight as
    I dare to (don't want to cut off circulation).  Any other suggestions
    would be appreciated.  I'll be on vacation all next week so I'll be
    able to monitor this better.  The only other alternatives to this
    situation (which I don't particularly like) are:  amputation of the
    foot; permanent caging of Midnight; or putting Midnight down.  What
    would you do in a case like this if the sock covering doesn't help heal
    the foot?
    heal the foot?
    
    Thanks
    Pat, Thai, D.P., Buffy, Holly, Midnight (&Cookie).
    

    re: .21 Well, I definitely wouldn't put him down and I don't
    think I'd want to permanently cage him either.  You may be able
    to rig a "suspender" to hold the sock up,  Some elastic material
    that would go around his body.  don't know how it would work.
    
    The thought of amputating the foot had occured to me.  Three legged
    cats do quite well I hear.  Having a chronically open sore is a
    real health risk.  But I wouldn't opt for this alternative until
    I was sure I'd exhausted everything else.
      Nancy DC

    It'e true that three legged indoor cats do very well.  Connie, are you
    out there?  How is Jake doing?  Like Nancy, I'd say this is a last resort,
    but it does seem like a better situation than a chronically bleeding
    paw, which must be fairly uncomfortable.
    

    I'm going to try the suggestion of using elastic suspenders and put a
    sock on the other front foot to attach the elastic to also.  Thanks for
    the idea, Nancy and Barbara(Ives).
    
    I agree a chronically bleeding wound is not good and certainly must be
    uncomfortable for him, Karen.
    
    The only reason I hesitate on amputation is 1) his age being close to
    10 and 2) how would he manage with only 1 front leg to dig and cover in
    the litterbox?  As far as permanently caging him is concerned, I'd
    rather put him down than do that.  I only resort to caging when an
    animal is sick and needs to recuperate without being bothered by more
    healthy, active "roommates".
    
    

    I'm not sure if you can do anything with this idea, but I'll throw it
    out anyway.  I have never experienced this type of wound w/ my cat
    (knock, knock)but the horses always seem to be getting into something,
    fights, nails ect.  There is this ointment called Furazone which has
    an antibiotic in it I think, but some wounds take longer to heal
    with it because it keeps it moist and prone to being opened again
    (which resulths in scarring ect).  
    
    I found a product called Wonda-dust which has lime and some other stuff
    in it.  All you do is dust it on and it helps stop the bleeding, and 
    helps a scab form and helps heal it.  Scarring is reduced as well.  
    It is not recommened for use on serious lacerations.  
    
    My vet book said the use of an antiseptic on a wound (single and
    repeated uses) will kill new skin growth and promote scarring.
    
    Good luck!
    
    Michele & Nippa
    
    
    

    Isn't lime caustic?
    
    

    Hmmmm, .26 reminded me of something....What about the Eye and Wound
    powder that Martha Kruger of Haddleigh House sells?????  
    
    You might want to call and talk to her about it, she'll be able to give
    you an idea of whether or not it might work.  She'll also ship it to
    you wherever you are...give her a call at 207-676-3309
    
    cin
    

If you use the sock-suspenders AND restrict his movement for awhile by
caging him, might the fact that he cannot get to the wound to lick it
due to the sock and the limited movement help promote healing?  I have
no experience with this in cats, but a dobie I rescued had a sore on
his foot that would not heal because he used the foot and kept licking
the sore.  I had to crate the dog AND keep a "satellite head" hood on
him for several weeks to get that wound to heal.  The vet said it had
been an open sore for months - maybe even a year or more from the looks
of it...the dog had kept it clean enough to avoid dangerous infection, but
he also kept it an open sore.

Note on the suspenders: use very wide elastic - narrow stuff will tend
to bind up and become a "cutting edge" across his shoulders when you
get it tight enough to keep Duke from slipping free of it...I would
extend a section into a belt around his chest to keep all in place..sorta
like a harness with boots attached.  Cats are so flexible it can be
really hard to rig them into something they cannot remove.

Amputation of the leg is definitely a last resort, but if you must, I
can attest to the fact that they heal fast and get around very well.
My friend's cat, Tibby, still is a pistol on three legs....and his
surgery was at the age of 11 due to cancer.  He even catches mice when
they make the mistake of invading the "no-mouse" zone he has established.

    Maybe a stretchie elastic ace bandage - cut off a length and wrap
    it over the gauze bandage - wrap the entire leg.

    additional info on Wonda dust
    
    	From the bottle:
    
    	Wonder-Dust is a new dressing powder and 'blood coagulant' for use
    	on certain types of wounds, cuts and abraisions.  Specially
    	formulated for use on horses and valuable show stock.  A caustic
    	and drying agent for slow healing leisions and excessive granulated
    	tissue (proud flesh).  Also for use on other live stock as a blood
    	stop powder after castrating, docking, or dehorning.  PLus it
    	contains a deodorant to remove objectionable odors from foul or
    	infected wounds.
    
    	
    	Medicinal Ingredients:
    
    		Iodoform			2.0%
    		Potassium Alum			5.0%
    		Flowers of sulfur		2.0%
    		Tannic Acid			2.0%
    		Activated Charcoal		5.0%
    		Copper Sulfate			13.0%
    		Hydrated Lime			71.0%
    
    	It also has a warning:
    
    		Keep out of eyes.  Not for human use - For Vet. use only
    
    
    Like I said earlier, I don't know if you can use it on cats, but it
    really works wonders (no pun intended) on wounds the horses get.  It
    does not appear to burn or sting them, the healing is very quick,
    and there is minimal scarring - if any.
    
    
    RE: .28
    
    Does this have the same or similar ingrediants in that eye and wound
    power from Martha Kruger?
    
    
    good luck and let us know how everything works out
    
    Michele and Nippa

    Thanks for the suggestions, Michele and Cin, on the dust and powder. 
    I'll check with Vet on these for Midnight's wound.
    
    I did manage to keep the bootie sock on Midnight's foot by fastening
    the wide elastic band to a cat harness (D.P.'s) and then pinning an end
    of the band to the sock.  I have the sock lined with cotton balls for
    padding on the bottom of his foot and also to absorb any blood that
    comes from the wound.  The wound is a lot cleaner and though it still
    is not healed (no scab formed), it doesn't bleed like it did.  I clean
    and soak the foot daily and change his sock and padding at the same
    time.  This is so routine to him that I made the mistake of starting to
    get ready for work yesterday morning BEFORE I had taken care of him. 
    Before I knew it, Midnight was making his way in my room and stood
    looking up at me as a "reminder".  I then followed him to the kitchen
    where he waited for me to lift him on the bench to work on.he kitchen
    where he waited for me to lift him to the bench to work on him.          
    
    Pat, Holly, D.P., Thai, Buffy, Midnight (& Cookie) ;-)

    Well, Pat, it sounds like he knows that your helping him.  If you can
    get to the show this weekend, in Haverhill, Martha Kruger will have the
    eye and wound powder.  
    
    She'll be able to answer any questions about whether it would work or
    not.  She's very helpful.
    
    cin
    

    Doesn't soaking the foot every day keep a scab from forming?
    

    This is my first chance getting into this note in awhile.  Had a bout
    with the flu.
    
    I've been applying some baking soda to the open area on his foot for
    the past 2 weeks after each soaking and this actually has helped to
    control the bleeding and I even noticed a scab forming a couple of
    times.  Unfortunaely, even with the padded bootie sock on he still
    manages to open that sore when he bangs that foot against the sides of
    the litterbox.  Some cats seem to think they can cover their litter by
    scratching at the sides of the box rather than the sand itself, until
    they realize it isn't working.  :-)
    
    Haven't had a chance (nor $) to take him back to Vet's lately and now I
    have to postpone it again as one of my other cats, Thai, isn't acting
    well.  He is eating (not like usual though) and drinking, but is not
    his usual playful self.  Too quiet and inactive, very unlike Thai.  I
    have appointment to take him to Vet's tonight and hope he's back to
    normal soon.
    
    Back to Midnight, he isn't in any discomfort and he has actually been
    trying to run and play with D.P. (and Thai before he got ill Tues.
    night).  Last night I had 3 large cats on my chair with me - Buffy on
    the arm of the chair, D.P. and Midnight curled up sleeping on my lap
    together.  Picture the 3 different colors - Yellow, White, & Black. ;-)
    
    Hope I can remember everything I want to ask Vet about Midnight's foot
    tonight.
    
    Karen, I'll ask him if soaking the foot is preventing the scab from
    forming/staying on, although he's the one who told me to do this to
    help heal it.
    
    Pat, Holly, D.P., Thai, Buffy, Midnight (& Cookie)
    

    Pat,
    
    Make a list of the questions you want to ask through the day today, and
    take it with you.  Otherwise, if your like me, you'll just walk out the
    door and remember the 5 things you meant to ask.
    
    cin
    

    Well, Thai is much better since getting the antibiotic shot and is back
    to his lovable, playful, wonderful self again.
    
    I asked the vet about Middy's foot and again he suggested I consider
    amputation.  I am really torn about this though.  Not only for the
    possible complications due to his age, etc. but also the cost of $200
    to $300 to have it done, with no guarantee he'll be okay afterwards. 
    The foot is actually not doing that badly now since I've been soaking
    it, protecting it with the padded booties, and using the baking soda
    which the vet agreed was a good idea.  I'm going to continue as I have
    been in these treatments awhile longer in the hopes it will work.
    
    I have a note I'm going to add on Midnight's latest activities which
    seems to indicate he does indeed feel much better.
    
    Pat
    

    Pat, sounds like you are doing all the right things for Midnight.
    I would have the same concerns as you do surrounding amputation
    and the age factor.  Also, it seems as though he is responding
    positively to your treatment.  Glad to hear Thai is much better
    too.
    
    Happy news makes for happy holidays!
    
    --Roberta
    

    First time I've had a chance to come back into this file now that
    things are quieting down a little for the holiday.
    
    Midnight is doing just great!  I am very pleased with the baking soda
    results on his foot; it has scabbed over nicely.  I'm continuing the
    same way with soaking and keeping the foot protected with the bootie
    sock though.
    
    I bought my gang catnip mice to play with and Midnight had the most fun
    of all I think!  They also received a "Kitty Teaser" that had them all
    trying for it.  I got a lot of laughs with this one; what clowns they
    are.  Had two of them topple over backwards while sitting up for the
    teaser, which is like a fishing pole only there's a piece of material
    cut like a pair of wings at end of line.  Guess they think it's another
    misguided insect that got in and they get sooooo excited trying to
    catch it.
    
    Pat, Buffy, Thai, D.P., Midnight, Holly, & Cookie
    

    Midnight had to be in the hospital over the weekend (MK Animal
    Hospital).  He's been having a problem (diarrhea) for a week now and
    this was treated with antibiotics.  Since I had already brought him in
    for this and my other cats were not ill, I felt it must be caused by
    something other than a virus.  Dr. Clough did a thorough exam and tests
    on Midnight and took him off the medication.  As of this morning,
    Midnight has started to have normal, formed stool.  Dr. Clough said
    sometimes the medication kills bacteria in the intestines that would
    have been helpful in this case.
    
    I was relieved to hear Midnight was coming back to normal in this
    regard; all I could think of was something like ulcerated intestines or
    worse.   I did at one time lose a cat to ulcerated intestines; I had
    adopted him from a shelter just prior to his becoming ill with this.
    Symptoms were constant diarrhea.
    
    Other than Midnight's lack of cooperation to eat what Dr. Clough wants him
    to eat (he's my fussy eater), he seems okay and I may be bringing him
    home tonight.  (I say "may" because I also just adopted my #6 baby over
    the weekend and want to discuss it with Dr. Clough.  Don't want
    possible stress to Midnight to cause his problem to reoccur.)
    
    Pat, D.P., Thai, Holly, Buffy, Midnight, Jamie (& Cookie)
    

    It's been a long time (2 years) since I updated this so I thought I do
    it today.  Shortly after my last message (#40), Middy started to have
    the diarrhea again and I was very nervous and concerned about it. 
    Medication to control it was not working; in fact it seemed to make
    things worse for him.
    
    I sought help elsewhere and was asked to try "Tender Vittles" (Chicken
    or Gourmet flavored only - no beef or fish) as his main diet for about
    a week.  I did this and in 3 days time, Middy was forming normal stool. 
    He has not had another bout with diarrhea since and I've had him on
    "Mother Hubbard" canned (his favorite) mixed with some Science Diet
    Lite.
    
    Also, re. his foot that kept opening up and had to be cleaned, medicine
    applied that vet gave me, and then a "bootie" put over it (fastened to
    cat harness he wore), has COMPLETELY HEALED and no longer requires
    bootie nor his wearing the harness.  It seems medicine I had been
    applying may have disinfected and cleaned the foot but it was also
    burning away the new tissue forming each time I applied it.  It was
    recommended that I try using "Bigel Oil" which I bought at a tack shop. 
    I know this oil is used by many horsemen as a linament when mixed
    w/water.  Well, after using this oil on the foot and continuing with
    the bootie for about a month, to my amazement his foot was totally
    healed and no longer open and bleeding.
    
    When I removed the harness and he no longer wore the bootie, Middy was
    like a young kitten; playing and racing (or should I say hobbling
    because the leg was permanently crippled from shoulder down) around the
    place with my other cats.  Middy and my youngest, Jamie, are constantly
    playing tag or with toys together.  
    
    I cried when I saw how happy he was and he thanked me that first night
    by coming up on my lap and putting his two paws on my shoulder while he
    rubbed his face on mine.  Naturally, I cried even more then with tears
    of happiness of course.  
    
    Pat, Holly, D.P., Thai, Jamie, Buffy, Midnight (& Cookie)
    

    Thanks Pat for the update. Glad is was a happy one, sniff, sniff.
    Taking in a stray and making their quaility of life 100% is so
    rewarding.
    
    Here's to Middy have many more years of continued good health.
    
    Barbara & her 3M's

    > Taking in a stray and making their quaility of life 100% is so
    > rewarding.
    
    There's NOTHING like it in this world!  Middy is a lucky boy.
    Congratulations on your success with this lovebug.
      Nancy DC who's thinking of Jesse & Bob.
    
    

    It's been quite awhile since I've put in an update on Middy mainly
    because he's been doing so wonderfully.  However, over a week ago he
    wasn't himself and it started with his eyes being dry and irritated. 
    He then went off his food and would hide in the darkest corner under my
    bed (very unlike him).  I had brought him to the vet's when it first
    started and he was put on antibiotics (2 pills twice a day) and an eye
    ointment to help with the dryness twice a day.  After the first week
    (week of 8/5) of isolation in my bathroom and over the weekend, he
    seemed worse by Monday so I immediately took him back to the vet's
    where he's been all week and is still there.  
    
    They did all kinds of testing and last week they even sent a test for
    Toxosplasmosis, which turned out negative.  The final results showed he
    has glaucoma which can be treated.  My vet called me yesterday
    afternoon to inform me of this and said it is not a common occurrence
    but it does happen and to older animals.  When I took Middy in 2 years
    ago, the vet I had him checked out with estimated his age as around 10.
    
    When I asked my vet if he'd be in any discomfort or pain from having
    glaucoma, she assured me he wouldn't but he'd have to be given his
    daily medications to help his non-working fluid producer (anterior ubia
    - not sure of spelling).  The good thing is his eyes are dilated and
    not constricted, she said.  The sensitivity to light is why he was
    hiding in the dark under the bed.
    
    He is eating again; not a lot and is on Tender Vittles Chicken flavor
    which he prefers over canned food right now.  This is for the diahrea
    he started to have Tuesday which is also attributed to the antibiotics.
    His white blood cell count was high when they tested it last week but it 
    was determined the antibiotics triggered that.  Vet even did another Felv
    test on him which also proved negative. 
    
    Vet wanted to keep him there under observation rest of this week to
    give him a chance to clear his system of the first antibiotics he was
    on before trying the medication for glaucoma and to get the diahrea and
    vomiting under control.
    
    Needless to say, I've been on pins and needles for 2 weeks now until I
    finally heard results of the Toxosplasmosis test and what was really
    ailing Middy AND whether I had to make an unpleasant decision.  I was
    also VERY, VERY concerned about the rest of my clan if it turned out to
    be an infectious disease.  Thank God it wasn't!
    
    I just hope he can somehow tolerate the glaucoma medication that he'll
    need.
    
    We all miss old Middy and hope he'll be home soon.
    
    Pat, Holly, D.P., Buffy, Thai, Jamie, Dandy, Midnight (& Cookie)
    

    Poor baby.  Will you be able to take him home today, or do you have to
    wait until Monday?  What is the toleration problem with the glaucoma
    medication -- side effects, or having to give it to him every day?
    

    Won't know when I can take him home until sometime this afternoon,
    Karen.  It's the side effects of medication; I certainly have no
    problem giving it to him daily.  With 7 cats and 1 dog I almost feel
    like a vet myself. :-)
    
    Pat
    

    Lets face it Pat, with that many pets you practically ARE a vet ;^)
    Or a Vet tech anyway.
      
    Glad to hear that Middy's problem is treatable.
      Nancy

Last night I called Dr. Porter re. Middy and she said that Middy was not
eating and he'd probably do better at home in that respect.  She has not
started him on the glaucoma medication and won't until he's back to eating.
He had lost quite a bit of weight and I believe it's because he was 
depressed being caged and away from home.

He was glad to be back home and free from confinement but had to be reintroduced
within the clan because of the different scent he had on him.  D.P. bopped
him a couple of times (he's top cat) and Buffy had to assert his "oldest
resident" position too.  Thai was glad to see his buddy home and welcomed
him home with a lick on the head and sat on chair with him awhile.  Jamie
and Dandy were just curious youngsters with all kinds of questions like,
"Where did you go, Midnight?"  "Did you bring me anything to eat or play
with?" ;-)   Holly just kept her "Princess" attitude and watched from afar.

This morning Midnight ate some of his dry Science Diet Lite for breakfast and
even tried some leftover in another dish.  (They always have to try some from
eachother's dishes ya know.)  Middy also had a good BM; it was at this time I
knew how quiet it had been with him gone as he makes lots of noise when he
attempts to cover his duty in the box. ;-}

Dr. Porter wants to see Middy again next Tuesday night and if he continues
the way he is, should be ready for glaucoma medication.  His eyes, by the way,
are opened wide and are better; except for the cloudy look. 

Pat, Holly, D.P., Thai, Buffy, Jamie, Midnight, Dandy (& Cookie)

    Good luck, Middy! You're a very lucky kitty to have such a caring and
    loving Mom!
    
    Bonnie ( & your cousins Callie & Tabitha)

    So happy to hear Middy is home.  please let us know how things are
    going.
    

    Well, this is Middy's second day home after 9 days in the hospital and
    the vet was right; he is doing much better with eating at home.  
    
    When I arrived home from work last night, the clan came out to greet me
    and Middy was right there too.  They knew it wouldn't be long before
    they'd be having dinner. (I feed them before myself, naturally, and
    wisely I might add.)  Middy ate most of his dinner (his favorite "Old
    Mother Hubbard" which the vet even tried and he refused), and then
    waited to see who'd leave something in their dish for him to sample.
    
    When it was time for me to have my dinner (which included corn on cob),
    I had my usual audience but Middy really showed more interest in the
    corn.  I left some kernels on a half of cob and gave it to Middy.  He
    clamped his mouth around it and went to the floor.  He wrapped his
    front paws around it like a dog with a bone and chomped the cob down
    like he was eating a steak.  Definitely some raccoon in that guy. ;-)
    
    Pat, Holly, D.P., Buffy, Thai, Jamie, Midnight, Dandy (& Cookie)
    

    Took Middy in for his check up last night and he's doing very well. 
    He's been eating good, back to being his old self again and even
    stretched out on my lap Monday night with Dandy curled up beside him.
    
    The vet decided since Middy is doing so well now that's he's off
    antibiotics, she doesn't want to put him on anything except the eye
    ointment twice a day in his right eye.  When the glaucoma gets to a point
    of his needing further treatment including antibiotics, we'll have to
    try medication again.  Hopefully, that won't be for quite awhile but it
    depends on how quickly this disease advances I guess.
    
    Pat, Holly, D.P., Thai, Buffy, Midnight, Jamie, Dandy (& Cookie)