Cat doesn't appear to be confused or "dulled" by the medication. She's actually very alert- just subdued. She knows exactly what's going on when she's awake. If I just glance at her she will wag her tail- if I smile she wags harder

She's always been clingy if she doesn't feel well- she gets comfort from me, and doesn't want to be far away.

I was given a choice of what pain meds I wanted to use for her. I chose Tramadol, even though my vet said that it's not as strong as some others. I coupled it with Arnica, for both the pain kiling effect and it's anti-inflammatory effects. (My vet is so great she even gave Cat the Arnica as soon as she started to wake up in Recovery.) This combination seems to be working for Cat, as I don't see any pain response from her.

She is still sleeping quite a bit, but she's been through a lot and she's not exactly a pup anymore... When she's up, though, she's very much back to her old self Even when she sleeps she's back to stretching out on her side or on her back- no longer curled into a tight little ball.

She has not vomitted once- which surprised me. I expected some pretty severe nausea, but nothing. She kept down her chicken last night so she will get her normal meal tonight.

Slowly but surely, life seems to be returning to normal around here...

Again, I want to thank you all for your support and healing thoughts. They really do mean a lot!! Cat got hugs and kisses from each and every one of you, too

--Kel

All great to read.


" I chose Tramadol, even though my vet said that it's not as strong as some others."

Yes, I do understand that there are times when tramadol isn't enough, but I'm with you on it being my choice whenever it can be.

Of course it has side effects, like every med with any effects at all, and of course this is only anecdotal, but it has been a real benefit in my life (since before 1990, at least).



"Even when she sleeps she's back to stretching out on her side or on her back- no longer curled into a tight little ball."

To me, this is a major indication of returning normalcy and comfort.

PS

How are things on the poop front?

Not been here over the weekend.....Glad that Cat is doing well & getting back to herself.

Kelly, Glad Cat is doing well! Stressful for you too, hope YOU are doing well also.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

PS

How are things in the pooping department?

She actually pooped Friday, the night of the surgery, which surprised me- I figured her gut would be shut down for a while. She has pooped every morning since then- normal shape and consistency- no difficulty or straining.

Paul didn't understand why I was so excited when she pooped Friday night

Cat continues to do well. She's still pretty clingy, and she hasn't barked yet, but other than that, she's pretty much back to normal.

I can't stress enough for anyone who has intact females to be vigilant about Pyo. From 4- 12 weeks after their season, watch them like hawks. Pyo is potentially life threatening and painful for the dog.

I was lucky, and I caught Cat cleaning herself and saw the discharge... this was her ONLY symptom. We caught it early- before it made Cat sick. The pyo was very small and removal was not difficult for the vet. Had she gone a few more days or a week - I may not have my dog right now. Had I thought I could treat her at home, I would not have my dog....

As with anything, keeping a female intact carries great responsibility. Educate yourself, and be aware of the risks. I worked at Leerburg Kennel and saw what a Pyo looks like, so I knew what it was immediately. If I had not been through those experiences, my dog could be dead.

Pyometra is scary stuff- there is no way to know they have it until you see symptoms. In the case of a closed pyo, by the time you see symptoms, it could be too late.

Paul admitted to me that he thought I was crazy to rush to the vet over vaginal discharge- he didn't think anything of it when I showed it to him. He said he never thought that something so simple could kill a dog. He said, "but she isn't even sick!" when I told him she needed emergency surgery.