I know you want to know what he looks like, so we'll get that out of the way, up front:
Poor baby, so naked! The shaved spot on his shoulder is from the ER Vet - that's where they put his fentanyl patch. And the red in his fur is the reminant of adhesive.
Gus has been resting since he got home. He's hanging out under the bed which, I'm sure, is because he feels vulnerable. When I come lay down on the floor, he immediately comes over to me and turns into a purr machine, albiet one who is moving very gingerly. I'm guessing I'll be spending the night on the floor with him.
He is favoring the leg right now (read, not using it at all) but Doc Hess says Gus should regain full use. I'm sure the tissues are hurting a bit, and this is his first time out of confinement since the surgery, so "first use" must feel awkward. I'm trying not to be a worry wart but, like Robyn over at Love & Hisses, it's my nature.
Gus has eaten and used the litter pan, so that's good (although the last time he went to the pan, he just got in and didn't use it... he looked very uncomfortable). He's restricted to indoors, but the Doc says that as soon as he's feeling up to moving around, including jumping, the leg will take it. The only thing I need to look out for is Gus worrying the incision. I think I'll pick up "tastes bad" stuff at the pet store tomorrow, just so I'm prepared. Gus' only med is amoxi 3x a day, so that's easy on me. I also noticed a little upper respiratory congestion when we got home and I hope the amoxi will take care of that, too.
So, it's to bed for Gus and me. More tomorrow - hopefully he'll feel better after a good night's rest at home. I'll try to get a video tomorrow or Friday, because I realize you haven't seen this handsome guy in action!!
Aww Gus-gus. You are a very brave kitty. Sending you lots of love and virtual snorgles. 9 and Chani send you their healing purrs.
ReplyDeletekiss kiss,
Marlene
I can't help myself... kitties must be kissed, snorgled, hugged and just plain loved on!
So glad that Gus is on the mend! Hope you weren't too uncomfortable sleeping on the floor with him - ha ha - I have done the same thing with my Banjo. It's hard when they can't tell you how they are feeling. All the best to Gus - get well!
ReplyDeleteLisa, I was out yesterday and didn't get to read. I am so happy that Mr. Gus is on the mend. What a brave kitty! Thank you for looking out for him! Good idea to pick up the icky-tasting stuff in case he starts to mess with his incision. Hopefully he'll start using the litterbox soon. My theory is that if there's stuff going in the front end and coming out the back end, then that is a good sign! It is so very difficult because you can't ask an animal how he is feeling, or explain to him why these vet visits and other indignities are necessary. Hugs and snorgles to Gus!
ReplyDeleteGus looks great. Poor little baby with no fur. Purring is probably very therapeutic for him, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteGus looks good for all he has been through! I hope he is up and at 'em soon! Thank you for taking such great care of him!
ReplyDeleteOh my sweet little Gus! I'm so happy that his surgery went well and he's back home with you! He just sounds like an absolute sweetheart, and we're all sending him loving hugs and healing purrs...and sending you and the rest of the Space Paws team lots of hugs and "thank you"s for rescuing him and taking such amazingly wonderful care of him.
ReplyDeleteGus is certainly looking looking like he's been through a tough time, but his spirit is strong and he has the best support system ever! Get better soon, Gus!
ReplyDeleteAwww..poor Gus...I'm such a softie..the poor baby's ouchie makes me want to cry..ok..happy tears...
ReplyDeleteOXOXOX
AP
WTG GUS!!! We bet yer glad to be home and we are purraying you have a super-duper speedy recovery! Mom says she likes the little floofy of fur on your toesies!
ReplyDeleteHi! De-lurking to say hi & send good wishes to Gus! (Just an FYI, anesthesia can sometimes cause a little constipation.) He is such a gorgeous fellow & I commend you for what you're doing (for him & the other kitties).
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that Gus is home. The incision looks much better than I thought it would - I thought it might be more T shapped and a bit lower (obviously I can't figure out the right positions based on the x-ray - good thing I am not a doctor). That is good that is not huge. It also looks better than I would think - I would have expected it to be more red and puffy, but again, not a doctor.
ReplyDeleteYou are just like me - I always sleep on the floor with them the first day after surgery (which so far have only been the neutering/spaying, well plus one tooth extraction). I think that we should get together with Robyn and start the worrywarts club!
i can't help it when seeing that fluffy paw tip on a naked leg but BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!! i have a thing for fluffy shaved animals legs - they tickle my funny bone. but oh, that poor bald chicken thigh. kiss kiss, get well soon gus!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to have you home Gus. I hope you get better soon. Something tells me you'll be running around before all the hair grows back.
ReplyDeleteAwww, poor sweet Gus. I have to admit, I'm with Angie, I think the fluffy paw tip is kind of funny looking. He looks like he's doing really well!
ReplyDeleteWhat Margaret said! Glad to see he is doing well and that you found a great vet. I await pictures of Gus back at 100%...
ReplyDeleteOh, Lisa Lisa Lisa. One happy story after another. Gus knew to find his way to the people who would take good care of him. It was meant to be.
ReplyDeleteHis shaved quarter panel reminds me of one of my kitties long ago that had surgery on his knee. He looked very similar and had to be confined in a large crate so he couldn't move around much. He lived a long, happy life after that. Much as Gus will do.
xoxo