Thanks to all the wonderful folks who left advice and encouragement about my poor sick kitty, Fuzzy Cat!! Your input helped me to sleep last night!
I went out to Pet Smart first thing this morning to look for their wound healer with colloidal silver. Unfortunately, they didn’t have any on the local shelves, just the Internet. 
So I took Fuzzy to the vet right away this morning. He was more sore than he was last night. He was still eating and drinking normally, was walking around and was cuddly, but I could tell he was very sore, and that open wound really scared me.
We *managed* to get him into the cat carrier (always a ridiculously fun activity :S ) and drove him up the hill to the vet’s. (Can you believe it’s SNOWING today, by the way?!?! Argh!). The vet took his temperature, etc. Fuzzy is in really good health except for this wound and a chipped fang. She didn’t think he had been shot by a gun; perhaps he got snagged on something sharp, or had fallen on something.
As a precaution, she gave him a rabies shot in case he was bitten by an animal, but I think that was unnecessary (and pricey- he’d had his shots two years ago and we all knew he wasn’t bitten). I wish there were more tools for self-reliant pet owners to care for medical issues for our own pets… the visit was stressful for him and, while I’m glad I went to the vet, I paid through the nose for a 25-minute waiting-room wait, a 5-minute visit, and a bottle of antibiotics.
I would be able to do this easier and in a sterile environment at home if I only had a way to sedate him somewhat- grabbing a sick cat and stuffing him into a cold, stiff carrier and then driving up winding hills for 15 minutes in the snow is not what I would call an activity conducive to cat health. Sheesh. And then I get to pay a lot of $$ for the opportunity. I prefer the homepathic care; I sure wish I could have access to antibiotics for him. I think my critters would be happier and less stressed if they could stay home and get their care from their own family.
Yeah, I’m ranting… sorry… it’s been such a wild and crazy day! But the good news is that Fuzzy is better and that’s what counts! He’s on antibiotics and he’s in a snuggly bed here at home, and he’s getting super-sized meals! Next thing ya know, he’ll be getting a pedicure or a massage!
I would like to thank- from the bottom of my heart- you guys who took the time to leave a comment here during our distress: Miss Szymanski, Fida, Nyanko, Ruby Mills, akaGaGa, Tessie, Jared, blueyes, Sharon, and Daisy. It was so encouraging to see your comments and advice! I hate seeing my critters suffer, and your comments lessened the blow. Thank you.
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April 4, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Hooray! I am so glad to hear that Fuzzy is on the mend!
April 4, 2009 at 5:26 pm
I did not see your post about Fuzzy being sick. I am glad he is feeling better he looks like our Fred.
April 4, 2009 at 9:56 pm
So glad to har Fuzzy is better and things are going well. I know, going to the vet is always stressful for the cats and their owners too.
April 4, 2009 at 11:49 pm
I am so glad to hear that Fuzzy is ok. Sorry about the expense of it all.
April 5, 2009 at 1:14 am
Oh I am SO happy to know Fuzzy is going to be ok! I’m glad it didn’t seem to be a gunshot/BB shot, that would not have been good to think about. He’s a very handsome fellow. And fuzzy! :-) Sorry it cost a lot. That stinks!
April 5, 2009 at 5:52 am
Hurray for Fuzzy! I’m glad he’s on antibiotics, but I’m sorry about the bucks. Just like with people meds, the system insures that we pay through the nose.
And just one more word of warning: super-sized meals can quickly turn into a super-sized cat!
April 5, 2009 at 10:06 am
Go, Fuzzy!
April 5, 2009 at 3:23 pm
I only get to catch up your blog once a week or so and caught it the same day you posted the photo of your dear kitty. The mom in me was so worried. The cat lover in me was pulling my hair out!! I’m so glad he was okay. And look on the bright side- at least it was something that could wait for a day or two as long as you monitored everything with care. ER visits for pets in my area START at $250. Hugs to your kitty!!
April 5, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Have you sourced colloidal silver yet? Your health food shop or similar should have some. As you said, that would help a lot. And perhaps olive leaf extract? Need to calculate cat-size doses though!
April 5, 2009 at 7:06 pm
I’m so glad Fuzzy is doing better now and good to know it was not a gun shot wound. Fuzzy needs to be a wee bit careful which he probably has learned now.
April 5, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Thank you all so much! If Fuzzy could read, he’d be blushing from all the attention. He is doing better, and getting sick of having to be kept inside. :D
April 8, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Just fyi, my vet told me I can give my cat Benedryl when we travel. She said it’s not enough to knock her out, but will help make her not as scared/unmanageable. Could be that it may work for you if you need to do some home vet stuff with Fuzzy.