Mom here. I have volunteered for a local animal rescue group for the past two years, and last year began fostering kittens. This year, all of us who foster have had lots of sick kittens, and therefore, lots of medications that we have had to administer.
When my current kittens Boo and Shadow got really sick during the July 4th weekend, I had to drive 30 miles across town to take them to an emergency clinic that was open.
“We demand to be let out of here!”
At the clinic, Boo and Shadow were given massive amounts of sub-Q (subcutaneous, i.e., under the skin) fluids to help with their dehydration. Boo was given an injection of chlorpromazine, an antiemetic, since she could not keep anything down. I was given two different liquid meds to take home and give to the girls.
Boo doesn’t feel so good
Shadow doesn’t feel good either
One of the meds was Panacur – a really potent dewormer to get rid of the parasites the little girls had. The regular medicine we use for deworming is Strongid, and it was just not cutting it this season. Panacur is given as one dose for three days – and by the third day, really sick kittens who are refusing to eat have perked up and are doing much, much better.
Empty Dishes!
I was given a pretty full bottle of Panacur, which meant there would be a lot left over since I was only going to use 3 mL total. When you volunteer in animal rescue, funds are tight, and we are careful with everything that costs money. Like meds.
Which brings me to my first drug deal.
Two weeks later, both kittens were healthy, and I had a lot of Panacur left over. I got a call that there were other sick kittens that needed a dewormer, and the decision was made to give Panacur rather than Strongid.
So I agreed to meet another volunteer in an empty parking lot to give her the bottle. I was excited about my first drug deal! The deal took place after dark, in a seedy part of town, and with the sound of police sirens in the distance.
OK, the deal actually transpired in broad daylight.
And seedy part of town? Well, we were in the parking lot of Saks Fifth Avenue at Beachwood Mall, in one of the most expensive Cleveland suburbs.
As far as police go, there was mall security patrolling the area in their SUV’s.
We were ignored.
That made us laugh–a first successful drug deal. 🙂
Seriously–congratulations and kudos for all the wonderful work you are doing. I’m so glad your two babies recovered and now are doing well!
MOL, we are glad Boo & Shadow are better. You beans are so silly. Waste not want not us kitties say.
Haha! That made us laugh. We are glad the kitties are doing well.
What a funny story about the drug deal! Seriously though, Sue and David, you are such wonderful people for fostering and adopting our furry feline friends! Lots of work for you. You both are so selfless. I know you and all the Bambinos and fosters love you and you love them.
The Itteh Bittehs looked so much better when I saw them Saturday–thanks to your TLC!!!
Poor sick babies Shadow and Boo… we are glad to hear they are improving under your care.
Mommy LOL’ed!!!
Were you wearing dark sunglasses? That’s supposed to be part of the whole sleazy underbelly of “pushing”…
We’re soooo happy the lil tots are doing better and cleaning their plates!
that was so funny! lots of love and healthy purrr-ayers for the kitty sisters
I wish I could have seen the drug meet up!
I’m glad the bebbeh kittens are feeling better. It is very sad to see sick bebbehs.
hahameow, we had to laff at the drug deal post! Yes, this year at the cat hospital we have had to use panacur and metronidazole at the same time to get the synergistic effect but it works great for giardia!