Re: ot: Update on Antonio

[ETrent]

Nina, Thank you so much.  I stayed home from work today -- I wasn't feeling well - but mostly I was worried about my boy.  Since yesterday he had been staying under the bed.  I put a big towel down by the bed and laid there beside him - was up at 3am with the big lug applying cold compresses - which he seemed to appreciate.  He just couldn't get comfortable.  He's feeling a lot better now though.   One thing I do respect about my vet is that he is an excellent surgeon.  He did a 2 hour hip reconstruction on my parent's kitty (a stray who came to me that they adopted)...he did an amazing job.  He was so exhausted after that surgery - he had to go home.  Apparently the poor kitty had been injured by a car or a fall well before they got him and the little guy was in bad shape.  His back leg wasn't even in the socket because he really didn't have a proper hip socket.  Now Mr. Steve is the most gorgeous, healthy guy you've ever seen and doesn't even have a limp.  Dr. Reid made him a hip joint.  His spay and neuter surgeries are so far above the work you normally see - very tight and concise incisions/stitches that heal beautifully.  He operated on Mama Kitty too when she had a very bad abscess from a bite before she transitioned to indoor living.  He truly is talented - which is rare considering that he is a general practitioner out in the county and not the least bit flashy or arrogant.  Even so - if there is any way we can avoid surgery for Antonio - we will.  It will only be a last resort.   Antonio is so smart -- he knows he has a drippy ugly bottom and would not sit down until I got him some special towels LOL I am probably the worst housekeeper on the planet - but he is so fastidious and concerned that he wouldn't get on the bed until I put towels down for him - and wouldn't sit in his favorite places in the den until I had his special towels all around.  He knows they are just for him and nobody else bothers them.   I've been debating using aloe vera gel on him - I must have half a dozen plants...but since he is comfortable now, I just don't want to apply anything that might get his backside angry again.   Sorry this is so long - I really appreciate you guys being there.   elizabeth   In a message dated 11/14/2006 12:10:57 P.M. Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Oh Elizabeth, that poor big sugar boy!  I'm hoping the steroid shot will ease the inflammation long enough to allow his poor bum to heal!  How about some soothing ointments or salves?  I did some research about anal gland removal surgery when I first found out my dog Vladimir suffers with impactions.  The things that can go wrong were pretty scary.  If that's the way you decide to go, I'd look for someone that has experience with this particular surgery.  I'm sure your regular vet won't be offended.  Anyone that gets that sort of reaction from Antonio has to be a very good human! I hope his poor little hinney feels better soon, Nina