Dougal - Going Outside

Dougal says, today when the back door was opened I rushed out into the garden. The big problem was that I could not run around freely, I was on a lead like a dog, only I am definitely a cat.

It was quite cold so I sat down amongst the leaves on the lawn and decided that being outside was not as good as it used to be when it was summer and much warmer and I could run free. As you can see, my fur is now almost, but not quite, back to normal.

Daddy carried me back inside and I have spent all morning on mummy’s lap; she is having great difficulty using her laptop. I hope I will be taken outside again as it might be nice even if I do have to wear a harness and lead.

Dougal - Harness

Dougal says, yesterday I discovered what a harness was, it is a bit like a collar, but there is a bit that goes round my tummy too. Daddy put it on and then I went and hid and did not come out until it was dark; I did not realise that he was going to take me outside for a walk.

Dougal - Check-up

A long time ago mummy said I could write in her blog and because I have been a good boy today I am allowed to do the blog.

I knew something was happening this morning, but I did not know what, until I saw the puppy carrier. I ask you, putting a cat in a puppy carrier; so undignified. It was either that or borrowing my big sister Sybil’s carrier and that is a girly pink.

I yowled all the way to the vets, even with daddy sitting in the back with me, but I was quiet while we waited to see Giunio.

When it was our turn, Giunio took me out of the carrier and felt all along my back; he also waggled my back legs about. Then I tried to hide under daddy’s chair and would not come out even when mummy offered me some Dreamies, my favourite chicken ones too. Giunio did see that I could walk quite well now on all four legs and he also said I had done very well considering the state I was in when I arrived. He explained to mummy and daddy exactly what had been done to me and that jumping up was not a good idea. Then he wished me a long and happy life and when we travelled home again I was quiet for most of the journey.

I can now have a little more freedom inside the house, but I want to go into the garden. I am looking out through the back door, sitting in the sunshine, as I dictate this to mummy, but it seems it will be a long time before I am allowed out; maybe never, except on a harness, whatever that is.

I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has wished me well while I have been poorly, especially all those people on blipfoto who we do not really know, but most of all I would like to thank Giunio for putting me back together again (although he will probably never see this,) and to thank all the staff at the Dick White Referral Hospital for looking after me.

Thank you and love from Dougal.

Dougal - A Good Night

We checked on Dougal several times during the night and he was sleeping peacefully. He likes to come out of his cage and sleep on the settee or a lap, but he is still not keen on walking on his right back leg, but he does stand on it some of the time.

Dougal - Home Again

We collected Dougal late this afternoon and this picture shows him in the pen I used many years ago when I used to breed and show Birman cats. He has to have caged rest, although he is allowed out under supervision for exercise. He must not jump up or down or play with Florence his sister. He has to go back for a check-up in four weeks’ time.

He had not been home five minutes before he had been in the litter tray for a poo, eaten some Dreamies and scoffed a whole sachet of food; fish flavoured too and he used to prefer chicken. It took Florence longer to eat half a sachet while he was eating a whole one.

This picture does not show the extent of his shaved body. His back and spinal area from tail to almost his neck is bald although the fur is starting to grow back already. He also has other shaved parts on his legs. His right back leg is still quite swollen and he has to have an ice pack on it four times a day. Apparently he is not keen on this procedure, and tries to hide, but it will help the swelling as will the exercise. We have two lots of painkillers to give him so hopefully he will be comfortable.

Dougal - Doing Well

We were told this morning that Dougal is doing so well that he can come home tomorrow afternoon. We collect him at 1600 hours after we have learnt how to do his physiotherapy!

Dougal - No Visiting!!

Last night we were told that he enjoyed his physiotherapy, not sure how they know, but I will take their word for it. This morning the swelling in the leg which was causing concern has gone down a little. He has more physiotherapy today and it looks as though he will be allowed to come home on Friday. We are not allowed to visit him as it will be too stressful for him and might set his recovery back. It would be difficult to make him understand why we went to see him and then left him there again; while it is hard for us it is better for Dougal.

Dougal - Some Concerns and Physiotherapy

This morning the surgeon told us that they were starting physiotherapy today. Giunio is concerned about the swelling in one of his legs although it is still early days and Dougal has been bruised and knocked about. He is eating a little, but still has a fluid drip so it does not matter too much at this stage if he does not eat much; he still has a catheter. I am hoping that we will be allowed to visit him tomorrow.

Dougal - Doing Okay

Last might when I telephoned I was told he had not needed as much morphine as had been written up for him and that he had been eating. He had also been rolling on his back to have his tummy tickled.

When Giunio telephoned this morning he said that he was comfortable and was likely to come off the morphine today; he still has a fluid drip and a catheter. Both back legs are moving, although they are very swollen as to be expected. If all goes well he starts physiotherapy tomorrow and if he makes good progress, he might be able to come home on Friday or Saturday.

Dougal - Update

Giunio telephoned this morning to say that Dougal had a good night and was comfortable. Sounds like the message you get when you ring a hospital about an inpatient. It is too soon to know how successful the operation has been. They ring you twice a day with updates, but only once at the weekend; you can ring them if you wish.

Then just after lunch they rang again and I thought the worst. However, there had been a mix up and I had written down the wrong home telephone number when I booked him in, which is why they had telephoned my mobile. It was the receptionist this time so at least I was able to tell her that he preferred chicken to fish, which I had omitted from the admission form. She did say he would be tempted by a variety of things until they found something he likes, but I doubt they will provide fresh mice!