Keeping Posted On Pimento

It's been almost a week since Pimento the Foster Cat came home from the animal emergency care clinic. I can't believe I forgot to tell you about his progress!

After a series of medical tests we found out Pimento had a bacterial parasite. He hasn't been outside in months, so I have no idea where he would have gotten it, but it was good to have an answer and solution to the problem.

He came home with a small bottle of steroid tablets and a liquid antibiotic. At my local pharmacy I purchased a bottle of Omeprazole (the same drug that treats acid reflux in humans, which I was surprised to learn can also used for cats). At the pet store I picked up a powdered probiotic.

I have only given medications to cats a handful of times. Unlike dogs, who will eat just about anything if you wrap it in a piece of meat, cats are notoriously difficult to dose. After a little trial and error I remembered the system that works best for me.

• Grab the cat
• Straddle him with his head facing the same way as mine and use my legs to keep him from wiggling away.
• Open his mouth and tilt his head back until I can see his eyes.
• Deposit the pill as far back in his mouth as possible and immediately close his mouth.
• Gently stroke his throat to encourage swallowing.

I've learned that Pimento can go for a Very. Long. Time without swallowing. I suspect that a couple of times the medicine actually dissolved in his mouth.

The emergency vet wants Pimento to be on antibiotics and steroids for four weeks. Just think how proficient I'll be at administering medication by then.

Five years ago today: The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day