9/13 Rusty AMPS 149, +5.5 62, +9.5 77, PMPS 106, +4.5 85

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

Yesterday

Hi L&LL,

Rusty had bad breathing last night and although it improved somewhat today, it still isn't good. I think his pneumonia must be viral--not bacterial: after 28 days of antibiotics (Convenia) he is still day-to-day with regard to his congestion (OK one day, not so good the next). Of course we are also dealing with his chronic congestion. Pneumonia has just complicated the situation. I think we'll have another vetty visit on Friday.

Edward and I put a new coat of opaque stain on our front stoop today. The weather is perfect for painting. Also did a lot of other chores. Tomorrow is a paddle.

Finally got a notification from ADW that my order shipped today. Hooray! They are located near Miami, so got hit pretty hard by Hurricane Irene, I suspect.

 

[carfurby (GA)]

I'm sorry Rusty's breathing is still not very good. Have you ever tried Slippery Elm Bark for his congestion? It can also be used to thin mucous. It might be worth a try. When I had bronchitis, I used Astragalus and Slippery Elm to help me get over it quicker. Sending prayers.

 

[Doodles & Karen]

Oh dear, sorry Rusty is in the ups and downs with his breathing. Sending loads of feel better and vetty vines. Eat your fuss sweet boy.

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

I'm sorry Rusty's breathing is still not very good. Have you ever tried Slippery Elm Bark for his congestion? It can also be used to thin mucous. It might be worth a try. When I had bronchitis, I used Astragalus and Slippery Elm to help me get over it quicker. Sending prayers.

Thanks, Carla. I'm going to get some in the health food store tomorrow. How do you prepare it? Does it have a taste? Would you put it into Rusty's food?

 

[carfurby (GA)]

I think you can mix it in his food. I'm not sure of the details of how much to give. I know some people make a paste or syrup out of it. You may want to put SEB? in your subject line to get advice on how to give it. I'm pretty sure it has to be given 2 hours before or after any meds.

 

[carfurby (GA)]

I just did a quick search. Tanya's CKD site has info on Slippery Elm.

http://www.felinecrf.org/holistic_treatments.htm

 

[Judy and Boomer]

Oh I'm sorry to hear that Rusty is having breathing problems again! Sending some good breathing vines along with the vetty vines

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Sorry to hear Rusty is still so "off and on" with his breathing! I know that has to have you worried!!

Have his lungs been x-rayed?

Sure hope he kicks whatever this is soon!!

But his numbers are looking great, so that's something to smile about!!

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

I just did a quick search. Tanya's CKD site has info on Slippery Elm.

http://www.felinecrf.org/holistic_treatments.htm

Thanks, Carla!

Have his lungs been x-rayed?

Yes, several weeks ago. That's when he was diagnosed with pneumonia.

 

[Marilyn and Sheldon]

Oh phooey. Poor Rusty. Poor Ella and Edward. Sending lots of healing thoughts for your boy and his breathing.

 

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

What a LagoonMeister! Keeping watch in the lagoon, even when he doesn't feel well!

Sending mega good breathing vines. I hope the vet has some solutions.

 

[rhiannon and shadow (GA)]

Is there a reason Rusty doesn't take zyrtec? That should help keep his moisture content of his lungs on the drier side.

I would ask the vet if there isn't some other antibiotic that could either be compounded into a shot for him,
when I research it....
I come up with Ceftriaxone
They should be able to order it and give him a shot or let you give the shot.

Convenia really only fixes skin infections.....

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

Is there a reason Rusty doesn't take zyrtec? That should help keep his moisture content of his lungs on the drier side.

I would ask the vet if there isn't some other antibiotic that could either be compounded into a shot for him,
when I research it....
I come up with Ceftriaxone
They should be able to order it and give him a shot or let you give the shot.

Convenia really only fixes skin infections.....

Thanks, Rhiannon,
I'll ask about it, but it sounds pretty scary. I'd hate to inject Rusty in a muscle. He is skin and bones at this point.