medications and vaccines

[Melisa Lalich]

Hello All!

I'm sure you've discussed this on this site somewhere...but I'm going to a vet for the first time today with Boss Man and all I can remember is that Savannah's don't do well with a certain anesthetic and are not to have live? vaccines? (he's due for his-doesn't look like he's had any for awhile). He's congested right now and I'm hoping I did n't wait too long to get his vaccines on board. Tried last month...and with only one vet in town...it got away from me...so now that he's stopped up (as of this morning) we're driving 2 hours away to be seen.

Please let me know what I should tell this vet and the vet here in town about Savannah's and vaccines and medications? THX. Melisa

 

[DumaLove]

He should not get any vaccines until he is well. Then he can have modified live or killed vaccines. Both are OK. Shouldn't have any ketamine for anesthesia, but that isn't just for Savannahs. I wouldn't use it for any cats.

 

[Melisa Lalich]

THANKS!!

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Agreed with DumaLove, I wouldn't use ketamine on any cat, there are better and safer anesthetics!

Really, the veterinary care for a Savannah is equivalent to any other cat, you need a good vet not a specialist in Savannahs (f there is such a thing)...

 

[Patti]

I also agree that he shouldn't get any vaccines if he is already sick - I know I'm coming in on this late but if it isn't too late I would put off the vet visit for another week or so until he gets over his upper respiratory infection.

 

[Melisa Lalich]

Thank You all! I agree..his immune system would already be compromised...no vaccines should be given to anyone/thing when sick. (I'm a nurse....but not an expert on Savannah's....yet!)

So Vet gave him an injection of a broad spectrum antibiotic for now, some IV fluids for dehydration, an anti-emetic injection (anti-nausea) and did some blood work to include F-HIV and F-leukemia. Should have those results tomorrow....

He's been doing this "gagging" thing like he's trying to bring up sputum from the back of his throat...but all that comes up (only now and then) is frothy white spit. No drainage from his nose or eyes and vet said he was not congested. He felt warm...but did not have a temp. Weird... (funny-but the vet LOVED his teeth n gums tho--lol!)

This is Boss Man's first winter in Northern Az. and it gets cold at times...not like Cali where he's from.
Additionally, BM LOVES to roll around in the sand out in the back yard...then comes right back in to shake it off in the house...and lick off the rest. Out here...Parvo (dogs) distemper and Ghiardia are pretty big. Vet thinks cats get something (that might help their digestion) from licking off the dirt/sand. I've only heard that dogs/cats do this to cover up their own scent so other animals can not smell them...in the wild. Makes sense...I know some deer hunters who do the same!

Hoping his tests are neg...then will immunize both cats next week.... Thank You all...all input is very appreciated while caring for Bossie. You all are great resources and experts with these guys. Probably his territorial and jealous tendencies have been the most surprising for me...and took some readjusting. But his high intelligence and loving ways certainly help make up for these.

 

[Patti]

Hoping all turns out okay for Boss Man. Where in AZ are you and why are you having to drive two hours to a vet? Surely there's someone closer to you?

 

[Melisa Lalich]

I work at a hospital on an Indian reservation (Tuba City). Closest towns with a walmart/McDonalds are Flagstaff and Page AZ-both equally distant-at 1.5 hrs. away. One basic vet here. in town...another with more facilites in Page....and many to choose from in Flag. Premiere vets/facilities in PHX- 3.5 hrs away....

 

[Melisa Lalich]

I work at a hospital on an Indian reservation (Tuba City). Closest towns with a walmart/McDonalds are Flagstaff and Page AZ-both equally distant-at 1.5 hrs. away. One basic vet here. in town...another with more facilites in Page....and many to choose from in Flag. Premiere vets/facilities in PHX- 3.5 hrs away....

I see you are in Southern AZ! In fact...I had forgotten I friended you on FB several months ago. Its been a bit crazy these last few months with the passing of my dog and work which has kept me pretty busy lately....I see you appreciate dogs and cats too. Glad I found this site...so many talented people here....

I go to PHX often on weekends and stay with friends in Fountain Hills. If you're not too far away...would love to see your cats sometime!

 

[Patti]

Oh yeah, Tuba city is pretty isolated. I'm glad you at least have one vet available nearby!