I’ve been told that the reason every little sound wakes me up at night is because I’m of child bearing age and my hormones tell my brain that I need to be aware of a baby in need crying for me in the night. Well, last night, Esteban was crying for me again. I got out of bed and glanced at the clock. 3:30. Zissou tried to climb into my lap, but I had to push her away since Esteban was in such desperate need of attention at this very hour. I sat in the closet doorway, leaned my head on the doorframe, and pulled Esteban close for snuggles and pets. I think I was starting to fall asleep when my hand slid down from his head to his front leg, which was on the wrong side of his e-collar!! That’s why he was crying! How on earth did he manage that!? I can barely fit it over his head, and he managed to get his leg through it!!
Today, after walking my midday client, I stopped over to the humane society to pick up the foster paperwork that wasn’t ready for me on Friday and to hopefully talk to the vet about when Esteban and Zissou’s surgeries were, when/if sutures needed to be removed, and what their vaccine schedule needs to be. The vet was in surgery, so I couldn’t talk to her, but I did get the paperwork. I now have an idea of how old the kitties are and a diagnosis for Esteban’s leg (non-union fracture of the radius and ulna suggesting he was injured for a long time).
When I got home, I decided that Esteban needed some snuggle time, so I broke his quarantine and brought him out into the living room with me. I really think he appreciated it. He was purring like a motorboat and head bonking all over the place! Yorrick came over to sniff and Esteban didn’t care at all. He must have had good experiences with dogs in the past. Steve then came over to check things out. She sniffed and poked, but when Esteban sniffed back she hissed. She’s always been bratty at introductions, so I’m not too worried. Especially since after a few minutes, she climbed up on the couch and laid on the arm behind Esteban while he slept. Saxon just came over for a minute to sniff from the floor. He didn’t seem too interested. Of course I took a ton of pictures!
The only real concern I have for Esteban right now is that his incision feels warm to the touch. I know that’s a sign of infection, but I’m trying to remain level headed since he is on Clavamox. There’s no swelling or signs of irritation. I just don’t remember Steve’s incision ever feeling warm like this.
Love the photos! Somebody is going to be very lucky when they give Esteban a home. If he is that mellow a couple days after surgery, I can’t imagine what he will be like after he is fully recovered.
His incision looks fantastic! I am always surprised how warm my dogs’ skin feels when they have been shaved. Maybe that is all you are feeling? I know you are gonna monitor like crazy so don’t worry. My husband just had surgery to remove a cyst on his back and I am worried about HIS incision. Esteban’s looks much better 🙂
xoxo
We had a Sphynx at the e-clinic the other day and everyone was so weirded out by how warm it felt. They were also weirded out by it’s nakedness. I think I’m struggling with the balance between being a person with veterinary medical knowledge and being a worried foster mom. The vet assistant in me wants to be calm and cool and not freak out at every little sign of a problem. The foster mom in me wants my foster cat to be well, recover quickly, and have everything he never had before he came to the humane society!
Yeah, the “mom” part overrides everything!
You are doing an absolutely astounding job of being a great advocate for all your pack! You really have your hands full, that’s for sure!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the escapades of your crew! I’m sorry Esteban got his leg caught n though…that was craaaaazy!
These pictures…OMC! Laughing my butt off at Steve! Great job of capturing these moments!!!
And Yorrick is adorable!
Look forward to following the continuing journey. Yiu are a very, very kind soul”
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
I don’t know where I read it or heard it, but I’ve always thought when an injury, whether man-made or accidental, is healing there’s a lot of energy going on in the area which naturally produces a lot of warmth. If it’s infected then there’s a lot more energy going on therefore the site would be feverish instead of just warmer. Just my 2 cents, don’t ask for change! I’m not a vet tech and don’t know the first thing about any of it. So there you have it! LOL!
Any-hoo, I loved reading your story and the pictures were just darling. Can’t wait to see more!
pam