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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Best pre-op care for Mr Cory?

38 replies

Corygal · 19/02/2015 12:05

I have found stuff to sell from the flat and Mr Cory's thyroid operation is next Wednesday. Poor little mite! I am a bit worried but staying strong for his sake.

He will be really freaked out afterwards as hates the vet at the best of times, so I am trying to make things especially nice for him at home prior to the chop.

I am feeding him chicken breast, Sheba and Gourmet exclusively (while I live on toast) and having lots of snuggles and chin rubs. Is there anything else I should do? I am also giving him fresh steak mince for protein to aid healing when he comes back. And sneakily disinfecting bits of the flat he hangs out in to reduce risk of post-op infection.

I have taken time off work to nurse him when he comes home.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 19/02/2015 12:10

Poor Mr Cory.

I always concentrate on giving the treats when they return and not before they go. (Unless building up is required.)

RubbishMantra · 19/02/2015 12:24

Poor Monsieur Cory. Sad

You said about feeding him steak mince. Whilst delicious and delightful for the lad, it doesn't have any taurine in it, an essential thing for cats. They can only get that from offal. Hearts in particular. Muscle meat doesn't contain any. (Obviously cat food contains the right stuff, doesn't mean you need to start butchering and cooking up hearts Grin)

Hope he's well soon.

Lonecatwithkitten · 19/02/2015 13:41

Before a thyroid op the best thing you can do is feed him good quality cat food. This will ensure his calcium :phosphorus ratio is correct and make him less likely to suffer costly side effects of disturbed calcium balance.
I know it is very tempting to spoil him, but ensuring he gets the right balance of minerals prior to this surgery is really important.

dillydollydarling · 19/02/2015 17:51

RubbishMantra all muscle meat contains taurine. That is why heart is the best source, as its a huge working muscle! The only things that are a little low in taurine is rabbit and chicks. breast. Chicken thighs etc are a good source too. Red meat has a higher taurine content than white meat though.

Fluffycloudland77 · 19/02/2015 21:24

You are lovely to that cat. I hope it goes well.

Original poster
Corygal · 23/02/2015 15:48

Two days to go and I am getting flappy. Does anyone know if there are risks to the op?

I couldn't bear to lose my fat friend.

OP posts:
Lonecatwithkitten · 23/02/2015 16:51

Corny has your vet not run through the risks and benefits of the surgery with you. If not give them a ring, there are risks with every surgery and some specific ones for thyroid surgery. Decision for this surgery should be a fully informed one, even I as a vet who does this surgery took 9 months to make the decision for my own cat.

Lonecatwithkitten · 23/02/2015 16:51

Sorry cory damn spell check changed it to corny.

Original poster
Corygal · 23/02/2015 22:10

No! Oh God, that makes it worse. Lone, what are the risks? Mr C is 12 and FIV. I know that the benefits are that he wont need pills any more.

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Lonecatwithkitten · 23/02/2015 22:39

Cory you really, really need to talk to your vet who has Mr Cory's blood results.
But there is a risk with every anaesthetic.
Thyroidectomy also has risk of post op bleeding or blood clot.
If both thyroids are taken there risks of hypocalcaemia.
There maybe additional risks if there are suggestions of renal failure that is bring masked by the hyperthyroidism.
You need to know that some cats have ectopic thyroid tissue and may not be cured by surgery.

Original poster
Corygal · 24/02/2015 11:19

I cant get hold of the vet. Thanks Lone, that gives me an idea of risks at any rate. How big are the risks generally? Specifically the risk of not waking up? I had trouble typing that.

My worst paranoia is that MrC will wake up from the op, in pain, alone and terrified - then snuff it out of misery. He hated being neutered (while resident at Battersea) and was traumatised for ages when I first had him.

If only I could be with him! I am sending a jersey with him that I am wearing nonstop as that calms him down and stops him having panic attacks.

He is extra-mellow and happy at the mo, however, as he has been on Gourmet and maximum cuddles. I am spending quality time with him on the sofa and being a bit less military about the number of Dreamies he has. He is purring madly most of the time, which is a good sign I think. Woke me up this am mewing for snacks! Slapped me face with his paw!

Is there anything else I can do or tell the vet to do for him that would make it easier for him?

Thanks so much for all your help.

OP posts:
Original poster
Corygal · 24/02/2015 23:02

Is anyone there? Still fretting like a girl.

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 25/02/2015 07:48

What time is his op?

Original poster
Corygal · 25/02/2015 09:44

Lone, oh thank you for being there. MrC is off as we speak - the op is at 10.

I am sitting in bed next to his furry indentation in the duvet. He wasn't happy about going to the vet and mewed a lot, but I cuddled him and sent him in with a jersey.

He was livid about not being giving a midnight snack last night and kicked me when I tried to soothe him. He slept like a log, I slept badly.

The vet nurse says it is routine, phew.

OP posts:
Original poster
Corygal · 25/02/2015 09:45

Fluffy, I mean you of course! Sorry, a bit distrait this morning.

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cozietoesie · 25/02/2015 09:52

....He hated being neutered (while resident at Battersea) and was traumatised for ages when I first had him........

I think that 'resident at Battersea' is the critical thing there. Some cats are affected quite badly by rescues and it's more likely to be that than the neutering op itself. (Although vets aren't likely to be his most favourite places.)

Have you a treat planned for him when he returns?

GerundTheBehemoth · 25/02/2015 09:55

Hope Mr C breezes through his op. He sounds like such a star.

cozietoesie · 25/02/2015 09:56

Indeed he does. I think we need a picture. Smile

Original poster
Corygal · 25/02/2015 10:00

Oh thank you all - I will try and get a portrait of the newly un-thyroided gentleman when he returns. In the meantime, this is what makes the duvet all lumpy.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 25/02/2015 16:41

Have you heard how he's doing yet?

GRW · 25/02/2015 18:34

I hope your lovely boy is doing ok

Original poster
Corygal · 25/02/2015 19:38

Mr Cory woke up after the op! It went fine! He is still in hospital for observation overnight.

I made a bit of a fool of myself pleading with the nurses to cuddle him and calm him down but they were lovely and said they would.

A million gratitudes to you all for being here with me and the little boy.

It is so weird here at home. I have just been to the loo and made a cup of tea without interruption from a bustling little furry body mewing its whiskers off for the first time in six years. It is so QUIET. I can put my legs down the sofa not sit crunched up in the corner as usual. And MN without the keyboard being stamped on angrily. And eat without bits being flicked off the fork. And rest for a bit without whistly snoring from the end of the sofa.

Going to have triple vodka now and watch Wolf Hall by way of distraction.

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 25/02/2015 19:44

I'm really pleased it well. Phew!

cozietoesie · 25/02/2015 20:03

I'm pleased it went well. Smile

Original poster
Corygal · 25/02/2015 22:49

Does anyone think it would be neurotic to call the hospital and check on him, even tho it is late?

OP posts: