Monday, April 28, 2008

Rattle Snake Bite - Return From The Vet

Since the swelling has gotten worse, the vet has concluded that the bite definitely contained venom. Now the good news is that they believe Orange Boy only encountered a small portion of venom. Had he encountered more, it would have certainly killed him. Orange Boy's stats are all good. While hot, he is not running a fever, his heart rate is normal and we are finding no problems with his respiratory system. Unfortunately, Orange Boy is far from being out of the woods. The swelling could still spread to his throat, in which case, Orange Boy may not be able to recover.

According to our vet, their has been a great deal of rattle snake bites this year, and everyone is low, if not completely out of stock of anti-venom. Our particular vet is down to one last vial. He has checked with human hospitals and pharmacies to see if he could obtain human anti-venom, and in addition to the human pharmacies being short of stock, human anti-venom costs $2200.00 as opposed to animal anti-venom which costs $750.00.

As a result, everyone is holding off administering anti-venom until absolutely necessary. Orange Boy was given two injections of a cortisone like medication, one intramuscularly, and one intravenously. The injections should reduce the swelling. If however Orange Boy gets worse over night, or the swelling moves to his throat, we will have to rush him back into the ER. Our vet will be calling to check in on Orange Boy first thing tomorrow morning. In the meantime, we are to make sure that we keep ice cubes in Orange Boy's water, and to make sure he drinks the cold water to keep the swelling from moving into his throat. We are also to apply a hot pack to the bite itself. The bite has been draining on it's own which is a good sign, but the hot pack should help speed up the process...Needless to say Orange Boy is not very happy at the moment. Fortunately, when we arrived home from the vet, the package Mr. Hendrix sent was waiting for us. Both Moki and Orange Boy where very excited to see what was in it...

Unfortunately you will have to wait until our next update to find out just what they received, so stay tuned...and please continue to pray that the swelling does not move down to Orange Boy's throat. Momma bean is going to go now so she can sleep for a few hours while her boyfriend remains up with Orange Boy. They will then change shifts at midnight and she will watch Orange Boy the remaining of the night. He still needs to be monitored 24/7.
P.S.


Eli made this awesome banner for Orange Boy:


and Missy and KC made this one:


Thanks Everyone!

72 comments:

Cecil the Cougar: said...

I am glad to hear a little bit of good news! Orange Boy, you has to pull through!!! You can do it, I KNOWS it!

jenianddean said...

We are still sending you healing purrs and prayers!!

-Jasper McKitten-Cat

Daisy said...

Oh Orange Boy, I have not stopped thinking about you! Rattlesnakes are very, very mean. I hope the worst is over and you will start recovering quickly now. I will not stop purring for you until you are out of the woods.

Tiger Lily said...

Oh I am glad to hear that there is at least some good news! We are purraying hard for you Orange Boy. Please drink your cold water and let your Momma bean put the hot compress on your bite. We want you to get better very soon!!

Babs (Beetle) said...

Oh I am so upset. Your poor face must be so painful. Please, please get better real quick. We are purring for you.

I am very thankful that we don't have those nasty snakes here.

Sukie. Livvie & Mitzi X

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and purrayers will be with you 24/7. Get well Orange Boy!

Anonymous said...

Oh you poor thing! I'm so sorry that happened to you Orange Boy! Hang in there and get well soon!

Millie said...

Oh Orange Boy, I am so sorry you got bitten by that bad snake. I hope you get better soon. Mom and I are sending our purrayers for you and we hope your swelling goes down and that you get well.

Hang in there buddy!

Astrid (…and the kitties too) said...

uhm crap the comment thing ate our comment :(

we were saying:
purrrrs and purrayers and still crossing paws for a speedy recovery!
at least it is a bit of goods mews. Orange Boy please keep fighting this evil rattle snake bite!!

Robyn and The (Mostly) Badass Cat said...

Purrs and Purrayers and Reiki for Orange Boy. Lots of it!
PURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRS

Jans Funny Farm said...

We're purring for Orange Boy and hoping for the best. You humans need some rest and so does Orange Boy. We'll check for news in the morning.

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

You hang in there Orange Boy! Feel all the healing purrayers in the blogosphere! Hang in there with the ice and heat, it isn't fun but it is necessary.

Sending more hugs and gentle headbutts to all of you, and of course more purrayers.

Meowers from Missouri said...

many, many heartfelt purrrrrrrrrrs to you, orange boy, and to your fambly an' your furry nice vet & staff! your momma must feel some encouragement to know there is such a good care team working wif you--not efurry furry is lucky enough to haf that! we gifs thanks that there was some good news, an' we purrrays that the swelling goes away an' doesn't invade your throat--drink that icy cold water!!

we'll tune in tomorrow to hear more good news--sleep sweet, dear orange boy!!

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

KC said...
Orange Boy, we Sherwoods are purring and purraying and praying for you around the clock... extra-strong anti-rattlesnack purrs, too.
You are a fighter, keep on fighting.
And you are furry, furry brave. Bet you was trying to protect yours fambly from tha bad snake.
Love, KC & All

pee ess: Thanks to your poor, tired, worried mommie for taking the time to post an update with photos.

Sassy Kat said...

We all stopped back to see how you were doing. You take it easy and get better soon. We can hardly wait to see what was in the package you got from Mr. Hendrix.
We are all pulling for you and praying really hard that you are better soon.
Sassy, Momo, Opus, Roscoe, Karl, Ruis, & Asta

Spike William and Angels China Cat and Willow said...

Keep drinking that cold water, Orange Boy! Willow and I are purring so hard that you will be better soon.

Purrrrrrrrrrs, China Cat

The Cat Realm said...

That sounds like good news!!! He'll make it, we are sure!!! Ask your VET about the Benedryl - it might help with the swelling..... and try the homeopathics!
We will keep purring and purring!!!!!
Karl and The Cat Realm

The Cat Realm said...

P.S. Yoda, the cat who was also bitten by a rattler, had a head which was swollen MUCH more!!! And he got through it!!!!

momsbusy said...

we ars glad to hear sum good mews. we is gonna keep purraying fur yu & yur hole famly.

y2k
momsbusy

Mo and The Purries said...

I've heard of applying heat to human rattler bites to draw out the venom and to keep the wound draining ~ so keep up the heat!!!

Our purrs and prayers are with you and your family!

the purries from Purrchance To Dream
& Not The Mama

meemsnyc said...

Oh Orange Boy, we are so sad to hear that you were bitten by a bad rattle snake. I hope the swelling goes down soon. Purrs!!

The Lee County Clowder said...

Hang in there, Orange Boy. We're all purrraying and purrrrring for you.

ppuurrrrrrrrrrr
ppppuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Alexi said...

We is purring and purraying for you Orange Boy!!!

Hugs, purrs, and purrayers from Alexi and the rest of the crew at Krasota Castle!

Team Tabby said...

We are purring and purraying that you get over the danger and get on the road to recovery Orange Boy.

Mindy & Moe

Smeagol and Strider, Mystery (Sunnin' at the Bridge) and Gizmo too! said...

We're purrin' and purrayin' furry hard for you, Orange Boy!!

Maya and Kena said...

Dear Orange Boy,
We heard about you at Sassy's bloggie and we rushed over here to tell you that our paws are crossed fur you and that we are praying hard fur you! At least it wasn't worse... but still. We hope the pain goes away and that you heal rapidly!
Wags and licks,
Maya and Kena

Lux said...

Hi, I just want to say that I'm purring like crazy for Orange Boy - get well, Orange Boy! I hope everything goes well overnight and you're showing signs of improvement in the morning.

Love,
Luxie

Mickey's Musings said...

I still purring for you Orange Boy!!!! Be well,K?
Purrs Mickey

Motor Home Cats said...

Orange Boy - we are sorry to hear that you did get some of the venom, but heartened to hear that you are fighting it. Let your mom and dad continue to help you. We are purring for your swift recovery.

Tiki, Tavi, Cody and Camie

Poppy Q said...

Hi Orange Boy,
I hopes you feels a bit better today, and I is purring that things get much much better for you real soon.

Your purry friend

poppy Q

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

We are all purring for Orange Boy ta get well soon...

Tara said...

Oh I rushed over as soon as I heard! I'm purrin and purrin for Orange Boy!

Tara

Anonymous said...

I just woke up and first thing I did was to check your bloggie...we are all glad that Orange Boy is doing at least OK...all kitties keep purring and I will have my fingers crossed the whole day!

Eli with Femi, Fenya, Belli, Blaumann, Izi, and signe

Linky Love said...

Z shall no make friendzzz fiw razzle snakez!

Getz better zoon! And you have been featured at http://www.freetabbykittens.com and http://www.linkylove.net

Kaz's Cats said...

Keep on fighting Orange Boy! We're still purring and purraying and sending you all of our pawsitive thawts...

Gentle headbutts

Gypsy & Tasha

Anonymous said...

Poor Orange Boy, you keep fighting y'hear? Moki needs you, we all need you and we all love you. xx :)

admin said...

we never stop thinking how you have been doing orange boy...sending our healing purrs & purrayers & we know you can make it!

- meaouwy troops -

Anonymous said...

We're purring & praying, Orange Boy! Don't be mad, just let your Mom put the heat on so you'll feel better real soon!

Felix, Garfield & Jawsy said...

Sending our purrs and prayers and love to you, Orange Boy. Instead of mousies and fevvers, we will chase all the bad things from your bitey away! U can pull through it, we knows and believe!
Gentle licks and scritches,
3 Stooges & Mach

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Orange Boy and Moki
We are holding firm in our purrayers and callin on all the angels to come and surround you to help you battle through this and to help you heal.
We anxiously await news on how you are today...

Purr purr purr
Abby
Boo
Ping
Jinx
and Gracie....

Ana said...

These are at least some good news! I hope all will go well and the swelling will not move into his throat.

If you would like to chat, with pleasure, I always stay up late and work. Just drop me an email.

Wish you all the best and hope you can sleep for a few hours at least!

The Taylor CatSSSSS said...

Orange Boy, we are purring and praying like crazy around here! Hope you are feeling better very soon!

Cecil the Cougar: said...

Hi Orange Boy and Mom Crystal, just checking in for a morning update! I've been thinking about Orange Boy all night! Purrrrr!

Goldie, Shade and Banshee said...

Just coming over to see how Orange Boy is making out. We'll be thinking of you all today. Purrs to the family.

~Shade and Goldie

Cats~Goats~Quotes said...

Purrs and Prayers continue for you, Orange Boy. We hope you and Mom are able to get some rest.

Mickey's Musings said...

Keep hangin' Orange Boy!! We're still purring!!!
Purrs Mickey

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

Ginger boys are tough! You can do it Orange Boy! Moki needs you! You are at the top of our purrayer list. Continue to fight this nasty venom! You are so brave.

Love,
Laila, Lilly and Peggy

P.S. Hang in there Mom and Dad!

Dragonheart, Merlin, Devi, and Chloe said...

We are continuing to purr and pray for Orange Boy.

Dma said...

I feel so bad for Orange Boy. He'll be in my thoughts.

The Furry Kids said...

We're purring and purraying for Orange Boy.

The Misadventures Of Me said...

We's all purring for you all! It must be verys hard on the beans there.

Get betters soon!!

Emma's Kat said...

So glad you continue to do okay OB. We are definately keeping you in our thoughts and continued purrs and purayers that the swelling stops!

Tiki, Kirby, and StanLee said...

Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
We are purraying our hardest that the swelling doesn't spread.

Jans Funny Farm said...

We're still purring for Orange Boy. We are so glad he is still fighting!

Java's Coffee House said...

Awww poor orange boy, so sorry about your bitey. I hopes you get better soons.

Purrs
Java

The Cat Realm said...

Still purring, Orange Boy!!! You'll make it!!!

Forty Paws said...

We're sending tons of purrs and purrayers for you Orange Boy! Hang in there, Buddy!

Luf, Us

Mr. Echo said...

Poor Orange Boy! You keep fightin, lotsa kitties are sending you strength. I'm purrin for sum strong coffee to keep your beens awake wile they watch over you. Thay are like angels! I'll be checkin in on ya later...

Purrs,
Echo

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

Just checking in to see if there is an update! We are still purraying and purraying!

Jimmy Joe said...

You are so brave, Orange Boy. I hope the swelling keeps going down and you're feeling a-okay soon. Sending you lots of purrs and ginger and white furs!
Your buddy, Jimmy Joe

Sabrina, Sam and Simon said...

Orange Boy, you and your beans are of course still in our thoughts and prayers. We hope that the swelling goes down really, really soon and that everything your beans are doing for you will get you better really, really fast.
Purrs and headbutts,
Sabrina, Sam, Simon and Momma Jan

catsynth said...

What a terrible thing to happen - we are glad to hear even a little bit of good news. We will be purring to Orange Boy.

Artsy Catsy said...

Oh, we're clinging to this good news, as you must be. And we're sending our most powerful purrs & purrayers right to Orange Boy's throat to keep the swelling away. Hang in there, Orange Boy, you can do it!

Rocky
& everykitty at Artsy Catsy

Robyn and The (Mostly) Badass Cat said...

purrrrrrrs
purrrrrrrrrrrrs
purrrrrrrs
purrrrrrrrrrs
purrrrrrrrrs

Anonymous said...

purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! i sends you love an' strenth, ginger brofur!!

nitro

Anonymous said...

you are much on our minds, orange boy! we is purrin' an' purrrayin' for you alla day long. we hopes you is restin' comfortable, an' gettin' lotsa pets an' snuggles. we would do 'em for you if we were there!!

BIG loves & purrs--
nels, ed, & xing lu

Cecil the Cougar: said...

Hi, it's me again. Just sending some more purrs your way. Mommie and I are so worried, we has not heard from you since last night. We are a little bit scairt but still hoping that no news is good news. *hugs and purrs*

Beethoven said...

Oh no! That was a nasty snake! Orange Boy, get well soon! I'm purring and purring for you!

MaoMao said...

Oh Orange Boy, we are purrin as hard as we can! We are glad fur some good newsies but we are purrin and purrin that efurrything's gonna be okay and that you'll heal up just fine.

Sendin love and comfort to you and yur fambly and lots and lots of purrs!

Astrid (…and the kitties too) said...

just checking back on you to see if there is any mews - we won't stop purrring and purraying for you!

Puuuuurrrrrs,
puuuuurrrrrrs
puurrrrrssss

Sweets the Cat said...

You have my purrrarrs. Please get well soon!

The Furry Kids said...

Stopping by to check on you guys. Hugs and purrs and purrayers for all of you.