Lots of News to Share!

Welcome back everyone!  We hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and Veteran's Day.  Since we have a short blog week, and lots of information to share, let's get right to the In-Sync Exotics' blog news:

Gideon Update:  Last Wednesday we reported on Gideon's health challenges and the hope that a drug called Phenobarbital would help control his seizures.  Phenobarbital is the number one choice of anti-convulsants for recurrent and uncontrolled feline seizures. It functions as a muscle relaxant and a depressant, thus effectively quelling seizures and helping to stabilize our little Gideon. Well, we have some great news! Our veterinarian tested Gideon's phenobarbital level in his system and it appears to be at the perfect maintenance level (10 - 40). Since Gideon's maintenance level is at a low end of the range at 17.2, we have lots of room to adjust his medication upwards if necessary. We are hoping that Gideon grow out his need for the medication, but until that day comes, we will continue to administer the drug and watch for any uncontrolled seizures. Huge thank you's to all who sent healing thoughts and prayers to our little boy--it just goes to show prayers do work!

Nadia Update:  More good news! You may recall our concern for Nadia, our beautiful tigress  with a small hole that refuses to heal on her face. Well, last week we took Nadia to the veterinarian clinic where her vet conducted a thorough exam of the wound.

We were worried that Nadia might have cancer in her mouth, so you can imagine our relief when we learn that she was cancer-free.  Turns out there's a small bone chip that keeps the facial wound from healing.  Since the bone chip is not causing any damage to her face, she doesn't appear to be in any pain, and it's not life threatening, we are going to let her rest a bit before we take her to Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine to have the chip extracted.

Nugget Update:  Just when we thought Nugget's rash was gone for good, like a bad penny, the rash came back again!  When we noticed the re-emergence of this pesky inflammation, we hoped to stop it in its tracks by administering steroids. Unfortunately, steroids did not work, so little Nugget is back on antibiotics.  We will keep you updated on Nugget's progress as he continues to battle this rash.

Neffie Update:  On Friday, Neffie will travel to the veterinarian's office to be spayed.  Stay tuned for a "Neffie update" on Monday.  In the meantime, please keep Neffie in your prayers for Friday's spay surgery--that it goes smoothly and without any complications. Knowing Neffie, she'll come out of surgery with flying serval colors!

Sabu Update:  At the beginning of this month, Vicky and Mak drew blood from Sabu (as demonstrated in Sabu's "how to video" shown on this blog two weeks ago), so it could be sent off for testing. Every three months we check Sabu's Vitamin A level, kidney and liver functions.  When Sabu first arrived in May 2011, Sabu's Vitamin A level was at 15.  A normal level is between 200 and 500.  We've been trying to get Sabu vitamin level closer to 200.  His last two tests were at 136, so we were very happy to learn that his number went up a bit to 141.  Great job, Sabu!

Spike Update:   On May 3, 2012, we took one of the former Poetry cougars, Spike, to Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine to learn why he was having difficulty walking.  At first, we thought he might be having some age-related issues seeing how he is 17 years old. While Spike had no problems running and playing, we noticed that he did have problems walking at a normal pace, sort of like he had inebriated hind legs.

MRI images showed us that Spike had two ruptured discs, one found on his neck and the other on his upper spine.  We were presented at that time with two options:  bed rest and recovery or surgical treatment.  We opted  bed rest for Spike, hoping that surgery would be the last resort and recovery from this type of surgical procedure may be difficult for our senior cougar.

For months, we limited Spike's movements in the hopes that his spinal issues would resolve themselves.  Unfortunately, we have noticed Spike walking in an unusual manner once again.  Video was taken of Spike's movements and sent to Texas Texas A&M for review.  After watching the video, the veterinarian agreed to examine Spike in the hopes that there was something we can do for his back and legs.

As you read our posting this morning, Spike is already at Texas A&M and shall return later in the evening.  Please say a little prayer for Spike for a safe return home with a positive resolution to his back and leg issues.

Whew!  That's a lot of news to share in just one posting!  We will keep you posted on the cats' progress as information comes available.  In the meantime, please keep us in mind when deciding on where to make a charitable gift before the end of the year.  As you can imagine, our cats' health care bills are rather expensive and any gift, no matter or big or small will help us continue to provide them best medical care available.  If you can make a difference in the lives of our exotic cats, please click HERE.  We thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity!   

Turkey Toss!

Start an after Thanksgiving Day tradition by joining us for our annual Turkey Toss event!  Our cats love turkey and you'll love watching them enjoy their treats!  Our Turkey Toss will be Saturday, November 24, 2012, from 11am - 3pm!  So take a break from all the shopping and come out to watch the cats have a terrific time with their Thanksgiving surprises!  

We hope you enjoyed today's blog posting! Be sure to check back tomorrow for more fun and informative information about our exotic cats and their friends of In-Sync Exotics! Don't forget to let us know your reaction to this posting by clicking on one of the reaction buttons below--and share this blog posting with others please ~ Thank you!

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