Dodgy Tail?

[Millys Mum]

Iv not personally had my animals treated but iv seen dogs get get a new lease of life from it 

[Gillian Harvey]

The vets have suggested acupuncture as something to possibly try.  Anyone else tried this?

I havent tried it, but theres a brilliant holistic vet linked to my vets practice who does acupuncture, and I've heard you can get really good results, especially for things like arthirits

[weesilvie]

I know 
It's a combination of very slight things - slightly misaligned hips, a minor deformity in one of the vertebrae at the bottom of the spine close to the tail and something in one of her knees as well - all of which together, if she suffers any significant jarring to the rear end of her body, seem to make her very uncomfortable.
Before this latest incident she was settled with just taking Seraquin (a glucosamine and Chondroitin supplement) and I just kept Metacam on hand for if she seemed in any particular discomfort, and we rarely needed it.  I am hoping we wil get back to a silmilar situation again although the vet seems to think it may take some time and may not settle completely, with the possible need for Metacam long term.
I am ever hoprful though as she is young and fit and healthy in every other respect. 
The vets have suggested acupuncture as something to possibly try.  Anyone else tried this?

[Desley (booktigger)]

Very unusual for such a young cat to have arthritis, it might be worth using supplements as well, to see if that can control it for as long as possible before needing Metacam.

[Millys Mum]

Aww bless her, dont worry about the metacam horror stories, it helps many cats live longer happier lives. Used wisely its not going to kill her 

[weesilvie]

Thanks guys!
Update on Silvie is that she doesn't appear to have a wound, the injury is just (!) an aggravation of her arthritis and will take some time to settle.  Meanwhile, I've been reading all the horror stories about Metacam and wishiing I hadn't!  However, she has had Metacam before and been fine with it so I'll just keep a close eye on her this time, as always, and ask if she can have a blood test when we go back to the vet again in 3 weeks. 
Poor wee thing, she's only 6 and didn't ought to have arthritis, but I was shown the X-rays again and made to realise how serious it is.  The vet didn't miss and hit the wall, but I do appreciate her approach - I guess sometimes we owners slaves need a wee shake up.  I will be sure to take even extra special-er care of her from now on! 

[Desley (booktigger)]

Glad things will work out well.

[Millys Mum]

Glad your plan B is working out   

[weesilvie]

The best news ever - my mum has said she'd like to offer Taz a new home and CP think it's a great idea too - I am soooooo happy!  Well, as happy as I could be seeing as I can't keep her myself!

So I am driving Taz down to Herefordshire in about 3 weeks time.
I just know they're going to get on great, mum's got a brilliant big house for her to play in and I'll take all her favourite toys with me for her.  Whilst I'm still very sad to be losing Taz, I can't now wait to see her in her new home!

[Millys Mum]

I hope it works out, makes it slightly easier if you still get to see her lording it over her own manor 

[weesilvie]

Thanks all, especially Milly's Mum, for all the advice and support, it's been invaluable.  Not entirely sure I would have retained the so-called sanity I have without it! 
Silvie is slightly improved again today, back to the vet on Friday for a check.  At least I won't have any problem keeping her indoors for a couple more days, the weather's rubbish!
Will start the balckmail campaign on my mum by sending her some pictures of Taz! 
And I'll let you know how I get on.

[Tiggy's Mum]

Sorry to hear they're still not getting on, must be a very difficult decision to make but sounds like it would be best for all concerned if your Mum adopted Taz 

[weesilvie]

Thank you
It is the most difficult decision I've made in a long time but I know in my heart that it is the right one - in the long run, both cats will be much happier on their own.  And I might retain what sanity I have left! 
I have contacted CP by email as I know they agree to take cats back within 6 months if things don't go right.  I also know they'd want to be sure that if I found another home for Taz myself that it would be one they'd approve of.  I have asked my mum and she's seriously considering it, subject to CPs approval, of course - she does have a local branch where she lives.  It is slightly selfish on my part as well because if my mum had her then I'd know she was getting tip top care and attention and I'd also still be able to see her!   
Still very upsetting for me right now but I also know it will pass because my two favourite cats will both be able to be happy again soon in their own homes.
I hope my mum and CP say yes! 

[Millys Mum]

Sorry to hear they havent bonded yet, i think your vet is right in that if sylvies happiness is going to be permantly affected then she has to come first.
Its a hard decision but you have tried! 
Before rehoming Taz you should contact CP tho as they may wish to have her back.

[weesilvie]

Further news following vet visit this morning - she thinks it likely to be a bite/scratch or an awkward jump/landing during the fight.  Following anti biotics and metacam Silvie is now much perkier this evening. 
The vet also made it fairly clear the if no improvements had been made in introductions over the six weeks then I really only had one option, particularly as it seems to be compromising Silvie's wellbeing.  Last night's fight was particularly vicious-looking.  I have to say, although I don't like to admit it, that was also the conclusion I was beginning to head for myself. 
What do you all think, is this a bit too hasty a conclusion to be coming to?
I do feel a proper failure that I can't seem to make it work and also really guilty for what I've put both cats through.  However, I know I have tried my best and that the thing we all love about cats is their unpredictability!  I don't think anyone would have prdicted Taz's reaction as it's been.  She came from a house with several cats but now clearly needs to be on her own with her humans.
I have a plan though - my mum is top of the list for new homes for Taz if she needs one! 

[weesilvie]

Hi All
Have been having trouble introducing my two - Silvie is 6 and quite sedate and has been with me since 5 months, and Taz who is about 18 months, mounted on springs and arrived from CP 6 weeks ago.  I have been keeping them apart whilst allowing each into the other's territory when it's empty and also using a puppy gate across doorways.
I decided to attempt a meeting in the kitchen this evening and it didn't go well - rolling ball of fighting cats, fur flying everywhere, so I separated them again.
However, now Silvie is back in again, she seems to be dragging her tail a bit and possibly in a bit of discomfort.  Something vaguely similar happened before when she came in one evening a few months back looking fine but then after 20 mins was in obvious pain (couldn't even sit or lie without crying) - off to Vets Now for plenty of painkillers but between them and my own vets they could not pinpoint a cause or an injury. 
I can't again now see an obvious injury but she is less than keen for me to investigate!  Was just wondering if anyone had experienced anything similar?  Is it definitely physical or could it be stress-related?
Don't worry, if there's no improvement by the morning then she's straight to the vets.  She is at least now sitting comfortably on my duvet - which I had't yet managed to put the cover on, so I guess tonight I'll be trying to curl round her, under a very hairy uncovered duvet!