Lychee, the brave kitten I rescued from beneath a waste collection vehicle, faced another vet visit last night. We’ve been monitoring his skin condition, which hasn’t improved much despite treatment, and the vet wanted to examine him more closely. The area above his eye looks worse, almost like a black eye from certain angles. He’s still as gentle, sweet and cute as ever though.
Lychee has also been on a new medication for his lungs because he has chronic bronchitis. Every 3 months the vet recommends a CT scan to assess any changes. With the temperature dropping sharply these days, we made sure Lychee was snug in his winter outfit and wrapped in a warm blanket for the journey. Driving through the tunnel under the Yangtze River in China, Lychee seemed at ease, nuzzling comfortably against the arm rest and falling asleep.
The vet’s office was busy but calm, with only the sound and pretty graphic veterinary educational video of a dog having surgery, in the background. We know the vets well and it wasn’t long before we went to the CT scan room. Lychee was gently placed in a small container with his teddy bear blanket to keep him still for the scan. The CT scan machine is made for humans and massive compared to tiny Lychee. In the picture below Lychee was placed inside the small container you can see in the middle of the machine.
Watching the CT scan whirring into action, I felt a familiar anxiety, trying to read the vets’ expressions for any clue about Lychee’s condition. It turns out his lungs are in about the same condition as they were a few weeks ago. The vet suspects his skin issues might be linked to some of his medication affecting his hormones. We’re adjusting the dosage to once every two days and will keep a close eye on his symptoms. He’s also gained a bit of weight, which may be related to the medicine too, so we’re tweaking his other prescriptions too.
Through all these ups and downs, Lychee continues to be his usual self, purring contentedly, playing with his toys, and enjoying his naps in his cozy basket. It’s not always easy, but seeing him happy and active makes every effort worth it.
It’s a miracle he is here, against all the odds, it’s now one year since he was in the vets in the midst of fighting FPV as we stayed by his side day and night, rushed around to source artificial blood, watched his every breathe and waited anxiously every morning waiting for his blood test report. So much happened during that time, it was extremely challenging, he’s a little warrior. I feel so blessed to be able to love him and be in his presence today.
If you would like to help support Lychee and our animal rescue work please use our donor box link below. We have created a series of videos of Lychee which you can watch on our YouTube channel, Thank you very much.
The Role of CT Scans in Veterinary Medicine
CT (Computed Tomography) scans are invaluable tools in veterinary medicine, providing detailed images of internal structures. For cats like Lychee, CT scans help diagnose conditions like chronic bronchitis by offering a clear view of the lungs and other organs. These scans can detect tumors, inflammation, and other abnormalities that might not be visible through regular X-rays. For more on how CT scans are used in veterinary care, you can read this article.
The Calming Effect of a Cat’s Purr During Medical Procedures
Cats’ purring is not only soothing to humans but also has therapeutic benefits for the cats themselves. The frequency of a cat’s purr can promote healing and reduce stress. This natural ability can help cats stay calm during stressful events like vet visits or CT scans. Research has shown that the vibrations from purring can aid in the healing of bones and tissues. Learn more about the healing power of a cat’s purr in this study.
Coping with Chronic Conditions in Pets
Managing chronic conditions in pets requires regular veterinary check-ups and a lot of care at home. For Lychee, this includes adjusting medications and monitoring his weight and symptoms. It’s crucial to work closely with your vet to manage any side effects and ensure your pet’s quality of life remains high. For more information on managing chronic conditions in pets, visit PetMD.
Supporting Animal Rescue Efforts
The journey with Lychee highlights the importance of animal rescue and the ongoing support required to care for rescued animals. Donations help cover medical expenses, food, and other necessities for rescued pets.