1:34pm
Gnarla at Home, Day 3
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She slept with Yazzy, contentedly, during her first night home. The next day was a work day, which usually entails my being gone nearly 12 hours. To ensure no climbing, leaping or falling, I put Gnarla into her one-level abode upon several layers of towels and blankets. I made her a big yummy breakfast of collards, zucchini, banana, & bits of oranges, and reluctantly bit her adieu.
Luckily, my roommate works nearby, and comes home for lunch. I called him during my break and asked if he could look in on her. I was worried that she'd spend the day exhausting her precious reserves digging at the glass.
"So how's Gnarla doing?" I asked nervously.
"Let me see...Well, she seems to be fine."
"What is she doing?"
"Absolutely nothing. Just sitting there."
"GOOD! Best thing for her!"
When I got home that night, I looked in on her and was pleasantly surprised to find...a large poop on one of her towels! I don't think I've ever been so excited to see excrement. I'd been a little perturbed lately that she'd been choosing to do her business on their carpeted perches rather than on the newspapers at the bottom of the cage, but right now she could poop on my lap and I'd be THRILLED. The vet had been concerned that he'd possibly severed some nerve endings to the colon, but apparently, all was A-OK, and here was the proof!
She was pleased to see me and climbed onto me, heading north to the hair, as usual.
"Nuh uh, no climbing, hon," I smiled, and put her in w/ Yaz while I tidied up her cage.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Today is the 3rd, and she had another poop yesterday, hooray! Her appetite has held, though she eats a fraction of what she used to. I've had to soak her food more than usual and provide a drinking bowl (which I'm not sure she uses) since she's not allowed her daily baths for 2 weeks. The Baytril will continue for a week, and I'll keep giving vitamin supplements intermittently until she's up to speed.
I feel bad looking at her skinny little body, because she's obviously in pain. Aside from her digging at the cage the first night (which I chalk up to the lingering effects of her surgery drugs) she's been fairly inactive except when trying to fend off Yaz's advances.
Yesterday was over 70 degrees, so I took her outside briefly, hoping the fresh air & sunshine would do her good. She munched enthusiastically on some clover & dandelion greens, which pleased me. I only kept her out 10 minutes, because I didn't want to lower her temperature too much. (The cages range from 85 - 90 degrees.)
So things are progressing slowly, but that they are progressing at all makes me incredibly happy. Rest, my gorgeous little iggie girl, you are stronger than you know.
