We had to take Neko to the veterinarian, today, for his first visit since 2013. He is a generally, and surprisingly, healthy cat. We adopted him from the San Diego shelter in March 2012. The professionals there estimated his age at two years. But days later, based on Neko’s teeth, the vet believed four years, which makes him likely somewhere between 16 and 18 years old.
Because of his advanced age, we were reluctant to take him for treatment. We correctly worried that all the change and stress would take a lot out of him, and it has; that could end an old cat. He was his normal old self beforehand: Alert, active, and demonstrating normal appetite. Tonight, he is listless and sullen.
But after considering options, we felt obliged—that the risk of no professional treatment was the greater one. From occasional scratching, Neko had enlarged a small cut into a deteriorating wound that started oozing puss and put out a putrid smell. We had waited because he seemed oblivious to the injury. He was his normal self.
So, $350 later, here we be, and the vet wanted to do tests that would have jacked up the cost to well over $1,000. Ugh. We let her clean the wound and administer an antibiotic shot. We went home with antibiotic cream and a large plastic cone that he loathed.
Couple lessons, starting with a realization. Now I understand why people go to Tractor Supply and buy affordable animal medicines for human consumption. According to the paperwork for the ointment:
This medication is not FDA approved specifically for animals, but it is approved for use in humans. At the discretion of your veterinarian, this medication may be used in other species (extra-label).
Oh yeah? Well, that explains the anti-vaxx crew’s interest in animal Ivermectin during the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2)/COVID-19 lockdowns.
The other lesson: Live in the right place and Amazon can fulfill all your retail needs rapidly. None of the local pet stores sold soft cones for adult cats (kittens, yes, oddly). But Amazon had something satisfactory for delivery within 3 hours (141 minutes to be exact; impressive).
I assume Neko will recover, qualifying he seemed just fine before the vet visit. The smell sold me on getting him treated. So, here we are.
The Featured Image comes from Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. Vitals: f/1.7, ISO 129, 1/30 sec, 13mm (film equivalent); 3:03 p.m. PDT.