Caturday at the Vet
One minute, you’re without a care in the world. Then…
Gris Gris and Odin were due for check-ups and rabies shots. It’s always a joy hearing Dr. G. pull up in the driveway in his mobile clinic but this time required some planning. Every time we even mention v-e-t, Gris Gris goes into hiding. Heaven knows what past traumas he’s experienced at another vet’s hands. Gris Gris is slippery as Houdini disguised as an eel. I decided a few minutes before the appointment to place Gris Gris in a carrier and had a pact with hubby not to even think or say anything about v-e-t-s. Odin, of course had to nose about.
Dr. Goldstein allowed Gris Gris to roam and explore for the clinic for a minute. It calmed him down and the rest of the visit was a breeze.
We’d suggested when we first met Dr. G. to use a yoga mat to prevent the usual slipping and sliding on a stainless steel surface. According to noted animal behaviorist Temple Grandin, animals dislike and are stressed by the sensation. I was happy to see Dr. G’s latest mat and Gris Gris stayed put for an easier exam. He wasn’t crazy about the ear exam. A large nodule, I’d never noticed inside the pinna had formed from ear mites long ago. GG easily allowed blood to be drawn and amazingly stayed calm while his nails were trimmed. Always thin, GG has lost weight which concerns us. Dr. G. won’t speculate but said, he seemed very good for his age.
Many vets don’t like pet parents to watch an exam, but I believe we can learn more about our pets by being there observing, asking questions. If we stay calm, our presence is an added comfort.
In fact, GG turned out to be a better patient than Odin. Dr. G is off to a veterinary conference in Las Vegas but suggested GG be the model for the 5 minute exam video for pet parents.
Odin was carried straight from the house and into the clinic but his tail immediately puffed up from fear and excitement. He wanted out. To calm him down, Dr. G. let him roam around. It worked.
He didn’t like the rectal exam but was a trooper for the rest. We’ll know the results of the blood work and fecal sample in a few days.
“You’re a nice v-e-t but good riddance,” Gris Gris said, relieved for the visit to be over. “Enjoy Las Vegas.” He rolled around in a straw patch, licking and rubbing off all remains of “vet-smell”.
If you’ve ever wondered what your cat would really like to do after leaving the vet’s office; it’s to run and remove all traces of the foreign sensory experience. All of a cat’s senses are highly developed. Think how their senses of sight, hearing and smell alone would be impacted in a bright, noisy vet clinic bombarded with scents we can’t even detect, let alone the sharp smell of alcohol.
We’re safely tucked away on private property and let both Gris Gris and Odin do what they wanted after the visit. They bolted, bats out of hell but stayed nearby to keep on eye on the truck until it disappeared. Not only did we have any “vet-smell’ issues with the others, GG and Odin napped together later (a rarity) perhaps their mutual experience added a bond.
Merlin sniffed the balmy 50+ degrees air with pleasure and Domino kept a close eye on the truck. Dr. G. thought he was getting portly. That conversation would have to wait for another day.
I breathed a sigh of relief. No cramming cats into carriers. No carrying carriers into cars. No driving home. No stress. Veterinary care is one thing I don’t want to gamble on.
“Not a thing, said Domino…do I look fat?”
16 Comments
Sweet Purrfections
Wow! We wish we had a mobile vet. We’re not saying we like vets, but it would be nice not to be shoved into the PTU and take that car ride.
Truffle and Brulee
Karen Jo
The mobile vet sounds great. Herman is lucky (at least I think so) that his vet clinic is very close by. I can get him there in his stroller in less than ten minutes. If the weather is too cold for that, it’s only a few minutes by car. The vets there allow the cats to roam a bit before the exam, too.
Nadbugs
How very, very timely, Layla, as you well know! Tell you what, if another visit becomes necessary on Monday, I’m going with a swatch of this rubber-backed doormat stuff I’ve covered our furniture in. What a great idea. Check it out: http://catself.wordpress.com/2011/07/05/bugs-plugs-bungalow/
And it’s so interesting to see what happens when the cats get to stay put and the vet comes to them. On home turf, just let them inquisitate around a little and they’re good. In contrast, stuff Bugsy protesting into the carrier, subject him to stop-n-go traffic and construction, get to the vet where dogs are present & a smelly candle to try to cover the whole mess, let Bugs out of the carrier on a slippery counter, and — he scoots off and finds a crevice to hide in, butt first pointy-side out, and when the vet comes in I have to peel him out with pretty much a crowbar. Which would you prefer? I mean?
Mr Puddy
A mobile vet ? Cool !!! but I feel lucky in some way, they don’t have it here…I’m not sure I want to see the VET that often…tee..heh. but I’m sure my pawrents love this kind of thing : )
xoxo
Katnip Lounge
Gosh, I hope Dr. G STAYS in Vegas! I would love to have a mobile vet.
Tamago
We observe the exam and ask many questions, too. My vet does not provide mobile service but she answers my questions.
Saying or even thinking about “vet” somehow makes them notice we are going to the vet. It’s amazing, haha..
Tinch
Years ago, I lived at the beach and had a mobile vet. She was wonderful, and so was the experience with her care. I wish she was closer to me here but, unfortunately, she is not.
Cheysuli
Wow! Filmed and examined at the same time! Amazing. We’ve always had vets that allow us to stay with the cats–I don’t think anything has ever been done outside our viewing–except surgeries and sometimes blood draws–although the later is becoming more frequent.
Deb Barnes - Zee and Zoey
This was a very good write up Layla – I really could feel from the cats point of view. I just found a local clinic that does offer mobile service – I have bookmarked it for further research, but it really is the way to go with my crew of seven…
Marg
Well at least that is over now for those two boys. Our vet does the same thing, he lets the cats run around the room before he examines them. It does work. You are so lucky to be able to use a mobil vet. We are very jealous. Dom, you are not too fat after what you have been through. Take care.
Kathy Thompson
We hope all turns out well after the tests. We would so love to have a Vet that had a mobile clinic,we do soooo hate the whole clinic thing! We have a great Vet that takes great care of us but we have a 20 minute drive to and from and the office stresses us out. The only saving grace is when our dear Doc and assistants touch us with loving,gentle,sure hands,then all is well!
Wishing the “family” continued health and love…purrs to all Skeeter and Izzy >^..^<
Brian
Well at least it is over!!! YAY, a video, we can’t wait!!!
Ingrid King
I’m so glad you have such a wonderful vet. It is pretty amazing how all cats know the word v-e-t, whether it’s spoken aloud or not!
A mobile vet really is the optimal way to go for most cats. Unfortunately, just like regular vets, not all vets are created equal, so you’ll still need to do your homework and make sure that the vet is good with cats. Not all vets are. Also, as far as I’m concerned, any vet who doesn’t want the cat’s guardian to be present during an exam raises a red flag for me.
I love the “good bye Dr. G” photo – looks more like “good riddance, Dr. G, and don’t come again” to me!
Layla Morgan Wilde (Cat Wisdom 101.com)
Ingrid, agreed all vets are not created equal. It was funny how all four cat lingered nearby until the familiar truck drove away.
Fuzzy Tales
A mobile vet is not an option here, unfortunately, but is a fabulous idea. And so is having a covering for the steel examination table–that makes good sense.
Fingers and paws crossed for the test results!
CATachresis
I love the “Goodbye vet” pic lol.
Yes it’s a lot less stressfull for the animals (and humans) with a mobile vet! Hope all the guys are ok!