Saturday, May 29, 2010

Update on the kittens


I'm sorry to say that "Spot" did not survive, and he has now joined his brothers at the Rainbow Bridge.  He fought hard, but even with medicine and force feeding, his little body just couldn't fight off the parasites. 

We finally have a definitive answer on what caused the kittens to become so sick.  They tested positive for a parasite called tritrichomonas foetus.  It causes diarrhea and while it can affect both adults and kittens, it is usually not fatal.  However these kittens are so young and frail that they just weren't strong enough to survive.   Regular dewormers and antibiotics don't work against this parasite, and we actually had to order the only medicine that is shown to be effective against it from a pharmacy several states away.  They are sending the medicine by overnight mail, so hopefully it will get here later today in time to help the last surviving kitten - the one I was temporarily calling "Trickster" (because she was always escaping from her room).

I've officially named her Mira.  It's short for Miracle... because that is what she needs.  Not only does she need to survive these parasites, but the medicine we will be giving her to help her fight them off is very dangerous and known to cause neurological problems so I will be monitoring her closely and if she has any side effects we will have to quit the medication.  Thank you all for your well wishes - I will keep you updated on how she is doing.

On another note, I have some happier news to share.  Last night I met with a lady who is interested in adopting Casey.  She met Casey and everything went really well, and she will most likely be taking him home next week!
I explained to Casey that he was going to be adopted and get to live with a wonderful new mom.  I was hoping the news wouldn't be too hard on him and he wouldn't mind going to yet another new place.  I shouldn't have worried.  He said "Next week??  How about right now?!"  Oh wait, nevermind.  That was my husband Dave who said that.  But Casey did seem excited to hear he would get to live with the nice lady he met tonight.  Or perhaps he was just excited at the thought of getting away from Remi and Noelle and Tripoli and Ziggy.  Either way, he is one happy dog. 

17 comments:

kissa-bull said...

our candle will light for wittle mira. we are going to pray furry much haws for her and are sending our most powerful pibble healing vibes your way for the wittle babish

pibble sugars to all
the pittie pack

meowmeowmans said...

I'm so sorry to hear that Spot did not survive. Thank you for all you are doing. Please know we are praying for you and Mira.

P.S. that is great news about Casey. Paws crossed!

Zona said...

Sending prayers up for Mira. Please keep us posted. Hang in there!!

I hope all goes well for Casey next week!

Wags,
Zona

Cupcake said...

You are such a wonderful person. You do so much for all these babies. I'm so sorry about Spot. Sending good thoughts and prayers Mira's way.
I'll miss seeing Casey's sweet face on your blog but I'm so happy for him.

Rebecca said...

Oh - we are so sorry to hear another foster passed away. Miracle is cute, I hope she can pull through. We will be waiting to hear more updates and praying the medicine is exactly what she needs and that is doesn't cause any more problems.
Daisy Mae and Rebecca

River said...

I'm really sorry for your loss. Mira is in our thoughts.

Lola and also Franklin, too said...

We are all so sorry to see this about the kitties. We'll be holding Mira in our thoughts and sending good vibes for what it's worth. At least there was someone to try to save the ones who didn't make it. Someone who cared.

love, Lola

Sue said...

Those poor little babies. We hope Mira makes it and lives up to her name.

Congratulations to Casey. How lucky to find a new home just in time for summer fun.

Will you check out Dogs-N-More blog ? It's about fostering and we need your expertise. You can probably answer our questions.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I'm so very sorry to hear about sweet little spot. My paws are firmly crossed for dear little Mira. I hope, hope, hope she can beat that bad thing.

But I am VERY much excited for Casey! I hope this is the Forever and Ever Home he has been waiting for!

Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie

BerniceK said...

Im so sorry Laurie - but you can do it. Miracle worker dog foster mom. I love the name for the surviving kitty. She will be special in your heart..

Daisy said...

I am purring for a miracle for little Mira. Stay strong, little bebbeh!

Anonymous said...

Being a foster is a very, very hard task. Saying you can not save them all never makes anyone feel better. I am glad you found the cause, but wish it was easier to treat.
I am happy for Casey and wish for the best there.

Bobby said...

This is very sad, but paws crossed for little Mira

Everycat said...

Poor Spot, at least he's running free with his siblings now. RIP sweet little kitten.

Sending rumbly purrs and hoping the medicine works well for little Mira.

Whicky Wuudler

Kari in Alaska said...

Here's hoping that the meds get here fast!

Jans Funny Farm said...

We so hope little Mira makes it. It had to be hard to lose her brothers.

Amy & the house of cats said...

Oh I am so so sorry you lost another kitten! We are still sending lots and lots of purrs and prayers that Mira will be ok. We know you are an awesome foster mom and are taking the best care of them you can! And we are so glad that even though Spot had to go (which makes us sad) that he had a loving wonderful home for his short time here (which is a very good thing!) Sending you lots of hugs!