AboutJana Connell RVT, CVT Expertise I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I cannot diagnose diseases nor will I try to. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I DO NOT do birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I also do not know much about reptiles, so post those to the reptile experts also. Thanks!
Experience I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a nutritional consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina.
Organizations Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.
Education/Credentials Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT.
Certified Veterinary Dental Technician
Question I have a 14 year old cat who is in good health. this evening she is acting as if she has pain in her back she is alert and purring. When she tries to stand she meows and growls like something is hurting her she will not walk. Can I do anything for her until I can get her to the vet in the am? Susie
Answer Not really. You can't give her any aspirin or any other pain killer, so really there is nothing. The vet will most likely give her some prednisone for the pain, either in injection and/or pills form.
She might have a neuritis. Some vets don't understand or know what this type of neuritis is, but we used to see this a lot. It usually centers around the tail head and the back area. Some cats will swish their tails, some will bite at themselves and some cats go berserk from the pain- flying off of refrigerators and things.
But until tomorrow, just make her comfortable and don't pet her back.
Let me know what you find out.
