August 14, 2011 Dose

All day and evening, Shadoe has been a completely different cat - I think she is even walking higher on her back paws, so I wonder if she's had some mild neuropathic issues and by starting the B12 shots and now adding the gabapentin, the combination has greatly improved her overall and in several ways.

Shadoe has always been the head of the roost, terrorizing the newest addition, Apple Blossom. Shadoe has also let Oliver know from Day 1 on his arrival when adopted that she hates him. All of that has done a complete face; Shadoe now actually touched noses with Apple Blossom and now just ignores the kitten. Shadoe also walks right by Oliver, and even stepped over his back legs to pass by him without rushing.
Shadoe definitely feels better. She also eats with appetite and is eager for meals. She also follows me around sometimes and also lies out in the open with no regard for the other cats. I couldn't be more pleased with Shadoe's improvements.

Oliver is another story. What can I say about his changes - they are much more subtle, and maybe his doses are too low or maybe he just does not have the same degree of problems as Shadoe.

I believe that Oliver is calmer, more relaxed, and he does much more stretching out long, so his midsection must have less or no pains, discomforts. He also purrs (grunts) much more readily and more frequently. I suppose it's harder for a 31lb cat to light on his feet, but he does seem less 'burdened' when he walks.

Tonite at 8pm was dose #2 for Gabapentin, and the next B12 will be on Thursday.
I do wonder if the Gabapentin would be better if it was twice the strength so that the dose amount could be half as much because giving .75ml orally of a bitter med makes the administration a bit of a challenge.
Oliver is a pushover and does sputter and gag a bit, but does love the tuna water afterwards and a small bowl of tuna. Shadoe, on the other hand, is a struggle with her .5ml dose as she squirms around and fights to close her mouth. She also likes the tuna water after but she will eventually hide on the future doses. I need to remember to give hers first because she saw Oliver getting his gabapentin and she took off under the sofa!

After just one dose, I am content with Oliver's changes and ecstatic with Shadoe's.