Thanks. It makes sense that calcification is what enables eggs to show on x-rays. It also makes sense that if she’s got something in her reproductive tract other than a normal egg, it wouldn’t show.
Sceptre is currently in early stages of a postnatal shed. She hasn’t moved much since settling down last night, which did take a while. She’s due for oral meds again at 7 pm, when I’ll check her vent more closely. She hates getting them, and I hate being (from her perspective) the meanie who forces her mouth open and inserts something unwelcome.
I am thinking that an ultrasound may be in her near future. I’m worried about her age, should surgery be needed. At fourteen, she’s no spring hatchling.
I feel this one. While Celia is on injectables, I still feel like the worst owner for having to hold her down and shove a needle in her, even if it helps. I’ve actually got three species on injectables (diabetic dog, arthritic cat, Celia) and then the arthritic cat also gets oral medication every other day. I wish we could explain to them we’re doing it for their own good.
I mean, there’s worry with any reptile, as well as any animal with age, but they’re pretty resilient. Hopefully she’ll avoid going under the knife, and the lumps are just some swelling. At her age and as a reproductive female, I’d have a plan in case you have to go ahead with surgery, and another for in case they find something that can’t be fixed. I always plan for the worst so I can be either relieved by the best, or prepared in advance.
I do once a week + exercises at home for the time being, but this was my first appointment in 2-3 weeks due to scheduling and my vacation. Absolutely kicked my behind.
That’s always the rub, isn’t it? I’ve had about two animals out of my many species who actually seemed to understand that difficult concept.
I’m right there with you. When I taught labs, I always tried to anticipate the myriad ways in which things could go sideways. I try and approach medical care the same way, always hoping to be pleasantly surprised.
Ouch. I know that achey feeling. Good for you for not chickening out and never going back after the break. My PT guy says that’s not unusual.
Let me take the chance to say that determination is a valuable personality trait. I will also say we have it! Remind me to offer a cheer… when I’m less
Sceptre’s body language tonight seemed pretty relaxed, except if course when I was actually dosing her. There was a tiny bit of tissue visible at her vent so I dabbed it with sugar/ Preparation H. I expect it to disappear, I hope nothing reappears. I didn’t really palpate her tonight since she ate last night.
Fingers crossed that she fully recoveres. I feel sad when any animal has injuries or illness especially since they can’t tell us “my tummy hurts” or whatever.
Looks like she’s had a really good reduction in the inflammation. Maybe just chilling through her shed cycle will be enough to give it all time to hold.
I surely do hope so. This morning I could just barely see some tissue at the vent. More ointment, more quiet. It has been a hectic day here. Got to feed my 2021 crew, plus a couple of my adult girls, and then I’ll examine and dose Sceptre.
Sceptre hasn’t prolapsed again, which is good. She is uncomfortable, though. Her body language tells me that much, but it is honestly hard to say if that’s because she’s experiencing discomfort now or if she’s cringing because she doesn’t want to be dosed.
I took these a couple of evenings ago, just haven’t had a good enough signal to post them. One egg’s veins are noticeably less developed, but they are there and have grown. Time will tell, but these three do lots like they could develop.
I’d perhaps let the vet know you’re still seeing signs of discomfort, even if it could just be her not wanting to be dosed, could signal to something more. Glad to hear she hasn’t re-prolapsed thus far.
As for the eggs, at this point I’d say veins are veins. Perhaps because these were retained sperm they will develop a bit more slowly? There’s so much we know and yet so much we don’t, crazy, isn’t it? I do hope they keep developing, those are some little blessing eggs right there.
I’m sending and receiving daily updates with her vet. The vet is about 1.5 hours away, and at this point since all I’m seeing is just unhappy rather than actual pain, we decided on watchful waiting. Sceptre isn’t fleeing from me or twisting away or anything like that. She just doesn’t seem to me to feel quite right. It’s one of those things that a stranger might not even notice, but because she’s been my baby since 2008, I see it.
The trip itself is a stressor and we don’t want to precipitate another prolapse. If I don’t see improvement by Friday, or if she’s worse or, God forbid, prolapses again, I’ll take her in. Trying to walk the line between not letting a problem go downhill, and not causing a problem if all she needs is time and a continuation of meds she’s getting.
Knowing the vet is that far, yes, it’s definitely right to just monitor and wait then. Car rides tend to get the insides all jiggled around anyways (how many of us have had animals poop during transport and stink up cars?) so best avoided unless necessary. Hopefully she’s just antsy about all the recent changes and settles with no more issue. Celia and I will definitely continue cheering for Sceptre’s recovery, and the eventual little pips!
Yes, absolutely. I have a not so fond and very vivid memory of a cat climbing into my lap as I drove home from the vet and letting loose with a large, loose bowel movement all over my lap. Thank goodness I had a towel on my lap, but still! Fine thanks for my attention to her good health! Lol
Seriously though, Sceptre would have about three hours in the car, let alone whatever happened at the vet.
Thanks for the good thoughts, and please convey our thanks to the fair Celia!
It’s been a hectic couple of days here. Two females have laid second “clutches” with lots of duds but a couple of hopefully good eggs. Sceptre seems to be feeling better today. She had a nice long drink when I changed her water. I still feel like a bit of a meanie when I give her oral meds. At least she’s not showing signs of prolapsing again.
She just went full face into it, huh? Glad to see her up and about without issue! Meanie time is only temporary, I’m sure she’ll forgive it in the long run. Hopefully the bonus babies all hatch! Those moms did put in the effort, after all.
Yeah, she dived in and drank for a while while she was submerged. I have been changing her water daily, but that was the first time she seemed super happy about it. She’s still unhappy about her oral meds, but doesn’t fight it as much.
This morning she seems to feel reasonably good. Her body language is relaxed, even with gentle palpation. One of the bumps is still there, but one is fading.
Thank you to everybody who has been supportive and encouraging. It makes stressful times easier to have the support of this community.
It’s good to see her just enjoying herself and acting like she’s feeling better. Being more active and more comfortable even with that activity is an awesome sign, as is the lessening of the swellings. Cheering her on from here that her shed goes well and no further issues arise!
No worries!
