Medication Error

Folks, please PLEASE be careful when administering medications!  The Hubby and I just discovered that we made a huge error when using an old Metronidazole script from one pharmacy, and the new script, from another pharmacy, was for a different sized pill.  Since we have to cut pills to meet the doctor's orders, we didn't realize that the old script was for 1/8th pills, while the new was for 1/4 pills!

Chuck was not injured by the error, but I'm telling this embarrassing story to advise you all that it's important to be on the same page as the veterinarian, AND with anyone else in the household that is assisting with medicine handling!  I take full blame for the lack of communication...if I'd simply x'd out the old prescription label.

With multiple bottles of pills; each one has it's own instructions and how often administered, and the pills from the pharmacy are not the correct dosage size...they must be cut in half or quarters!  So, it's complicated and we've made our first big fat error.  I feel awful about it. The only way I'm not running out in the street for a bus to hit me, is the fact that Chuck is okay...this was a supplemental mild antibiotic for his IBD, NOT one of his heart meds.

In the future, when any new med is introduced, The Hubby and I will converse clearly so we both know what is what and who is who.  When we started, I was the only one cutting up pills and wrapping them, but our process morphed over time to The Hubby doing all the cutting, while we take turns in the pill wrapping.  Clearly, our instructional discussions need to morph too.

We are both pretty shaken by this, so again I warn you all to be careful; color-code, or write across pill bottles with markers, or tape them with different colors if that makes everything CRYSTAL CLEAR TO ALL.

P.S. Chuck is greatly improved using Metronidazole, even at the reduced dosage.  His litter box usage is significantly better, and we are glad his attitude is much more playful and kitten-like.

Sunday Chuck

The Food Bowl Slide

It has been sleeting, raining, snowing...then more sleet and rain again...and now snow and high winds here in Metro Detroit, Michigan!

The Hubby and I try to keep the deck and feeding station for Patty O'Malley and Sweetie as clear as we can, but Mother Nature just keeps throwing stuff at us.

This morning I brought out bowls of kibble, but the icy surface and gusting winds pushed the bowls right off the edge!  They simply slid right across. The cats were not amused, so I brought out heavier, ceramic bowls that stayed put.  I did not get photos; these old ones will have to do.

Earlier this month, Patty feeds

In January, Sweetie tells me how she likes
having her photo taken at mealtime!

From March 2014

Here's hoping the folks that got walloped by storms elsewhere are all okay.

Bacon Ball Ballet

Chuck was prescribed three medicines for his heart condition, and one for his intestinal issues.  I discovered pill paste from a blog comment months ago, and immediately ordered some online.  I have since discovered I can buy it at Petco stores, even if it's pricier.

This is what it looks like: it reminds me of Play-Doh!

We fold the pills into this pliable, soft stuff and roll it into a ball.

Early days, Chuck would just eat the 'bacon ball' (the jar says it's bacon-flavored!) out of my hand. One day, he bit into a buried pill that had a bad taste, and I haven't been able to get him to eat it since. He won't even eat any that is pill-free.  Angel gets a little bit as a treat, once in awhile.

The Hubby picks Chuck up, lays him across his lap, and pries open Chuck's mouth while dropping in the bacon ball.  Chuck hasn't bitten him yet...!  The Hubby gives Chuck mucho lovin' before and after the drop, and they do this every morning and every evening.  It's actually quite a sight.  A pill-dropping, bacon ball-toting ballet!