I met Alex at the clinic today, to see how Ginger is progressing. Alex had told me earlier she is interested to do more for Ginger (maybe bloodwork, etc.).
Ginger arrived in a makeshift carrier made out of a cardboard box and a plastic tray. Apparently, she poo-ed in the car and it was a bit loose, so Alex had to turn back and wash her up. The carrier I lent Alex has now become Ginger's "house".
She's not afraid of people at all. From her long hair, she's probably either an abandoned or lost pet.
Her tail is still badly matted.
The vet explained that Ginger probably has some underlying health problems as she was found to be extremely emaciated (skin and bones). She has only put on 100g after two weeks of being rescued by Alex. This weight gain, even though small, is still a good sign.
The vet does not recommend doing bloodwork at this point in time as it is still far too soon. Ginger has to heal from the mange first and regain her health before any tests is done.
The best for Ginger now, according to the vet, is to be confined indoors and to be well-nourished. A home and good food can do wonders.
Alex agreed.
And while we were all busy discussing what to do for Ginger, Ginger was trying to make friends with a dog outside.
Oh dear, her tail....I asked if it would be good to shave off the matted hair on the tail so that new hair could grow.
The hair on her two front paws also needs to be shaven.
So, today's is more of a beauty treatment for Alex, besides giving her the 3rd mange jab.
Half the tail done.
Tadah....Ginger's shaven tail!!
And now, the front paws.
Getting restless now...
You'll be beautiful again in no time, Ginger.
Ginger is a feisty cat. But she has no teeth left (probably some gum disease).
Alex has adopted Ginger now. We will help with the medical treatment.
Don't worry about your hair on the paw, Ginger. It will grow back soon.
Atta girl, Ginger.
Put on some weight, Ginger.
See you next week!
All said, Ginger's case is a lot more complicated than Zhou Zhou's. The latter was a young cat and not emaciated at all. Zhou Zhou only had mange. Ginger has many underlying problems as she was completely skin and bones when she was rescued. As our vet said, have you ever seen any healthy street cat that is emaciated? No, unless the cat is very sick. Cats don't starve on the street - they have their survival instincts and their hunting instincts are intact even if they have been a pet for years. The very fact that Ginger is emaciated indicates that she is very sick inside. The vet suspects kidney or even liver problems. Ginger may also have leukemia and AIDS, which is not uncommon for a street cat. And, Ginger is an elderly cat, too. All this points to the fact that there may already be a lot of "damage" inside.
For now, the best we can do for Ginger is NOT to put her through a battery of tests, but to keep her safe and plump her up. Good nutritious food is what she needs now. Not too good, though, as it might cause diarrhoea (the sudden change from street food to luxury food is not wise). All things in moderation, the vet reminded us. And all in good time.
The vet says to monitor her weight gain for the next 2 months or so, and to let the mange heal. Then, we shall see how best to help Ginger.
So, Ginger....eat up, please!
Disclaimer: The facts above are written based on my layperson's understanding of Ginger's condition. I take full responsibility for any inaccuracy or misquote. If you have an animal in a similar condition, please consult your vet for a proper diagnosis.
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