LogFAQs > #983421538

So an update on Phoenix.

The Animal Emergency Centre have administered anti-venom on the off-chance he was bitten by a snake and the venom has already bound to his neurol receptors, meaning it is no longer in his blood stream and as such the blood results could be incorrect. They think this has good potential to be likely given we live in a regional area and mum is on a farm, and that Phoenix has been away from home since Sunday.

His condition has slightly improved, though only slightly. He's purring and is able to kick somewhat stronger with his back legs when they pick him up.

He doesn't seem to have a gag reflex at the moment, meaning they are unable to give him food or drink in case it goes into his lungs, so they'll be setting up a feeding tube through his nostril to get some much needed nutrients into him.

If his condition doesn't improve much by Friday they recommend transferring him to another facility where specialist vets can look after him. I'm hoping it won't come to that, both from Phoenix's perspective but also from a financial point of view. If it comes down to it though I'd still do it so as to give Phoenix the best chance of pulling through.

So far this will cost about 5 and a half grand, with $2k already paid. If specialist vets get involved it could easily double that cost.

So far they've ruled out thrombosis as a cause, as well as ticks (mainly because we don't live in an area that has them, generally speaking) as they didnt find any on him after conducting a thorough search. They think there is a possibility it could be botulism, though they won't fully know that until a specialist vet looks at him on Friday if need be.