Plus-Hex CLINICAL
Max received care at the veterinary hospital ( Figure 17 and Table 2 ) and was discharged 2 days later , although at that point he was not using his hindlimbs .
Once discharged , Max was prescribed oral transmucosal buprenorphine , meloxicam and famotidine , and gentle physiotherapy . His owner was taught to place his legs underneath him to encourage walking . She was also shown how to position his hindlegs on her hands so he could push against them as a strengthening exercise . His analgesia was reduced to meloxicam at 0.1 mg / kg once daily , which he enjoyed taking as this was fed alongside EmerAid Intensive Care Carnivore ( Lafeber ).
At home , Max was kept separate from , but in contact with , his companion ( Figure 18 ). He was restricted to one level to reduce the risk of falling or injury , with accessible resources such as an easy-entrance litter tray and padded bedding ( Figure 19 ).
Figure 17 . Max was kept on non-slip flooring / bedding after surgery , for comfort and to encourage him to ambulate properly . Photo permission from Michelle Howe .
Table 2 . Medication and specialised diet prescribed for Max while he was in hospital recovering from surgery .
Figure 18 . At home , Max was kept separate from , but in contact with , his companion . Photo permission from Michelle Howe .
Medication / diet Dose Frequency Methadone
Meloxicam
Famotidine
Buprenorphine
0.3 mg / kg ( IV )
0.2 mg / kg ( SC , PO )
0.5 mg / kg ( PO )
0.02 mg / kg ( IV / IM ) q4 – 6h
q24h
q24h
q6 – 8h ( once comfortable off methadone )
EmerAid Carnivore ( high-protein , semi-elemental diet designed for the critically ill exotic carnivore )
10 ml / kg
( fed in a syringe , spoon or bowl )
Offered 5 times a day
q24h , once a day ; q4 – 6h , every 4 – 6 hours ; q8h , every 8 hours ; IV , intravenous ; IM , intramuscular ; PO , oral ; SC , subcutaneous .
Figure 19 . Max in his accommodation , with padded , non-slip bedding / flooring and a litter tray with an easily accessible entrance . Photo permission from Michelle Howe .
Volume 40 ( 2 ) • April 2025
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