Lola Update

We've just got home from the vet, me and Lola and my handy neighbour who carries the carrier. Andrew, the vet, was pleased to hear that Lola has been eating a little bit since I made the appointment and has even put on a bit of weight. 

We discussed the hayfever season and her headaches, then the constant scratching with all the resulting scabs and hairless patches. The other vets I've seen put that down to allergies of which her hayfever is one, but Andrew said this is a result of stress. He has a very long name for the condition, but I can't remember what he called it. Something beginning with E. So, what stress? No one knows. Any little thing at all can trigger stress in an animal, and of course they can't tell us what's worrying them. 

So Lola had an antibiotic to help with the healing of the sores and a cortisone shot for the stress and has to go back in two weeks for another one. 

Then we talked about next season. My hayfever usually kicks off around late August or early September, so Andrew suggested watching Lola around that time and if her stress kicks in with the usual scratching and head shaking pattern, he will give her a three shot cortisone whammy over six weeks. That's one shot a fortnight. He thinks that should be enough to see her through the spring and summer. 

Of course now I'm worrying about what could possibly have triggered her stress. Any little change could do it, says Andrew.  Even seeing another cat that she doesn't like through the window could do it. But there aren't any roaming cats up my end of the driveway now that new laws have come into effect stating all cats must be indoors. 
The only thing I can think of is I now have the outside awning pulled down against the heat, so when Lola is on the windowsill, she can't see the garden. I may have to raise the awning a little and just keep the curtains closed against any glare. 

And give her more cuddles whenever she wants them, not just when I'm ready.