Terbutaline

This post could probably just as easily be labeled “An Excuse to Share More Pictures of Howard.”  But, for purposes of the A to Z Challenge, “Terbutaline” it is. 

Terbutaline is the medication that Howard is on for his asthma.  Web Md describes it as “used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath from lung problems (such as asthma.”

Yes, cats can develop asthma.  They cough and wheeze.  Not treating it can lead to a buildup of scar tissue in their lungs.

When Howard was first diagnosed with asthma, we tried putting him on an inhaler.  He’s such an easygoing cat that we all thought it would work.  Unfortunately, Howard wanted no part of the inhaler.  Even Howard has some limits as to what he’ll put up with.

Fortunately, our vet was able to switch him to Terbutaline, which is a tablet.  Howard takes one-quarter of a tablet twice daily and is very excited to take them.  We put them in Pill Pockets, which Howard loves.  He comes into the kitchen and does his little meerkat pose waiting for his special treat whenever we get the medication and Pill Pockets out. 

Our vet told us it’s cheaper to get the Terbutaline filled at a regular pharmacy, so that’s what we’ve been doing.  The price has fluctuated quite a bit lately, so we’ve been using different pharmacies to get the best prices.  Some of them have some interesting labeling.  Some of my favorites are:

Howard Feline Zecher

Howard the Feline Zecher

Howard Zecher (Canine)***

***Nope, he’s definitely a cat.  An unusual cat, but most definitely a cat.  

Do any of your pets have prescriptions filled at a regular pharmacy? 

Thanksgiving

Yes, I’m aware that it’s April, and that Thanksgiving is a long way off. I have no desire to speed things up, but Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and it just doesn’t get enough love, so I thought I’d make it my T post.

I absolutely love Thanksgiving. I think it’s really the perfect holiday. I love to cook, and I love spending time with family and friends, especially when I can cook for them. I also love the fact that Thanksgiving seems to come with no expectations, and it manages to bring out the best in people.

Thanksgiving feels magic. It’s at the beginning of the holiday season, when everyone still feels festive and cheerful. It’s a time to think about what’s good in our lives, and to be thankful for those things. It also seems to be a time when everyone is very conscious of including others, to invite people who may need a place to go to come share a meal and companionship.

Because of Nick’s crazy work schedule we sometimes have to get a little creative in celebrating Thanksgiving. We very rarely have our celebration on Thanksgiving Day, but we still manage to find a day to invite family and friends over for a Thanksgiving Dinner, even if it happens to be in March. It’s the people we spend it with who really matter. And it’s easier to send leftovers home with people at a different time of the year when they’re not already inundated with that kind of food. 

So what about you? Is Thanksgiving one of your favorite holidays? How do you celebrate it?