Awful

[smokingboot]

I woke this morning knowing something was wrong; Ralik, our little tom cat, had not spent the better part of the dawn dancing on my head/attacking my feet/whinging for breakfast. I came downstairs and put food out for the kitties. He didn't come. Found him, took the food to him - he wouldn't touch it. He wouldn't move much either.

He's had cystitis, it's very common in young male cats apparently; 4 shots, two courses of antibiotics a course of feline cystaid later, and after seeming to get better, he suddenly squatted again, and nothing came out. Phoned the vet who said, 'Bring him in right NOW.' So I took the day off work and did.

His bladder is full, but he can't empty it cos of crystal deposits in his urine which have created a blockage. He is under general anaesthetic now, while they empty his bladder, take blood tests and put in a catheter; left even for 24 hours, a full-on block of this kind can cause the cat's system to be affected by toxins, which will result in a very sick kitty who's at risk even from surgery. We got him there before that happened.

Depending on what they find, he may need a special diet for the rest of his life, or a major op amputating his bladder and re-sorting his tubes so that he urinates out from behind rather than in front. That, apparently, is not cheap; today's consultation, op and resulting 2/4 days on a catheter will cost £175, and depending on what they find, the cost could go up to £250. The vets didn't bat an eye; I shudder to estimate the cost of an op even they consider expensive.

The other option is humane euthanasia.

This choice is far off in the future...there are so many things that could be wrong, so many easy ways to right things. I love my cat very much and don't want to lose him.

I can't think at all; it's a beautiful day, I could do some gardening. Or I might just be a bit wet and cry.

Comments

[larians.livejournal.com]

We will sort it out honey, don't panic.

You are lovely

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

I know we will. I'll keep looking at this comment throughout the day, to keep me sensible.

*tries not to blubber*

[itsjustaname.livejournal.com]

Oh no. :o( I'm not much of a cat person so I don't know how powerful they'll be but I'm thinking positive cat thoughts!

I hope Ralik's comes through all this okay.

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

*smiles* thank you for your positive cat thoughts! Don't know if they are helping Ralik, but they make me smile:-)

[falco-biarmicus.livejournal.com]

Have been in a similar situation and know how heartbreaking it is. All I can offer is my love.

And for the future, you may want to consider getting his sister insured. Yes - it is an added expensive, but it is such a comfort. At the moment we are trying to 'fix' Navajo, and because he is insured, there are no limits to the lengths we can go to. Every test that can be done is being done, no matter what the cost. It is probably the last thing you want to think about at the moment, but I would urge you to give it some thought.

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

They are both insured now, though very recently; the nuisance of it is that the insurance doesn't cover pre-diagnosed problems, or problems that emerge within a fortnight of cover being taken out - which is what happened with the cystitis. Looks like we may still have to fork out:-(

Thank you so much for your love.

[falco-biarmicus.livejournal.com]

Ouch! That is a horrible twist of fate! If I can help at all - just ask. I realise there is little I can do, but I can research any medical condition or drug, plus provide financial help if needed. Also, if you need a lift anywhere, just call me on: 07714327195

Other than that - more love!!!!!

More love is wonderful

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

Hurrah! And thank you again - you really lift my spirits:-)

[thru-her-lens.livejournal.com]

*fingers tightly crossed*
My thoughts are with you and little Ralik

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

Thank you for those crossed fingers, Trish. I really appreciate them.

[nyarbaggytep.livejournal.com]

What's wrong with a good blart? poor little mogger.

Blart

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

*LOL* Good word! Makes me laugh to hear it - what is a blart?

Re: Blart

[nyarbaggytep.livejournal.com]

A blart? A good old cry and wail. It is a good word. I like it.

[erestania.livejournal.com]

Poor little thing! It's so sad and frustrating and terrifying when something is wrong with one of the family, regardless of whether they have four legs or two.

It is a goreous day and you have managed to catch the problem before it got to worse case scenario, so see if that can help you to look on the bright side and put your energy from the worrying to the positive vibe giving to your kitten. He could probably do with a healing spell or two if you have them up your sleeve, a much better use of energy than worrying. (Please note; this is said by a consumate worrier, who could probably worry at the olympic games should they ever consider making it a sport.)

Big hugs for you and much softer and gentler ones for the little kit.

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

That is very gentle and wise advice. Tonight is the second of the full moon, so a good time for such things.

Thank you for your hugs, on behalf of me and a little cat.

[caffeine-fairy.livejournal.com]

Our little female cat has the crystals-in-the-bladder thing, she's on special food for life. She has occasional episodes of cystitis (usually brought on by the boys beating up on her) but apart form that she's fine.

Don't give up - lots of cats have this and lead very happy little cat lives.

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

Thank you, that's very comforting to know.

I think it was just the shock of the whole 'Worst case scenario' thing; it's good to know that cats can leave fine lives with this. Who would have thought cystitis could get so complicated?

[squeezypaws.livejournal.com]

Oh.. there are few things more upsetting than leaving puss at the vets. Its just dreadful isn't it - poor puss. Sending positive kitty thoughts - here's hoping its a very short stay and swift return to form. x

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

Thank you for those positive vibes - I'm sure they're good for Ralik, and they're certainly helping me!

[cyanidemigraine.livejournal.com]

am sure will be fine, shall send strength and love


dont worry too much

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

I will try not to worry. Thank you for your strength and love.

[velvet-the-cat.livejournal.com]

Take it a day at a time. The worst case sceanarios are a long way away and with luck will be irrelevant!

Hugs.

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I know you are right...*Big hugs back*

[scary-lady.livejournal.com]

Best love and luck to the kitty-cat, and strength to you & Russ.

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

You are very kind. Thank you for your warm wishes, they are very appreciated.

[mitchy.livejournal.com]

Poor lil' kitty! *sends oodles of good wishes* The good thing is you caught it in time and there are options.

*gives you a hug* Will be rooting for you all.

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the rooting and the hug.

he's out of surgery now, and the vet says he is much improved having had 'the longest wee she'd ever seen,' so things are definitely improving.

*hugs right back*

[littlemiscowboy.livejournal.com]

Big hugz hun to you and Mr Russ

Is this going to make cat-sitting at Easter interesting?

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

major hugz right back from both of us!

By then it should be all settled. He is likely to be on a different food to her, but that's all, fingers crossed!

[november-girl.livejournal.com]

He is the demon lord and therefore he must be fine. Lucifer wouldn't allow it to be otherwise. It's probably just his evil little way of worrying you for his own personal amusement.

Or not. Seriously though, he's in the best place and you caught it early. If you need someone to wail at, feel free to give me a call (I'm only not calling you on reading this cos of the time). Sod the hugs - have a virtual whisky.

Whiskey Rah!

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

Luvverly thank you:-) I feel much better for that!

Hope to speak to you very soon.

[binidj.livejournal.com]

"he's out of surgery now, and the vet says he is much improved having had 'the longest wee she'd ever seen,' so things are definitely improving."

So glad things are looking up ... poor little mite.

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

Me too. I am visiting him this morning; it would be great if they said I could take him home, but I think they want to keep him in for a couple of days' observation.

Remind me never to have kids, I just couldn't handle this kind of worry writ large!

Hugs

[lucyas.livejournal.com]

Hope your kitty recovers soon. It sounds really painful for him.

Re: Hugs

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

Thank you *Very big hug back*

Go Cat

[the-lore.livejournal.com]

Hi,

From you last posting kitty kat is improving!!!! It is such good news! I'm sure he would agree that that was the best wee ever.

I hope he can come home today; if not perhaps you should get the catnip and his favorite chair ready!!! hehehe.

Much love, and as you know I'm always here if you need me.

Re: Go Cat

[smokingboot.livejournal.com]

Thank you lots Lorna, it's very good to hear from you:-)

They are keeping him in til Sunday for observation! As for getting his favourite chair ready, that's easy...whatever chair I'm sitting in will always be demanded as his property!

Re: Go Cat

[the-lore.livejournal.com]

Guess your sitting on the floor?

And the cats getting steak for dinner.... (probably yours)!!!!!

Keep me posted on how things are going.