Barney is an Angel Now. [Archive]

Emeraldgreen

10-14-2008, 10:50 PM

This little cat just breaks my heart.
I posted a thread a few days back regarding Revolution dosage because I was trying to help this woman who was caring for a stray cat. Well, I gave her the Revolution to treat the cat and today she asked if I could come over to see the cat and to look at it's ears. She said they were all bloody and she wasn't sure if she could take the cat to the vet due to finances.

So I stopped by after work tonight and I was so shocked by the condition of this poor little cat. It turns out the cat is a male and he is so tiny and thin. My coworker rents the cottage that this cat has been hanging around and she has named him Scrawny. She had to go across the country to Ontario last week for family reasons and a death in the family so her good friend has come all the way from Ontario to house sit for her and has kind of taken over the feeding of this little guy. My coworker won't be back until November 15th and Angela has to leave at somepoint in the near future but she is trying to get this guy on his feet before she leaves.

I think my co-worker thought he might be young because of his size but as soon as I saw his eyes I knew he was a senior. I checked his teeth too and they were the teeth of an old cat. I'm guessing he might be around 13 or 14?

This poor cat has been hanging around this property for a year. The house she rents is actually a little cottage on an acreage that is owned by another family. The family have never been able to touch him and it's only now that he has reached out for help and allowed people to comfort him. He is so sweet and was purring the whole time we handled him tonight. I think he must have been someone's cat at some point in his life because he does not act feral.
Here is a few second video of him when I first arrived.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_MVI_4456.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=MVI_4456.flv)

I gasped when I saw him because I wasn't expecting him to be in such bad shape. He is skin and bones and he is filthy. His ears are a mess and he is deaf. Angela held him while I trimmed the scabs back. One was half an inch thick!! We put hydrogen peroxide on the scabs on the exterior of his ears and they foamed up like you wouldn't believe. :eek:

The rest are just pictures:
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4460.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4455.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4459.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4461.jpg

We filled a sink with warm water and some hypoallergenic soap for pets. We didn't want to freak him out so we used a cloth and gently washed him with that. We tried to wash his feet but he got angry when we tried so that will have to wait until later. Once he was washed we used a hair dryer on warm with a diffuser to dry his fur. He couldn't hear the dryer so thankfully it didn't scare him. He even ate a plate of food while we dried him. So sweet.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4462.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4463.jpg

I'm going to get some antibacterial soap from a friend of mine who used to work at a vet clinic and has a large supply. We'll use that to continue cleaning his scabby ears. I'll bring some nail trimmers over as well to trim his long nails. He needs to go to a vet but I can only pitch in a bit and Angela doesn't seem to have much money either nor does my coworker. My plan is to try and find a way to get this guy on his feet so he's healthy enough and handsome enough that when my coworker gets back she won't be able to resist him and she will give him a home. She already wants to but her partner is not too keen on the idea.

My hope is to get him examined. He is such an older guy that I wonder if putting him through surgery for neutering would even be worth it. He has a set but I don't think he's interested in using them. He's just trying to survive right now. :( It sure made me realize how fortunate my own cats are to have a warm home. I can't believe Scrawny has been out there on his own like this. I'm so thankful though that my coworker and Angela want to help him. I will do everything I can too. I'll post an update as things progress.

jennielynn1970

10-14-2008, 11:48 PM

Oh my god. That poor old guy! I was sitting here, reading your post, looking at his pics, and was just gasping out loud. I cannot believe how skinny and sickly he looks. That poor, poor thing!!

You are wonderful for what you are doing to help him. I hope that he can get to a vet and get a checkup and some treatment.

Gentle pets to Scrawny, and hope that he will get to feeling much better.

critters

10-15-2008, 06:16 AM

Poor guy! I'd consider neutering when he's stronger, mainly because that would be an ideal time to give his ears a GOOD cleaning and medicating, and to see what's going on in them. I can't imagine he'd let somebody do too much with them awake. :(

Medusa

10-15-2008, 06:56 AM

He may be deaf because his ears are in such bad shape w/mites or whatever. If the vet can get his ears cleaned up, he may be able to hear again. It's so dangerous to have him stay outdoors if he can't hear because he may not know when danger is upon him. This is just heartbreaking, just heartbreaking. Poor sweet little guy. Thank you, Lara, for having such a kind heart. I'm fairly selective as to where I contribute but this guy makes my heart ache. If you take him to the vet, I'll be happy to contribute towards the bill. I'd be curious to know how old he is and if the vet feels he should be neutered yet. You can PM me w/details. His face is just haunting me. He looks so much like my RB Peeka and by the time I rescued her, she was bone thin like that, too, and kids had tried to skin her alive; all the fur was missing from her tail. She survived and lived for 14 years so there's hope for Scrawny. (I believe that pets live up to their names, so I wish he had a different one. Rocky, maybe, because he's managed to survive this long. I'm just sayin'...)

Randi

10-15-2008, 10:10 AM

Oh Lara, it's heartbreaking to see the condition poor Scrawny is in, and yes, I'm sure he's an elderly cat. :( What luck for him that you came round to help care for him. I really hope you can get him to a vet soon. I'll be glad to give a contribution towards the bill. PM me!

Emeraldgreen

10-15-2008, 12:12 PM

Thank you Jenn, Mary, Randi and Critters so much for your posts and support!!:D I'm heading over there again after work. I do think he should get to a vet too. My only concern is that Angela indicated that if his blood work does show kidney failure then it would probably be best to put him down. I told her that my cat Jade went on to live for 4 good years after her diagnosis with fluids and care. The thing is that she will be leaving my coworkers house soon and I don't want her to put him down before she leaves. My hope is to get him feeling and looking better so my coworker won't be able to resist him when she gets home and then when he gets bloodwork, she will still want to keep him despite the results.
I know this sounds like a stupid plan and maybe it is. What do you guys think?
It's kind of a weird situation because this cat isn't mine to make the calls and I'm not able to take him in myself (hubby would absolutely kill me) but I want to try and do everything I can to help him stick around and have a good life.

I absolutely appreciate the wonderful offers for some donations and Jenn is sending some Revolution in the mail for his next treatment, which is so great.
I would want him to go to my vet as they are such good people and so good at what they do. I could call them and see if people could call them to make a donation on his behalf? I don't have a paypal account. I did set one up a long time ago and I just used it to send a donation to someone but it's not set up to receive anything. I'm kind of nervous about connecting it to my bank account. That's probably stupid too. :rolleyes:

I guess the main goal right now is to get him examined and get a geriatric panel done on him and maybe dewormed. I know my vet charges around 60.00 (Canadian) for an exam. I'm guessing that bloodwork would be about 120.00 but I need to call and find out for sure. One drontal tab is probably about 15.00 but I'll find that out too.

Medusa wrote:
He may be deaf because his ears are in such bad shape w/mites or whatever. If the vet can get his ears cleaned up, he may be able to hear again. It's so dangerous to have him stay outdoors if he can't hear because he may not know when danger is upon him.

That would be so great if he could hear again. We figured that the loss of hearing was probably from all the mites/infection and debris but I didn't even think to hope that he could get some hearing back. That would be so awesome. I'll start praying about that ASAP! :)
Thank you for your offer to help. I know it is so hard to choose sometimes who to help as there are so many in need and times are as hard as they get right now. This guy sure is in rough shape though and I appreciate so much that he has touched your heart.
Thank you Randi as well!!

Critters wrote:
Poor guy! I'd consider neutering when he's stronger, mainly because that would be an ideal time to give his ears a GOOD cleaning and medicating, and to see what's going on in them. I can't imagine he'd let somebody do too much with them awake.

You wouldn't believe how tolerant this guy is with regard to his ears. He does pull back when he's had enough but I spent a good 5 minutes straight trimming away at this scab that had scabs built on top of that etc.. We didn't attempt to clean inside his ears though yet and that might be a different story.

I received some advice via PM regarding Ivermectin and using that to clean his ears but now I'm wondering if we shouldn't mess with them too much and let a vet have a good look and steer us in the right direction. It might be something that requires Surolan or something like that. We're just guessing it's mites but that could be wrong.

Randi

10-15-2008, 01:47 PM

Emeraldgreen

10-15-2008, 02:25 PM

Lara, I just sent you a PM, but forgot to say...

Any chance you could call your vet and ask what might be the right thing to use for his ear - something that won't be harmful, whatever the problem is. Scrawny must feel awful with that ear. :(

Hi Randi, got your PM, thank you. :)
I just called my vet and explained the situation. They said they are not taking any new clients so the only way to get Scrawny in is to put him under my file, which I did. I asked them if they would be willing to accept any donations over the phone from my friends (:)) and they said that would be fine. I spoke with a receptionist named Anna and she said she would post a note at the front desk so everyone would know what it was about if someone called.
I have the vet info and will PM it to those interested. Thanks again.
We'll try and get him in to the vet soon.

p.s. I agree that Scrawny should have a new name. He is currently under that name at the vet because I couldn't come up with one but we should change it. Any suggestions? :)

Moesha

10-15-2008, 02:27 PM

That kitty just breaks my heart. If you get vet info about making donations, please let me know. I may not be able to contribute very much, but I know every small donation helps alot. Thank you so much for helping him.

critters

10-15-2008, 03:01 PM

I'm in red.

I don't have a paypal account. I did set one up a long time ago and I just used it to send a donation to someone but it's not set up to receive anything. I'm kind of nervous about connecting it to my bank account. That's probably stupid too. :rolleyes: You don't have to do anything special to get $$ via PayPal, and to get your $$ out you can ask them to send you a check. Slow, but effective.

I guess the main goal right now is to get him examined and get a geriatric panel done on him and maybe dewormed. I know my vet charges around 60.00 (Canadian) for an exam. I'm guessing that bloodwork would be about 120.00 but I need to call and find out for sure. One drontal tab is probably about 15.00 but I'll find that out too. You can get 3 Droncit for $10 at KV; they add a little, $5, I think, if you don't make their minimum purchase.
Critters wrote:

You wouldn't believe how tolerant this guy is with regard to his ears. He does pull back when he's had enough but I spent a good 5 minutes straight trimming away at this scab that had scabs built on top of that etc.. We didn't attempt to clean inside his ears though yet and that might be a different story. I'd be concerned about using anything in them until he's on antibiotics and all because of the likelihood of making him dig more. :(

I received some advice via PM regarding Ivermectin and using that to clean his ears but now I'm wondering if we shouldn't mess with them too much and let a vet have a good look and steer us in the right direction. It might be something that requires Surolan or something like that. We're just guessing it's mites but that could be wrong. Ivermectin is effective ONLY for mites, and it irritated Spunk's ears something terrible; luckily, she was out of it from being spayed. I'd say he also has at least bacteria because the front of his L ear looks gooey & pus-y in the pic. He may well have fungus too.

Medusa

10-15-2008, 03:41 PM

That would be so great if he could hear again. We figured that the loss of hearing was probably from all the mites/infection and debris but I didn't even think to hope that he could get some hearing back. That would be so awesome. I'll start praying about that ASAP! :)

In the last litter of kittens that I rescued, one of the them had ear mites so badly that I and the person who adopted her both wrongly assumed that she was deaf and I mean stone deaf. As it turned out, she had ear mites so badly that she couldn't hear but once that got taken care of she could hear just fine. If Scrawny does have an ear fungus, that's certainly treatable. Yodie has had that problem ever since the polyp was removed from her ear but I have her on drops and salve and she's doing aces.

Thank you again, Lara, for doing this for the little guy. I PM'd you, too.

Emeraldgreen

10-15-2008, 04:49 PM

Hi guys, I'm at work so can only log on for a minute but Angela has the cat in the car and just showed up here. She was going to take him to another vet and was racing to catch the ferry. This other vet is a horrible mean man ( I know firsthand because I briefly worked for him, very briefly!) so thankfully she stopped in to talk with me first! She hadn't gotten my message about my vet yet. So I just called my vet and they said that they will try and squeeze Scrawny in today if she drops him off at 3:30. She just got on the ferry now. She said that he wasn't doing well and peed on his blanket and is acting kind of strange.

Thanks again for all the posts and support! This thing is moving a little faster than I had planned but maybe that's a good thing.

Medusa

10-15-2008, 05:03 PM

Oh, I hope he can hold on until the vet takes a look at him. You're right, Lara, maybe it's a good thing that it's moving quickly. Time may be critical. Prayers going up for this sweet boy.....

Emeraldgreen

10-15-2008, 07:04 PM

Okay, just got off the phone with the vet. She is really great. Poor Scrawny has ALOT going on. He has hyperthyroid which is why he is so hungry and so skinny. He has diabetes which is why is peeing inappropriately. He has a high white blood cell count so is fighting an infection of some kind. She is wondering if he has FIP but said there is no way to know for sure. He also has a growth in his ear that is either a polyp or a tumour that bleeds easily. She said she would normally treat it with steroids but because of the diabetes she can't right now. They did a urinaylisis, blood work and a physical exam.
She said she is not convinced that he has FIP though because she said there is no fluid build up though she did say there was a dry version.

I asked the vet if the diabetes was the type that required insulin shots and she said there is insulin dependent diabetes and there is non-insulin dependent but she doesn't know if this is a result of his being starved for so long. She said we could try a low carb diet and see if things improve. If things do improve and the diabetes is just temporary, then she said she could administer a steroid to try and shrink the polyp if it is a polyp. Otherwise he would need surgery which is not an option due to finances.

She put me on the phone with Angela who was there and we had to decide in that split second whether he lives or not, it was so *&^%$ brutal. I could not let him be put down without trying so I gave them my credit card number and asked them not to call my house because I need to keep this a secret from my husband. I shouldn't have done it but it felt like the right thing to do at that moment. I'm writing this while at work because hubby is usually sitting right behind me in the den!

I asked the vet if she could give him the Convenia injection instead of pills because my coworkers partner stopped in today and said that Angela is leaving tomorrow. I have to confirm this with her because I thought she was staying a bit longer. I know he will give the cat food but meds might be a challenge. The vet said that she would give Scrawny the Convenia injection and send him home with a month's supply of hyperthyroid pills. I'm hoping that my coworkers guy will be okay mixing the tablet in with the food. I might pick up some pill pockets tomorrow. Not sure if he can have the pill pockets with diabetes though.:confused:

Scrawny needs to be on a low carb diet. I told the vet I had about a 1/3 of a bag of Taste of the Wild which is very low carb but it's dry. So she is sending him home with some cans of Hills W/D that the pills can be mixed with.

Well, that's the scoop. My head is spinning. Angela is bringing him home and I'm going to head over there after work to see how he's doing. I'll take another pic or two. The vet cleaned out his ears and Angela said you wouldn't believe how much stuff came out. Poor guy.

Moesha

10-15-2008, 07:23 PM

Did they give any indication as to the kitty's age?

Catty1

10-15-2008, 07:30 PM

I hope Scrawny does ok...thank goodness his ears are cleaner. I wonder if he can hear now?

Prayers are all I can give right now...still in a really tight spot. But there are people here who are donating some money, so I hope that diminishes or wipes out the charges on your credit card.

I pray he will bloom a bit now and enjoy love and better health! THANK YOU - and Angela - for helping this boy.:love:

Medusa

10-15-2008, 08:05 PM

The ear polyp concerns me. Yodie had one and unless the polyp is removed at the root, it grows back. The only way that's done is surgery; Yodie's was lasered out. Poor little guy. He must have been neglected for so long. He's probably like a sponge right now soaking it all up. If they can get the diabetes and thyroid under control, lasering the polyp is not a bad surgery unless they wait too long. Yodie's was growing down into her throat. Do you know if the vet said whether or not the polyp was limited to just Scrawny's ear? Gosh, I'm sure your head is spinning. Sorry for so many questions. I just think that he has a good chance but, unfortunately, it takes money. If possible, PM me w/the estimated total and I'll do my best to help, even if just a little. Maybe the vet will discount some since the poor boy has so many things wrong w/him? I'll wait to hear from you, Lara. Thank you so much for helping him. You're a sweetheart. :love:

Emeraldgreen

10-15-2008, 08:47 PM

Hi guys, Angela's ferry got here just as I was getting off work and she stopped by on her way home. She had Scrawny (who Angela told me is now Barney :)) in the car. He was in a small carrier so I couldn't see him but she said he is absolutely exhausted. She said he fell asleep at the clinic!

'ANGEL-a' is AWESOME! The bill came to 330.84 and she said that she just didn't feel comfortable letting it all be billed to me so she put 250.00 on her own credit card!! :D She said she wanted to do it and part of the reason the bill was this high is because she brought home 24 cans of Diabetic wet food for him.

I asked her if she was leaving tomorrow and she said "how can I with all this going on?" I was thrilled! I don't know how long she is staying but each 24 hours is a chance to get him into better condition so that my coworker and her guy can take over.

I'm going to see Barney tomorrow after work and will drop off some dry Taste of the Wild for him. I'll try and grab a few pics of him then.

p.s. I think one of the things that didn't help was that Barney didn't have a litterbox. I guess up until a few days ago, he was strictly outdoors but as mentioned earlier Angela has been sneaking him in at night. He didn't have a box to go in so I can sure understand why he peed on his blanket. But I guess it's good that he did because it prompted them to to do the urinalysis which I think is how they found the diabetes?
So I bought him a large disposable turkery roaster today at our local store after work and a bag of litter and gave that to Angela. She said she was just about to do the same thing so she was happy about that.

I'm hoping that the vet will leave the balance on my account so some donations can go towards it or they may charge my card for the remainder and might reverse a portion of it. Anyway, it will all work out. I'm just so grateful that so many people care about this little guy who seemed to fall through the cracks for who knows how many years. I pray that we can keep him going for some months, maybe a year, maybe some years? so that he can know what love feels like, a warm bed and a family. :love: He will obviously be my coworkers responsibility once we can get him on the mend but he just needed this headstart.
Thank you guys for any help. I completely understand that it's a hard time right now so if you're not able to, then prayers are a wonderful contribution.
Once again, I'm so thankful for PT, for everything. It is a special place.

p.s. Moesha, the vet didn't mention to me how old she thought he was, I should have asked but she was giving me so much information and I had customers standing there waiting for me to help them at work. lol I was writing down all the stuff Robin, the vet was telling me. When I first got on the phone with Robin, I said "have you ever seen such a sad looking case??" and she said "he really is in rough shape, poor guy". We didn't talk about age but she referred to him as a senior.

p.p.s. I put the cat under the name Scrawny when I called them today but then Angela was telling them on the way out that his name is Barney but when she was on the ferry, she looked at the invoice and they put Bailey. Yikes. Anyway, if anyone calls there, they should know who Scrawny is. I will call them and have them change it from Bailey to Barney. lol

p.s. I had the website for the clinic posted here but I realized I didn't have their permission and have sinced removed it.

kittykatharine

10-15-2008, 09:42 PM

Oh sweet Scrawny/Barney/Bailey :D, Poor sweet little guy. He is so lucky to have found such wonderful people to look out for him. Even though he looked like he had lived a few hard years, he was still as sweet as ever. My favorite pic was of him eating while you blow dryed him :D. I really hope that your friend takes him in permently. Some stability would probably do him wonders. Some TLC can go along way! Keep us posted on his progress!:love::love::love:

Emeraldgreen

10-15-2008, 09:49 PM

Oh sweet Scrawny/Barney/Bailey :D

LOL! :)

Moesha

10-16-2008, 04:16 PM

Emeraldgreen

10-16-2008, 11:00 PM

I called this afternoon and Erin answered. I asked if I could make a donation to help a sick kitty that was brought in yesterday. She immediately said, "Oh yes you can! You must be talking about the kitty Lara brought in." :D

That's so great! Thank you Moe! I wasn't actually there when Barney was brought in but Erin may not have been there either and just assumed it was me when she heard about the 'case'. :)
I go there so often I don't even have to give my name, they just pull up my file when they see me walking in to buy foods or meds. :rolleyes: But I bet it's that way for most of us here on PT. lol
Another of the receptionists (not sure of her name) told me that she fixed the file so now it reads 'Barney' (aka Scrawny). I was glad she left both names on just so there is no confusion.

I ran into Angela today in town and gave her some dry Taste of the Wild food that I had brought to work with me and then I stopped by to see him around 6:30 and took a few pics and a few more short clips. He is pretty wiped out from everything that happened yesterday. She said that he spent most of the time sleeping on his bed but did get up to eat, drink and use the litterbox. But he only used it when she saw him pawing at his bedding. She picked him up and placed him in the litterbox and then he did his business in there. But when I arrived, she picked him up off his bed and he had peed while he was laying there. :(

Does anyone know if this is a condition that is in fact associated with diabetes? We're really hoping that his diabetes will be reversable and hope that the peeing will stop. He's not a marker, he just seems to do it while he's resting.

I brought over some clippers and we trimmed his nails and then worked on some remaining mats in his fur and then gave him another bath. His feet are really dirty and we keep trying to clean them but they seem sensitive and he loses his patience and wants to give us a nip. But then 3 seconds later, he forgives us and lets us continue on as long as it's not in the same spot. He's so sweet.

Angela thinks she can stay for maybe 10 days but then Barney would be under my coworkers parter's care and he told her today that he would not be providing the same care that Barney's been getting. He would have to stay outside. It's frustrating but I guess not everyone is inclined to help lots of animals. He did rescue Jack, the gorgeous long haired black cat that I will post a picture of below. And he said that Jack was in pretty rough shape when he showed up a few years ago as well, all matted and skinny. So, I'm happy for Jack but it seems that they want to remain a one cat household.

Right now, we're going to try and get him on his feet again. He is so weak and hopefully the Tapazole will help him gain some weight and feel less starved. And I'm sure the infection he is battling has had a real effect on him. The Convenia injection should help with that.

Angela told me that when the vet weighed him yesterday he was 4.15 pounds. :( So small. She also told me that the vet said that Barney might not be as old as we first thought. She said to me that he 'could' be a senior so I just took that to mean that he was but she said to Angela that it's hard to tell sometimes when cats are in this bad of shape for so long. I guess it can make them appear very old.

The vet suggested to Angela that she get some Polysporin antibiotic drops for inside his ears and she is going to pick those up tomorrow. We used some hydrogen peroxide around the edges tonight.

Angela also told me that the vet said that Barney's enlarged thyroid is the worst she has ever seen/felt.

Well, here's some more pics of the little man:

(and a picture of Jack below that, lounging on the couch by the fire).

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_e2d83ea0.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=e2d83ea0.pbr)

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/Jack.jpg

Taz_Zoee

10-17-2008, 12:24 AM

You and Angela and the other friend too, are the most amazing people. :)
And I love his new name too. It reminds me of the character played by Neil Patrick Harris on How I Met Your Mother. :)

I keep checking in on his progress and will be hoping he makes a full recovery. :D

Medusa

10-17-2008, 05:39 AM

That boy is just breaking my heart. He looks so sick, Lara. You two gals are doing such a great job of taking care of him, though. He must be soaking up the love like a sponge. I've never had a diabetic cat but I do know someone who has and I'll ask him. Prayers are always continuing for Barney. I just love him.

Moesha

10-17-2008, 07:13 AM

Morgan is diabetic. Along with excessive drinking there is excessive urination. Morgan never didn't use the litterbox, but he would urinate so often that it was like cleaning cement out of it. Those were the signs my vet had told me to watch for because Morgan is such a big kitty. They tend to have a higher likelyhood of being diabetic. Morgan's diabetes is controlled by his low carb food. Hopefully Barney will start looking and feeling better soon with all the love he's receiving from you wonderful people!

Medusa

10-17-2008, 08:10 AM

I just got an email from my friend whose RB cat had diabetes. He said that peeing is all part of it but peeing in the bed turned out to be bladder cancer. He suggests an x-ray. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news but an x-ray would be well worth finding out.

Catty1

10-17-2008, 09:43 AM

Lara, I am guessing here -yes, the peeing could be part of the diabetes, but he is so worn out and thin, I wonder if just an improvement in his health will assist this situation. The vet did say the diabetes could be due to the low nutrition. He may get just strong enough to be able to get to the box on his own.

I know Angela is there for only 10 days - but with the meds and food, Barney can turn around before then, or at least improve a lot.

What about your friends who have the kitty with the (former) bad eye? Do they have a room where he could be taken care of?

If nothing else - I looked at all the love he is soaking up! That makes such a difference when kitty OR human is sick. You both are angels making him happier and feeding his tummy!

PT Prayers for Barney! :love:

Emeraldgreen

10-17-2008, 11:10 AM

It could be bladder cancer, but I sure hope not.:( Jenn also had the same thought as you Candace that it might be that he is just too weak to make it to the box each time and just pees where he is laying. We'll see if that changes over the next week or so. Here's hoping! :)
I'm at work so I'd better go! LOL
Thanks for all the prayers for Mr. Barney. :love:

Medusa

10-17-2008, 11:12 AM

Emeraldgreen

10-17-2008, 07:29 PM

I sure hope it isn't bladder cancer, too. I just felt obligated to pass along the info since that was my friend's experience. I hope that Jen and Candace are right. This poor boy has been through enough.

Thanks for asking your friend about it. I think all info is important, good and possibly bad. Better to be informed. :) I'm sorry to hear about her kitty's cancer and his passing. :(

Some good news though! Angela stopped in to my work and I said "I forgot to give you the kitty litter scooper that I bought yesterday" and she said "good! I need it!" She said that Barney is now using the litterbox for everything and hasn't 'wet the bed' since yesterday. :D We were extra happy because not only were we concerned about why he was peeing his bedding but we also weren't entirely sure if he knew what to do with a box because the only time he used it, Angela placed him in it and then he went. But she said she has found all kinds of treasures in there, pee and poop! YAHOO! I asked her what his poop was like and she said "oh, they're beautiful" LOL!! We were laughing our heads off because my boss was there and I'm sure she thinks we've lost our minds. :)

She said that he has quite a bit more energy today which is great. She picked up the Polysporin Antibiotic ear/eye drops today and asked if I could come over this evening to help administer them. I'm heading over there in about 30 minutes.

So, Barney is hanging in there. The best part is that he seems to have stopped peeing inappropriately which will make him more adoptable should that become necessary.

Angela did mention that there seems to be some swelling right around where he got the Convenia injection and that it feels hard. I'm going to check it out when I go there and will give the vet a call tomorrow to let them know about it. Barney will be scheduled for a re-check at the 2 week marker.

Oh!! And some more potential good news! Angela thinks his hearing could be returning, just as Mary said it might. She has been making some noises and his ears have been twitching when she makes the sounds. It's so encouraging!

Medusa

10-17-2008, 07:31 PM

Oh what good news! If he has stopped the inappropriate peeing, then he probably didn't know what to do in the litterbox. I sure am rooting for this guy. Better and better.......

Moesha

10-17-2008, 07:38 PM

YAY for beautiful poop! LOL I'm happy to hear that he seems to be feeling better. Keep up the good work!

Medusa

10-17-2008, 07:41 PM

YAY for beautiful poop!

We've all turned the bend. You realize that, don't ya? :p

Moesha

10-17-2008, 07:44 PM

We've all turned the bend. You realize that, don't ya? :p

Oh I realize it! LOL

Catty1

10-17-2008, 10:14 PM

We've all turned the bend. You realize that, don't ya? :p

Oh yah, like THAT wasn't the shortest drive in the world! :D

YAAY Barney!

Emeraldgreen

10-18-2008, 01:05 AM

You guys are hilarious! LOL :)

I went to see him tonight and took, yes, a few more videos!! You all need your Barney fix right?? :D

I'm trying to keep them short so they won't be boring.

In tonight's episode we see Barney feeling a bit more perky as he shows his new found gusto while inhaling his plate of wet food. He seems especially content while he receives his spa/bath treatment from Angela.

I know he still looks like a train wreck, but we're getting there, slowly but surely.

I'll probably wait a few days before the next update so the pics can show some real improvement. Here's hoping.

I also took one more pic of Jack. That guy is one gorgeous cat. He was sitting on the porch as I pulled up. This little cottage is rustic and tiny and very cozy. Jack is obviously a guard cat on duty.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_23dbea56.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=23dbea56.pbr)

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4482_edited.jpg

jennielynn1970

10-18-2008, 02:16 AM

Oh my gosh, how precious is he?! He must feel so pampered being bathed and toweled dry, and getting all that love!!! I think he's looking better, if just a little bit. He seems more alert in the videos.

Oh sweet boy, rest up, get some yummies in that tummy and just soak up that love! Angela and Lara will help you feel all better!

You guys are just angels. Seriously.

Medusa

10-18-2008, 07:26 AM

Goodness, every video of Barney gives me LES. He just looks so exhausted and yet grateful for the love and food, etc. that he's receiving. And the cottage that Jack is guarding is picture perfect! It looks as though it should be on a post card. Beautiful! :)

Catty1

10-18-2008, 10:13 AM

What does Jack think of him?

If he doesn't need really intensive care in a few more days, I wonder if the regular owner might consider him?

Tapazole in a pill pocket shouldn't be hard.;)

What a sweet boy! Fed, loved, bathed...making sure the little tootsies are towelled gently. :love:

Did you notice any sign he can hear? What colour are his eyes?

Purr-tender

10-18-2008, 01:45 PM

Emeraldgreen

10-18-2008, 09:01 PM

Barney is so blessed to have 2 of his very own guardian angels!! It would be wonderful if he could be pampered like this for the rest of his life. How are the donations going? PM me with the vet info, I'd like to help, too, in memory of my Molly.

Mary

Thank you Mary, that is so wonderful of you. I will PM you you the information. I think it will take a week or two to figure out what has been donated because 3 donations are being mailed by Mary (Medusa), Randi and Julie (Momtomany). Moesha has phoned in a donation and I will call on Monday to make sure they are putting it on Barney's file. I haven't had a chance because of a few back to back double shifts. And Jenn is mailing some Revolution for Barney.
Thank you all so much, it means alot. Every little bit helps.

Last night we noticed that Barney's right eye was runny and he was sniffly. I'm wondering if he might have the Herpes virus on top of everything else. The whole vet experience was very overwhelming for him and this virus usually flares up a day or two after a stressful event. I called the vet and asked if we could give him some Lysine and she thought it wouldn't hurt and could hopefully help. I had some on hand for two of my cats that have this virus and gave Angela a handful of capsules.

Catty1 wrote:
What does Jack think of him?
If he doesn't need really intensive care in a few more days, I wonder if the regular owner might consider him?

Tapazole in a pill pocket shouldn't be hard.

I have never seen them with each other. Barney spends all his time in a tiny room by the back door. I guess my coworker, Terri okay'd that while Angela is there but she made her promise not to let him anywhere else in the house. And once Angela leaves, I know Barney will be moved to the back porch where there is a wooden shelter they made for him. The way he is now, I don't think he'd make it, though that is how he has been living for all this time but it needs to stop.
If I could take him, I would and he would be here with me now. I have fallen for him too but it just isn't something I can do. We are at our maximum with ten cats and my husband is very frustrated with me that I have allowed it to get to this number. We always said we would never get into the double digits and somehow we did. It causes arguments at times, though he loves the cats we do have very much. But I also know that trying to bring Barney here would send him over the edge and I have to respect what he thinks about it though it is very hard for me.

I did hear that Jack is not bothered by Barney and they don't fight. But even so, I do know now that Terri has told Angela recently that she doesn't want the cat and can't take it on. I think she is overwhelmed by the medical side of it and she said she just doesn't want another cat. Anyway, at least we know for sure now and won't hang on to that as a possibility. So a good home is what is needed for Barney.

The pill pocket may not be a good idea because he is supposed to only be on food for a diabetic but I could ask the vet to find out.

I won't be seeing him tonight, maybe tomorrow or the next day and will post and update. :0)

kittykatharine

10-18-2008, 10:45 PM

I think Barney looks better - and I think he looks as if his spirits are better as well. He seemed to be more perky. I really hope that he pulls through this, he really is such a sweet little baby. When exactly is your friend coming back, the one that you hope will take him? He really appears to be improving. Keep up the good work and I will keep sending my good vibes and thoughts. Come on Barney!:love::love::love:

jazzcat

10-19-2008, 11:22 AM

I've just been catching up on this thread and I'm in awe of everything you guys are doing to help poor little Barney. He looks so pitiful and so sweet. I'm so glad he found you two to help him. I think you both are "Angels". :)

krazyaboutkatz

10-19-2008, 03:19 PM

I've been reading this thread and I sure hope that everything will work for Barney and that he'll continue to get well and find the forever loving home that he deserves.:) Angela and Lara, thanks so much for giving him the care that he needs.:) I'll keep him in my thoughts and prayers.

Emeraldgreen

10-19-2008, 03:53 PM

When exactly is your friend coming back, the one that you hope will take him?

Terri has told Angela over the past few days that she does not want Barney. I'm disappointed but it's good to know the truth sooner rather than later because we are dealing with a time issue. I think that Terri's partner will allow Barney to hang out on the porch after Angela leaves but they ultimately want him to have a different home. So that is the goal now.

I think Angela will be here for another week and hopefully for the recheck exam so we can see how he has improved with regard to the diabetes. He continues to use the litterbox and is no longer peeing inappropriately. :)

momtomany

10-19-2008, 06:22 PM

Is there anyway to find a temporary foster home for Barney until a permanent home can be found. It hurts my heart to think of him being back out and without the care he is being provided now.

Emeraldgreen

10-19-2008, 06:46 PM

Is there anyway to find a temporary foster home for Barney until a permanent home can be found. It hurts my heart to think of him being back out and without the care he is being provided now.

I feel the same way and I'm trying to come up with a plan. I'm not sure exactly what right now but I'm praying alot. :)

Catty1

10-19-2008, 08:23 PM

Maybe the PTrs on the mainland know someone?:)

momtomany

10-20-2008, 07:14 PM

I will pray also for Barney to find a temporary foster home until a permanent one can be found.

Emeraldgreen

10-21-2008, 12:41 AM

All prayers are needed, so thank you so much! :)

I went to see Barney tonight and he was a bit improved but not as much as I had hoped. I'm going to pick up an elizabethan collar for him on Thursday because we can't figure out if he is scratching his left ear or if it is just bleeding on it's own. There was alot of dried blood that needed to be removed. Angela said she doesn't see him scratch but he might be doing it through the night.
She said she came downstairs this morning and found him in the kitchen. The little sneaker had pushed his way through the barrier she put up to keep him in the small room he is allowed to be in. I guess that is a good sign! He did eat a bunch of Jack's cat chow though so that wasn't good. But hopefully it won't set him back too much.

We gave him another bath and trimmed some more mats and cleaned around his ears. He nipped a few times but only stayed angry for a short time. He really is so forgiving. He just gets frustrated with us and who could blame him.

I spoke with the vet today and she seemed a bit surprised that he was showing some improvement. I think she was a bit shocked as well by his condition when she examined him. We talked about his future bloodwork and I asked when the glucose levels should be checked so we could find out if the diabetes was reversing or not. She said that can take more time and with the infection he has and the thyroid issues, it might affect the numbers so the test should be done once the other things are stabilized. She did say that we should check his blood for the infection and thyroid at the two week marker so that is what we will do and all the donations will go towards that. I decided to just throw the 100.00 in and not worry about it. He is a special guy and he needs all the help he can get. Thank you guys again for the help you've given.

I will update the donation total when everything is in. I haven't asked the reception about it yet but will when I go in on Thursday to pick up the collar for Barneybear.

p.s. I have sent a long letter to a rescue organization that doesn't have a shelter but they foster cats until they are adopted. It is located in the town I used to live in and I sort of know the woman who runs it. I sent her Barney movies and asked her if there was any way someone in her org could foster him while he was up for adoption. I haven't heard back from her yet. PT prayers that she will open her heart to the Barneymeister.

Medusa

10-21-2008, 07:54 AM

Emeraldgreen

10-21-2008, 12:35 PM

Was the situation w/the ear polyp ever addressed? If left untreated, the ear will bleed because the polyp grows quickly. The one that Yodie had grew right out of her ear and down into her throat. Shrinking it is only very temporary; it has to be removed at the head, meaning at the root, or it will continue to grow back. Give that boy some belly rubs for me.

No, it's been put on the back burner because we wanted to see if we could keep him alive and then go from there. I know that sounds so brutal but it's all we can do right now. The vet said it's either a polyp or a tumour. She agrees with you, the polyp needs to be removed but we told her we just couldn't deal with that financially. That is when she said that steroids can help shrink it temporarily. But we can't do that either at this point because he can't have steroids in the condition he is in. We're kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place right now.

It must be the polyp bleeding because in two days, the amount of dried blood that built up was crazy. It was rock hard and about half an inch thick. It took me 20 minutes or more to cut through the build up to get it smaller so we could soften it up with some coconut butter (Angela's idea, she has some experience with holistic stuff so that has been great). The coconut butter/oil is only going on the external part of his ear where the dried blood is. We also put hydrogen peroxide again and it foamed like crazy.

I think this must be dealt with if he makes it. I just don't know how at this point. We're trying to get him to the two week marker for the retest of blood to check his thyroid and infection to see if there has been a change and then make a decision. Finding him shelter is number one on the list right now too. But the polyp must be dealt with if he makes it. Thanks for posting about Barnacles when I know you have so much going on with Pidgelet. I'm going to go check your thread now. :)

Medusa

10-21-2008, 12:39 PM

Should the time come when you decide to have the polyp removed, PM me and I'll give you as much info as I can recall regarding what Yodie experienced, recuperative time, expense, etc.

Emeraldgreen

10-22-2008, 11:28 PM

Maybe the PTrs on the mainland know someone?:)

I was thinking about this too and contacted a rescue organization where I used to live. I think I might have posted about this already. She got back to me last night and said that the organization cannot take cats outside of their area (the Sunshine Coast) but she did say that if I gave him to her peronally, she could take him in to her house. The organization has a board of directors and would not allow Barney in but she said she could take him privately. I'm just not sure if this is the right place for Barney but then again, there are not a whole bunch of options here. She is a dog trainer but she started this rescue org. She said in her email to me that she takes care of two feral cats outside and has two cats inside, one elderly and one amputee. She said that Barney would have to be 'fine' with a bunch of polite dogs. I have no idea how Barney is with dogs but Angela told me that the owners of the property where my coworker rents the cottage, have a dog that chases the cats (Barney and Jack) so he's probably not too fond of them.

I got an idea (actually it is an idea that Candace suggested to Katherine for Sydney and I thought it was a good one!) to put some cans together with the saddest picture of Barney I could find (which isn't tough since they are all pretty pathetic) and put them in all our local stores if they'll let me and see if we can raise some money for him to have surgery on his ear if he makes it. And maybe see if anyone might want to adopt him too.

I was so excited about it and got the pictures printed and was just leaving work tonight when Angela showed up. She said that she thought it might be time to put Barney to sleep! I was floored and asked her why and she said that last night and all day today he was acting strangely and was growling and when she tried to pet him he tried to bite her. He then tried to get comfortable in his bed but just wouldn't get himself all the way on it and laid half way on and half way off. Angela wanted to help him but was freaking out. I didn't visit him yesterday so I didn't see any of this. She asked if I would come over tonight to see for myself.

I was so sad because I really thought we could help him make it. I stopped at home and grabbed my camera thinking it might be the last time I'd film him and went over there. On the drive I prayed to God that he would make it clear to us if we shouldn't give up on him or if it was time, to not leave any question. When I pulled up a few minutes later she opened the door and was dishing up some food for him. She said she couldn't believe it, that he was doing better. He was not growling anymore and was hungry. He did seem different though, like he was in pain. He let us pet him but wasn't enjoying it. I took one picture of him because I didn't want to stress him out with too much flash and stuff.

We tried to think of everything that was different from the day before and today and the one thing that came to mind is the dry food that I brought over for him to eat. It is grain free and low carb and I asked the vet specifically about it and she thought it would be good. He didn't eat any of it until last night. We think it might have caused him stomach pain, we're not sure. Anyway, I'm praying that this is the cause because if if is, he should return to the condition he was in yesterday and the day before, which wasn't great but is better than now.

I'm picking up an elizabethan collar for him tomorrow at the vet hospital and will leave a message for the vet (she's doing surgeries all morning) to see if Barney might benefit from B-12. He is peeing soooooooooooooooo much. It's the diabetes I guess but Angela said she fills a white grocery bag with pee balls (scoopable litter) every day and he is so small for that much output. I'm wondering if he might be having a similar effect to cats on sub-q's who can get depleted of certain things getting washed out.

Here is the pic I took tonight. You can see all the blood drops on the door behind him when he shakes his head. :( I'm hoping for better news tomorrow.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4506.jpg

Medusa

10-23-2008, 08:15 AM

Oh the poor boy. I feel so bad for him. I sure hope that you can get to the bottom of why he's feeling so punk other than the obvious. According to my vets, the B 12 shot certainly won't hurt him and it isn't expensive so I'd give it a whirl because it just may help. Prayers continuing here.....

Catty1

10-23-2008, 08:30 AM

Prayers for Barney. I hope the pain is something treatable. Have there been any more poops in the box? I wonder if his system wasn't used to quality kibble and he's a bit bound up.

He does look BETTER to me in that last pic because he is curled up. Apparently less healthy cats don't do that.

{{{hugs}}} and more prayers for that precious baby. I pray he can come around.

Purr-tender

10-23-2008, 09:56 AM

Emeraldgreen

10-23-2008, 10:06 AM

My heart sunk when I read your post. I thought by now he would be showing improvement with all the TLC he has been receiving. He looks so darn pitiful. I called the hospital Tuesday and made a donation. I asked them if anyone else had donated yet and she said that they had received only $20 so far. I hated that. I want you to be able and get him the treatment that he needs to get well. I have my hands full here with my 18 fur kids or I would have donated more. I will continue to pray for Barney.

Mary

Thank you so much Mary. I hadn't asked the clinic yet how much had been donated but I'm headed in there this morning and was going to then. I think it's great. Any help is awesome and is more than we had available than before. I also know that some funds are coming by mail and should be arriving shortly. I'm almost wondering though if at this point if I shouldn't return the donations given so far because if he is put down in a few days if he continues to get worse, I would feel badly about that. The cheques will be easy to deal with as I can simply send them back. The credit card donations could potentially be reversed by the clinic and I will ask them about that this morning. If not, I can send funds back by mail to cover the c.c. payments. No matter what happens, everyone has been great with support (words, prayers and funds). Barney has been alone for a long time but not anymore. :love:

p.s. Barney is getting all the care he can get right now, short of being hospitalized so don't worry. It isn't a lack of funds that is keeping him from being well. It might just be that so much is against him that he may not be able to pull through. We won't give up on him if there is a chance, that is for sure but if he is suffering and there isn't much for the vet to do, we may have to let him go. I'm feeling hopeful though.

p.p,s. Wow! 18 cats, you have your hands full. That is wonderful that you are able to care for so many cats.

Moesha

10-23-2008, 08:50 PM

Emeraldgreen

10-23-2008, 09:04 PM

Well, things just might be looking up for Barney.:) Angela stopped by my work this afternoon to pick up the elizabethan collar I got for him and she said that he was doing alot better. She decided to take him out of that tiny room and into the cozy living room and laid him down in front of the warm woodstove where a roaring fire was going. She said he loved it and stretched out and rolled over and exposed his belly!!! He even let her rub it! If that isn't a good sign, I don't know what is?! She then spoke with Terri, my coworker on the phone and told her that she had brought Barney into the livingroom and that she felt that it was important for Barney to feel normal and be part of a house etc.. She also told her that Barney was probably cleaner than Jack because we've washed him so many times. LOL I'm not too sure if that's true though, he is one dirty guy and could probably use 5 more baths at least. Terri said it was okay and that Angela could act like it was her own home while she was there so it looks like Barney is going to have more fireside evenings ahead!!

And, Angela seems as if she will be staying on for longer. I don't know for how long because I think she doesn't know for how long either and is taking it one day/week at a time. She feels like she is supposed to be here so she can help him and it's also good for her as she is going through some of her own life changing stuff (about to sell her home in Ontario etc..).

So, if I may, I would like to hang on to those wonderful donations and put them to good use! Angela is going to book Barney in for a recheck in 5-6 days when his last thyroid pill is gone. Hopefully we will see some kind of improvement on all fronts.

Thank you to everyone who has provided support in all ways and a very special thank you to Moesha and Purr-tender for calling in your wonderful dontations. The hospital now has a credit of 70.00!! And thank you Mary (Medusa) for your donation that arrived today!! As of today we are up to 95.00 and I have been PM'd by Randi and Momtomany that they too have mailed some donations. And Jenn has mailed 3 doses of feline Revolution for Barney so he will be set for 3 months. And, a friend here on the island has offered to pitch in some money over the next couple of days. I am forever grateful and each and every penny will go to restoring this old guy so we can get him into his furrever home!

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/smileyrainbowguy.gif

I will hopefully be able to visit with him tomorrow night and will bring the camera to get some video footage of our guy.

E.T.A. I just realized that Mary's donation is in U.S. funds and our dollar is complete crap right now so it will actually mean some extra funds! I think today our dollar was wortt .79 cents to one U.S. dollar Yippee!

Emeraldgreen

10-23-2008, 09:07 PM

Don't worry about sending my donation back. Use it as you see fit. If it can help Barney, please use it for that. If not, then use it for one of your critters since you have spent a substantial amount for his care. I apologize that it wasn't more. I just wasn't sure what this month's finances were going to turn out to be. If there is more that can be done for him and funds are the problem, please let me know. I'll find a way to help out more.

LOL, we posted at the same time!
Oh my gosh, you were so generous to donate. No need to send more and I thank you very much. My post has some good news in it so your wonderful donation is going to be so useful. I hope!!!
I could never have kept it for my guys though but so nice of you to suggest. I'm just so thankful that he's hanging in there and things are looking up. :)
Thanks again Moe!

Medusa

10-23-2008, 09:08 PM

This makes me want to cry. Tears of joy, though. I want so badly for Barney to get all fixed up and be able to stretch out in front of the fire. He deserves so many belly rubs for what he's been through. You do, too, but I think I'll send you cyber (((HUGS))) instead. LOL This just keeps getting better and better because of angels like you, Lara, and Angela. :love: Btw, when he has the ear polyp removed, (I'm saying 'when' instead of 'if' because I want to stay positive here), more donations will be forthcoming.

Moesha

10-23-2008, 09:09 PM

What a wonderful update! Thank you and Angela for all that you are doing for Barney.

Emeraldgreen

10-23-2008, 09:22 PM

jennielynn1970

10-23-2008, 09:35 PM

Emeraldgreen

10-23-2008, 09:40 PM

Awe... stretching out in front of a fire and getting belly rubs! He must think he's a king!!

I sent out the Revolution (3months worth ;)). Just be aware that on the contents tag it says "Halloween Candy". LOL! I doubt they'll think anything of it, so we should be cool. hehehehehehe....

I'm going to try to Cheapcycle some of my stuff and see if I can get any donations that way. I don't PayPal any longer (my account got hacked, and PayPal and I have not reached any real solution), so I'll mail anything that I can get. I'll keep you posted!:)

Thanks so much Jenn! It sounds like you've disguised your package so the border won't think twice! I remember when I sent you that Clomicalm and I labeled it 'office supplies'! LOL And I got so scared of being busted that I put a pen and paper clips inside with the pills. LOL! Does this mean there is chocolate inside with the flea meds?? Just kidding!!

I will let you know when it gets here. And thanks for your offer to donate funds. If you can, that's awesome but the Revolution is a wonderful donation in itself. Which reminds me, I'm going back to edit my first post tonight to include the Revolution! How did I forget that?!? Thanks Jenn!

Purr-tender

10-24-2008, 12:29 AM

I'm up late hunting for one of my fur kids (Emmy) who made a jail break this afternoon. It was a nice afternoon and I had the window open so they could get fresh air and they pushed the screen out! I got them all back in but her. She is one of my really rotten ones. It's scary for me that she hasn't came back. I just lost my precious Molly a week ago, she too ran away and was hit by a car. I try so very hard to keep them safe. I need some PT prayers for Miss Emmy's safe return.
Anyway, what wonderful news about Barney!! The thought of him stretched out in front of the fire is heartwarming:D! I'm so glad that Angela is staying longer. He is going to be one spoiled little boy, which is great.
I don't know which Mary your were talking about, Mary (Medusa) and I are both in Ohio. Glad our money goes further for you. Hope your cans are full when you check on them! Looking forward to more little videos of Barney.

Medusa

10-24-2008, 08:04 AM

Thanks guys! Mary I just added an edit because I realized that your donation was in U.S. dollars and our dollar is so low right now so it will be even more! That is great! :D

I appreciate your thought for another donation but you have your hands full right now!! And, I'm feeling really positive about the coffee cans that I'm going to put out. It's going to be kind of fun to see how much we can raise. I don't know the cost of polyp removal surgery but I'm guessing around 500.00??

When the time comes, I might see if I can get him to my old vet who could do it with my discount which would save considerable money. He would have to catch a float plane like Tigs or go by car which would be about 5 hours or so. Either way, if he is strong enough, it would be worth it. :)

I looked up my receipt for Yoda's ear polyp removal surgery and it came to $721.36; that was 4 years ago and Dr. Lee's office told me that I can add a couple of hundred dollars to that price now because, of course, prices have gone up. That included blood work and laser surgery but it did not include follow up work and office visits. It's important to get the polyp at its root or it will just grow back. However, as I said, I'll be happy to contribute to the surgery expense and, at the risk of sounding as though I'm nagging, as soon as Barney is stable enough, that polyp should be removed. Polyps are aggressive little buggers and grow so quickly that you can almost see it happening. I'll help in any way that I can, Lara. I hope that I didn't overwhelm you, especially since Barney has improved so much but I figured that it's better that you know up front what kind of expense to expect. Keep the faythe and rub that boy's belly for me over and over again. :love:

catmandu

10-24-2008, 09:27 AM

I AM SORRY THAT I DO NOT GO TO CAT HEALTH MORE OFTEN AS I WOULD HAVE MISSED THAT INSPIRING STORY ABOUT ONE BRAVE CAT ,BARNEY.:love::love:
IF THERES ANY WAY YOU CAN PM ME, THE FOUND CATS WILL GLADLY DONATE A CATNIP MOUSE FOR THAT DEAR FURRY MIRACLE!!:love::love:
GOD BLESS YOU FOR HELPING AND CARING FOR A DEAR SOUL WHO HAS BEEN SO NEGLECTED BEFORE HE MET YOU.:love::love::love:

Emeraldgreen

10-25-2008, 12:00 AM

Thank you Randi!! I received your card and donation all the way from Denmark today! I'm surprised it got here so fast. I really appreciate it.:)

I went to see Barney tonight and he does seem to be doing better. Angela said that today he was washing himself. Not much, just his paws and face but he hasn't ever done this since we brought him inside so it's a good sign.

We gave him yet another bath but this time we actually put him in the sink and into the water. All the baths before this have been bird baths. He was a bit freaked out but he didn't really try to get out. It was nice and warm and I think he partly liked it.

We dried him off and then put the elizabethan collar on him for the first time. He wasn't too sure about it but he is so tolerant and seems like he will put up with it. But he did sit there for the longest time just looking at his food and water bowls as if he was thinking about how he was going to make it work with this new lamp shade he was sporting. lol

I forgot my camera but I had my cell phone so I took a few pics and a few short movies with it. They are kind of grainy but they show him wearing the collar.

Angela told me today that she will be leaving on November 2nd. My goal is to try and find temporary housing for Barney until I can find him a permanent home. I'm praying that it will all work out. Things seem to fall into place each day so I'm hopeful that a furrever home will as well.

Thank you Catmandu for your kind offer of a catnip mouse! That would be wonderful. I will PM you my address as I'm sure something like that might be just what Barney needs to help bring him around and find his more youthful self! :)

Thanks for the information about the polyp surgery Mary. I agree, the surgery should be done as soon as he is well enough. I hope that will be soon. In the meantime this collar will hopefully keep him from scratching but I think you're right, it may be growing larger so something must be done.

Here are the pics and videos (I will post a few pics below for folks who are unable to view the movies):
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_055e24f7.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=055e24f7.pbr)

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/barney3.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/barney2.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/barney4.jpg

Randi

10-25-2008, 08:21 AM

I'm glad you got it, although it wasn't much. You know, Denmark is a civilised country, so of course it shouldn't take more than 4-5 days. :p At least I know it's possible to hide in an envelope.

It's a joy to hear Barney is eating and feeling a bit better, but I bet he's not amused with that collar. I so hope he can have that polyp removed soon, I will send a bit more to help with the bill, when I get payed.

Kisses to Barney, and big hugs to you and Mary for helping him. :)

Medusa

10-25-2008, 08:34 AM

Oh that sweet, sweet boy! He just melts my heart! I wish I could be there to help out, Lara. My first "official" rescue was my RB Peeka, a tuxie, and she had to wear an Elizabethan collar, too, except that she was just a kitten and when she bent down to eat, the collar was so heavy that she'd flop over into the food, so I had to remove it each time she wanted to eat. I can't wait for the day when Barney is well enough for the surgery to remove the ear polyp. He'll be all fixed up and as good as can be! What a wonderful, heartwarming story this is, you two. :love:

Emeraldgreen

10-25-2008, 08:38 PM

I'm glad you got it, although it wasn't much. You know, Denmark is a civilised country, so of course it shouldn't take more than 4-5 days. :p

LOL! I'm still surprised because mail from my brother in Arizona takes at least a full week! Thank you again, I'm going to the vet clinic on Monday and putting Mary's (Medusa) and your funds onto Barney's account. I think Angela is bringing him for a recheck on Wednesday.

I didn't see Barney today but I just called Angela and she said he's doing even better today. She said she saw him actually run when he smelled Jack's food being put down on the floor. I said "he really ran???" and she said "well, he walked darned fast!" LOL Good to hear that he has a bit more energy. Angela cut him off at the pass though and made sure he didn't get into the wrong food. :)

The elizabethan collar was a disaster though. She said that this morning she saw him trying to use the litter box and the collar was causing him to be off balance and the poor guy fell backwards onto his back and just laid there in the box. :( (kind of like your Peeka into her food Mary) She helped him back up but he wanted none of it and went to lay in his bed. When she checked on him later the bedding was all wet with pee. So, the collar is history and things are good again. He is actually being pretty good about not scratching as much so we're going to see how it goes.

Barney is continuing to wash his face and paws so that is great. I will go over tomorrow afternoon/evening and visit with him.

I made up 3 cans to collect donations and plan to make about 5 more to put in all the local stores and maybe the bank. So far 3 are in 2 stores and 1 coffee shop. One can already has about 10.00 in it and they've only been out for a few hours! :) I'm going to put a big ad in the classified section of our local webzine to tell people about Barney and where they can find the donation cans for the next week. Then next Saturday, I'll go around and collect them all.
Everyone who looks at his picture just melts but no one wants to foster him.
:( I will keep asking everyone though until we can get him a temporary home while we line up the surgery. We'll get them to neuter him too while he's under.

Here are the 3 cans I made up today with the signs:

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4522.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4523.jpg

Purr-tender

10-25-2008, 11:13 PM

You did a fantastic job with the posters for the donation cans!! How can people resist donating to such a pitiful little guy?! I know I couldn't.

Sounds like Barney is doing better, I know he still has a long way to go yet. He and Mary's Pidgelet are on the top of my prayer list.

Mary

Emeraldgreen

10-27-2008, 12:07 PM

Went to visit Barney last night and he is doing pretty well. He showed affection for the first time and was rubbing his head against Angela's arm while she was holding him. I filmed it but missed the part where he laid his head on her arm in the sweetest way. I also held him and got a few pics. He is so sweet and I love his little grouchy face.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/barneycloseup-1.jpg

I'm bringing over some pet oatmeal/aloe shampoo tonight so we can give him a really good scrub. His fur is still kind of greasy and the shampoo we've been using doesn't seem to be doing anything about that. He also is still a bit constipated and only going every other day so I'm bringing some Fiberific and some Hairball Malt to help get things moving.

Angela is going to bring him in on Wednesday for a recheck and ask the vet about the cost of a surgery. I will be dropping off Mary (Medusa) and Randi's donations at the clinic this afternoon.

Below that is a Barney movie.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_1a313f36.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=1a313f36.pbr)

Randi

10-27-2008, 02:09 PM

Aww Lara, it was a joy to see Barney in a better shape - although he has a long way yet. You can tell from the video that he is enjoying the care and love you two give him. :)

It's wonderful you've made the poster and collection cans, and I'm so glad people are putting some $$ in it for Barney.

I know it's not good if he scratch his ear, and the collar is a pain, so I was wondering.... any change you could clip his nails so they're not so pointed? That might help a little.

Lots of kisses and gently scritches for Barney - Fister sends purrs (and I think he likes your voices, he just came up while I played the video). :love:

Medusa

10-27-2008, 02:22 PM

I am absolutely in love w/that boy! He's really eating up all the love and affection that you and Angela are giving him, Lara. He's like a little fur sponge. (((HUGS))) to all of you and lots of gentle pets for Barney. :love:

Catty1

10-27-2008, 07:45 PM

AWWWWwwww....what a sweet boy, feeling better all the time. :):love:

Any wee purr at all? :)

HUGS to that boy, and bless you and Angela! Prayers that his checkup is good, and he can withstand the polyp surgery.

Emeraldgreen

10-27-2008, 10:58 PM

Hi guys, another update.
I went to town today to cash Mary's cheque and exchange Randi's donation (and Mary's) into Canadian funds. Our dollar is even lower today so we got almost 10.00 extra dollars between the two donations on top of the what was donated. So cool.
I popped into the vet clinic to put the funds on Barney's tab and the receptionist told me that someone had just made another donation! I found out that it is Momtomany and there is now a credit of 144.00 on Barney's account all from Pet Talkers! :D You guys are awesome. Thank you.

Angela is bringing him in at 10:30 on Wednesday morning for a recheck exam and more blood work. He is getting very tired of his diabetic wetfood and the grain free dry food I brought over seems to cause him constipation so she might get him a small bag of the diabetic crumbles. If he doesn't like it, we can return it. Imagine him being so fussy when less than 2 weeks ago, he had no food! LOL

I'm hoping that she won't have to use all the funds that are there but if so, then those funds have gone towards another important step in getting Barney on his way. Like a stepping stone. The money we're trying to raise locally will hopefully add up and help with the surgery.

Angela is wondering if he is really dealing with a polyp and will ask the vet to have a good look inside his ear on Wednesday. The thing is, his ear is improving every day and a polyp should get progressively worse, as would a tumour ( I think??). The oozing has stopped and his ear seems to be drying up. The only thing I can think of is that maybe he had an abscess in his ear that the Convenia injection has been battling or maybe it is a polyp or a tumour and it has stabilized and isn't getting worse. Angela has been giving him this stuff called Immunical (a natural whey protein) that is supposed to be amazing in it's healing properties. She said that when she first saw him ( a few days before she called me to come and see him) his eyes were all hazy and milky coloured. She thought he might be going blind. She started giving him large amounts of this stuff and within 2-3 days his eyes were clear. She said that there are testimonials about people who have had cancer who have been put on Immunical and their tumours have disappeared. So maybe that is what is happening. Anyway, it will be interesting to hear what the vet says when she looks in there with her scope.

Barney will get his sudsy bath tomorrow so he is really soft and clean for his doctor's appointment. Will post a pic after we dry him. :)

p.s. Randi, we had the same thought as you about his nails and clipped them all last week. I think it really has helped. :)
p.p.s. Candace, we have heard him purr quite a bit which is good. Also, in the latest video he meows right before Angela says "do you like being with the girls?". It is such a short meow but if you can hear it, it is so cute.
You're right Mary, he is a little fur sponge!

Here is one pic I took tonight. He looks awful in it but he was sleeping just a moment before. You'll see all the splatter drops behind him like in a previous pic but there are more now. I think Angela cleans that up every couple of days so he has shaken out alot of 'stuff' from his ear. :p
But the caked on dried blood that I kept having to cut off with scissors has all but stopped.

And below Barney is a pic of Jack. I couldn't resist taking it because he is gorgeous and was laying by the fire.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4538.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4539.jpg

Purr-tender

10-28-2008, 12:48 AM

Medusa

10-28-2008, 07:44 AM

Lara, it sounds like Barney is getting better and better. When your vet checks the polyp, s/he may have to anesthetize Barney slightly in order to look in his throat. The polyp can grow down into his throat like Yodie's did or it can grow upwards or out of the ear. Check his eyes and the above the brow to look for swelling. Again, I hate being a killjoy but unless all avenues are explored, if it is a polyp, it can cause a lot of problems. We're keeping fingers and paws crossed here that it was just a bad infection from ear mites or whatever and we're looking forward to a good report. :love:

Emeraldgreen

10-28-2008, 11:33 PM

You give such wonderful updates. I am looking forward to seeing Barney after a really sudsy bath. And, I am so anxious to hear what the vet has to say Wednesday.

Boy, that fire sure looks good and cozy. Jack's got the right idea.

Mary

Thanks Mary! I tend to go on and on but I think he is so interesting. lol

Medusa wrote:
When your vet checks the polyp, s/he may have to anesthetize Barney slightly in order to look in his throat. The polyp can grow down into his throat like Yodie's did or it can grow upwards or out of the ear. Check his eyes and the above the brow to look for swelling.

I have told Angela what you said and we'll make sure the vet takes a very good look. I don't know if Barney would be up to any anesthesia right now but we'll see what the vet says. I've asked that she put a quote together for the surgery so she can give it to Angela tomorrow. I'm not going along, have to work. :( Thanks for the advice though. We have no experience with this and I value the information very much.

Tonight was bath night! He has to be the most tolerant cat I've ever met. He let us put him right into the sink with fairly warm water and suds him up and rinse him. It's still going to take another couple of baths to get all the filth off him though. We only wash him for a few minutes because we don't want to overdo it. He gets so tired very quickly.

After the bath we laid him on his back on Angela's lap and he let me snip off a bunch of mats on his belly. We couldn't believe how dirty his stomach was after the bath!! We gave him some extra sponge baths in that area but it's going to take a few more washings, that's for sure.

He just laid there and looked right into the camera. He has very soulful eyes. What a guy. I wish I could take him but my husband would never allow it. The thing with him that is so neat, is that he is so grateful. He loves to be loved.

After his bath and haircut, he got some tuna juice. Not sure if that is the best for his diabetes but he sure enjoyed it. And then, at the end, he wandered over to his little blanket and started washing himself to get ready for bed. He's got a big day tomorrow!

I'll post when I hear from Angela tomorrow evening. If everybody could say a big prayer tonight that his diabetes is reversing and that his ear was just infected and doesn't have a polyp and that his thyroid is stablizing, that would be great!! :D

Movie time!!

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_2204a4f6.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=2204a4f6.pbr)

jennielynn1970

10-29-2008, 12:19 AM

OMG... I just want to hug him!! What a sweet and tolerant boy he is! I love the name Barnacles, lol.

What would your hubby say if you "fostered" Barney until Angela comes back to the area and she is able to keep him with her?? I mean, it's obvious she adores him... so she could get done what she needs to get done while you foster him. Would you hubby begrudge a poor little kitty lodging until then? ;)

Sorry, just trying to think of ways to keep Barney in the picture, lol!! You both are doing such a wonderful job of getting him back on his feet, I'm just afraid of seeing him lose all that ground when Angela leaves and he has no where to go.:(

Medusa

10-29-2008, 07:38 AM

I don't know if Barney would be up to any anesthesia right now

I meant to say"sedate", which means that he wouldn't be put under. I'm sorry to have goofed that up.

This boy just tears my heart out. I want so badly for him to have a good home. You two are such angels! :love:

Purr-tender

10-29-2008, 09:51 AM

Bless his sweet little heart!! I am so grateful to you and Angela for being there and taking such marvelous care of him. He must think that he has died and gone to heaven!

Lara, your posts with the pics and videos make me feel like I am sitting there with you. I would love to be able to hold him and give him a bunch of lovins':love:. You two will just have to do that for me.

Be sure and post as soon as you can on his vet visit.

Prayers and big hugs for Barney!
Mary

Catty1

10-29-2008, 10:20 AM

I hope all goes well at the vet. He MUST have gained a BIT of weight...how much? :)

Give him some lovins for me!:love:

Emeraldgreen

10-29-2008, 12:52 PM

Medusa wrote:
I meant to say"sedate", which means that he wouldn't be put under.
Barney's exam started a few minutes ago (if the vet is running on time!;)) and I hope that the vet will do whatever she has to in order to get the best look possible in his ear. I did tell Angela about your experience with polyps and I know she will mention it to the vet. I'm so anxious to hear what she says.

JennLibrarian wrote:
What would your hubby say if you "fostered" Barney until Angela comes back to the area and she is able to keep him with her?? I mean, it's obvious she adores him... so she could get done what she needs to get done while you foster him. Would you hubby begrudge a poor little kitty lodging until then?
I wish he would let me but the only way I can even imagine it would be a for a few days until a real foster could be found. I won't let Barney be put outside so don't worry, something will be done one way or the other. We just put an ad in our local paper that gets put in the mailbox of every single resident on the island (around 2,500 people). The ad and photo normally costs 50.00 plus tax but the lady who runs the paper offered to do it for 5.00!! I think the paper will be in the boxes tomorrow or Friday at the latest.

The ad reads as follows with this picture:
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/Barneyblackandwhite.jpg
"This is Barney. He is single and available. He lives on Quadra but is homeless. Do you have a space in your heart and home for this wonderful little fellow? He is looking for his furrever home or even a temporary foster home. Please help bring Barney out of the cold."

Purr-Tender wrote:
Be sure and post as soon as you can on his vet visit.
I sure will! :)

Catty1 wrote:
I hope all goes well at the vet. He MUST have gained a BIT of weight...how much?
We think he has gained some weight but we're not sure how much. He was 4.15 pounds a few weeks ago so it will be exciting to see some improvement. You can still feel his spine completely, every detail of it but he does feel a bit heavier. :)

Emeraldgreen

10-29-2008, 01:19 PM

Well the vet just called and he isn't looking so good. He hasn't gained any weight!! She said that he has so many diseases going on that she is wondering if it wouldn't be better to just let him go at this point.
She said that his left ear still has the growth down inside and it and it is bleeding. His right ear has an infection and she thinks it's a bacterial infection of some sort.
She asked me what the next step was. Once again, had to make a decision right on the spot and with all the efforts put out by Pettalkers and all the donation cans and ads it just didn't make sense to me to put him down today. I think Angela was ready to let him go today because the vet was saying that Angela told her she is leaving and he doesn't have a home and if he is this sick etc... etc.. and I totally get where she is coming from but I wouldn't even know how to return the money in the cans to total strangers, so why not spend it on Barney and give one last kick at the can.

The vet said "alright, but if we're going to keep going with this, it's important that he get tested for FELV and FIV." I totally agree so she is testing him for that right now. I asked her if she thought it would be safe for Barney to be with other cats if those tests come back negative and she said "yes, I would feel comfortable with him being with other cats 'if' these tests come back negative." This is important in case someone offers to foster him and they have other cats.

She also wants to retest his thyroid and see where that's at. She said that he is nowhere near healthy enough to have surgery on his ear and she said that we need to take one step at a time.

Right now, I feel like I'm the only who has met Barney who is standing behind him. I know all you guys are and it means a great deal but I wish everyone else who has come in contact with him wasn't bailing on him like this.

Anyway, that's where it's at. I have to be at work in a few minutes so I'd better get going. :(

jennielynn1970

10-29-2008, 01:31 PM

I will be praying hard for Barney that he tests negative for both FeLV and FIV. You can have a false positive, but not (as the vet told me) a false negative. I had one cat test FIV+ 3 times, and then at 2yrs old, he tested negative 2xs. I know FeLV is the more serious of the two... I hope he doesn't have that! FIV is an immune deficiency and it can be managed, but he would need to get over all those other issues in order to be able to battle FIV for a good long time. We've have FIV+ cats at the shelter and most have lived long lives. I had Mac after he had been in the shelter for 10 years, and he made it another 2 1/2. So, 12 1/2 years as FIV+ is a good long life.

Will keep hoping and praying that Barney isn't positive for either of those diseases though! He needs every break he can get!

Randi

10-29-2008, 01:52 PM

Dear sweet Barney, I hope you'll make it! And I hope the tests will come back negative for FELV and FIV. I so wish you will get better soon and find a loving forever home.

I'm sending lots and lots and positive thoughts and kisses. :love:

Purr-tender

10-29-2008, 02:33 PM

Well, the FIV/FELV test results should be ready before Angela leaves the vet, it only takes about 10-15 minutes to show pos. or neg. But, even if he is positive that is not a death sentence. He is eating and drinking which is half the battle. It would not even cross my mind to euthanize him at this point. That the vet and Angela even thought about it scares me. Lara, you know that there are tons of PT prayers going up for Barney.

Mary

momtomany

10-29-2008, 05:55 PM

Moesha

10-29-2008, 08:10 PM

I'm scared to read any updates about Barney. I sure hope that things went well with his test!

Medusa

10-29-2008, 08:54 PM

This makes me feel like crying. I'm w/you, Lara, I certainly don't want to bail on him. Unless an animal is truly suffering, I feel there's no such thing as a lost cause. I do understand your position, though; your husband has a say in all this as well and Angela can't stay forever. Usually when I feel that things are out of my hands, I gain a sense of peace but in this instance, I'm feeling sad for this sweet boy. He's had such a sad, tough life and now he's learning how loving the human touch can be. To take it all away from him would just be so cruel but if he's so sick and there's no one who can care for him, you may have no choice. I know how much you love the guy and you've put forth such effort. I wish I was there to help. I hope that when I read an update tomorrow that there's some good news in all this. Whatever the case may be, all of us PTers know how hard you've tried w/Barney and how much you love him. God, this is so sad. I want so badly to hug that boy. His sweet face just haunts me. He looked so scared and sick in the beginning and now he looks so peaceful and content, even though he's still sick. Sigh. I'm making things worse, so I'll sign off for now, praying that all will go well for Barney. :love:

Emeraldgreen

10-30-2008, 02:30 PM

Thank you guys for your posts. I really appreciate them. :)

I'm so happy to report that Barney has tested NEGATIVE for both FELV and FIV. :D The vet left a message this morning and I was scared to call back. Robin (the vet) said "I've got quite a bit to tell you. First, he's negative." I said "Miracles really do happen!!" and she laughed and said "they do!".
She said that they retested his thyroid and now it's low!:confused: She figures this is due to the meds and too much of them so he's going down to 1/2 a tablet a day instead of twice a day. She said this would also explain why he was so sleepy all the time.
His white blood cell count is still very high so the Convenia injection had no effect on it. She said that she thinks the high white blood cell count is due to the infection in his ears though she said there is still a chance he has FIP. But she said she doesn't think it's FIP but needed to tell me in case it is because it is contagious to other cats. So, I'm a bit worried about big beautiful Jack. They have been sniffing noses a few times Angela said. I asked her to keep them apart if she could. Apparently the litterbox is the main way it is transmitted. Jack does his business outside. I asked Robin if after visiting with Barney should I be putting all my clothes in the washer as soon as I get home and showering before I handle my cats (which I have been doing). She said it wouldn't hurt to maybe get some Barney coveralls that I could wear when I hold him just to be on the safe side.
They tested Barney's glucose and it is still up there but she said she wasn't surprised. It's too soon to see much improvement with that.
She said she's written up a game plan for Barney and went through it with me. First and foremost we need to get the infection under control and get him to gain weight. She sent Angela home with Surolan drops yesterday and today she said she wants to put him on Clavamox for a few weeks. I have 5 tablets on hand so she will prescribe 10 more that I'll pick up tomorrow.

She said that if he gains weight and the white blood cell count goes down, it would be fair to assume that he is FIP negative. She thinks that he would have already died by now if he did have it but it will be good when he turns a corner and starts to improve.

Well, that's the news. Gotta go to work now.

lvpets2002

10-30-2008, 02:35 PM

:love: Well thats Great News on the FELV/FIV Negative.. Come on Barney Get Well Real Soon.. Sending Lots of Good Kitty Vibes & Huggss & Prayers for you & your meowmom..

Moesha

10-30-2008, 03:28 PM

I am so glad to read that update. When I got up this morning and didn't see anything about him, I got a little more worried. Keep up the good work with Barney!! Another thing to think about is that one of the symptoms of diabetes is a cat that eats alot and still loses weight. He has so much going against him that it is sad to think of his frail body fighting off everything it has been fighting against. But like you said, if you can get one thing turned in the right direction, the others may follow suit.

Catty1

10-30-2008, 03:53 PM

Boy oh boy, Barney is sticking with it! I am sure he is being loved back to health.

Wouldn't it be great if he recovered to where he "only" has diabetes? ;)

At least he didn't LOSE any weight, right?

Come on, sweetie, gain some weight. Maybe he'll eat more if he is less sleepy.

{{{hugs}}} to Beautiful Barney!

How are the donation cans going? Maybe you'll get a foster home when you post a good update at those sites. :)

Medusa

10-30-2008, 04:19 PM

Like Moesha, I was afraid and nervous when I didn't see a post this morning. Barney has been a tiger through this entire ordeal. Ok, so we have to pray that he doesn't have FIP. If your vet thinks he probably would've died by now if he had it, then I'm going to hold on to that thought. We've got to get rid of the infection and get the thyroid under control and, hopefully, his diabetes will be manageable. Candace is right; I think Barney is being loved back to health, by you and Angela and your vet and all of the PT prayers that go up for him every day and night. What a little lovey!

Purr-tender

10-30-2008, 06:42 PM

Whew, big sigh of relief! Like the others, when you hadn't posted by this morning I was really worried. As sick and beaten down as he was and is still hanging in there, I don't think he has FIP either. Like Catty said, at least he hasn't lost weight. That's another good thing. When is his next vet visit?

More prayers!
Mary

Emeraldgreen

10-30-2008, 09:38 PM

Lara if your hubby would allow temporary fostering, I will send money to help with costs of doing so. He has such a will to live that I hope he can continue to have a fighting chance. I not sure if this would be good for him, because the loving human contact is important for him, but what about bordering him? If I wasn't so far away, I would try and talk my husband into fostering...........but it would be hard as I fail everytime I have done it. I know many of us are already attached to him :love:

That is so kind of you. I am currently in the process of asking my husband if we can take him in. He would be in our shop which is next to the house but it will be alot better than outside. I cannot believe that no one has called about him. His picture is in the weekly insert that goes in 2,500 mailboxes and it's up on our local website. I was sure a few people would call. I didn't even mention his health troubles in the ad. I figured that I could tell people when and if they called.
I've already asked my husband and he is mad right now but I'm hoping that he will soften up over the next few hours. I will still have to find him his furrever home though. I'm fairly certain that Barney will be able to come here but I'll know for sure by tomorrow after we talk about it some more.

Angela has offered to buy him a new little heater that I can put in the shop for him which is great.

I went over there after work and we bathed him again. I swear he likes it! The water is nice and warm and then he washes himself afterwards. Tonight he was washing his back legs which he hasn't attempted before so we were happy to see that.

Angela said that today when she got home and went into see him, he was laying on his side and looked very comfortable. Then he got up and stretched one of his back legs straight out. So cute.

She bought him some new food and he loves it. She found some wet food at the pet store with a low glycemic level by Merrick and it has little pieces of carrots and stuff, like a stew. She got alot of different flavours. She also got some Orijin dry food and he likes that too. She said he pigged out on it today and his little tummy was huge because he ate so much. lol

That's the scoop. I'm just so relieved that he tested negative. I called the vet from work yesterday afternoon because I thought this test was usually an inhouse test but the receptionist said they sent it off by courrier to have the thyroid tested and the felv/fiv was done there as well so that is why we had to wait. It seemed like forever but it was worth the wait. :)

Candace, I agree, the fact that he hasn't lost any weight is good and I need to be grateful for that.

rg_girlca

10-31-2008, 05:10 PM

Emeraldgreen

10-31-2008, 08:48 PM

I just finished reading all the posts and I cannot thank you Emeraldgreen and Angela enough, for doing all that you can to help precious Barney. I had major LES just looking at his pictures and video's. He looks so pitiful that it breaks my heart.
Big time prayers on the way for Barney that he is able to pull through everything and is able to live out the rest of his life knowing nothing but love.
Thanks rg girl and thank you for your prayers. Barney is improving a bit each day so I hope to be posting some less pitiful videos soon. lol

Thank you Gary for the little grey cat nip mouse that arrived today and the neat picture of your cats! The funniest thing happened. I put the opened envelope with the mouse inside on my kitchen counter and then went to town for a few hours to pick up Barney's Clavamox and pill pockets. When I unlocked the door, there was my cat Sneakers with your envelope ripped wide open and the mouse in her mouth! She had obviously been playing with it for quite some time because it was sopping wet and she was rather 'high'. I quickly scooped it up and told her it was for Barney! lol Thanks again for sending it along.

I had a long talk with my husband and Barney will be coming here on Sunday morning. I'm not allowed to bring him in the house but maybe that will change in a bit. In the meantime, he will have shelter and I will visit with him alot and make sure he is warm and gets all his meds. I just keep trying to tell myself that it is better than outside.

Angela told me the other day that Terri said that Barney had been hanging around their house for almost a year in that condition and he basically lived in a truck canopy shell that was on the ground and could sometimes be found in an abandoned chicken coop on the property in a cardboard box. He is actually a long haired cat and before I saw him, she told me he had big balled up mats all over him. So, while my shop may not be as cozy as the cottage he's been in for the past few weeks, it will be alot better than the chicken coop. :) If we get a warm day and when he is a bit better, I might put him in our outdoor enclosure to change things up for him for a few hours.

The vet also sent me with some dewormer pills for Barney. I'm supposed to give him one now and one in 3 weeks. We haven't seen any evidence of worms but Robin wanted to make sure.

Moesha

10-31-2008, 08:54 PM

YaY to your husband for allowing Barney to come to your place. The shop seems like a good solution to the problem. Knowing you, you'll make it as cozy as possible for him. He'll get the best care possible there with you. And hopefully he'll get a permanent home soon.

Medusa

11-01-2008, 06:27 AM

I knew your husband would soften up a bit. We females do have our ways, don't we? Plus Barney will do his magic, too, I'm sure. Whatever shelter you provide for Barney, I know it will be warm and dry and, most importantly, filled w/love because you'll be there every day to tend to him. Bless you and Scott and everyone who has lent a hand. :love:

momtomany

11-01-2008, 02:15 PM

Emeraldgreen

11-02-2008, 01:08 AM

Lara if you will PM your address I would like to send some money to help with his care there. I am out of town until Thursday, but will send to you then. Someone here on PT blessed me, I would like to give something back for a kindness shown.

Thank you so much. I will PM you.

Barney is coming over tomorrow around 10:00a.m. and will move into the shop. The enclosure was dropped off today by my coworker's partner. It is about 6 feet by 6 feet. I thought it was a little bigger but this will do fine. It is about 2 feet tall. We have to cut a door out of it because up until now it has been used as a plant protector from deer and no door was needed. Not sure how Terri got to her plants come to think of it but I guess she just lifted the whole thing up as it is not very heavy.

We have put some plywood down on the concrete to make it warmer because this enclosure doesn't have a bottom. We are going to put a dog bed that we got a few years ago in there called a Kuranda bed. It's a chew proof bed that we got for Finn but he isn't chewing his bedding anymore and doesn't use it. It has four legs and sits about 6 inches off the ground. We can put Barney's blankets and bedding on top of this.

Angela bought him a heater today that looks like it will work well. She is also bringing over all the blankets she has bought for him over the last few weeks and soft comfy sweaters she picked up at the thrift store for him. :)

She said that he was following her around yesterday which is very sweet. But today he is really sluggish and kind of depressed. He has grown quite attached to her and I'm wondering if he somehow knows she is leaving. She has been packing her suitcases and cleaning up Terri's house so maybe he knows something is up. Of course, he must. Cats are so smart. I wish we could explain to him that it's going to be okay. He'll see soon enough I guess.

I wish we weren't heading into winter and that it was summer again. Then I could take Barney outside during the day and he could be in the sunshine and warmth in the outdoor enclosure. We have awful weather here right now with rain, rain and more rain and a windstorm is coming tonight and we are expected to lose power. If this happens, I have two hot water bottles and I will heat water on our coleman stove and fill the bottles and put them in Barney's bedding so he stays warm.

Part of me is nervous about taking this on. I've never fostered a cat before and the reason is because I know what a failure I'd be at it because I get so attached. But at the same time, the anxiety and worry I've been feeling the past week, not knowing where he was going and getting up the nerve to ask my husband was very stressful and I'm so glad that part is over and he will be with us soon. It's going to be alot easier for me to take care of him here at our house rather than having to race over to Terri's after work and then race home so hubby isn't frustrated with me. This way Barney will be a few steps from my front door. :)

Here is tonight's short clip. He doesn't look so good but Angela has been feeding him dry kitten food mixed with the Orijen dry food and a ton of wet food. I don't think it's good that he is getting so many different things. It seems to be upsetting his stomach. The dry food constipates him so I think when he gets here I'm going to stick with wet for a few days until he is feeling better.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_MVI_4625.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=MVI_4625.flv)

Medusa

11-02-2008, 06:50 AM

Aw, he looks so pathetic. I'll bet he does realize that Angela is leaving. When my ex-husband and I were divorced, my son took Peeka and Boo for a while until I got resituated and whenever I would come to visit my son, Peeka would always hop in the suitcase as I was packing to go home and she'd put one of her toys in as if to say "Don't forget me, Mom". Barney really does look sad on this video. I'm hoping that once Angela is gone and you have him on a steady diet of one particular cat food that he'll get used to only having you around. I'm wondering about the fostering thing, though; I have a feeling you're going to fail. LOL :love:

jennielynn1970

11-02-2008, 07:12 AM

Awe... I wonder if that's how he lost his first home, by someone moving and leaving him behind. Poor little guy. I'm glad he'll be with you and warm. He's such a sad little thing, so I hope he gets better and then maybe he'll be able to meet your guys. He'll be so grateful for all the love and affection you two have been giving him.

I'm still in shock that the other two people watched him digress over the past year or so. GRRRR... That ticks me off.

Barney is blessed by having you and Angela in his life. I'm sure he will reward you many times over with his thanks!

Purr-tender

11-02-2008, 09:26 AM

He looks so very sad. I just want to grab that baby and snuggle him in my arms! Thank you for fostering him. I have a feeling, like Mary, that you are going to fail at this fostering. There is no doubt I would! That's why I have 17! It's hard not to get attached to them. Especially when they are so in need like precious Barney.

Mary

catmandu

11-02-2008, 03:34 PM

:)WE ARE SO GLAD THAT THE LITTLE GRAY MOUSE ARRIVED.:)
I HAD THE SAME TROUBLE GETTING IT INTO THE ENVELOPE AS MIQUELITO THE LITTLE ORANGE LION WANTED TO PLAY, BUT AFTER I SAID ITS FOR YOUR FRIEND BARNEY HE STOPPPED!!!:cool::cool:
WE HOPE THAT IT DRIED AND THAT BARNEYS ENJOYING OUR LITTLE GIFT.
WE HAVE ADDED BARNEY THE BOLD TO OUR PRAYERS AND WE PRAY WE SEE A GOOD UPDATE SOON.
:love::love::love::love:

Emeraldgreen

11-02-2008, 10:02 PM

Oh my goodness, what a day!! I'm so relieved it's over and that Barney is safely tucked into my workshop. He arrived around 11:00 this morning when Angela brought him over. My husband and I set up his enclosure a few hours earlier and had the heat going to warm it up. We covered all the cracks by the doors and windows with thick poly to keep the heat in.

At first he was really scared and stayed under the dog bed (which is 6 inches off the ground) for awhile. But then when I went to the hardware store to pick up another tarp my husband said he went in there and Barney was just sitting there looking at him and then he meowed a couple of times. I've only ever heard him meow once so I was glad to hear this.

I'm thinking that maybe his family in the past was a man because he seems to really like my husband. I got some footage of him petting Barney and I wish the footage wasn't so dark because the look in Barney's eyes when he looks at my husband is so endearing. Does anybody know how to lighten a video? It was really amazing. We had a few more arguments this morning about the whole thing but once he met Barney, he felt badly for him and couldn't believe how little he is.

He's had all his meds for the day and has eaten a few times already. Everytime I go in there he is fast asleep, curled up. But when he wakes up, he rolls his cheek and face on the catnip mouse Gary sent! He loves that thing. Thank you again for sending it. :)

Medusa wrote:
I'm wondering about the fostering thing, though; I have a feeling you're going to fail. LOL

You're right, if it were up to me, I'd be a complete failure. lol But I know that my husband won't let me. The only way will be for him to completely fall for Barney. He already likes him and feels sorry for him but I don't think it will happen. We already have so many cats and our goal was to have fewer as they age out so it is more manageable. But, I will take good care of him while he is with us and try and nurse him back to health so he is adoptable.

JennLibrarian wrote:
I wonder if that's how he lost his first home, by someone moving and leaving him behind.
I'm still in shock that the other two people watched him digress over the past year or so. GRRRR... That ticks me off.

I wonder about that too. He did seem so sad yesterday, almost depressed. But today, I climbed into the enclosure and sat there with him and petted him and trimmed some of his mats and he was purring and stretching his little front legs. I think he just needed to know that someone else was still going to be there for him once Angela left. He is such a special little fellow.
I too do not understand how a cat in this condition could hang around a house for a year without anybody trying to really help him. He was given food but I still can't imagine not trying to do more. I guess not everybody feels the same way about animals. That's why I like Pettalk. Everyone cares so much about animals here.

Purr-Tender wrote:
That's why I have 17! It's hard not to get attached to them. Especially when they are so in need like precious Barney.

Wow, how do you do it?? I'm sure they are very well loved and grateful to have a home. :)

Catmandu wrote:
WE HAVE ADDED BARNEY THE BOLD TO OUR PRAYERS AND WE PRAY WE SEE A GOOD UPDATE SOON.

Barney the Bold. That is wonderful! :)

Below are some clips from today and below that are a few pics. Sorry they are so dark, the lighting isn't all that great in the shop. I'll try and find a lamp to bring in for better movies.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_ecaff204.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=ecaff204.pbr)

Barney with Gary's catnip mouse!
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4658.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4654.jpg

Catty1

11-02-2008, 10:27 PM

Awwww...he sure knows his name! When you called him, he came up and just kept giving that bed head rubs!

It's so nice to see him moving better - and even giving a classic Big Yawn!:)

I had to smile when you remarked to Scott about how Barney was looking at him - and he said, "Yeah, he's giving me the sad eyes." LOL...think he's seen a few sad eyes before? :D

Glad he is settled in and cozy.

Just because I worry too much - don't let the second tarp get near the heater! ;)

Medusa

11-03-2008, 05:24 AM

Instant LES from even just looking at Barney's photo let alone viewing the video. Your husband does seem to be softening but I understand why you want to limit the number of cats that live w/you. I'm in the same position. Not that you're my age but w/my circumstances, I fear that my younger cats will outlive me, so to take on more would be irresponsible and the financial obligation is great as well. If I had a partner or even a roommate who was understanding and helpful, it would be a different story, so I truly understand your feelings and I hope you don't think that I was pressuring you to take Barney. It's just that I wonder who will take him in his condition, although I'll admit that if I was there to see him and help w/him every day, he'd be mine regardless of my protests. What a special assignment you've been blessed with, Lara, and what an incredible, loving job you're doing. As usual, give Barney some extra lovin' for me. :love:

Purr-tender

11-03-2008, 10:22 AM

Lara, you are such a jewel! I'm so glad that you have Barney with you now. It's great that Barney likes Scott. It was so sweet watching your hubby nestling Barney into his blankets and making sure even his little tail was snuggled in too. Keep these wonderful updates and videos coming. I look forward to them!

More prayers for Barney!
Mary

"How do I do it??" With lots of love and a very tolerant (though not happy) husband. It is truly a labor of love and my passion.

Emeraldgreen

11-03-2008, 02:02 PM

I hope you don't think that I was pressuring you to take Barney. It's just that I wonder who will take him in his condition, although I'll admit that if I was there to see him and help w/him every day, he'd be mine regardless of my protests. What a special assignment you've been blessed with, Lara, and what an incredible, loving job you're doing. As usual, give Barney some extra lovin' for me. :love:

Oh my gosh, don't worry, I wasn't thinking that! lol I know that you can tell that I would fail at fostering and it's the truth! :) And I do wonder who will take this guy but my hope is to get him healthier and looking better so he is more appealing. And this morning, he was really full of beans! He was up on the dog bed in the enclosure and meowing at me. I actually got it on film this time! He started pawing at the fencing too! The clavamox that I gave him yesterday morning and last night were his first doses. I had the meds on hand and the pill pockets for a few days but we decided to wait until he was here at my house before beginning the meds because when he was under Angela's care, his meds were a bit sporadic. I'm wondering if these two doses are what is causing him to have more energy already! He has received another this morning.

Catty1 wrote:
Just because I worry too much - don't let the second tarp get near the heater!

Good point! I made sure to keep the tarp off the front of the enclosure where the heater is and just have it around the top, sides and back. :)

Purr-Tender wrote:
It was so sweet watching your hubby nestling Barney into his blankets and making sure even his little tail was snuggled in too. Keep these wonderful updates and videos coming. I look forward to them!

He is really good with our animals and they just love him. I can't believe he didn't have animals before we met because he is a natural with them. :) But I guess he's making up for lost time now. LOL

Here is his video. You can here him meow in the second half of it and he sounds like a little frog:

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_0cdc6540.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=0cdc6540.pbr)

lvpets2002

11-03-2008, 02:55 PM

:love: Oh Barney your so so Sweet Looking.. Please get Better Soon.. This is a very nice loving home.. They will take Great Care of you..

Medusa

11-03-2008, 03:05 PM

Oh goodness, he does sound like a little frog! He's the sweetest little boy I've ever seen, Lara. I just LOVE him!

momtomany

11-03-2008, 04:01 PM

I think we all love him heart and soul. I wish I could take him.

Catty1

11-03-2008, 04:04 PM

I LOVE those little "me-ax" sounds! Little Barney Frog.

It will be interesting to see what the Clavamox does for him.

What a precious boy...I am sure when he is a bit healthier, he will melt someone's heart!

Scooter's Mom

11-03-2008, 08:12 PM

What a precious boy...I am sure when he is a bit healthier, he will melt someone's heart!

He's already melted all of ours.
:love:

sasvermont

11-03-2008, 10:28 PM

I have been following this thread closely. You and your friends are going right to the top of the list for saving this little guy.

My suggestion is that you might want to consider a heating pad rather than a heater. My thoughts, however lame, are based on dry air creating sinus problems vs. warmth for tired bones. I think a heating pad would cost less to run and could be put on a timer.......tucked under his covers..... Just a suggestion.....You know best, I am sure.

When is his ear surgery going to take place? Are you going to wait until he gets buff? Poor little guy. My heart just breaks when I see the posts and videos/pictures.

You and your hubby are truly saints.

P. S. Hi Barney boy!

Emeraldgreen

11-03-2008, 11:08 PM

My suggestion is that you might want to consider a heating pad rather than a heater. My thoughts, however lame, are based on dry air creating sinus problems vs. warmth for tired bones. I think a heating pad would cost less to run and could be put on a timer.......tucked under his covers..... Just a suggestion.....You know best, I am sure.

When is his ear surgery going to take place? Are you going to wait until he gets buff?

LOL! I don't know if we'll ever reach the 'buff' stage but that would be awesome!
JennLibrarian had the same thought about a heating pad a week or so ago in a PM and my only concern is that he has peed his bedding a couple of times and I'm wondering if he could get electricuted?? :confused: I know that sounds ridiculous but it does worry me. The last 2 times he peed were on the way to the vet in the cage and on the way home when Angela took him. And when he rode in the car over to our house. He peed in the bed when he was first taken in from outdoors but that seems to have stopped. I'm just not sure if he will have an accident one night or not. Maybe they make them with some kind of plastic safety cover. If so, I think it is a good idea.

Today I brought back 4 cans of the diabetic wet food to the vet because he doesn't like it much. And Angela found this great canned wet food that is low glycemic at the pet store that he really likes. I bought a bag of the Purina DM and I just about fell over when she told me that it was almost 37.00!! The bag is so small (6 pounds). But I decided to get it because for the past few weeks he has been eating Orijen (dry food that is partially raw) and I don't think it agrees with him. Thankfully he loves the DM and it has really small tiny pieces that suit his small mouth.

I returned an unopened bag of Orijen that Angela bought and bought him a case of the Merrick low glycemic canned food today and it comes in neat flavours like 'Thanksgiving meal' and 'TurkDuck' and I think one is called Cowboy Kitty or something like that. He's a nut for this stuff and can't get enough. I also picked up two more bags of chicken Pill Pockets. He eats his meds no problem with these.

We were at the petstore and we spotted a small cat scratching post and it was only 12.99!! So my husband said "let's get it for him". We had just done our recycling of our cans and water bottles and he said we could use that money on the tree. We're usually naughty and get fast food and coffee with this money but not today! :D
Here is the tree:

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4664.jpg

I put it in his cage but he was too distracted by the plate of Cowboy Kitty that was being dished up for him. But I do think he is going to use it because I remembered that in a video I took a week ago, Barney stood up and was pawing at Terri's curtain. We weren't sure what he was doing but then I thought about it and realized that he was probably trying to scratch his nails!! :rolleyes: I don't know why we were so clueless at the time. I guess he was so weak that it didn't occur to us that he would even think of doing that.
I think I will spray it with catnip spray and see if that will peak his interest. Once again, Gary's little grey mouse has captivated Barney and saved the day. He loves it and it's always near him. Kind of like a little security blanket. :)

Thanks for you posts everybody!
I'm going to tuck in Barney Frog right now.

Catty1

11-03-2008, 11:41 PM

Barney Frog! ROFL!

He's got a great "pad" there. :D

I hope he likes the scratching post...it'll give him a minor workout.

He is eating so well...he just HAS to gain a little weight.

You can do it, BF! Shock the vet! :D:love:

Moesha

11-04-2008, 06:33 AM

The Purina DM comes in 12 pound bags also. That's what I purchase and I think it is around $45. I know that's alot, but if you know that he likes it, it is a better deal to buy in bigger bulk. My vet used to only have the smaller size until I asked them if it came in larger bags. Now they have both. That's what I do anyway. Go Barney!!

Medusa

11-04-2008, 06:58 AM

Just yesterday I gave away some cat tunnels because my Fur Posse just doesn't use them and they're taking up space. I considered sending them to you but it would cost more in shipping than they're worth. How nice that you're thinking of Barney's comfort and not just fattening him up. What a lucky boy he is.

When I was rescuing, I put heating pads in all the outdoor shelters, kept them on low, and tucked them in between blankets. Everything I've read, though, has said not to use heating pads ever because the cats could get badly burned. There are heated cat beds that you plug in and I bought one but I couldn't even tell that it was on so I returned it. Maybe try a hot water bottle? Whatever you try, I know Barney will love it, that little love sponge. Barney Frog. Sooo silly. LOL

MoonandBean

11-04-2008, 01:24 PM

Emeraldgreen

11-04-2008, 01:58 PM

Lara,

As I Pmailed you, I'm sorry it took me so long to catch up with this thread. You are truly an angel and God Bless you for all you do for SO MANY animals! I called the Animal Hospital and made a donation for Barney's care. :love: :love: :love:

Thank you so much Deb for your donation!!! You guys are so awesome and I don't know what Barney and I would do without you all! Tonight, I'm going to post a total of all the amazing help that we've received and what it has all gone towards just to keep everybody up to date. I feel very blessed that people I have never met and that Barney has never met are so caring and compassionate to offer posts of support, financial support and items to help Barney feel loved. It is truly the most amazing thing and I feel blessed to be a part of it. Thank you. :love:

krazyaboutkatz

11-04-2008, 10:34 PM

I'm so glad to hear that you've taken in Barney and that he's doing so well.:)

As for the heating pad suggestion, how about Snuggle Safe. I hope that you have a microwave because you just pop this in the microwave and heat it up and it's very safe for pets and people can also use them. Here's the link: http://www.snugglesafe.ca/index.htm. I think that some pet stores may carry these too.:)

Medusa

11-05-2008, 07:02 AM

As for the heating pad suggestion, how about Snuggle Safe. I hope that you have a microwave because you just pop this in the microwave and heat it up and it's very safe for pets and people can also use them. Here's the link: http://www.snugglesafe.ca/index.htm. I think that some pet stores may carry these too.:)

See, this is why I love PT. We learn so much about pets and their care. I'm going to look into this for my Fur Posse, too. What a great idea for Barney and all pets! :)

lvpets2002

11-05-2008, 09:09 AM

See, this is why I love PT. We learn so much about pets and their care. I'm going to look into this for my Fur Posse, too. What a great idea for Barney and all pets! :)

:eek: WoW no kiding this is so neat.. This is Awesome.. I will have to see about getting a few of those too.. I have a couple of babies that are cold natured.. Thanks Tracey for the Great Idea.. How Is Barney Today?? Please Post thanks

Lizzie

11-05-2008, 11:23 AM

The snuggle safes are great and lots of my rescue friends use them, as does the shelter where I volunteer. However, you do need to be careful because the shelter has one cat who was severely burned because the disc wasn't wrapped correctly and ended up directly on the cat. I'm sure you will show the common sense that this cat's owner didn't.

Thank you for taking such very good care of Barney in spite of being stretched for resources. He was obviously in dire need of someone to take full care of him.

columbine

11-05-2008, 10:17 PM

Smudge has a Thermo Kitty warming pad under his blankie on his favorite chair. It stays a couple degrees above room temperature until he sits on it, then his weight activates it to warm to cat body temperature. I'm sure you could put a waterproof cover over one too.

Emeraldgreen

11-06-2008, 12:43 AM

Hi guys, thanks for the ideas about the warming pads and stuff. I will look into that and see what is available here.
In the meantime, I picked up some more thick poly (the kind used to put over windows during winter) and used a staple gun and wrapped it around the whole enclosure except for the front where the heater blows in. We previously had tarps on top and around and put poly on the doors and windows of the shop but I noticed that when I was sitting in the enclosure spending time with him, I could feel a draft.
It is so much better now that it is all sealed in and he gets plenty of air from the 6 foot side that is not covered in poly. We were going to cut a door in this thing but the top lifts on and off so that is how we access Barney. :)

I didn't film him today but got a good one of him last night and will post it below. He is still the skinniest cat ever and that doesn't seem to be changing but he does seem more alert to me and I think the antibiotics are making a difference. His ears are still bothering him and he HATES it when I put the Surolan in. Last night he bit me. He was so fast and he growled too. I know that it is because he is in alot of pain with regard to his ears so I don't blame him, though it sure did surprise me! After I pulled away, he just stood there and stared at me. It seemed like he was sorry.

Tonight, my husband and I went in there for his final goodnight and we opened the door, which is so loud and creaky but Barney can't hear it. There he was sitting there over his water bowl with his head hung down just staring into the water. We stood there for a moment and watched him and he was just staring at it. It was sad. I thought to myself that he must be awfully bored. I haven't been able to spend that much time with him because of my work schedule. He gets a visit in the a.m. for breakfast and all his meds and another in the evening for dinner and meds and a goodnight, lights out visit. On my days off I fit in a few visits extra during the day but right now I only have 2 days off a week.

My husband called him Barney Rubble tonight. LOL! :) We'll have to add that to Candace's Barney Frog!

I wanted to post a donation update last night but was just too tired but will do so now.

We received a total of 144.00 from PT'rs (Moesha, Medusa, Purr-Tender, Momtomany, Randi) for Barney before his last exam. The exam and bloodwork and FELV/FIV test all came to just over 200.00. Angela paid the remaining 55.00 on the bill. We were surprised that the bill was as high as it was because she had just paid 250.00 and I paid 107.00 on his first exam and we thought that it would be quite a bit cheaper the second time around.

I received a fabulous grey catnip mouse from Gary in the mail which Barney loves. Thank you!

JennLibrarian, I received the 3 doses of Revolution yesterday labeled as 'candy'. LOL Thank you!

I haven't checked with the clinic since I was last there for his meds but Deb (Moonandbean) has made a donation and there is 100.00 in credit there that will go towards his next exam once his antibiotics are finished. Thank you so much.

Momtomany has very kindly offered to buy Barney's next bag of Purina DM and will have the clinic set it aside for him. Thank you!

JennLibrarian has picked out a special extra large sweatshirt from the Old Navy website and is having shipped to her and then on to Barney! It will be a wonderful addition to his cozy bedding. Thank you!

Both Randi and Medusa (Mary) have offered to send further donations by mail for Barney, all of which will go towards the clinic on his account for his next exam and hopefully surgery!! Thank you!!

As mentioned, I haven't checked with the clinic since last week so if I haven't mentioned anybody, I promise I will! :)

And thank you to everyone who has posted in this thread offering prayers, ideas, support and just being interested in Barney. It is all so appreciated.

Now, who wants Barney?!? LOL Just kidding. We have to get him well first and then I know his forever home will present itself. And maybe it will be with us but probably not. But never say never. lol

Here is the latest Barney Rubble clip:

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_MVI_4665.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=MVI_4665.flv)

Moesha

11-06-2008, 06:53 AM

Have you checked the donation cans? I wish I were closer so I could go sit with Barney sometimes.

jennielynn1970

11-06-2008, 07:02 AM

Medusa

11-06-2008, 07:10 AM

Aw, poor little guy, his ear is bothering him, I can tell by the way he shakes his head. I wish I could be there to help you w/him. I'd give him so much lovin', although it's clear that he's getting plenty of that. Give him some gentle pets for me anyhow, ok? And again, thank you, Lara and Scott for all your devotion to this sweet boy.

Purr-tender

11-06-2008, 09:52 AM

Yeh, you can tell that ear is bothering him. Poor little guy! Like the others, I wish you were close, I'd be there helping you and giving him lots of snuggle time on my lap. He has totally stolen my heart!:love:

Big (((Hugs))) to you for taking such good care of Barney!!

Mary

lvpets2002

11-06-2008, 10:00 AM

:love: Awee Barney your such a wittle Cutie Pie.. I wish I could come & cuddle you & give you bunchss of whisker kissess.. Keep getting much better & eat all your yum yum food..

jazzcat

11-06-2008, 11:21 AM

Oh my, he sure does tug at the heartstrings doesn't he?

I think it's wonderful how so many PTers are helping.

Emeraldgreen

11-06-2008, 12:55 PM

It's actually an XS doggie sweatshirt, lol. I thought you might want to keep him warmer in that if it gets really chilly.

Poor guy, I bet he's missing Angela. I'm sure that he had formed a bond with her and is just missing her. He'll come around and be just as loving. Maybe he was bored when you saw hiim with his head down, or maybe he was just resting. He'll be ok. It would be nice if he could have a cat buddy to visit with him to keep him company (once he can be vaccinated and such). ;)

Even better, a sweatshirt for pets! How cool! :)

I think he might miss Angela a bit too but she also only saw him in the morning and at night. He really perks up when we come in and I do think he used to have a pawpie at some point because he seems to really like my husband.

It's true, his ear is really bothering him. I'm giving him a break for a few days on the Surolan because he was getting so angry. But the antibiotics seem to be helping because each day he is more alert. I felt his spine today and for the first time, I think there might be a little meat on those bones. Not a whole bunch but it seems to be changing just a bit.

He is more regular now too which is good and had a poop yesterday and today. lol

That would be so great if you all could come and visit with Barney! LOL We could take shifts and he'd never be alone. But I'll give him some hugs for you guys instead. :)

I've collected two of the cans and they had a total of over 35.00 which was awesome and that went towards the poly and tarp. I'm going to collect the rest either this afternoon or tomorrow. :)

I'm really wondering about the scab on his nose. I can't understand why it's there and why it never seems to heal. I'm going to ask the vet about it at our next visit. He has had it since day one and it never gets better. :confused:

Here is this morning's video of Sir Barnacles. I've got him purring on tape!
And below that are three pics of Barney having a drink of water.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_a1fb8aa5.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=a1fb8aa5.pbr)

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4674.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4675.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4676.jpg

Medusa

11-06-2008, 01:06 PM

Purr-tender

11-06-2008, 01:39 PM

Something that I do for my cat cottage kids is have a radio going 24/7 so they have some company. My kids listen to the 70s music;). By the way, the cat cottage is a small one room cottage just steps away from my back door. It has a nice picture window that opens for fresh air. I have it set up with tons of shelves, a couch, and other places for them to get up high. 8 of my fur kids live there. The rest are in the house with me. Anyway, I thought it would help Barney not feel so lonely.

Emeraldgreen

11-06-2008, 09:35 PM

Oh Lara, his purr brings tears to my eyes. He's come such a long way. Forgive me if you've addressed this already but what's the story w/his diabetes or is he even diabetic? I can't recall. You've done and are continuing to do such a fabulous job w/this boy, Mr. Barnacles Barney Frog. I just love him!

When Angela brought him in for his last exam they retested his glucose and the vet said it was still 'up there'. I don't know if it came down at all. I don't think so or she would have told us. But when I spoke with the vet she said she wasn't surprised and didn't expect for the glucose level to be down by much. She said that when trying to reverse diabetes with diet, it can take awhile to see a difference. They just decided to run the glucose test I guess because they were testing everything else.

One thing that I noticed this evening when I went in to feed him and give meds and clean the litter box is that his 'pee clumps' in the clumping litter are smaller. You would not believe how much pee he was producing each time and the vet said it was related to the diabetes. The pee balls were the size of large grapefruits!! They are getting smaller each day and tonight, they are about the size of a peach. However, there are lots of pee balls in the box for one day. I cleaned it this morning and by tonight there were 4 to scoop. But I think we're making some kind of progress.

Purr Tender wrote:
Something that I do for my cat cottage kids is have a radio going 24/7 so they have some company. My kids listen to the 70s music. By the way, the cat cottage is a small one room cottage just steps away from my back door. It has a nice picture window that opens for fresh air. I have it set up with tons of shelves, a couch, and other places for them to get up high. 8 of my fur kids live there. The rest are in the house with me. Anyway, I thought it would help Barney not feel so lonely.

Thank you for this suggestion. I wish it would help but Barney is deaf. :( We thought at one point that he might be hearing something because his ears were twitching but he can't hear anything it seems. Maybe this will change down the road if he is healthy enough for surgery and if we can get the ear infection cleared up. But right now, when my husband and I go in there, we say his name and then shout his name and clap our hands and stuff and if he is facing in the other direction, he doesn't hear anything. If we tap on the floor with our feet, he feels the vibrations and turns around and looks a bit startled that we are all of a sudden there.

I was thinking of finding an old tv set and putting it in there. That way he'd have some images to watch. The best thing would be for me to spend more time with him though and when my coworker comes back to work, I'll be able to do that. :)

Purr-tender

11-06-2008, 09:53 PM

Oh, I had forgotten all about him being deaf :( A little TV would give him something to watch, that'd be nice.

Catty1

11-06-2008, 11:45 PM

Put the 'cat babysitter' video on it, or whatever it is called! :)

Great news about the pee reducing. He's getting there!

And wow...does his purr not make it all worth while?:love::)

Medusa

11-07-2008, 04:38 AM

Once the ear infection is cleared up or the polyp removed, whichever it is, hopefully Barney will be able to hear. What a little sweetheart. :love:

jennielynn1970

11-07-2008, 07:08 AM

Oh, that croaky little meow of his!!! It's just too cute! He definitely looks like he's feeling better!

My one foster had a scabby nose for a long time, and I think it took a few months for it to totally clear up (his name was Monty). He even had a bit of it left after he was adopted. Not sure if this is the same thing that is going on with Barnacles. Maybe he's got NOSE BARNACLES!! :p

pomtzu

11-07-2008, 07:44 AM

If you do find that he is diabetic and needs insulin, I'd be happy to help out with syringes (even tho they aren't too expensive). I have leftover 1/2 cc syringes from when my RB dogs were on it, plus I use 1 cc syringes for myself for B-12 injections twice a month. I get them in boxes of 100 and I can just get doc to write me another prescription for them. :D

Randi

11-07-2008, 08:03 AM

Aww, listen to his little squeeks and purrs - Barney is so happy to see you every time you come for a visit, but you can tell his ear is bothering him. I so hope that he can get to a vet and have it treated soon. And I wish I was closer - we could all take turns sitting with him. :)

I'm glad that he is safe and warm, and I'm also glad you husband has fallen in love with him.

You are an angel for keeping Barney comfy. Thanks again for all you do!

Give him lots of kisses from me and gentle headbumpoies from Fister! :love:

Catty1

11-07-2008, 10:36 AM

Maybe he's got NOSE BARNACLES!

ROFL!!!!!:D

katslady

11-08-2008, 10:47 PM

Emeraldgreen

11-08-2008, 11:46 PM

I have not been on pet talk in a month or so.So I do not know all of Barney's history, but just wondered if the ear bacteria was cultured.I don't have much to donate but if you you can send me the info. I would like to help.

Thank you for offering to help. PT'rs have been so supportive to Barney. Please know that prayers are also very valuable and are needed and would be greatly appreciated. If you don't have much, please don't worry. Barney has had alot of help this past while from PT'rs and some local people where I live and we have enough to get him to his next exam and more blood work and more food and meds. Everyone has been very kind.
Speaking of which!!! I picked up the remaining 4 cans around town and collected an additional 135.00!!! I was very surprised because not one person called about Barney to adopt him but they do care because people contributed their change into the cans and someone even put a 20.00 in there!!! I have this little brown paper bag full of the change and I'm calling it Barney's bag of gold. :) I went to the Salvation Army and bought him 3 very soft fleecy sweaters to make more beds for him and to have some back up bedding when I wash his others.

Katslady, I've only known Barney for a few weeks myself but I do believe the vet did a culture or ear swab on his right ear on the last visit. I haven't taken him into the vet for his last two exams, that was done by another woman who was helping Barney but who is no longer on the scene. I will be taking him to his next appointment though and will make sure to get all the details.

The vet told us that Barney has a bacterial infection in his right ear and prescribed Surolan drops. He is also on 1/2 a tab of Clavamox two times a day. I have skipped a few days of the Surolan because he seemed to be in pain and was really getting upset with me when I put the drops in. But I've started up again this morning.

What I really think needs to happen is for him to be sedated a bit so they can get in there and really clean those yucky ears out. He has the worst balance and teeters all over the place and I'm sure it has everything to do with his ears. The polyp in his left ear is going to be dealt with down the road and the goal now is to get him healthy enough for that. The vet said she didn't think he'd survive surgery at this point (that was on October 29th).

I'm also going to have her examine his nose. Here is a close up of his scabby little nose that never seems to heal.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4687_edited.jpg

Pomtzu wrote:
If you do find that he is diabetic and needs insulin, I'd be happy to help out with syringes (even tho they aren't too expensive). I have leftover 1/2 cc syringes from when my RB dogs were on it, plus I use 1 cc syringes for myself for B-12 injections twice a month. I get them in boxes of 100 and I can just get doc to write me another prescription for them.

Thank you. I hope that he won't need injections but that is a very kind offer if he does. :)

JennLibrarian wrote:
My one foster had a scabby nose for a long time, and I think it took a few months for it to totally clear up (his name was Monty). He even had a bit of it left after he was adopted. Not sure if this is the same thing that is going on with Barnacles. Maybe he's got NOSE BARNACLES!!

LOL Funny! :)
I am relieved to hear that you know of a similar thing like this and that it resovled itself. Did a vet ever tell you anything about it? Sometimes it bleeds a bit. I guess he might paw at it but I'm not sure.

Barney is pretty much the same today but he is making poops each day which is great. He was only doing this every other day but for the past 4 days he is going every day. :) Nice way to end the post! LOL

Medusa

11-09-2008, 08:00 AM

jennielynn1970

11-09-2008, 10:38 AM

Just wanted to let you know that there will be a package going out in the mail tomorrow for you and Barnacles. Just a few things I found for him. There is a self heating bed in it. I remembered the bed that one of the sponsors got for my foster Mac, which now that it's colder out, I found in a bag of older fluffy kitty winter beds. It's got something in it that helps retain the heat from their body and it radiates it back to him. He and the other fosters loved it, so I found the same kind online and had a new one shipped here, and it is now in the box for Barnacles. :)

Hope customs won't have an issue with kitty stuff. I purposely didn't pack any loose catnip in it, just in case! :p

Scooter's Mom

11-09-2008, 10:38 AM

Prayers are continuing from me too. I am so glad he has you.

Give him an extra pet from me, please. :love:

jennielynn1970

11-09-2008, 10:40 AM

Is there any kind of antibiotic ointment that you can put on his nose?? The vet never specified anything about his nose, but I know a few months after he was adopted, when I saw pics, his nose looked good.

Maybe some nose kissies would make him feel better? ;):)

Purr-tender

11-09-2008, 11:02 AM

Oh, Lara, it is so hard to look at that sweet, pitiful face and not be able to hold him. When is his next appointment? I think that you are right about sedating him and really giving his ears intense treatments. Can you let the vet's office know ahead of time that you want them to do that? I am so happy that your cans were a success. Are you going to keep them going?

Please give Barney an extra gentle hug from me. Love that baby!!:love::love:

Mary

Emeraldgreen

11-09-2008, 12:59 PM

Ok, somehow I missed the post where it was confirmed that Barney does indeed have an ear polyp. This poor boy sure has had the stuff heaped on him, hasn't he? Well, I shouldn't call him a poor boy; he's actually lucky because he found you and Angela, Lara. Every time I read an update, I wish I was there to help. I could relieve you so that you have more time to yourself but if you're like me, you'd be there anyhow. His face is just too much. It makes me want to just hold on to him and never let him go, so I can imagine how you must feel. Please know the prayers are continuing. :love:

Hi Mary, the vet had a look at the left ear on the second exam and she's pretty sure it's a polyp. I shouldn't say it is but I guess I'm hoping it is because if it isn't, it is a tumour. But because it bleeds so easily, she thinks this is what it is. Thankfully it hasn't been bleeding since he's been here which is great. Though it does cause him discomfort. I would like to get him in to have it removed but the vet said it's too soon and we need to get him in better health. Thank you for the continued prayers. :)

JennLibrarian wrote:
Just wanted to let you know that there will be a package going out in the mail tomorrow for you and Barnacles. Just a few things I found for him. There is a self heating bed in it.
Thank you so much Jenn!! I have never heard of a self heating bed and it will be perfect because there are only two outlets in the shop and one is used for his heater and the other has his nightlight in it. :)

I hope customs won't bother with the package but probably a good idea to leave the loose catnip out. lol I will let you know as soon as it arrives!

JennLibrarian wrote:
Is there any kind of antibiotic ointment that you can put on his nose?? The vet never specified anything about his nose, but I know a few months after he was adopted, when I saw pics, his nose looked good.

That's a good idea. I will ask the vet about it tomorrow when I go to town. Maybe polysporin would be okay. I hadn't thought of that! Or maybe something natural from the health food store that is safe for cats.

Scooter's mom wrote:
Prayers are continuing from me too. I am so glad he has you.
Give him an extra pet from me, please.

Thanks! Will do. :)

I ran into the woman who publishes our weekly news flyer on the island and I thanked her again for letting me run the ad and picture of Barney for only 5.00 instead of 50.00 and told her how surprised I was that out of 2,500 people, no one called about Barney and I hadn't even mentioned that he had all these diseases and wasn't neutered!!
She said that it is always interesting to find out that what you thought about people turns out to be completely different. You have this pre-set idea that everyone loves animals, especially people who live on a small island who are very environmentally conscious and peaceful and that sort of thing (David Suzuki even lives here on and off!!) but in reality, cats on this island are not a priority. We have a terrible problem with feral cat colonies and pet cats are often viewed as 'working' cats for their mousing abilities. Of course there are people who have cats that are wonderfully spoiled (as they should be! :)) but I'm realizing that it is not the norm here.

My hope is to start a group here on the island that will deal with the feral cats and abandoned cats by feeding them and ultimately trapping, neutering and returning them and letting the colonies age out. I know there are lots of people on PT who are involved in this sort of thing and I have no idea what I'm doing but something has to be done and I want to get it started.

I put a call into another rescue org that TNR in a town about 40 minutes from here and left a message asking if someone would be willing to come up to a community meeting that I would set up and speak about their group and how it works etc.. I would put an ad in our paper and invite anyone who loves animals and who is interested in helping the ferals to come to the meeting. We'll see what happens but I think Barney will be the poster boy and can show people what condition a cat can get into when left alone in the elements with no family.

Catty1

11-09-2008, 01:51 PM

Lara - GREAT idea on the TNR group! I am sure they would he happy to set up another one. Local humane societies etc know where all the feral colonies are.

Barney as a poster boy! LOL That is great.

Hope the polysporin works...it's got a teeny bit of anitbiotic in it, and just might help.

Have you heard from Angela since she left?

I hope Barn-Barn is well enough soon to get the polyp surgery.

Any more meat on those bones? Just wondering - is there a low glycemic kitten food that might give him more of a weight-gaining punch?

Give him a kiss and hug for me!:love:

Medusa

11-09-2008, 01:55 PM

Now is when I wish Dr. Lee could see Barney. He did such an incredible job w/Yodie and her ear polyp. No one in my area even knew how to do the surgery and I really had to do some digging to find him. He did laser surgery on it and he said that his instincts told him to give the polyp a little tug to get at the root. Several months later, he attended a class and they addressed ear polyp surgery and said to give the polyp a little tug. He felt vindicated and I felt awestruck of this guy. Hopefully, you'll be able to find someone just as capable to do the surgery when Barney is strong enough. If they don't get it at the root, it just grows back again and again. Sweet little Barn-Barn, as Candace calls him.

Emeraldgreen

11-10-2008, 11:30 PM

Candace wrote:
Lara - GREAT idea on the TNR group! I am sure they would he happy to set up another one. Local humane societies etc know where all the feral colonies are.

Barney as a poster boy! LOL That is great.

Hope the polysporin works...it's got a teeny bit of anitbiotic in it, and just might help.

His spine does seem to be slightly less boney but just a bit. I stopped into the clinic today and left a note for the vet with some questions. I asked if I could give Barney a paste that I have on hand called Nutrical that I got from the clinic for Tiger. It is a high caloric paste to help cats gain weight. My only concern was how it might interact with the diabetes.

The Merrick low glycemic canned food that I'm giving him says 'for cats and kittens' on the label so it is for both.

I also asked if I could put polysporin on his nose and asked them to put together a quote for me for what it would cost to sedate him and clean out those ears. I just can't put the drops in anymore, he actually screams when I do and I just can't do it. He doesn't trust me for days after I do it and tries to bite and scratch me even if I lift my hand in a way that looks like I'm up to something. And on the days that I do put the drops in, he shakes them wildly all day long and falls off balance and is just plain miserable. When I stop for a few days, his ears are much more tolerable for him and we get along great.

My hope is that the vet can get the ears completely clean and that I can give him some meds in pill form to attack the bacterial infection in his ear. The receptionist is going to fax me a quote at work tomorrow or the next day for that and for the polyp surgery.

Have you heard from Angela since she left?

She emailed me a few days ago and I sent her a video of him. I don't think we'll be in touch that much but I will send her a video every now and then so she can see his progress. I only met her last month for the first time and she lives back east so I don't think I'll see her again except when she comes to visit my coworker on occasion.

Lara - GREAT idea on the TNR group! I am sure they would he happy to set up another one. Local humane societies etc know where all the feral colonies are.

I called the SPCA to ask if there were any groups in Campbell River that help the feral cats and she said there weren't any!! She said there are many colonies of cats but nobody helps them. I'm so shocked by this as the town has a population of over 30,000 people! The area I used to live in also had a population of this size and there were multiple rescue groups helping the ferals.
They told me that there is one woman who feeds the feral colony by the ferry dock and she has managed to get them all spayed and neutered out of her own pocket. They gave me her cell number so I can talk with her about her experience. Other than that though, there isn't anything the SPCA can do. I asked them if they would be willing to subsidize feeding if a rescue group was started on our island and told her that someone had told me they would. She told me that 'they' were misinformed and that all they could maybe offer was some extra food that they might not need for the shelter cats.
I asked her if they would be willing to take kittens if we could get them under 7 weeks of age. She said 6 weeks was better and yes they would. They will try and foster them and socialize them but if they are too feral they will be put down. I asked if I could get the kittens back if socializing didn't go well and she said "no".
I'm going to speak with the rescue group from the town 40 minutes away and see what else I can find out.

Anyway, back to Barney!! LOL

Mary, your cheque came today!!! Thank you so much. Your donation will be going towards Barney's vet visit (which is not booked as of yet) and will be added to the one already there. We have a total of 158.00 now for the upcoming exam and I also have Barney's bag of gold which will go towards that as well. :)

Momtomany, thank you for the diabetic dry food. I picked that up today and the receptionist 'Lorraine' said "it is so nice of someone to do such a thing" and I smiled and said "it sure is". I could tell that she wanted to know who all these fabulous mystery people are and why they would be calling about a little scrawny cat like Barney. It was neat. Thank you. :)

Medusa wrote
Now is when I wish Dr. Lee could see Barney. He did such an incredible job w/Yodie and her ear polyp. No one in my area even knew how to do the surgery and I really had to do some digging to find him. He did laser surgery on it and he said that his instincts told him to give the polyp a little tug to get at the root. Several months later, he attended a class and they addressed ear polyp surgery and said to give the polyp a little tug. He felt vindicated and I felt awestruck of this guy. Hopefully, you'll be able to find someone just as capable to do the surgery when Barney is strong enough. If they don't get it at the root, it just grows back again and again. Sweet little Barn-Barn, as Candace calls him.

I'm thinking about having my old vet do the surgery. It would mean having to either drive Barney there (5+ hours) or flying him by floatplane (2 hour drive and 20 minute flight). They only charge 20.00 to fly a cat so it's not too bad.
He is an amazing vet and his clinic is very high tech. He has all the bells and whistles (digital xray, ultrasound, ecg machine, endoscopic equipment that is smaller than any other vet that I have been able to find).
I receive a discounted rate because I created and maintain their website so it would be a much lesser bill. I don't really utilise it though because he is so far away. And I'm about to make some other major changes to another site I made for him for his orthopedic veterinary equipment that he sells and normally I would bill him for this but I'm thinking about sending him an email proposing that we exchange a polyp surgery for the work on the site. It's worth a try.

Barney was absolutely full of beans this morning. When I opened the door he started meowing away and was pacing back and forth like a tiger in a cage. I gave him some food which he ate a little of but then he came back to the front of the enclosure and was pawing at it and tried to climb it a bit. His balance is so terrible that he fell backwards onto the dog bed and just laid there for a sec a bit disoriented. But he got back up and was pacing back and forth so that is a good sign.

I think I might find a harness for him (I'm sure I have one in a drawer here) and take him for a walk. Or I might just put him in the outdoor enclosure for a bit so he gets some exercise.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_MVI_4700.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=MVI_4700.flv)

Medusa

11-11-2008, 06:15 AM

Oh sweet boy, I just want to hug you so badly! Your little face is just so sweet!

Good idea about proposing to trade some website work for the polyp surgery, Lara. It never hurts to ask. When the time comes, I'll be sure to donate if your proposal is rejected. What an awesome Xmas present it would be to have Barney on the mend and healing nicely. Until then and always, many prayers are being said. :love:

Emeraldgreen

11-11-2008, 12:21 PM

Emeraldgreen

11-11-2008, 11:37 PM

Okay, this is going to sound silly but Barney just did the most amazing thing! I was in the shop just now to give him one more meal and tuck him in for the night. I had the top of the enclosure off and I was scraping the old food off his plate into the garbage just as my husband walked in. He said "hey! look at Barney!" and I turned around and saw Barney standing on the green crate I have inside the enclosure so I have something to step down onto when I climb in. He was standing on the tips of his tippy toes and had his front paws on the top of the enclosure gripping like crazy and his little froggy grumpy face was looking at me with these heart grabbing eyes that looked like they were going to pop out of his head because he was trying so hard. It was like he was saying "I can do it foster meowmie, watch!" and he pulled him self out!! I couldn't believe it. I scooped him up before he could fall and just hugged him. He seemed to realize his great accomplishment because he started purring away and doing paddies in the air with his feet. He's still scrawny and sickly but he is improving, I just know it! I wanted to cry but I was thinking my husband would think I was nuts. LOL He thought it was amazing too considering the shape he's been in since we've known him.

I took this picture earlier today.
This is the top of the enclosure where he climbed out:
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4714.jpg

And I brought in an extra light so the movies wouldn't be sooooo dark. It's a bit better now.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_8288d830.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=8288d830.pbr)

kt_luvs_kitties

11-11-2008, 11:50 PM

Oh my! He is so cute! I must have missed this thread because I never visit this section.

Thank you for taking him in and showing him love. He surely would not be here if it was not for your kindness... So many dont find loving people soon enough.

I dont have time tonight to read all of the posts, but can you tell me what exactly is wrong wth him? Besides that he is a old man, I can tell that from his face;)

Catty1

11-11-2008, 11:52 PM

OH my! How sparkly and bright his eyes look! He IS more active! And to see him play...OMG...mighty killer of dragged toys! :D

And he pulled himself OUT of the pen! Wow! And sounds like he was rightly proud of himself!

October 14:
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4463.jpg

October 16
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_e2d83ea0.jpg

WOW!

I hope he can get his ears cleaned soon.

Hugs and cuddles to Barney!:love::love::love:

krazyaboutkatz

11-11-2008, 11:58 PM

He sure is looking a lot better and seems to have much more energy too.:) I hope he continues to improve.:)

Medusa

11-12-2008, 06:01 AM

You sure know just the right words to say, huh, Lara? Reading your description of how he strained to pull himself up was heartwrenching but it made me so happy at the same time. To see him play was icing on the cake. I had to chuckle at his reaction to the scratching post, as though he was saying "I may be sick but I'm still a cat. I'll use it if I feel like it." LOL Mighty prayers headed your way, Barney and Lara and Scott. :love:

lvpets2002

11-12-2008, 08:47 AM

:eek: WoW Barney you have improved so so much.. I just want to snatch you up & give you bunches of whisker kissess & huggss.. I sure hope you get to stay there & it be your furrever home.. If not we have to sneak you in a carrier & bring you to Tx.. So glad to see you doing so good & well..

Randi

11-12-2008, 11:29 AM

Emeraldgreen

11-12-2008, 01:49 PM

Aww, it's good to see Barney is a bit better. :) His eyes are fairly bright and the fact that he is playing a bit and interested in climping out is great! And he certainly enjoys his food - it's just fantastic!

Do you sit with him in the crate sometimes? It looks like he can't get enough attention. LOL! :)

I so hope he can get his ear sorted out soon and will keep getting better. Please give him lots of kisses from me - and thanks for all the loving and care you give him. :)

Will you let me know whether you got my last envelope - I thought it would have arrived by now. I sent it tuesday last week.

Hi Randi, I haven't received it as of yet but yesterday was a holiday. Our mail comes to the post office around 1:30 each day so I will check after work this evening and will let you know asap. :)

I do climb into the enclosure a couple of times a day and sit in there with him. Sometimes I just hold him and other times I use small scissors and trim the mats while he is occupied with eating or drinking. But I can tell that he is needing more exercise and stimulation by the way he tried to climb out of there! So I will begin taking him out more and maybe walking him on a lead or putting him our smaller outdoor enclosure. I have a big one for my other cats but until I know he is FIP negative, I don't want to put him in their enclosure.

kt_luvs_kitties wrote:
I dont have time tonight to read all of the posts, but can you tell me what exactly is wrong wth him? Besides that he is a old man, I can tell that from his face

The vet is unsure of his age because his 'old man' appearance might have been caused by starvation.
He has hyperthyroidism which he is now on 1/2 a tab of Tapazole for and diabetes which we are trying to reverse with diet right now. He is FELV/FIV negative. He has/had a raging infection somewhere in his body that the vet thinks is most likely his ears that he is on Clavamox for (another 5-6 days to go) and he has a polyp (or tumour) in his left ear that requires surgery at some point. Other than that, he's in good shape. lol Seriously though, he's really coming along. I think he is gaining weight, his energy level is up and his ears do seem somewhat improved. My hope is that the upcoming bloodwork shows definite improvement as well.

Catty1 wrote:
hope he can get his ears cleaned soon.

Me too! I'm going to work in an hour and my boss called me to tell me that the quote arrived by fax from the vet regarding sedation and ear cleaning.

Medusa wrote:
You sure know just the right words to say, huh, Lara? Reading your description of how he strained to pull himself up was heartwrenching but it made me so happy at the same time. To see him play was icing on the cake. I had to chuckle at his reaction to the scratching post, as though he was saying "I may be sick but I'm still a cat. I'll use it if I feel like it." LOL Mighty prayers headed your way, Barney and Lara and Scott.

LOL! That's funny. I reread it after I posted it and thought, these words do not do justice to how sweet his determination to get out really was. But it sounds like you got a good idea. :) I might try and get it on film tonight because he was sort of trying again this morning.

Thanks krazyaboutkatz and lvpets2002 for your words of encouragement too! :)

MoonandBean

11-12-2008, 02:06 PM

Moesha

11-12-2008, 09:25 PM

I love reading Barney's updates. I'm so glad that there are signs of improvement with him. Keep us posted and I'm going to try to make another donation soon.

Emeraldgreen

11-13-2008, 01:03 AM

Agghhh....I can't see the new pics from here at work. I will definitely get on my computer at home tonight to get my daily dose of Barney :love: :love: The description of him pulling himself out of the enclosure sounds awesome!!!!!!!

I got some footage of Barney trying to repeat his escape (which is below) but after two tries I stopped filming because I felt kind of mean watching him struggle. He couldn't quite get up the way he did last night. Not sure if he needs to be super hungry for that kind of manuever or what! lol

Moesha wrote:
I love reading Barney's updates. I'm so glad that there are signs of improvement with him. Keep us posted and I'm going to try to make another donation soon.

I'm so glad the updates are not boring everybody to tears! lol

I got to work today and received the fax from the vet. They didn't put a quote together for me for the polyp removal because they said that Robin (vet) is too concerned about his diabetes and the anesthesia. I am still going to ask for the quote when I go in next though because I need to know what they would charge if Barney has it done there. I did email my old vet, the one I'm doing the website work for and asked him about Barney. I offered to contribute 150.00 if he would do the rest for trade for the site work. I haven't heard back from him but I attached this picture to the email so I think it will help!

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/Barney.jpg

Anyway, the rest of the fax went on to say that I can put polysporin on Barney's nose but I can't give him the Nutrical paste (high caloric paste) that I have because of his diabetes. And I can give him 2 drops of Metacam mixed in his food once a day for the pain in his ears. I have some Metacam left over from Tiger. :)

They suggested that I have skull rads done on Barney to get a better idea of how deep the polyp/tumour is growing and have his glucose tested again. That estimate was I think about 230.00. It's upstairs in my purse and I'm too tired to go and get it! LOL I'm heading to bed in a few minutes but I will post the exact amount tomorrow.
My thought is that if my old vet decides to do the surgery for website work, then I should let him do the xrays so I save Barney's money for exams and bloodwork now. But I have to find out if my old vet will do it or not first.

Randi, I went to the post office after work and your card was there! Thank you for your donation and for the wonderful christmas card featuring Fister! It's our first card of the season.

Thank you 3catcondo for calling in a donation to the vet clinic!! I really appreciate all this amazing help!!! :)

This is where the donation total is now at: 206.00 plus Barney's bag of change from the cans which I have to recount and roll. I think there is about 90.00 in there for a grand total of: 296.00. :D

Here is tonight's Barney movie!

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_0d18e864.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=0d18e864.pbr)

Medusa

11-13-2008, 05:50 AM

Emeraldgreen

11-13-2008, 10:57 PM

Lara, is there any way that you can get some local news coverage about Barney? Surely if an ombudsman saw the video of him, it would touch everyone's hearts and w/the holidays here, it would be just the right time. He's such a sweet boy; his face just breaks my heart but I can see the improvement w/every video and pic and it's all due to you, girlie. :love:

Thanks Mary. Well, it sure isn't all due to me! It's been an amazing collective effort and I appreciate it so much. I feel like I'm not sure I could have taken this on without you guys. The financial support has been so helpful but the posts have also been invaluable. It feels like I'm not doing this all by myself.
Which brings me to a question. Since everyone has 'invested' in Barney, I'm wondering what everybody thinks is the best route to take with him.

I have the estimate now and it is lower than I thought. It is 23.45 for the blood glucose test and 152.59 for 2 xray views of his head for a total of 184.94.
I'm thinking that these xrays should maybe wait and he should have his blood tested for thyroid again because the last time it was below normal and before that it was high. I would like to be sure that it has leveled out with the 1/2 tab of Tapazole a day. The blood test last time showed that his white blood cell count was still through the roof 2 weeks after the first test so we learned that the Convenia antibiotic injection hadn't done anything. I think his blood should be tested for this again because how will we know if the Clavamox has done it's job or not? And of course his glucose that was included in the estimate.
I consider you guys kind of like the board of directors for Barney! lol So, what do you think? I still haven't heard back from my old vet yet but I sent an email directly to the clinic and asked them to ask him if he got my email so hopefully that will result in something.

Mary, I could look into some other media outlets in a nearby town. I've already posted his picture and story in our local news flyer and posted him on our local website and never received any contact from either of those. There is another local publication that comes out every two weeks and I'm going to be posting a submission about the feral cats and will somehow work Barney into the equation. I really want to get as many people as I can to show up for the feral meeting and the publication that I haven't used yet has told me that they will let me put together a piece about feral cats and the meeting. I'm concerned about pushing too hard with another article but I will find a way to include Barney into what I write.
The nearest town over that is much larger has larger papers and stuff so that could be an option but I'm learning it's not really a town that makes animals a priority.
A few weeks ago I noticed that there were some birds flying around in a large grocery store. I spoke with someone at the store and they said that the birds had gotten when a skylight was being repaired. I asked her how long they had been there and she said for over 2 months! I called the SPCA and they said they couldn't do anything and also didn't know of anyone who would do anything. I found a number in the phonebook for a town 40 minutes away, a bird sanctuary/wildlife place and she said they couldn't do anything either. There are no feral rescue programs in this town and as far as I know, only one shelter. (I have to do my research on this though before I can be certain). Of all the vet clinics that are here, only one offers the SPCA a reduced rate. And I think there is only one conservation officer for the whole area. We don't even have one here on the island, he/she comes over from Vancouver Island. It's disappointing that animals are not so much of a focus here. I will have to look into it though and try to put Barney's story out there.

I contacted the vet today and asked if there was another kind of med by pill that Barney could take in place of the Surolan in his ears. I had left her a note with a list of questions the other day but this one never got answered. The vet called back and left a message saying that there wasn't anything she could give other than the Surolan. She said she could not prescribe steroids because of his diabetes. She also said that if I'm having trouble giving the drops, it's better to stop than give them sporadically. I've decided to just deal with it and wrap him up in a towel and get it done twice a day. I know it's painful for him but he got his first dose of Metacam this morning so hopefully that will help each day.

Robin said that Barney should have his glucose checked in about week and she wanted to see if he gained any weight. I'm certain that he has put on some weight, maybe just a bit but he feels less scrawny. :)

Catty1

11-13-2008, 11:18 PM

Emeraldgreen

11-13-2008, 11:43 PM

Medusa

11-14-2008, 06:51 AM

My thought is to get the xrays done along with the blood panels. That way you know where everything stands...and if by chance the blood levels show that he COULD have surgery on his ears, you don't need to rebook xrays.

I hope the Metacam helps with the ear drops...poor Barn-Barn! How soon does it kick in, so you might know the best time to do the ear drops?

HUGS to that precious boy, and to you!

I'm w/Candace on this one, Lara. As for the ear pain, I can't recall ever having used Metacam for any of my cats, even Puddy after her kidney removal. She was on Torbutrol pills and also something squirted into her mouth by syringe but I can't recall what it was. Same w/Yodie and her ear polyp removal. It was just too long ago; my brain doesn't cooperate much lately. :( If you find that it isn't working, let me know and I'll look up the records to see what other pain reliever they were on. I hope the Metacam works, though, because it's important to get those ear drops in but I know that you want Barney to trust that you're not going to cause him pain every time you come near him.

As for news coverage, I was thinking of TV. When people actually see Barney and the reaction of the news person, it makes an impact. I don't know your situation there on the island so it may not be possible. As for the money, I'm glad you're getting so many donations but I would think w/the holidays here that people would be more generous. I guess the economy has everyone scared, though. As soon as I get paid again, another check will be on its way to you. We'll figure something out to get Barney what he needs, don't you worry. And when I said that Barney's improvement was all due to you, Lara, I meant it. Yes, people have donated money and various items and true, Angela was there and made a huge contribution and the vet has given Barney good care. I certainly don't mean to disregard them but you're the one who has kept Barney going and you're the person that he most loves. I can see it in his eyes, that sweet boy. I've never been so touched by a cat as I have Barney. That's why I think that if you can get some TV news coverage, it'll make a huge difference. Seeing his videos makes me want to hop a plane and be there w/you. (If only)

So many prayers are being said for Barn-Barn and you and hubby, Lara. This experience has been a spiritual and magical one, to be sure, for all of us, but especially for you. :love:

Lizzie

11-14-2008, 01:54 PM

I've been reading about Barney for a while now and greatly appreciate what you are doing for him.

I have used Metacam on several of my cats and have found it useful, as have some of my rescue friends. It's used differently by different vets, with some believing it can be used only once. I noticed a huge difference when I used it on Ginger whose joints were getting very creaky since she's now 22-1/2. After the initial two high doses and a few days on the much lower dose, she actually started jumping onto my high bed again instead of struggling to get on the box and then scrambling up the bed cover. It was incredible, and wonderful to see her trotting around again and smacking the other cats. One of my friends used it on a rescue cat that had a really painful wound and she also noticed great results. Hopefully, your vet uses it the same way - two or three daily high doses followed by tiny daily doses (Ginger weighs about 5 pounds and gets .1ml daily). Your vet may not agree with the initial high doses, in which case you are going to have to wait quite a bit longer for it to make a real difference. Laura has just put Amy on it, but her vet didn't use the initial high dose either so I don't think she had seen any difference before she left for her boat.

It's quite a battle when they have several things wrong with them, isn't it, especially when you have to give them treatment that is obviously painful. I have to wrap my Diego twice a day to give him a strong pain medicine. The problem is that it is nerve pain and in his mouth, and the medicine can only be given orally. I have to brace myself twice a day by saying "Five minutes fight and pain and 11 hours and 55 minutes of enjoying life, we will cope."

critters

11-16-2008, 07:16 AM

The problem is that it is nerve pain and in his mouth, and the medicine can only be given orally. I have to brace myself twice a day by saying "Five minutes fight and pain and 11 hours and 55 minutes of enjoying life, we will cope." If it's not Neurontin/gabapentin, you might want to give it a try. It's excellent for nerve pain in both critters and humans, and it's even used with zaps from spinal cord injury. I had it compounded for Buddy in fishy flavors, and he didn't mind it terribly.

Emeraldgreen

11-16-2008, 03:34 PM

I'm w/ Candace on this one, Lara. As for the ear pain, I can't recall ever having used Metacam for any of my cats, even Puddy after her kidney removal. She was on Torbutrol pills and also something squirted into her mouth by syringe but I can't recall what it was. Same w/Yodie and her ear polyp removal.

Hmmm, I have some Torbutrol left over that was prescribed for my dog Muddy. Don't worry, I won't give him any until I speak with the vet to see if it's something she recommends and find out how much of 5mg tablet he would get.
Barney has been really good about letting me wrap him up in a towel and give him his ear drops in his right ear so maybe the metacam is helping a bit.

As for news coverage, I was thinking of TV. When people actually see Barney and the reaction of the news person, it makes an impact. I don't know your situation there on the island so it may not be possible.
We've had a news crew come to the island, but only for big stuff, like ferry strikes and that story about Nick's dog being shot and killed. I don't think they'd come for Barney but I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try.

As for the money, I'm glad you're getting so many donations but I would think w/the holidays here that people would be more generous. I guess the economy has everyone scared, though. As soon as I get paid again, another check will be on its way to you. We'll figure something out to get Barney what he needs, don't you worry.

I do think times are tough and scary now and to be honest, I'm completely amazed that so many donations have come in. And some twice! lol
But you hang onto that third donation and keep it for Pollywog Tripod!!! :D
I sure hope that works out for you. :love:
Continued prayers would be awesome though!

And when I said that Barney's improvement was all due to you, Lara, I meant it. Yes, people have donated money and various items and true, Angela was there and made a huge contribution and the vet has given Barney good care. I certainly don't mean to disregard them but you're the one who has kept Barney going and you're the person that he most loves. I can see it in his eyes, that sweet boy. I've never been so touched by a cat as I have Barney. That's why I think that if you can get some TV news coverage, it'll make a huge difference. Seeing his videos makes me want to hop a plane and be there w/you. (If only)
So many prayers are being said for Barn-Barn and you and hubby, Lara. This experience has been a spiritual and magical one, to be sure, for all of us, but especially for you. :love:

Thank you so much for this Mary.

Lizzie wrote:
I've been reading about Barney for a while now and greatly appreciate what you are doing for him.

I have used Metacam on several of my cats and have found it useful, as have some of my rescue friends.

Thanks Lizzie. I've used it on a couple of cats too and it does seem to help them. I know my old vet sends a few doses home with cats after certain surgeries to help with pain and inflammtion. I guess some are wary because it is for dogs (and people in Meloxicam) but hasn't been specifically put out for cats or properly tested. It is a bit worriesome but his organs are in good shape so I think it's okay to use it short term.

I haven't posted in Barney's thread for a few days because it all seemed kind of redundant, especially in light of what was going on with Andy and Taz. Continued prayers going out for both those boys for their recoveries!! :)

Barney has had a couple of things come up in the last couple days that have taken us a few steps backward. His polyp has started bleeding again and it's a mess in there. I'm going to look into getting him a collar like the one I saw in Taz' pics. I'm not sure if we have them here or not but I've got to try something. We got him a plastic cone shaped one but Angela ended up cutting it because she thought it was too long for him to eat but now it's too short to be effective. I might be able to make one of those collars like the one Taz has with some cardboard or something.

I've been putting polysporin on Barney's barnacle. lol And I don't know if it softened it or what but when I turned around for a second and then looked back, he scratched half the scab completely off! It was pretty gruesome. I'm posting a few pics of it below but be warned, they are ugly.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4752.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4753.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4754.jpg

Later that night he scratched the other side off and it turns out that Barney doesn't have a black nose at all, it's pink! But by yesterday morning it was scabbing up again. I'm continuing with the polysporin. Here are some pics of his nose yesterday and one of his polyp ear.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4759.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4760.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4758.jpg

I'm going to google it. Maybe the scabby nose is a symptom of something.

Anyway, he's pretty much the same. Some days it seems like he isn't improving all that much but maybe that's because I see him everyday and don't notice it as much. He does have energy which is good but his ears are still horrible and I guess the vet doesn't want to sedate him to get them clean but maybe I can get some help to wrap him up and clean them when I take him in. I'm going to book an appointment with Robin probably this Thursday morning before work. He had his last dose of Clavamox this morning so now all he will get is the Tapazole in the morning which will reduce his intake of Pill Pockets which is good because I don't think those are good for his diabetes.
I'm going to use a couple of rubbermaid containers to give him a bath. I'm going to fill one with warm sudsy water and the other with just water and wash him that way. I'm not allowed to bring him in the house so I have to do it this way. I will blow dry him after to make sure he gets nice and dry. I haven't bathed him since he's been here and he isn't grooming himself so he's one dirty little guy. He needs a good scrub!

I'm also thinking that if diet alone is not reversing the diabetes, then maybe he could go on insulin and then be weaned off it. I think it was Moesha who had a similar situation? If it would speed things up with regard to lowering his glucose so he could safely go under anesthesia, then I think it would be good.

I haven't heard back from my old vet yet regarding my proposal. Not sure what the delay is. If he wants to say no, he can. It would just be nice to hear something!

That's the scoop on Barn-Barn.

Medusa

11-16-2008, 03:52 PM

Our little Barn-Barn. I just love that boy. I feel so bad about the ear polyp. I can remember how Yodie's affected her and I was waiting to save up a little more money before I had it removed. I was dating at that time and Yodie sat on the sofa between me and my date as we were holding hands. She couldn't meow so she laid her head down on my date's hand. He said "Hon, you'd better get her that surgery as soon as possible." She's getting weaker and weaker. All because she could hardly swallow because the polyp was growing down into her throat. Barney doesn't look miserable, though. Considering all that he has going on, he looks like he's improving each time you post a pic/video of him. Maybe if you try to get TV coverage they'll come for something like Barney's story because of the holidays. As you said, it's worth a try. Until then, you know the prayers are ongoing here. :love:

Medusa

11-16-2008, 03:53 PM

Our little Barn-Barn. I just love that boy. I feel so bad about the ear polyp. I can remember how Yodie's affected her and I was waiting to save up a little more money before I had it removed. I was dating at that time and Yodie sat on the sofa between me and my date as we were holding hands. She couldn't meow so she laid her head down on my date's hand. He said "Hon, you'd better get her that surgery as soon as possible. She's getting weaker and weaker." All because she could hardly swallow due to the polyp growing down into her throat. Barney doesn't look miserable, though. Considering all that he has going on, he looks like he's improving each time you post a pic/video of him. Maybe if you try to get TV coverage they'll come for something like Barney's story because of the holidays. As you said, it's worth a try. Until then, you know the prayers are ongoing here. :love:

Randi

11-16-2008, 04:23 PM

Oh, that poor boy. :( It's sad to see how he has scratched his ear so it's bleeding again - he does need a collar on. Any chance you can cut his nails?

Could you perhaps get some kind of cream to put on his nose that will help?

A bath will probably feel wonderful for him - and some company. :)

Barney, sweet boy, we're all rooting for you - please get better soon! :love:

Lots of kisses to Barney, and hugs to you, Lara.

Catty1

11-16-2008, 04:29 PM

LARA - what you do is put together a short video of Barney - say 90 seconds or even 1 minute...and write out a short narration to accompany his journey. (And spaces of silence for his 'frog squawks!') ;)

Then email or FTP it to the TV news stations! A visual will catch attention.

They may even just phone you and run bits of YOUR video...which will be the best!

CBC

Web

E-mail: Share photos or news tips (http://www.cbc.ca/local_includes/bc_contacts/photo_upload.html)
Online: Send us your video (http://www.cbc.ca/bc/news/yourstory/includes/videoUpload_form.html)
TEL: (604) 662-NEWS (6397) or 1-800-665-(NEWS) 6397

E-mail: Regional Web Developer (http://www.cbc.ca/local_includes/bc_contacts/glorialeung.html)
TEL: (604) 662-6190

GLOBAL BC

7850 Enterprise Street
Burnaby, BC V5A 1V7
Main number: 604-420-2288
FAX number: 604-422-6427
News: [email protected]
Local programming: [email protected]

Go for it!

Taz_Zoee

11-16-2008, 06:23 PM

I haven't posted in Barney's thread for a few days because it all seemed kind of redundant, especially in light of what was going on with Andy and Taz. Continued prayers going out for both those boys for their recoveries!! :)

Barney has had a couple of things come up in the last couple days that have taken us a few steps backward. His polyp has started bleeding again and it's a mess in there. I'm going to look into getting him a collar like the one I saw in Taz' pics. I'm not sure if we have them here or not but I've got to try something. We got him a plastic cone shaped one but Angela ended up cutting it because she thought it was too long for him to eat but now it's too short to be effective. I might be able to make one of those collars like the one Taz has with some cardboard or something.

Aww, thank you Lara. I am going to call my vet tomorrow and see if I purchased this collar (I don't see it on my breakdown invoice). If I did I would be happy to send it to you once Taz is finished with it. That might be another week or so. Or I just found one online here (http://www.pjspawsandclaws.com/store/detail/index.cfm?nPID=416). If you could order that one it may get to you sooner. It's reasonably in expensive too (not including shipping of course). I checked out the shipping page and it doesn't list any restrictions. :D I hope you can get it to help Mr Barney!! Or let me know if you want the one I have. It just may take a couple of weeks to get it to you.

Emeraldgreen

11-16-2008, 07:17 PM

Aww, thank you Lara. I am going to call my vet tomorrow and see if I purchased this collar (I don't see it on my breakdown invoice). If I did I would be happy to send it to you once Taz is finished with it. That might be another week or so. Or I just found one online here (http://www.pjspawsandclaws.com/store/detail/index.cfm?nPID=416). If you could order that one it may get to you sooner. It's reasonably in expensive too (not including shipping of course). I checked out the shipping page and it doesn't list any restrictions. :D I hope you can get it to help Mr Barney!! Or let me know if you want the one I have. It just may take a couple of weeks to get it to you.

Thank you for the offer and for the link! I didn't realize that it was bendable like that. It's even better! Please don't worry about sending Taz's because I think I will try and find one locally at a different clinic if mine doesn't have them. I'm assuming they don't because they gave Angela the clear hard plastic one. I need to find something to stop the scratching asap. Thank you again though. :)

Randi wrote:
Oh, that poor boy. It's sad to see how he has scratched his ear so it's bleeding again - he does need a collar on. Any chance you can cut his nails?

I know, it's such a setback. We did cut his nails when he was at the other house at the end of October. I cut them pretty short so I think they will be good for awhile. I guess I could put a sock on his foot but that would get pretty messy in the litter box.

Medusa wrote:
Our little Barn-Barn. I just love that boy. I feel so bad about the ear polyp.

I'm starting to wonder if this might be a tumor. :( I did some research online today and found a photo of a cat with a similar scabby nose and this cat has Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Here is the story and photo (http://picasaweb.google.com/NESAAORGANIZATION/SuccessStoriesNewEnglandSocietyForAbandonedAnimals #5184300392581999602).
I hope this is not the case but if it is S.C.C. then it is possible that the growth in his ear could be too. The vet said it is either a polyp or a tumor. It would also explain the high white blood cell count. I'm praying that this is not the case. I know this is icky but I saved the bit that fell off his nose and put it in a plastic bag in case the vet can look at it under the microscope or send it off.
In the meantime I will keep putting polysporin on his nose and tomorrow I will try and find one of those soft collars for him. And hopefully his bloodwork will show that his white blood count is down. I'll pray for the best, just a scabby nose that isn't healing quickly, an ear polyp that is benign and that he is improving on all the other fronts as well (diabetes, thyroid etc..).
But if he has cancer, I will do what I can for him with the leftover Transfer Factor I have and keep him comfortable. He can stay with us if his time is short. There would be no point in shuffling him around.

Catty1 wrote:
what you do is put together a short video of Barney - say 90 seconds or even 1 minute...and write out a short narration to accompany his journey. (And spaces of silence for his 'frog squawks!')

Then email or FTP it to the TV news stations! A visual will catch attention.

They may even just phone you and run bits of YOUR video...which will be the best!

Thanks for the info Candace. I talked with my husband today about it and he kind of freaked out with the thought of a news crew being here at our house. I have been trying really hard to make the whole Barney thing seem like it's not a big deal by not asking for his help too much and not talking about it alot because he didn't want me to bring Barney here in the first place. But I'm trying to explain to him that this could actually be the stepping stone to getting Barney out of the shop and into a home. He does have a fondness for Barney but it only goes so far. I'm working on it. :)

Medusa

11-16-2008, 07:23 PM

Saving the scab that fell off Barney's nose was a good idea, Lara. Looking at the pic and reading the story of SCC, it sure looks like what Barney has, doesn't it? Well, I'm going to do the same as you; I'm going to hold the thought that it's just a scabby nose and an ear polyp. No sense in borrowing trouble. Such troubles in the world. Gentle and soft belly rubs to our boy Barney. :love:

Taz_Zoee

11-16-2008, 08:30 PM

Thank you for the offer and for the link! I didn't realize that it was bendable like that. It's even better! Please don't worry about sending Taz's because I think I will try and find one locally at a different clinic if mine doesn't have them. I'm assuming they don't because they gave Angela the clear hard plastic one. I need to find something to stop the scratching asap. Thank you again though. :)

Like I said, I had to specifically ask for it. They would have given me the other kind had I not asked. Because I asked if he would have an e-collar and she said yes and I asked what it looked like. She described the hard plastic ones. Then I asked if they had soft collars. She wasn't sure, but they did. :D I think they automatically give the hard ones because they are probably cheaper.
I hope you get one for Barney soon! :)

Emeraldgreen

11-16-2008, 09:32 PM

Like I said, I had to specifically ask for it. They would have given me the other kind had I not asked. Because I asked if he would have an e-collar and she said yes and I asked what it looked like. She described the hard plastic ones. Then I asked if they had soft collars. She wasn't sure, but they did. :D I think they automatically give the hard ones because they are probably cheaper.
I hope you get one for Barney soon! :)

That is great! My vet might just have it then. I just now read your post in Taz's thread about having to ask the vet for it. I hadn't seen that when I last posted. LOL I was thinking "when did she say that?" and I couldn't find it in this thread when I looked for it. :) I'm so glad that you posted the pic of Taz with the collar, or I would have never known about it. It is such a good idea. Those hard plastic lampshade ones are the worst! :)

jennielynn1970

11-16-2008, 09:47 PM

Oh gosh.. I hope that he doesn't have cancer, that would be heartbreaking. He's such a spunky little guy, I just want him to pull through so badly.

I'll be keeping him in my thoughts and prayers, as I always do :), and hope that he will keep improving.

Hugs to you, as well, as you're such a trooper for doing this!

Catty1

11-16-2008, 09:54 PM

Emeraldgreen

11-16-2008, 10:15 PM

Yeah, maybe leave the TV thing alone til you get the other health info.

I would hope they would just use YOUR video, as they don't want to go to the island just for more photos. They can do it via cyber!

That's true, they probably would. :) Once we have a better idea of what's happening with his ear and nose, I will begin the Barney shoot! :D

Catty1

11-16-2008, 11:05 PM

Use some of the older video, Lara - so you can have a collage of "then" and "now".

I REALLY hope the nose thing turns out ok, and the ear thing too.

BIG PT Prayers for Barney (Barn-Barn!) :love::love::love:

Lizzie

11-17-2008, 10:56 AM

You have probably bathed Barney by now, so this may be of little use, but when I needed to bathe a very sick hospice foster with a fiery nature, I used two buckets. I held her back legs in one hand while lowering her back end into the lukewarm water and let her hold onto the edge with her front legs. While there was a period of time when she tried to haul herself out, she gradually relaxed into the water. And the shelter hadn't ever been able to bathe her at all, the poop on her was months old!

Critters - yes, it's Gabapentin, and it works very well on the pain, but it wouldn't matter how it was flavored because just a touch on his mouth causes him to scream and slash his mouth with his paws.

Emeraldgreen

11-17-2008, 12:03 PM

I've booked an appointment for Barney for Wednesday morning. I'm going to have them give him an exam, draw blood for thyroid, glucose and white blood cell count and have them help me wrap him up in a towel and clean out his ears a bit and xray his skull. Basically the works but it makes sense so I just have to get it done so we have a better idea of where we are at with him.
I asked them if they carry the soft e-collar and they don't. They said they could order it but I'm heading to a nearby town today with a bunch of clinics and will check with them so I can get one today for him.

I'm about to give him a bath in a few minutes so thank you for the advice Lizzie. :) This will be the first time without using a sink. He was pretty good about standing in the sinkful of water when he was at the other house but it will be interesting with the rubbermaid containers. I will use your suggestion and lower his back end in and let him grip on to the edge until he feels okay about being entirely in the water. :)

Candace, that is a good idea to use some of the old footage. I could piece it altogether with some newer movies. Thanks.

Purr-tender

11-17-2008, 12:03 PM

Oh, that sweet, pitiful Barney!! It hurts to look at him and not be able to hold him. I cringed when I read that his polyp (NOT cancer:() was bleeding again. And that poor scabby nose! I hope you are able to get the soft collar for him. I can't imagine what he would be going through, or even if he would still be alive, if you and Angela hadn't taken him in. And Lara, don't worry about thinking it is redundant. I look forward to any word on him. Can't wait to see photos after he has his real bath. I use the rubbermaid containers, too. My rescue kitties seem to enjoy being wrapped in the big, warm towels and rubbed afterward

Lara, you are an angel. Thank you for taking such good care of this special boy! Give warm hugs to Barney for me.

Mary

lvpets2002

11-17-2008, 12:54 PM

:love: Darn Barney wish you would not half to endure those set backs.. Have meowmom ask the Vet for a Elizabethamm Collar like my Zolene had to have after her surgery.. Gentle Whisker Kissess on that wittle pink nose & on your forhead & lots of belly rubbss for you too.. Oh I so wish I could just cuddle you..

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b335/lvpets2002/001-57.jpg

kb2yjx

11-17-2008, 01:33 PM

Barney is in very good hands!!! Glad to read about his improvements!!! Please give him a kiss from the Clan!!!

Lizzie

11-17-2008, 03:43 PM

Good luck on Wednesday. I know many will be clicking onto this thread repeatedly until we receive your update.

Once Barney has the soft e-collar on (I got one from Mud Bay Granary for about $17), you should find it easier to treat his nose. When treating such "barnacles" on other fosters, I've moved to using zinc oxide ointment (the diaper rash white cream) and found it superior to antibiotic ointments since a cat sometimes reacts to those and the irritation becomes worse.

jennielynn1970

11-17-2008, 03:54 PM

can you order one from amazon? I found this one (http://www.amazon.com/NEW-ElizaSoft-Recovery-Collar-SIZES/dp/B000OBYW3G/ref=pd_bxgy_hg_text_b) on there... not sure about shipping.

Medusa

11-17-2008, 04:05 PM

don't worry about thinking it is redundant. I look forward to any word on him.

I second that, Lara. We're all so emotionally invested in this that we want to hear absolutely all news about Barney, good, bad or anywhere in between. Sweet boy. :love:

catmandu

11-17-2008, 04:36 PM

AND THE FOUND CATS ARE ADDING THIER PRAYERS FOR BIG BARNEY, THAT THERE WILL BE GOOD NEWS SOON, AND THAT BARNEYS WILL BE HIS OLD SELF VERY SOON.:love::love::love:

Emeraldgreen

11-18-2008, 12:51 AM

Thanks for that link Jenn, it sure is cheap on that site! But I ordered one through my vet today and it will arrive by Wednesday when I bring Barney in for his appointment. She said it's about 20.00 but that is Canadian so in U.S. plus shipping, I guess it would be about the same. I'm just so happy they can get it in so fast! I think Monday is their order day so the timing was just right.

I gave Barney his bath this morning and thank you so much Lizzie for that great advice! I filled the rubbermaid buckets, one with sudsy water and the other with clean water and lowered him in slowly and allowed him to grip the top edge. He hung on like a crazy man and it was great because it allowed me to wash his tummy and stuff. He freaked out at one point and was growling and tried to bite me a few times but all in all, it was a great success! :) And thanks for the idea about the zinc oxide. I bought a tube of that once to put on my RB cat Charlie's ears. He was an orange and white cat and his ears were mostly white and they used to get sunburned. A vet suggested I use the diaper cream and it worked for awhile until we discovered that our other cat Jimmy was grooming Charlie and licking all of it off!!:eek: I might still have that tube in one of the pet supply drawers and will give it a try. The polysporin doesn't seem to do much so far so the zinc cream might be just the ticket.

Thanks Mary and Mary! (lol) I really appreciate that Barney's posts are of interest and will happily continue posting them until he is well and adopted.

Thanks to everyone else who posted too!! I enjoy reading them all. :)

Here is some video and pics of his bathtime! The end part is dark but he is purring up a storm so I included it.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_968c03bf.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=968c03bf.pbr)

Taz_Zoee

11-18-2008, 09:29 AM

Aww, that was a great video. He is looking so good! I loved the purring at the end. :D

Medusa

11-18-2008, 09:35 AM

Yodie watched the video w/great interest and when she heard Barney purr, she pressed her nose up against the monitor. Then she looked at me as if to say "You're not gonna try that w/me, are ya, Mom?" Looks like you had a pretty good success to me, Lara. :)

lvpets2002

11-18-2008, 09:48 AM

:love::eek: WoW that was another Great Video by Barney.. He is looking to be doing so much better.. Now you know if Barney comes up missing then I sure hope no-one follows him to TX.. He just makes want to cuddle cuddle him && give all kinds of Whisker Kissess & Loves..

Purr-tender

11-18-2008, 10:08 AM

Emeraldgreen

11-18-2008, 01:06 PM

Now he's all handsome for his little trip to the vet tomorrow! There's nothing wrong with that baby's purr machine!! Music to my ears! :D

Praying for a really good check up tomorrow. Maybe once the vet is able to clean his ears out thoroughly he'll feel even better. What time is his appointment? I think you are 3 hours behind us here in Ohio. Needless to say, I and many others will be anxiously waiting for what the vet has to say.

More prayers and hugs,
Mary

I know, his purring was out of control! It actually worried me a bit because it sounded very rumbly, kind of like Tiger's did, and that was not a good thing. I will mention it to the vet. I'm hoping because he is so little, that when they do the xray's of his skull that they will be able to get his chest in the picture at the same time. That way they could see what his lungs look like too.

His appointment is at 10:20 tomorrow. I wish he was even cleaner. I just can't figure it out. That cat has been washed a total of at least half a dozen times in less than 2 months and he is still kind of waxy feeling to the touch. I had so many sudsy bubbles and scrubbed him alot. :confused: He only washes his paws and face mostly so he doesn't help the situation but I just figured he'd be fluffy after this last wash! lol Darn it!

I want to find a picture of what he should look like so I can use it as a goal marker. I've looked online and have found alot of long haired black and white tuxedo cats but none are of the small build like Barney. If anyone spots a picture of a cat that you think Barney 'would' look like if he were healthy, please post it. I need the encouragement! :)

Mary, I'm sure if Yodie was ever subjected to a bath, he'd have a less rustic experience than the old rubbermaid containers! lol Poor Barney, he is such a trooper. His nose looks better today so maybe the polysporin is doing something afterall. And, I've been getting Surolan into his right ear twice a day for the last 4 days so I'm sure it's helping. The bleeding in his left ear seems to have stopped so we're making some kind of progress. :)

Catty1

11-18-2008, 07:39 PM

Here you are, Barn-Barn!

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/funny-pictures-rubber-ducks-tell-cat-that-baths-are-nice.jpg

momtomany

11-18-2008, 07:51 PM

The Dunn gang will be waiting impatiently for what the vet has to say about Barney. He does look a little better to me. How is his dry food holding up? Hopefully I will be able to get his next bag of food for our Barney boy.:D

Moesha

11-18-2008, 10:28 PM

I love that kitty!!!

I completely understand what you mean when you say you don't know about updating because you feel like your repeating yourself. That's how I feel about commenting. I love seeing photos and videos of Barney, but I feel like I say the same thing everytime you post one. That causes me to not respond as often as I should. Everytime I see him I just fall more in love with him. I really do think that his eyes look like there's more life in them now than at the beginning of his story.

Scooter's Mom

11-19-2008, 06:36 AM

I love reading Barney updates, too. I just don't post very often b/c of time constraints.

Lizzie

11-19-2008, 01:28 PM

While waiting for your update on Barney, I thought I'd comment on your remark about:

"His appointment is at 10:20 tomorrow. I wish he was even cleaner. I just can't figure it out. That cat has been washed a total of at least half a dozen times in less than 2 months and he is still kind of waxy feeling to the touch. I had so many sudsy bubbles and scrubbed him alot. He only washes his paws and face mostly so he doesn't help the situation but I just figured he'd be fluffy after this last wash! lol Darn it!"

I know just what you mean. I thought that when I bathed Lorna and got the old, actually ancient, poop off her she'd look so much better but even after a couple of months of bathing she looked and smelled better but her fur still didn't look the way I'd hoped. With others who have lived longer, it's taken several months of bathing to get the ingrained staining out of their fur, and both bathing, good care and good food to get the fur looking good. It will happen. We can see the difference already and, six months from now, we will hardly be able to recognize him.

Emeraldgreen

11-19-2008, 10:19 PM

Barney had quite a day and I'm sure he's glad it's over. My husband had to drop me off at work after the vet appointment on the way home so I didn't get to see Barney until this evening.

He meowed all the way to the vet clinic which I think is a good sign. The first two trips to the vet, Angela said he was quiet as a mouse.
First the good news... Barney gained a full pound!! That is alot for such a little guy. He was 4.15 at his last exam and 5.1 at this one! :)

The first thing we did was address his ears. I held onto him and he was being so good. Robin cleaned out his right ear and it might be the most disgusting thing I've ever seen! So much icky goop came out of there. I said to Robin "I think I might throw up!" and she laughed and said "don't!, If you do, I will!" LOL She went through about a dozen of those long q-tips covered with ear washing stuff and had to leave the room to get more because they were so dirty. I don't think his ears ever got cleaned the two times before because they were too painful but today he seemed to almost appreciate it.
I'm so glad that it is done because now the drops I've been giving him twice a day will go into a much cleaner ear and get down to the canal where it's supposed to.

She looked deep into his ear afterward and said that he either has a growth in that ear as well or the cartilidge has grown from all the scratching and has narrowed his canal alot.

His other ear, the one with the polyp (or tumor) was also cleaned out with wet q-tips and gauze and she said it was improved since the last time she saw it and there was no infection now, just blood so that was good to hear.
They did xrays of his skull and got the rest of the body in there as well. The skull was hard to see and she said that it does almost look like he's got a growth in both ears but she can't be sure. The rest of his xray revealed that he has two broken ribs on the left side. :( I told her that I wouldn't be surprised if he had been kicked by someone when he was living outdoors but she thought he might have been hit by a car. She said there wasn't much to be done about it. I asked her if they would be painful and she thought that yes, they might cause him some discomfort when he breathes but hopefully not too much.

The xrays also showed that his liver is more than twice it's normal size. She was surprised to see that because on his last round of blood tests, his liver levels were all normal. She said that it could be due to the diabetes and something about fat being drawn out of the liver?! :confused: I received so much information in the one hour that it was hard to keep it all straight.
She was also concerned that he might have Lymphoma.

They drew blood and sent it off to check his thyroid and his white blood cell count. She asked me if he slept alot and I told her that he does. She was wondering if it was the Tapazole. She told me that on Barney's first exam, they never tested his Thyroid, they just assumed it was hyper because it felt large and Angela was trying to keep the bill down. I always thought this test had been done and that is why the Tapazole was prescribed. So for 2 weeks he got 1/2 a pill two times a day and then on his 2nd exam his thyroid was tested and it came back low so they lowered his dose to 1/2 tab once a day. She felt it again and is wondering if it might be his lymph node and not his thyroid and he might not even be hyperthyroid at all!! We will know shortly and hopefully I can stop giving him the Tapazole altogether.

Because she was concerned about this lymph node, she drew a sample out of it and sent it off to the Central Lab. It will show if has Lymphoma or not.
They did an inhouse blood test for his glucose and it is still high. She said that she thought it was time he went on insulin and showed me how to give him the injections. He had his first one this morning. Poor guy was poked so many times today. :(

I asked if they could help me with the mats because it's hard with just one person since he tries to bite me. He was also really docile at the vets so it seemed like a good time to do it. They also combed his fur and got out a bunch of mats. He started biting towards the end though, so they had to stop. But they really made some progress.

The bill came to about 345.00 and they didn't charge me for alot of stuff which was great. When I got there, another donation had been called in by Emily the Spoiled, thank you soooooo much! And the total donation at the clinic was 155.00 plus the other donations I brought with me today so I only had to pay an additional 55.00 which I was very happy to donate. :)

Thank you everybody for your kindness and your support. I will know more in a few days about what is going on with Barney. I hope it is not cancer, but if it is, we will make him as comfortable as possible and give him lots of love and food until it is his time. And, who knows, maybe he is going to live for YEARS! He is a tough little guy. :)
p.s. And the blue e-collar was only 11.00 instead of 20.00. The receptionist was just guessing at the price when I was in there two days ago, so that is good news too.

The Dunn gang will be waiting impatiently for what the vet has to say about Barney. He does look a little better to me. How is his dry food holding up? Hopefully I will be able to get his next bag of food for our Barney boy. He still has the bag you bought him and a quarter bag left of the old one. Thank you so much for that. :)

Thanks everybody for your posts. I enjoy reading them and it helps me keep going with Barney Bear. :)

Here is a pic of him and below that, a video.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/IMG_4797.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/th_7f8b12e1.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/emeraldcreek/?action=view&current=7f8b12e1.pbr)

Moesha

11-19-2008, 10:30 PM

I have to stop watching your videos! All I can think when I watch them is how much I love that sweet little boy! That blue color just is the best!

How wonderful that he has gained weight and that he was able to get his poor ears cleaned out. Did you ask about or get any feedback on his nose issue? You can tell him that Jenn's Calloway starts insulin now too. So he isn't alone and neither are you in the injection giving department.

And I'm not thinking about the other possibilities mentioned until test results come back.

Thank you so much for all you are doing for Barney and for sharing him with us.

Purr-tender

11-19-2008, 10:42 PM

Whew, sounds like he did have quite a day. That is great news that he's finally putting on weight and he must feel better getting all that goop out of his ears. As far as the lymph nodes, could it also be that he still hasn't gotten rid of all the infections? I think that could make his glands swollen. I'd rather think that than the other. I wonder how long it will take for the blood and lymph node tests to come back? It will seem like an eternity:(! He seems to be doing just fine with his new collar. He looks so darn precious it brings tears to my eyes!

More prayers and hugs,
Mary

Randi

11-20-2008, 06:04 AM

Aww, Barney really is a trooper - what a day he had! But I bet he feels better after getting rid of all that goop in his ears. :) And he has put on weight? :D Isn't that great! However, I'm sorry to hear he has two broken ribs. :(

I so hope his tests will come back showing it's not too serious, and that whatever it is can be treated. In the meantime, I'm sure you'll do just fine giving him the injections and I hope they'll help.

It's good to see him eat, and that new collar seems much better. I'm wondering about the size of his bowl - do you think it wouls be easier for him to eat if he had a smaller one?

Do you have enough sheet/blankets? I hope you have a washing machine. :)

Did the vet mention what age he might be?

I enjoyed watching the video, he does seem more active.

Please give him lots of kisses and gentle scritches from me. :love:

Scooter's Mom

11-20-2008, 06:27 AM

I am SO glad Barney has gained a little weight! A whole pound is awesome.
Keep eatin' Barney!

Medusa

11-20-2008, 06:55 AM

Oh Lara, what a sweet boy Barney is. His adorable little face just haunts me. And to think that he gained weight to get up to 5 lbs. At her heaviest, Puddy weighed 5 lbs., so I know how tiny that is but Puddy was a tiny cat. Barney has been to hell and back to weigh so little but he's surely in heaven now w/you.

I'm w/everyone else; I prefer to think good thoughts and that he doesn't have lymphoma. We're going to think positive here because this boy doesn't deserve that. However, I know you'll do everything possible for him. I'm not going to wait for my next check to send another donation; I'm going to send one now because you just got another vet bill even though it was at a discount and I'm afraid that w/the holidays here, the mail will be slower than usual and it may take too long for the check to get to Canada.

Barney looks so adorable and pathetic at the same time w/his collar on. I don't know how you keep from sleeping out there w/him. LOL Lara, I'm so proud to know you. Even though we've never met in person, I consider you to be a good friend. You're such a quality person, a gentle spirit, and God has given this assignment to just the right person. How blessed you are and, as a result, Barney is blessed as well and so is everyone on PT who knows you. :love:

lvpets2002

11-20-2008, 08:30 AM

:love: Oh Woo Hoo Barney that is Great News of your weight gain.. Sorry about the ears problems still.. Hopefully we can get all of that under control.. Your E-Collar & Video is the Cutest.. Hang in there Baby Barney.. We all sure do Love You.. Sending Lots of Whisker Kissess & Huggss..

Moesha

11-20-2008, 08:38 AM

I woke up and for some reason Barney was one of the first things I thought of. It hit me this morning that you said he had broken ribs! Did the vet say how long they would take to heal? Barney has been with either you or Angela for several weeks now. Surely he must be getting close to the end of the healing process for those soon. Poor little guy! I can' imagine him at his small size surviving being hit by a car! He sure has been through so much! I'm so glad, no matter what comes from here on out, he'll know love and warmth and have the best you and PT can give him.

Taz_Zoee

11-20-2008, 09:32 AM

Awww, Barney and Taz have matching collars now. :D How is he doing with the collar? I hope it's working.

I still think about Mr Barney each day and always hope to see another good update on him. :)

Catty1

11-20-2008, 09:36 AM

About the liver - I have read on PT that cats who are not eating or starving (as Barney was) can develop something called "fatty liver disease".

I found some interesting info - here is an excerpt:
http://cats.about.com/cs/healthissues/a/fatty_liver.htm

The disease progresses this way:

* A previously overweight cat stops eating for whatever reason
* Lacking food, the body starts sending fat cells to the liver to process into lipoproteins for fuel.
* Cats' livers are not terribly efficient at processing fat, and much of the fat is stored in the liver cells.
* Left untreated, eventually the liver fails and the cat dies.

FLS is Reversible if Caught in Time

The treatment for Fatty Liver Disease is dietary, and works quite well in reversing the condition if diagnosed early. The idea is to force feed the cat enough nutrients to reverse the metabolic malfunction that caused the condition in the first place.

Since Barney's appetite is good, I hope this gets reversed. Given his diabetes, I hope there is some kind of richer food that can help reverse this.

HUGS to precious Barney! Prayers that he does not have cancer, just that the lymph system is still 'carrying out all the dead' after the war with the infections (which is what the lymph system does). That can really swell up the lymph nodes. I am hoping that since the big node is in his throat, and the big infection was in his ears, that the two are connected somehow.

Any harm in giving the Transfer Factor? It's supposed to help chronic diseases as well.

I LOVE that Barn-Barn! Maybe he will start to show signs of hearing now that the drops can get where they belong. But he sure knows his Meowmie (and daddy too, I hope!).:love::love::)

Emeraldgreen

11-20-2008, 01:26 PM

Hi guys. Thank you, everybody, for the heart warming posts. Mary, your words are so very kind and brought tears to my eyes. Thank you. :)
I know that if Barney crossed any one of our paths, you all would do exactly the same for him. ;) And it frustrates me to no end that my coworker didn't do more for him for a year, other than toss dry food out for him. The more I think about it, the angrier it makes me. She is back now and has worked a few shifts but I haven't seen her. And part of me is really wondering if those two broken ribs weren't from a kick. If he had been hit by a car, then wouldn't he have more damage to the rest of his body? I know that my coworker's partner didn't want him around and I have to wonder. Even while Angela was staying there, he came over just about everyday and was apparently irritated that she was staying so long and he didn't want Barney in the house. Angela is strong willed and she basically ignored all of that and did what she thought was best for Barney but she left the house everyday to run errands and go to the gym and then returned in the early evening so Barney was alone at those times.
It's just a gut feeling but I could be totally wrong. I can't figure him out, he stops by my work and asks me how Barney is doing but then he says things like "ya, Angela has totally ruined Jack, he gets up on the couch now and I had trained him not to get up there". I said "yes, I know she had left Jack one of those soft microfleece blankets for him on the couch" and he said that he got rid of it?!? :confused: I said "why don't you just put it on the floor for him?" and he said that Jack only likes to sleep on the bricks under the woodstove or under the dvd player on the shelving unit. I know that is not true though because everytime I went over there, Jack was loving that soft blanket. Anyway, I heard yesterday that my coworker broke up with him the day she got back and I'm pretty sure Jack stays with her.

Moesha, the vet didn't tell me how long it would take the ribs to heal or if they would heal. I will have to ask her about that. You should have seen the images, his ribs are like little match sticks and these two were completely snapped. Maybe in his case it will take longer because he isn't the healthiest fellow. But now that I know, I will try and lift him, holding more on his right side than his left.

I've decided to let him sleep through the night without the collar and have him wear it during the day. He was so happy when I took it off last night before I tucked him in. And then I gave him breakfast and then put the collar back on. It actually makes giving him his ear drops easier and it helped a bit with giving his injection. I put him on my lap and was trying to tent the skin between his shoulders and he kept trying to swing around a bite me. The collar helped make that a bit harder for him. Once I was able to get the needle in, then it wasn't too bad. He only gets 2 units in the morning.

He now has two litterboxes! Because when he has the collar on he gets a bit off balance and has been peeing over the edge of the box onto the floor. I'm hoping that two boxes next to each other will catch the 'spillage'. lol

Thanks for that info Candace! I think that is exactly what the vet was trying to explain to me except somehow it was also connected to his diabetes. I do hope that continued meals will help reverse the enlarged liver. I think I would like to try Barney on the Transfer Factor but I will wait until the blood work is back and see if I can stop giving him the Tapazole. I feel like he is on so much stuff right now with the Surolan, Tapazole, Metacam and insulin and polysporin for his nose. But the TF is a natural supplement so it probably wouldn't hurt. He needs all the help he can get right now.

Randi, I was thinking smaller dishes might be good too so I might try that. And he does have lots of blankies. He has his favourites, so I just rewash those. :)

Mary (Purr-Tender), I think the regular blood test with the thyroid results should be back today but the sample that was sent off to the lab might take a few days. It was sent to a lab in Langley which is outside of Vancouver so it shouldn't take too long. I will post as soon as I know though. The vet hasn't ruled out Squamous Cell Carcinoma either and that can only be determined with a biopsy of his growth or from his nose. I showed the vet the scab I saved from his nose (gross, I know!) but she said that the biopsy would have to come from tissue from his nose. I don't want the vet to cut into his nose and if I do go that route (biopsy) it makes sense to take it from his ear. The vet seems to think that surgery would just be too much for him and she said that diabetes is a real problem with anesthesia. I still don't know why, I have to find this out. The xrays were fairly useless with regard to showing how deep the growth(s) is/are in his ears but they did show us alot with regard to his body so I'm glad we did them.

Taz_Zoee wrote:
Awww, Barney and Taz have matching collars now. How is he doing with the collar? I hope it's working.

I still think about Mr Barney each day and always hope to see another good update on him.
Thanks! My thoughts/prayers go out to Taz each day too. :)

Lizzie, thanks for your comment about bathing him. I have hope now that he will get 'fluffy' at some point. I'm going to try and stay on top of his fur, now that the girls at the clinic got out some of those mats for me that I wasn't able to snip off myself. I had gotten them down to the base but was too concerned about cutting his skin if I got any closer. If I had done that, I would have felt so horrible. As if he needs one more thing wrong with him! lol
They combed quite a few of those out though so he's alot further ahead today.

Thanks Scooter's Mom and lvpets_2002 for your posts and encouragement and thank you 3catCondo for your PM. :)

Medusa

11-20-2008, 01:37 PM

It hurts my heart to think that someone might have kicked Barney. However, he could've been hit by a car as your vet said. My Specs got hit while he was an outdoor cat, I heard the thunk and saw him roll under the car and I thought that was it for him but he came out w/out a scratch. (That's what got him in the house. I figured there was no use trying to place him. He earned his place w/the Fur Posse, that's for sure.) Barney is the strongest survivor I have ever witnessed. He has so many health issues but he just loves you, Lara, and he keeps on fighting for life. I so badly want this to be a happy ending. We could really use a Christmas miracle right about now.

Emeraldgreen

11-21-2008, 02:27 PM

I'm so, so sad. Barney has cancer. :( I'm at work and I'm having a hard time focusing on anything other than this news. The vet called me and her first sentence was "I don't have good news". I will post again when I get home tonight but wanted to post this now. I called back and asked the receptionist to ask Robin if I can stop the insulin. I had a bit of a struggle with him this morning giving the shot and he hated it. So did I. Yesterday went much better. If he is otherwise 'comfortable' with high glucose and it just means his urine output is more, then I'd like to stop the injections so his time left isn't uncomfortable. After this morning, he is mad at me. I can't stand that.
I also asked the receptionist to ask Robin if she thinks he still has FIP or not now that we have a confirmed diagnosis for cancer which would most likely explain his high white blood cell count. I can't bear the thought of him out there in the damp shop in a cage. I want to bring him in. It will take a miracle if my husband will allow it. Maybe this will be our Christmas Miracle Mary. If everyone could pray that my husband will let Barney spend his last days inside, I would be eternally grateful.:love:

lvpets2002

11-21-2008, 02:40 PM

:( Oh mymy I am soso Sad to hear Barney has Cancer.. Come on SweetHeart Baby Barney Please Stay With Us As Long As You Can.. I will agree with no more shots.. That is if Barney is still comfortable without them.. Must make his life very comfy.. Please Please Hubby Let Barney Come Stay Indoors In The Warmth & the Comfort of the Loving Family.. Sending Prayers to All..

3Catcondo

11-21-2008, 02:40 PM

Lara,
Don't be sad, and although it would be nice for him to be in the house, the shed is a safe, warm shelter that has just what he needs in it. It's better than being a stray outside somewhere not knowing where his next meal is going to come from or if something/someone would hurt him. I will pray that your husband agrees to the house, but I am at peace knowing Barney has been well taken care of for the time he has left here. He was blessed to have been found by you and loved very much, and I am very grateful to you for that. I'll check in with you later over PM, I am at work and starting to cry. Thank you for all that you did for him, I know he loves you for it and will forever be grateful to you. :love:

Randi

11-21-2008, 03:04 PM

Oh no! :( This is just too sad! When I saw the title had changed, I knew it was not good news - and this is the worst. I'm so sorry.

Barney has been through so much and I was so hoping he would get better, with all the care you have given him - you have been wonderful! No doubt he IS enjoying the time you spend with him, and I really hope your husband will agree to let him inside to spend his last time in a warm loving home - he deserves that, if nothing else can be done. I know you will do all you can and I will send strong thoughts that your husband will let him come in. I hope he is not in pain. Have you talked about which painkillers will be good for him?

Gentle scritchies and kisses and lots of good thoughts for Barney, I hope he has some quality time with cuddles and spoiling still to come. :love:

Big hugs to you Lara.

If you want to talk, please don't hesitate to PM me.

kb2yjx

11-21-2008, 03:12 PM

I am just so sorry to read this update....You have done all the best for Barney, and I know you will continue to care for him and love him, too!!! Prayers that Barney will spend his last days in your house, surrounded by lots of love......

Medusa

11-21-2008, 03:28 PM

Oh no, Lara! This is the worst. That poor sweet boy. What a lousy rotten break for such a good cat. This is just so unfair. I pray that your husband will allow him to come inside and spend his last days w/you but if not, Barney is still warm, dry and safe from all harm. He has known love as he has never known before, thanx to you. I know how sad you are; I am, too, but you have so much time and love invested in Barney's care. I wish I could be there to help you and to give you a big hug. And I wish that I could be there for Barney, too. I'm so sorry. Please PM me at any time if you feel the need. And give Barney some extra love from me and the Fur Posse. :love:

pomtzu

11-21-2008, 03:41 PM

Poor Barney - I wish the news could have been better. You've done so much for him, and when he does leave for RB, he'll take with him all the good memories that you so lovingly gave him. How lucky that he found you to care for him. :love:

Catty1

11-21-2008, 04:12 PM

Barney has already had heaven with you and your care and love.

And...why not try the Transfer Factor now? It may make him more comfy, if nothing else, as it seemed to do with Tiger.

I am SO SO SORRY, Lara. The little guy is such a fighter.

When you get more details let us know...if it's lymphoma, well maybe the TF being in the system would help, combined with his love for you.

HUGS HUGS HUGS HUGS!

Catty1

11-21-2008, 05:02 PM

Lara - tell your husband about the diagnosis, and he might suggest bringing Barney in on his own.

There have been PT Miracles before...and I pray like crazy that Barney is a big one!

HOW many cats with diabetes and cancer GAIN a whole pound?

HUGS again - Barney, we are all with you!:love::love:

MoonandBean

11-21-2008, 05:25 PM

I am so sorry to hear this news. I do find myself thinking though what a blessing it has been for Barney to spend whatever time he has left with you. You have given him care and love that he has never known and that is the best gift anyone can give another living being. I would be so much sadder if he lived 5 more years but the way he was living. I hope that makes sense :confused:

Love ya, girl! You're one of the best!! :love:

momtomany

11-21-2008, 06:04 PM

Lara

I am so sorry for you and for all of us who love this little guy, but he is so blessed to have you in his life loving him. No matter what your husbands decide, Barney has more now than he has ever had because of you. Just like others have offered, please feel free to PM if you need to talk and if you want my phone number, I will be more than happy to give it to you.

My prayers, along with everyone else's are with you.

Moesha

11-21-2008, 06:39 PM

I am so sad to read this update but am not surprised. Once you have time to process the information and find out more specifics about his condition and where you are going to go from here, please let us know so we can help. I wish there was more we could do to give Barney love and support this is quite a bit for you to take on alone. So if I can help in ANY way, please say the word.

Purr-tender

11-21-2008, 07:31 PM

NOTwhat any of us wanted to hear!!:( Let's not count him out yet! Hopefully there is something that will give him some extra quality time with us. I do pray that Scott will come around and allow Barney to live in the house with you. He is safe and warm in the shed but it is just not the same. I kniow you are heartsick and so are we. You are not in this by yourself, Lara.

Huge hugs and prayers,
Mary

jennielynn1970

11-21-2008, 08:16 PM

Oh Lara, I'm so sorry. Did the vet say where the cancer is located, or is that what is in his ear?

Poor Barn-Barn. He'll be loved though, and that's what is important.

Hugs to you both!

Scooter's Mom

11-21-2008, 08:33 PM

Lara

I am so sorry for you and for all of us who love this little guy, but he is so blessed to have you in his life loving him. No matter what your husbands decide, Barney has more now than he has ever had because of you.

My prayers, along with everyone else's are with you.

I could not have said this any better myself.

krazyaboutkatz

11-21-2008, 08:35 PM

Lara, I'm so sorry to hear this.:( I hope you'll be able to make him as comfortable as possible with the time that he has left with you. Hopefully your husband will allow you to let him inside. Barney remains in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

Emeraldgreen

11-22-2008, 09:37 PM

Thank you guys so much for all your posts! I've been wanting to post since yesterday but I worked from 9-5 and then got home to a dark house. Half the island lost power yesterday afternoon and for most of the evening due to a huge windstorm we had. Poor Barney was in the dark except for a nightlight that we have that is also battery operated so it can still stay on. Then we finally got the power back on and I could not connect to the internet. As it turned out, our local internet provider had lost power and so no one here could get online last night (unless they were with Telus, a bigger provider). I had to work all day again and just now got home.
I really appreciate what everyone has said and all of the PM's. :)

I was so down yesterday and kept wellling up with tears but I'm slowly absorbing the news. I think you guys are right, I have to look at it that he has had love and warmth and endless food and care since he was taken in and who knows if he ever had that. I wish I could know, maybe I will get a reading done for him. It sure would be amazing to know what he thinks and how he has lived.

I called the clinic back yesterday and asked the receptionist to ask Robin if she thought that it would be safe to bring Barney into the house, now that we know he has cancer and that it is likely the cause of the high white blood cell count instead of from FIP. I also asked about stopping the insulin.
The receptionist called back and she told me that Robin was 90% sure Barney didn't have FIP but she felt that he should not be brought into the house because my other cats could catch it if he does have it and it is fatal.
I'm disappointed but at the same time, my cats mean so much to me and I have to protect them. I would be devastated if I caused them all to become sick. :(

I will do all that I can to improve his day to day life though and will spend more time with him. Hopefully we will get some decent weather here soon so I can take him outside for a bit in the outdoor enclosure. I think he would enjoy that.
I also have a small tv that I will put in there but I'm going to pick up a used vcr to hook up to it because the tv can't get reception out there. I will play some videos that would be interesting for a cat, something with animals, birds and nature. I know that sounds silly but I want to make it kind of like a house in there for him and though he won't be able to hear it, maybe just having it going in the background will be comforting.

Robin also said that she felt it was important for me to keep going with the insulin. She said that if I stop after I've started, he will feel worse than before. And, this morning went pretty well so I think it will be okay. When I got home, I went into the shop and there he was hopping out of the litterbox and he hopped up onto the dog bed to see me. His blue collar was NOT on him! lol It was just laying there on the floor. I guess he found a way to get out of it. :rolleyes: But it was neat to see him with a new kind of energy and I guess that must be from his glucose levels being more balanced.:confused:

When I first spoke with Robin yesterday, she said that she thought putting him on steroids might help make him more comfortable with regard to the ear tumor. I think that is another reason she wants him on the insulin because she thinks the steroids are going to throw his diabetes out of whack and the insulin might help with that a bit.
She also wants to put him back on another round of antibiotics so I'll pick those up on Monday.

The sample that was tested for cancer came from what Robin had first thought was an enlarged thyroid but as it turns out, it is a tumor. She thinks it may have spread to his salivary gland/s and that it is in his left ear and possibly his right and is likely responsible for the 'barnacles' on his nose. She said that the tests came back as a 'malignant epithileal (sp??) tumor' and that it could be Squamous Cell Carcinoma. It's so bizarre, before a year ago, I've never encountered this disease but not I'm way too familiar with it. :( But, perhaps it's a good thing that I've learned a bit about it and can hopefully try and help Barney. I don't expect that his cancer will be cured but I do think I can give him back some quality of life before his time comes with treatment with Transfer Factor that I already have here on hand, left over from Tiger. As you said Candace, why not try it? :)

I have a nagging feeling that steroids are not the way to go and I think I'd rather give him Metacam for pain and inflammation, antibiotics to help fight infection in his ears and on his nose and Transfer Factor to help boost his immune system and insulin to keep his glucose down. It would be such a gift if I could get him to gain some more weight and feel some more energy and get to 'enjoy' a bit of life. I think it will happen. Instead of wishing for lots of time, we'll just live in the moment.

Thank you all again for your wonderful posts. I love that Barney means something to others just as he does to me. I wish he could know how many people love him. :love:

Moesha

11-22-2008, 10:06 PM

Purr-tender

11-22-2008, 10:24 PM

I have been so worried not hearing from you. Who would have thought your power would have been out:eek:.

It's a shame that Barney won't be coming in with you but I wouldn't take a chance either. I think that you have a great plan for him and I know that you are keeping him comfortable. He has been on my mind constantly since you gave us the very sad news. I still want to help you with his medical treatment. Let us know how much you think you'll need. Hopefully with your TLC and his meds he'll still have better days ahead. We'll just take it a day at a time.

Even though he can't hear I think the VCR will entertain him. My "kids" love to watch TV. It would be nice if we could all take turns sitting out there with him. I'm glad you're going to spend more time with him. Do you have any friends that would enjoy spending time with a sick friend? They could be our surrogate laps.:D

I've doubled up on prayers for Barney!!

Gentle hugs to Barney and a Big ole Bear hug for you!
Mary

Catty1

11-22-2008, 11:00 PM

HUGS!

Prayers that Barney might be - just might be - a Christmas miracle.:love:

Emeraldgreen

11-22-2008, 11:37 PM

I am so glad to read a more detailed post from you. You answered many questions for us! Thanks for that. Once you determine what kind of treatment Barney is going to have, can you let us know the estimate for his medicines and things like that? I'd be willing to contribute toward his care regularly now that we know what the little guy has to cope with. Go with your gut about the medical treatment you think is best for the little guy, and we'll be here to support you. You may be physically alone dealing with Barney, but he has a whole team of caregivers and support staff all over the world! How many other kitties can claim that?!? *hugs for sweet Barney*

Purr_Tender wrote:
It's a shame that Barney won't be coming in with you but I wouldn't take a chance either. I think that you have a great plan for him and I know that you are keeping him comfortable. He has been on my mind constantly since you gave us the very sad news. I still want to help you with his medical treatment. Let us know how much you think you'll need. Hopefully with your TLC and his meds he'll still have better days ahead. We'll just take it a day at a time.

Thank you so much. You all have been such a great help already and it's true, you're a team of caregivers. Barney is blessed.
Part of me feels badly for everyone who has helped that his recovery may not be possible in the way that we had hoped but at the same time, now that we know that there will be no surgery, I can focus on keeping him as healthy as I can and fed and warm. This route will hopefully still give him more time with us and it will be very affordable. He will be on insulin and I got one vial and a bag of syringes for about 20.00. He gets 2 units a day which is not much. I'm not sure how many units come in that vial but will check it out. He is no longer on Tapazole because Robin feels that he doesn't need it so that will be good. The antibiotics will probably be one more round, unless her plan is to keep him on them indefinitely. I have to ask her about that. I'm going to ask a friend of mine who has a HUGE bottle of Meloxicam for her dog if I could have some for Barney. It is the human equivalent to Metacam and alot of vets will give a prescription for a pet for Meloxicam if you ask for it. They usually don't offer it because they want you to buy the Metacam from them. She offered some previously to me for Paddy but I declined because I decided I didn't want to continue with it for him. I have a bottle's worth of Transfer Factor mixed up in a thick suspension and a half bottle of capsule of TF left. I stopped into the pharmacy a week or so ago to ask if it would still be good to use when I offered it for Sydney and Hamish and the pharmacist said it should be fine so that is good news.
I think the only upcoming things will be a repeat exam and glucose testing (not a full blood panel, just glucose which I think is under 25.00) and, when it's time, euthanasia. :( I hate writing that but at some point, I suppose it will happen.
Anyway, my point is that you guys have helped so much and I'm so thankful. He would have not gotten this far without you all. For now, I think he's been so well cared for by everybody that he should be okay. When I saw Katie's Andy pic with the thank you sign, I thought, what a great idea! I should do something like that with Barney but then I had a vision of him slashing and biting me while I forced him to sit with the sign! LOL He tries to bite me at least once a day. I guess that is a good sign that he's feeling up to it.

I've been thinking about it and my guess is that he was someone's barn cat. I was writing to Randi in a PM that he is friendly enough to have had human contact but wild enough to have been an outdoor, barn guy. And I'm wondering if he may have lived on that farm all his life (which is just a block and a half away from me). My coworker has rented that little cottage for 2 years now and it's on a 10 acre property with another main house and a barn. She has seen him for about a year but I wonder if he lived with the people in the house or was at least sometimes fed by them over the past decade or so. Maybe when he got so sick and matted up, they just stopped giving him anything which may be when he started hanging outside Terri's cottage. The woman who owns the main house works at the post office (I think). I might ask her the next time I see her.

My coworkers (ex)partner came in today and asked about Barney. So, I think I might be wrong about thinking he could have harmed Barney by kicking him. I shouldn't have written that. Angela told me that the dog who lives on the property chases Jack and used to chase Barney so maybe he took a tumble then.
Does anyone know how long it takes ribs to heal?

Medusa

11-23-2008, 05:07 AM

I'm just waking up to these posts and I feel so proud to know so many wonderful people. Barney is very lucky at least in the respect to have so many people who care about him. Life has dealt him a lousy hand but there are those warm hands of love that you pet and care for him with every day, Lara.

I, too, will definitely contribute regularly to Barney's care, no matter how much time he has left. As Moesha says, go w/your gut as far as how to care for him. If you feel that stopping the steroid is the way to go, then follow your instincts. Just one word about that, though, aside from helping w/inflammation, I'm sure you already know that steroids will cause weight gain and I know that you want Barney to gain some weight. I'm not trying to talk you into anything, just a little reminder, in case you'd forgotten that.

The VCR is a wonderful idea. Barn-Barn needs some visual stimulation, too, and now that we know he won't be able to come indoors, it's more important than ever. I wouldn't take the risk either w/my cats either, Lara. I had that situation arise w/Buddy and FeLv; it was too risky to chance it and it broke my heart because I knew that if Buddy had to choose between food and love, he would've chosen love.

Sometimes barn cats are well cared for but they also can live lives of neglect, as was the case w/my Pigeon. When I rescued her, my neighbor told me how her owner kicked her w/his heavy work boots if she got in the way. It still hurts my heart to think that someone could be so cruel to such a sweet cat and Barney is such a sweet boy that it's hard to imagine anyone mistreating him but, obviously, it happens. Abuse or neglect, it's still cruel. If he had been a barn cat, then how appropriate that you named him Barney.

Ok, I'm rambling but I somehow feel that if I keep typing, it brings Barney through the monitor and on to my lap. I want so badly to be able to relieve you, Lara, and since I can't, please know that my prayers never cease for all of you. A check will go out tomorrow morning for our dear Barn-Barn. Special (((HUGS))) to you and Scott and gentle pets for Barney. :love: