My little Puddy

[Medusa]

Hi Friends,
It's been a while again since I've been online. You can't believe the computer issues I've had. Got another virus again. Not sure why I even have virus protection. :mad: Anyhow...

My 12 yr. old Calico, Puddy, is in hospital tonight. Shortly after my Peeka's passing, Puddy began exhibiting the same symptoms of kidney failure and, of course, I rushed her to my vet. Long story short, misdiagnosis. He was looking for kidney disease and/or failure. But her symptoms changed and she was obviously in a lot of pain. Puddy has never been a vocal cat and she is NOT warm and fuzzy. Puddy keeps to herself; she's a cool cat; she loves to hang w/the humans. But don't touch or she'll remind you who's boss. But she started crying and at first we thought it was because she had to be left there for testing, etc. and when she heard my voice in the waiting room, she really carried on. But then the crying persisted, then escalated to near screaming. I just wasn't getting answers from my vet, so I called the vet who took such good care of Yoda w/all that transpired w/the ear polyp. Well, he took one look at her x-rays and said "She has an enlarged colon. Did you know that?" I said "No, I certainly did not." So Puddy being Puddy, she will not allow herself to be handled in any way, so she had to be sedated again just so he could do some preliminary testing. He called me later and said "You have a few min. to decide. I need to do a biopsy and needle biopsies just aren't reliable w/the colon. I'd have to do an exploratory and biopsy. Do you want to do it now or bring her back?" I gave permission to do it right then.

He did biopsies of her colon, liver, kidneys and pancreas. He said that when he did her colon, that liquid feces ran out. He said "No wonder she was in so much pain." And her pancreas was inflamed. After that her temp. dropped alarmingly low so they "heated her up" and her temp. rose from 91 to 98.3 and is still rising. If she remains groggy enough, the IV will stay in and I'll prob. be able to take her home tomorrow. He suspects a tumor on her pancreas and/or hypoglycemia.

My question: how can a team of 4 doctors look at the x-rays and miss an enlarged bowel? This vet suspected it before he even looked at the x-ray! The man is gifted; I think he's an empath. Bottom line is that my Puddy suffered needlessly. The drive to the vet's office this morning is over an hour long and by this time, she couldn't walk and she was screaming, almost like a woman. I was frantic!

I guess I just need to vent but I feel so bad that I wasted time w/the other vet/s when Dr. Lee could have saved Puddy so much suffering, not to mention that he could've saved me $400. Tomorrow is going to cost me that much just for the prelims, plus the surgery. Puddy is worth it, for sure, but that $400 could've gone to Dr. Lee. And Puddy would've had some rest and been relieved of pain and suffering.

Please pray for my Puddy girl, that she'll let the staff handle her and that I can bring her home. My house just isn't the same w/out my little Calico brat cat. :(

Thanx and blessings,
Mary

[carole]

Oh Mary I am so sorry to hear about Puddy, that is terrible, poor wee girl, suffering like that, thank goodness you took her elsewhere, I sure hope she is going to recover well and not be in any pain, give her lots of scritiches and cuddles from us all here down under., take care.

[Medusa]

Yes, she is a wee girl, just 5 lbs. Small but mighty. She's got a strong constitution to endure all that and still survive. Thanx for the kind words and, believe me, when I get that little fuzz face home, I'm gonna love her 'til she swats at me like the ol' Puddy I know and love. ;)

Blessings,
M

[furrykidsmother]

Hi Mary, I was wondering where you had been, but didn't want to intrude on you. I was so sorry to hear of Peeka's passing. Also, so very sorry to hear that Puddy has been suffering so. Sometimes it makes you wonder about the medical staff when they miss something so obvious. Anyway, prayers going out to you and Puddy that she will be a good girl and let them do what they need to do to get her all better and bring her home to you. Puddy you be a good girl, I know it isn't fun being poked and prodded, but you need to get yourself better so you can go home to Meowmie!! Best of luck and please keep us posted!!

[Medusa]

I feel rather guilty about not being online for so long. Since I bought his house 6 months ago, I've had so much going on. There's hardly a blank day on my calendar ever since. My cats had a run of illnesses for a while, I guess due to all the changes. Then Peeka passed over, then I had surgery, plus all this time I got my website up and running. Now Puddy. And my little deaf cat, Creamsicle, has been yowling up a storm ever since Peeka's passing. I think she just doesn't understand what's going on. All she knows is that something isn't right in her world. Now I'm sure Puddy's sudden disappearance has her even more discombobulated. It's been a wild ride, I can tell ya! :eek:

Anyhow, I'll know more tomorrow about Puddy and whether or not I can bring her home. I sure hope so. I'm feeling sad now that the sun has gone down. The night has never been my friend. But when one of my furkids is sick and/or gone, the nights are interminable. Thanx for all the good thoughts.

Blessings,
M

[TopCat3]

So sorry to hear you have another sick kitty, after all your recent problems. Doesn't seem to be your year, does it? It seems you feel about nights like I sometimes feel about Sundays, just not comfortable and "low". Early night with some aromatherapy/incense, wafty music and a good book perhaps? Hope all works out well with Puddy, thoughts are with you,keep us posted.:)

[Medusa]

I talked to one of the doctors this morning and she said that Puddy's temp. is back to normal but they're just not sure about releasing her yet. She told me to call back around 11:00 to get the final word. She did say, though, that it took two of them to take her temp.:D That's my Puddy girl! So I'm sure she's feeling better because she was so sick that she allowed herself to be handled before surgery and that really had me concerned. I just have a feeling that she's going to have to stay the wknd. I hate it but if that's what it takes to get my little dictator back, I'll do it.

Yes, it's been a strange year, for sure. But the blessings have far outweighed the trials and tribulations. I try to take life as it comes and not try to control situations any more. I used to do that; buck the tide the entire way. All it did was exhaust me. I do what I can, esp. where my furkids are concerned, and trust that God will show me what to do and how to do it. I hope to make a difference in the lives of animals in my own small way and I'll never give up on that.

Blessings,
M

[kittycats_delight]

Oh Mary {{{{{HUGS}}}}}}

All of us here and hoping and praying for that little wildcat of yours Puddy. Lilith sends extra headbumpies and whiskerkisses. All fingers, toes, paws and whiskers are crossed. Poor girly. You have had one hell of a hard time this last little while. With all that has happened know we are here for you if you need us. RB Mytsi promised me she will watch over Puddy the whole time she is at the vets and believe me she is encouraging her to get better and pushing her every step of the way. And Peeka is there helping Mytsi to get Puddy all better so she can return home to you and her fursibs. GET WELL PUDDY !!! Meowmie and your furry family need you.

Creamsicle is still not herself huh? I guess the poor little baby really feels things are just not right. I don't know what to suggest to you for Creamsicle. Maybe Creamsicle was feeling the effects that Puddy wasn't well? Maybe once all things are back to normal and Puddy is home and feeling good and back to her old self Creamsicle will come around and calm down again. I hope so.

Please, keep us updated on Puddy and all the furkids. We missed you here.

All the best in the world to you and your furkids
{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Michelle

[Medusa]

Yep, I brought my girlie girl home and just now got her all settled in. She cried a little on the drive home but certainly nothing like she did when we were driving to the vet's. On the way there it sounded like she was crying "Uh oh!" On the way home, it sounded like "Oi!" LOL I think it's simply that she just wanted out of the carrier because the vet gave her an injection for pain. The name of the drug escapes me but it's related to morphine. She sent me home w/3 more doses of the stuff, to be squirted on Puddy's gums beginning tomorrow morning. Oh boy. That's gonna be fun. Hopefully, her reflexes will be a little slower than usual or mine will be quicker so that she can't bat the syringe out of my hand. And she's on Clinamycin, a powerful antibiotic. I was on that myself after my surgery. And Dr. Lee may decide to put her on Prednisolone but didn't for now. I also was on that after my surgery. Seems the Pud and I are a lot alike.

She wouldn't eat for them at all and they gave her snacks similar to Tender Vittles. The vet said "Most cats LOVE this stuff." Right. Most cats. We're talkin' about the Pudilator here. My cats only eat dry, no treats. Well, I had some more chicken luncheon meat and tore a little piece off for her and she scarfed it down. She ate the equivalent of a whole slice. And no more crying. Sigh. I'm so glad. I'm sure she must have post op pain but she's snuggled in her little cat condo and seems to be content now. I think it's best to keep her away from the other furkids for a day or so, even though she seemed to want to be with them. I allowed it for a few min. but that's it. My younguns are too rambunctious and I don't want her sutures to come loose.

So, now I just wait for the results of the biopsies to come back next Wed. and we'll go from there. I'm not going to borrow trouble; just going to enjoy my little Pud and give thanks. And thanks to all of you for your encouragement. Gonna go check on my girlie girl now. :p

Blessings,
M

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Poor little Puddy! I'm so glad the one vet finally realized what it was so she was able to get the proper care.

Here's hoping that whatever caused all this is treatable with meds.

[slick]

Oh Mary, I've just been reading this whole thread a couple of times....what stress you've been under!

Please don't go blaming yourself for not seeing Dr. Lee first. You are a loving Mewomie and little Puddy is so lucky to have you. I'm glad that she's back home and resting comfortably.

So you don't get the results until next Wednesday...don't you just hate the waiting game? In the meantime, hold your furkids gently and put your trust in God. You'll see, when this "wild ride" is over, you'll be able to return to normal.

Please keep us updated Mary.

{{{hugs}}}

[Medusa]

I can't believe it! I cooked some chicken for Puddy and she won't eat it! That has NEVER happened. She ate some luncheon meat earlier today but I had to give her the antibiotic just now and it's supposed to be administered w/food. It's strong stuff and it's hard on the stomach. The vet told me that if she vomits, to stop giving it to her. I hope she can keep it down. Now she won't eat anything. Sigh. I'm worried now. I hope we don't have another long night in store.

Blessings,
M

[Medusa]

I also tried some chocolate frozen yogurt. No deal. She loves that stuff! I wish she could talk!!!!!

M

[slick]

Mary, don't panic. Will she eat a bit of wet food from a can? Do you have any more of that luncheon meat? It is possible that the med has upset her little tummy.

What I usually do if I have to give meds, is let them eat a bit first, then wait for about 20 mins...then give the meds...then food immediately after. By "sandwiching" the meds between the food, it seems to avoid any upset tummies.

[Medusa]

Yep, that's what I do, too. But she absolutely refused to eat, then went under my bed. It took some coaxing to get her out but I had to give her the antibiotic. It's supposed to be given on schedule. Yes, I do have some more luncheon meat and I'll try that. I just thought the chicken would be better for her. But if she'll eat the luncheon meat, then that's what we'll do. (This is payback. I just know it. LOL)

Blessings,
M

[Medusa]

Well, the Pudster ate more of the luncheon meat and during the night, she ate some chicken. Again this morning she ate some luncheon meat. So I guess I just need to relax a little. She'll eat when she's hungry. She just had surgery, so it's natural that she's not going to want to eat. (Not me. As soon as I was coherent after my jaw surgery, I thought "FOOD!" I should try to be more like Puddy in that regard. LOL)

She doesn't seem to want to be w/the other cats like she did yesterday, though. So I'm going to leave her in my bedroom again. There's no rush. They'll prob. try to play w/her anyhow and she's still moving rather slowly. But at least she's moving. Yay!

Blessings,
M

[slick]

Glad to hear that little Puddy has eaten during the night. I hope that she will soon start eating some good quality kitty food too. Right now she needs her rest so best to just leave her. Please keep us updated, OK Mary?

[furrykidsmother]

Glad to hear that there has been some improvement, that is encouraging! Way to go Puddy!

[Medusa]

Yep, the Pudilator is a fighter. Her pain meds keep her somewhat out of it but that's a good thing, I think. I just now brought her downstairs for a little while to see how she does. I don't want her to overdo it but I don't want to keep her cooped up in my bedroom. She walked over to the door when I opened it, so I think she wants to be reunited w/the posse now.

Blessings,
M

[kittycats_delight]

You go little Puddy. Such a strong fighter you are. You get better now sweetie you know we are all pulling for you 110%. And remember Puddy don't overdo with the rest of the furrkids. No rough housing for you yet.

I bet you are breathing a sigh of relief huh Mary? I am sooo glad Puddy is doing better. Keep us posted.

{{{{HUGS}}}}}
Michelle

[Medusa]

I would feel better if Puddy would eat. She did eat during the night but she hasn't eaten yet today and that has me worried. The vet gave me all kinds of good food for her, canned, dry, snacks. She won't eat any of it. And she didn't touch the chicken again. I feel so bad for the poor little girl. She's so weak. She can walk but her legs just give out on her. I didn't leave her downstairs long. She growled and swatted at Pigeon and Pigeon is the sweetest cat ever. So I figured it was time for Pud to go back upstairs.

Creamsicle is driving me batty w/the constant yowling. She doesn't even meow any more, just yowls. She did it off and on all night long last night. And she looks at me, too, to see if I'm paying attention. I'm gonna have to find my earplugs and wear them again.

Thanx again, everyone, for all your encouragement. I hope I have a really good report for you soon.

Blessings,
M

[Barbara]

I just read that thread. I am so sorry for everything Puddy and you had to go through.

I would be worried as well with Puddy not eating:( Could the problem come from the other end? After that surgery, did she go to the litterbox again?

I hope you find out what's going on.

[Medusa]

Puddy hasn't had a bowel movement yet and that really has me concerned. Well, she hasn't eaten enough, I guess. The vet said to discontinue the meds if she has diarrhea. Nope. Nothin'. I'm glad she doesn't have diarrhea but I wish she would eat enough to make her go. She urinates regularly but that's it. I keep trying but I have to go to work this morning. I had to do some rescheduling on Fri. when all of this came to a head, so I can't let my clients down. Maybe she will have eaten a little something by the time I get home. Paws crossed.

Blessings,
M
P.S. She did, however, go downstairs by herself this morning when I got up to answer nature's call. I was surprised that she did it. I brought her back upstairs so as not to awaken Creamsicle, the sleeping dragon. LOL

[TopCat3]

Have you tried chopped boiled egg, or scrambled egg? I seem to remember coaxing one of mine with a little, one time. You can buy special cat milk (lactose free) to mix it up with, good protein value and easily digested and no strong flavours if appetite is poor. Just a thought. :) :p

[Medusa]

Y'know, I should've thought of that myself. Tired from lack of sleep, I guess. :( She did finally have a bowel movement, just a little. (It's funny what gets me all excited nowadays. ;) ) I left her w/the rest of the posse this morning when I went to work and she's lying in the patio room right now. Not a lot of energy still but I guess that's because she hasn't eaten much. She did eat some cat chow this morning before I left for work, so maybe she's eating more than I realize. I'm still going to cook some eggs, though. Thanx for the suggestion to this brain dead woman.

Blessings,
M

[Barbara]

Glad to hear about Puddy's litterbox event- at least everything is working:) And now about some delicacies for her to eat:)

[catmandu]

That is terrible,that those other Vets,missed that,and almost cost you,the life,of your Cat.And the sad thing,is that there is very little,that you can do,to get satisfaction,from the Vets,as they stick together,I remember taking Michael,in for dental,only,to be told,3 Moths later,that he needed dental.And the vet,did nothing,when I complained.Sorry,my ex Vet.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/catmandu/BJcatbed.jpg

[Medusa]

Yes, unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot to be done except let it be known how unhappy I am w/the situation. They've lost my business for good. My cats are too precious to me. I love all my cats but Puddy has always been my special one and hearing her cry and scream the way she did was heartbreaking.

Fingers and paws crossed, please, everyone. The biopsy results should be in tomorrow. Puddy ate a little bit of cat chow, so I'm not going to try to force her to eat anything else.

Blessings,
M

[slick]

Mary, I'm sorry that I have not posted in a day or two. Work has been busy and I'm only managed to catch up on a few threads at lunchtime.

It's funny what gets me all excited nowadays. Hey, we all understand. I get really excited when either of my kitties have a normal BM. You should hear me praise them after. :D
Anyway, I know this is no laughing matter. Just know that you are in my thoughts and I'll say a special prayer for tomorrow.

[Jennie Lu]

I hope you get good news from the biopsy results tomorrow. It's always nice to have firm answers. This city kitty is praying for you Puddy, along with all my four-legged furry offspring.

Jennie Lu

[slick]

Any news Mary???

[Medusa]

No, Dr. Lee didn't call me and he's very professional, so I'm sure he would've called if he got the biopsy results. I'm going to call him tomorrow, though. I have an important business networking event that I'm hosting this Sat. and I'm holding my breath because I have to do it and I'm trying not to stress about all this.

Puddy seems to be holding her own. She eats a little cat chow now and then. She keeps refusing everything else, so may as well let the little girl eat what she wants. She's moving around, too, and soaking up the rays, so I'm hoping that I'll get a good report. I think the antibiotic is finally kicking in.

I'll post as soon as I hear something, believe me. Thanx for asking. I really appreciate it.

Blessings,
M

[Medusa]

I just got off the phone w/Dr. Lee. The way he views it, and thus, so do I, is that it's all good news. Puddy has a complicated disease but then, it's Puddy. What else could I expect? ;) The name of the disease is too long for me to remember. But....she is essentially operating on one kidney, her liver is inflamed and so is her colon. He was concerned that she had a tumor on her pancreas but she does not. Our plan is that starting next week she'll be on prednisolone for inflammation and will prob. stay on clindamycin for a while longer. He is also going to teach me how to administer subcutaneous fluids which will have to be done weekly, prob. for life. He said that because Puddy is so feisty (nice word for 'cranky') that I may not be able to do it and may have to take her in once a week for the procedure. That's something I hope doesn't transpire because it's over an hour drive each way. Not sure how I'll manage that w/this schedule of mine. Plus the added expense of weekly vet visits and procedures. But I'm going to think positive and hope that Pud will allow me to do it.

She goes in on Monday to have her sutures removed and depending on how she behaves then, he'll determine whether or not I'll be able to administer the SQ fluids. And he'll start her on the prednisolone then. He said to start it too early deters healing. He said that no wonder the little girl was crying in pain, that if I could've seen how her colon ran, it's a wonder she lived at all. Then when she got hypothermia after surgery, he was worried that she wouldn't survive. But my girl Puddy fooled us all!

So, there ya have it. More good news than bad. Just gotta make sure she keeps eating and somehow I've got to get those SQ fluids in her. Since my previous vet has come out of retirement and he's only 10 min. away, I may see if I can work something out w/him and see if he can do it, if Puddy won't let me. Either way, Dr. Lee said that she could live a long life, provided that her other kidney doesn't shut down because she does have nephritis, too, and she'll be on a special diet.

Thanx again, friends, for your support and prayers. You have no idea how you all have helped me through this and all the other "cat astrophes".

Blessings,
M

[Barbara]

Ok, that's interesting and I understand all your doc says. The pred is for the inflammations and once they are kept down, they may even stay away.

The subQ fluids are for the kidney problem. If you cannot do it (and I know what you are talking about as Filou also doesn't keep quiet for one second and certainly not when I come with a needle) any vet can do it- you don't have to drive 2 hrs.

So we hope Puddy can lead a longer and happy life again:)

[Medusa]

Yes, Dr. Lee said that his goal is to get her off the meds entirely. But the SQ fluids will prob. be a lifetime thing. I know any vet can do it, so I'm not concerned there. If I had to drive 2 hours, I would. Anything for my fur posse. I guess I'm just worn out. Working 2 jobs is taking its toll, I think. Makes me whiney. :( But I'm happy today because I know that Dr. Lee works a lot on instinct. He has the knowledge but he also has the feel and I need that in a vet. I feel blessed to have found him. He worked wonders w/Yoda and her ear polyp and I know he'll give Pud the best care.

Blessings,
M

[TopCat3]

Well that's good news. Sort of, I mean not that she has a condition-for-life but that her health can be managed after she gets over this difficulty. Poor little cat. And you sound much relieved, I can hear you broadly grinning through your written words!:D I know about the two jobs thing, been doing it for ages, cobbling together a fulltime income from 2 or 3 part-time jobs has become so natural to me now I don't think I could handle the monotony of just one job. Unless of course it paid enough to cover unforseen and mighty vet. bills perhaps! :rolleyes: Speedy recovery Puddy!

[furrykidsmother]

Puddy what a fighter you are!! Glad to hear the good news. Yes, I agree Feisty is a nicer word then cranky, but even cranky is good, that means she has fight in her and sometimes that is what is needed to get through things. Puddy be a good girl and when it comes time, let Meowmie make you feel better by taking the fluids. Maybe if you have someone to hold her and you try doing it in a small area like a bathroom you might be able to do it. I hope so anyway. It is always traumatic to have to take the furkids to the vet so the more that can be done at home the better, also a little easier on the pocketbook.

[Medusa]

Easy on the pocketbook is good. ;) Gotta make sure I have enough money to take care of the rest of the fur posse. I'm just so encouraged right now that nothing can break my stride. :p

Blessings,
M

[Jennie Lu]

Way to fight, Puddy! Keep it up and you'll be off all meds before you know it!

[slick]

Oh Mary, I'm doing the happy dance here!!!! :) :) Good luck administering the SubQ fluids.

{{{hugs}}} and I look forward to many more positive uppydates.