Ralph Syracuse needs your prayers!!!

[kb2yjx]

PLEASE say as many prayers as you can for our Orangeman, Ralph Syracuse. His pancreatitis has acted up BIG time!!! Last evening he licked his bowl clean, then several hours later, he vomited everything! Barry and I seached over one hour for him this morning, to be honest, we thought he had died. No, he was all in the back of a piece of cat furniture!!! But, poor Ralphie looks so awful!!! The vet has been called, now we are waiting for the call to come in. Last Christmas, we were waiting for a biopsy report, it was thought that he had liver/pancreas cancer. The report was negative. Please remember Ralph, he is 13.5 yrs old and a retired therapy cat, and a really loving purr machine that we adopted when he was 10 weeks old. THANK YOU!!! Sandra

[Miss Z]

I am so sorry:( Many prayers for Ralph on the way

[AbbyMom]

Prayers for Ralph on the way!

[kimlovescats]

I'm sorry to hear that Ralph Syracuse if not well. Hugs and prayers coming your way.

Kim

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so sorry to hear this. :( Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent your way.

[kb2yjx]

I am sure that while we were at Animerge, Ralph felt your prayers!! Have been home about one hour. Ralph is in his Grainger box that is full of tissue paper that he has squished down. His lab work is a mess! The doctor thought he might be seeing some fluid around his heart. Ralph has a Grade 3/4 cardic murmur, so that is not good. He was hydrated with some Lactated Ringer's since he is dehydrated. At this point he is refusing to eat even baby food. I have some I/D from the vet, so if I have to force feed him!! Please keep Ralph in your prayers!!! God Bless you all for your thoughts and prayers!! Sandra

[catmandu]

Michael,is leading the Prayers for his Fellow Oarngie Ralph,and we are praying as hard as we can that you get the Only Christmas Present that you want and that is for Ralph,recovering his Health.
We are Praying for Ralph.

[jenluckenbach]

Many Many prayers for Ralph.

[kb2yjx]

Thank you all for your prayers and wishes for Ralph!!! He looks a bit more alert, in fact, he got out of his Grainger box for a few minutes. However, when I take him to the vet tomorrow, I think Dr. Ascher and I will discuss a feeding tube for Ralph. I tried to slowly syringe about 30cc's(one ounce) of I/D into him, and he promptly threw it all up. He has some more fight in him, so giving him fluids later might be a challenge!! I glad of that, that means he has not given up!!! God Bless you all!!!! Sandra

[TopCat3]

Oh no, this isn't good news is it? I am sorry to hear of this and am sending loving thoughts to you and Ralph for a full recovery.

[kb2yjx]

Ralph will be leaving for the vet's office in a few minutes. He still haas not eaten anything since Friday. He is awake and alert. Will keep everyone posted, and again, THANKS FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS for Ralphie! Sandra

[jenluckenbach]

I will be praying for Ralph while waiting for an update.

[Karen]

Still in our prayers, good luck, Ralphie!

[Frostfrog]

I very seldom venture off the Cat of the Day page, but after learning about Ralph through a private message, I am here, to add my solace and concern and a little prayer for an orange cat.

Get well, Ralph.

[jenluckenbach]

Update??

[kb2yjx]

We got home from the vet late last evening, and I never made it anywhere near the computer!! I AM SORRY!!
Ralph spend the day at the vet. He had IV fluids and meds. He was NPO(nothing by mouth). He came home for the overnight. This morning I took him back to the vet. I think Ralph has made turn for the better!! He growled a Good Morning to the staff, and hissed at me when I put him in his cage!!! He will be getting more IV fluids and meds, and the vet is going to attempt to feed him a little. Ralph has not eaten since Friday morning(the last meal he kept down). Hopefully, Ralph will not vomit and the IV can be DC'd(discontinued)and he can return to eating. Promise to update this evening! Prayers really DO make a difference!!! Thank you all!!! Sandra

[Barbara]

Sending my best thoughts for Ralph- and hoping he is getting better every day. :)

[Killearn Kitties]

You and Ralph will be in my thoughts. The girls have all there paws crossed for their friend Ralph!

[jenluckenbach]

Definitely more prayers for Ralph.

[kb2yjx]

Ralph just got home after another day at the vet's. He refused to eat for them, but did eat a teaspoon of chicken baby food for me!!Will try to give him more in one hour. He will be going back to the vet tomorrow morning. Ralph is in his Grainger box with the Elizabethen(Sp) Collar on to prevent him from getting at the IV cathether, this does not make Ralph happy, but it is better than to have to get stuck AGAIN!!! THANK YOU ALL!!!! Sandra

[catmandu]

Try a Little Cheese Whiz,or Tuna Fish.
We are praying even harder with Moose leading the pryaers that Ralph Syracuse will be All Right.

[TopCat3]

If protein isn't a problem, don't forget softly scrambled eggs (cooled :rolleyes: ) and how good we feel when we are sick/off our food and have those. Easy to eat/digest and very comforting.
If concentrated protein is a problem,you might try mashing the eggs with some mashed potato with butter or tuna juice to tempt his appetite and "dilute" the protein hit.

I know how hard it is with cats who are off their food. I tried making a wonderful concoction with chicken and brown rice and stock and all the right mineral additives bla di bla (won't bore you with the recipe/process) for Cleo as a "natural" kidney diet AND SHE WOULDN'T TOUCH IT. I have two tubs in the freezer if anyone wants it... :rolleyes:

[jenluckenbach]

Come on Ralphie. You have to eat!! It worries us hoomins when our furries don't eat.

[kb2yjx]

Ralphie is at the vet's. He is looking LOTS better than he did a few days ago!! He WANTS the IV line out!! I will try some of the foods that you suggested, he ate about a teaspoon of his favourite CHICKEN baby food this morning. He is making his way out of the woods, but he is doing it the Ralph Syracuse way!! If Ralph could say it(he does though, purr it), he would give you MANY words of thanks and HEAD BUTTS for all the good wishes and prayers that you have sent his way. Sandra

[jenluckenbach]

Good boy Ralph. :D

by the way, I love your name.....Ralph Syracuse......how did you get it?

[kb2yjx]

Barry just brought home from the vet! NO IV needle!!! Ralph is thrilled! He ate a tablespoon of food for Dr. Artuso! Right now, Ralph is doing a thorough cleaning of his front leg when the IV was. He will be fed in about one hour! It is so good to have Ralphie back!! THANKS TO ALL YOUR PRAYERS AND HEALING THOUGHTS!!
My husband, Barry, named Ralph when we adopted him in 1992. I added the "Syracuse," because, he is my ORANGEMAN, which used to be the mascot of Syracuse University. Now, I think they are just called the ORANGE, what a shame to change the name!! Sandra & Ralphie Syracuse

[TopCat3]

Hurrah! You must feel great now you are reunited. Go on Ralphie, eat up that food Mummy's prepared and cuddle up with her afterwards and tell her how much you love her. :p

[kb2yjx]

Ralph spent the night in HIS Grainger box in front of the heater vent in the kitchen. When I lifted the shirt that covered the box, I was greeted by a "meorumph." I will be leaving for work shortly, so Barry will be in charge, with plenty of written instructions!!! Have a good breakfast, Ralphie!!

[jenluckenbach]

Such great news. :D :D :D

[Barbara]

I know how hard it is with cats who are off their food. I tried making a wonderful concoction with chicken and brown rice and stock and all the right mineral additives bla di bla (won't bore you with the recipe/process) for Cleo as a "natural" kidney diet AND SHE WOULDN'T TOUCH IT. I have two tubs in the freezer if anyone wants it... :rolleyes:

I promise Filou wouldn't touch it too. It has "HEALTHY" written on it :rolleyes:

Glad to hear Ralph is home. I wish him a very good appetite.

[TopCat3]

Can someone please tell me what a Grainger box is? Is this something American? :confused:

[smokey the elder]

Grainger makes tools and industrial gadgets.

I'm glad Ralph is doing better!

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

OOPS, just noticed this!
Poor Ralphie, you went througha rough time, hey! I am glad to hear you are on the recovery now!!

[kb2yjx]

Hello ALL!!! I am sorry that I did not post last evening!!! If anything, Ralph is increasing the amount of gray hair on my head!!! I worked yesterday, and Ralph gave his Dad a hard time. HE REFUSED TO EAT!!! However, after speaking to the vet, and trying numerous items, Ralph took 2 pieces of Molly's Royal Canin Renal LP 21!! We called the vet to aske if we could feed that to Ralph. The wonderful people at our vet's found something better for him: I/D dry(of course I cringed when I saw the BHA & BHT listed in the ingredients!!) Barry went and picked up the bag. Ralph devoured about a tablespoon!! This morning he ate 1/8cup divided into two rounds!!!! He was out and about on the counters and being as close to his old self since he became ill!! WE ARE SO HAPPY!!!
I am so sorry about not explaining the GRAINGER box!!!! I brought the box home several months ago and Ralph took it over! NO OTHER CAT EVER GOES IN IT!!!! Barry said we should post of photo of Ralph in it. OK, how do we do that?????!!!!
Barry and I are so grateful for all your prayers, healing wishes, food ideas, and all the kind words you have sent to help our ORANGEMAN, Ralph Syracuse!! THANK YOU!!!! Sandra

[kb2yjx]

We are so lucky to have a wonderful vet!!! We are going to see if Ralph will enjoy eating the Royal Canin diet that Tina Peepers eats. It is Hypoallergenic LP23. Far less chemicals that Hills! Ralph enjoyed a few pieces of it and went back to sleep!!! Sandra

[TopCat3]

Thanks for explaining Grainger box. I thought it was some kind of special cat contraption! What am I missing out on, I thought!

I'm glad he's eating more. Honestly, I wouldn't worry more than a little about chemicals. I agree with you and try to avoid additives etc and am quite concerned about side-effects both in my food ( I have organic wherever possible) and in the cats' food. However sometimes I think it's just more important to eat, than not eat, even if there is junk in what we eat. I mean, when we reach a certain stage in life, or in illness, which is likely to do us more harm? We just have to do the best we can. Big Pharma and the chemical companies/pet food companies have made it very hard for us to do otherwise. And I'm sure they put something in it that addicts them and turns them off good wholesome food for life! :rolleyes:

[Catty1]

By the time I saw this thread, I was so worried - but happy to reach the happy beginning of a new lease on life for Ralph!

I agree with the others, Sandra - I'd worry less about the additives(especially if they are 5th or further in the ingredient list), as long as Ralph is EATING! I hope he likes his new healthier food.

There are definitely flavoured junk foods for pets! I tried some Whiskas on my cat - and he would be a medicine ball by now if I had kept him on it! All flavours and junk - and it even has the vet seal on it.

And with all due respect, I love to quote Erma Bombeck: "To heck with natural foods. At my age, I need all the preservatives I can get!"

I am two years into a special nutrition program myself, so I totally understand and respect your point of view. I just love that quote!

Any more updates?

hugs
Catty1

[TopCat3]

How's Ralphie, Sandra - eating well and feeling better now?

[kb2yjx]

As I write this morning, I am kneeling on the floor, and Ralphie is asleep on the desk chair. O, did I forget to mention that under the desk there is a baseboard heater!!! It is like a kitty sauna under there and the cats love it!!!
Ralph IS eating, but not enough according to the vet. He is eating about a 1/4 cup for the day. I can tell he wants to eat, but it is like he cannot bring himself to do it. Yesterday, I offered Ralph asparagus, one of his FAVOURITE foods. He took a bite, but that is OK. We gave him some cooked chicken and he ate a bite. I am roasting a turkey, so Ralph will have some. I am going to speak to the vet tomorrow about an appetite stimulant. I give him the sub q fluids(which much to my surprise, he does not fight us(giving this cat a pill, eye drops, ear drops, ANYTHING is a major battle!!), so I am thinking that Ralph still is not feeling up to snuff. Barry and I both agree, we do not think that Ralph is ready to leave us just yet, but we think he has had a tougher time with the pancreatitis this time than when he had it before. We have not given up on the ORANGEMAN yet!! Thank you ALL for your concern and prayers for Ralphie!! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL and YOUR KITTIES, too!!!

[Killearn Kitties]

I hope an appetite stimulant helps Ralphie. We all want him around for a while yet!

[tatsxxx11]

Lots of love and prayers on the way for precious Ralphie, Sandra.

{{{HUGS}}}

[kb2yjx]

Ralph did eat a little less than a half of a can of Fancy Feast Turkey!!! Then came begging at the table for our turkey!!! Of course, he got a piece or two!! I decided to give him fluids and he is so good!! Right now, Ralph is resting in his Grainger box by the heating vent. Will be speaking with the vet tomorrow.

[jenluckenbach]

What a wonderful way to start 2006......with good news about Ralph. :D

[Catty1]

Will keep my fingers crossed for you and Ralph! What a great turn of events - keep it up, Ralph!

How blessed he is to have such purrents!

Catty1

[TopCat3]

Fantastic news! Good on you Ralph! Get stuck into that turkey! :p :p :)

[kb2yjx]

Ralph ate a half of can of a Fancy Feast Turkey pate(?) for his breakfast, along with some dry food(Molly's renal diet)!!! I have left a message at the vet's, and will speak with her after I get home from work!!! YEA!!!!

[TopCat3]

Terrific!
It's hard to believe, when they are young healthy gobblers, that one day we will be hanging on to their every mouthful,isn't it? :rolleyes:

[jenluckenbach]

I am so happy that the news keeps getting better. :)

[furrykidsmother]

So glad to hear the encouraging news!

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so glad to hear these wonderful updates about Ralph. :)

[PJSZOO]

Glad to hear you are feeling better Ralph & more interested in eating! Paws crossed by Oliver (my orange boy) and his mommy for you to feel well soon!!!

[Kirsten]

I just read through this topic, and I'm sorry that I didn't see this earlier...

But I'm glad to hear that Ralph is doing a bit better now and I hope he keeps improving!

Get well soon, Ralph!

Kirsten

[kb2yjx]

Hello All!!! It is a day by day in dealing with Ralph and his food whims!! Well, forget the Fancy Feast!!! Major turn up the nose at it this morning!! I had gone out to an appointment, and while driving, it dawned on me that Ralph, at one time, DID like the Nutro pouches. I was not that far from the shop that sells them, so I picked up the Senior pouches. Got home, opened it up and offered Ralph a few pieces, which vanished from my fingers. So, that is what is being served to my Orangeman until he decides otherwise. Have I mentioned that my hair is getting more gray by the minute??!! But, when I see his face and hear his purr, how can I not go the distance for that cat???

[TopCat3]

Ralph's Mum was having a little trouble attaching his picture and as she was sending it to me she asked me to try to post it as a thumbnail - so here goes. Neither of us knows how to post the pictures so they show up large in the thread as most of you clever-clogs-computer-whizzes are able. But I have been OK with posting thumbnails.

Drum roll please .............Ta Daaaah!!!

[TopCat3]

Ralph shows his cultured side by watching TV, apparently. I think this one is so cute, I want to go up behind him and plant a kiss on that dear little orange head! Mwah! :p

[merril]

I hope things are starting to get better for Ralph poor guys sounds like he's been through alot. Sending my get well wishes

[Don Juan's mom]

"RETURNING MERCHANDISE?" I sure hope not! :D

Liz

[kb2yjx]

A BIG THANKS to TopCat3 for posting the photos of Ralph!!! Now everyone can see him!!! A setback at breakfast, he refused to eat. We did get some of Molly's dry renal diet onto to his plate and he ate some! TO Don Juan Mom: we intended to keep that "package" for as long as we can!!! Ralph is a good guy! And a retired therapy cat(an award winner,too)!! Have a good day all!!

[jenluckenbach]

Ralphie is so ADORABLE. :D

Give him a little smooch and hug from me.

[Kirsten]

Thanks for posting his pictures! He's so beautiful and sweet! And he must have such a wonderful and sweet personality, and brought joy and happiness to many people while he worked as a therapy cat! :)

I hope the setback is only temporary, and that he will soon get his appetite back and starts eating again.

Best wishes to him!

Kirsten

[kb2yjx]

Last evening, we noticed that Ralph was not bearing any weight and limping with his right rear leg! Of course, it was after hours at the vet, but I was able to speak with the vet. Ralph is going in to see her this morning. His paw pad remains pink and warm to touch. He refused to eat, but did enjoy over an ounce of baked diced turkey pieces. Ralph got out of HIS Grainger box, limped around the kitchen and used the litter box, then back into HIS box! Will be in touch with the vet from work...Sandra

[jenluckenbach]

I hope Ralph feel better soon.

[TopCat3]

Oh dear! That's not good news. Let's hope it's nothing serious maybe he just got bored and chewed at it for something to do. keep us posted!

[kb2yjx]

We jsut got home from the vet with Ralph. The good news is that NOTHING wrong could be found with his leg, that is such a relief!!! When I came home from work, I put together the homemade food that I use to make for Miis BooBoo Kitty(chicken, Italian green beans, carrots, turkey, salmon, angel hair pasta,low fat and salt chicken broth), and Ralph ate! Will not do a happy dance just yet, will see how he does tomorrow. Dr. Ascher even suggested cooked chicken livers if he did not eat Boo's Stew. But I think will hold off on those for now. As I write to you all, Ralph is snuggled in HIS Grainger box. He is so HAPPY to be home, and so are we!!! Will keep you posted.

[jenluckenbach]

Ralph ate better than I did tonight. :rolleyes: But he certainly deserves it. Keep up the good work, Ralph.

[kb2yjx]

When Barry came home from work, he thought I was cooking our supper!! He said it smelled so good!!

[TopCat3]

Good news about Ralph. That recipe sounds interesting, glad you had more luck with home-cooked than I did with Cleo. I still might try her again with it,it's in the freezer. She's just so fussy and picks at her food, a real Princess Picky in fact. It sounds as though Ralph is on the mend.

Guess Barry got fish fingers, oven chips and tinned peas huh?

[kb2yjx]

No, TopCat Barry had Silverbrite Salmon from the Northwest, and of course the cats HAD to have some!! I did ont have time to make the oven chips!!! We had rice!!!
Ralph ate round one like a champ, then refused the second round!!! EGADS! I am going to try to offer him a bit more in awhile. Guess where he is napping right now????

[Killearn Kitties]

Is Ralph the Gourmet napping in his little box? On your lap? Round your neck? :D

[kb2yjx]

Karen, where else would he be but in HIS box!!! Except for one small throw up, I think this was a good day. Ralph ate much better at supper, Got his claws clipped, ears cleaned, 100cc sub q fluids, snarled at Hayley and Raven, chased a tie dragged on the floor, and now is back in HIS box!! Have a good evening all!

[kb2yjx]

Ralphie is slowly making progress to wellness. He ate well ate breakfast, was the second cat to be groomed, snarled at a few of the others, as if to say " I am still the TOP CAT around here!" Spent more time aout and about on the counter and the table.Now, Ralph has retired to HIS box for a nap!

[kimlovescats]

I'm so glad to see that Ralph is doing well. Please give him some extra lovin' for me!

Kim

[Barbara]

Have you ever tried kitten food? It is more substantial than the adult food and some kitties like it a lot. All the best for Ralph :)

[jenluckenbach]

Good news.

[TopCat3]

Thrilled to hear this. Go Ralphie!

Hey Sandra, do you groom all your cats every day? :eek: I never groom my girls,they do themselves or each other (wicked, wicked Mummy). :rolleyes: The only time I tried, with a fine-toothed comb when there were fleas about, it was evidently NOT appreciated. :D

[kb2yjx]

Barry reports that Ralph ate his breakfast will a little bit of encouragement!!! Right now, where else would he be but in HIS box by the heater!!! Hi TopCat!!I do try to brush and comb them daily. I have found that really cuts down on the furballs and the amount of free flying fur in the house!!! The Clan tends to like the routine, and they get a small treat after each has been groomed, I usually groom before they eat supper. On The weekends, on Saturday and Sunday after breakfast. Seems to work OK!!

[kb2yjx]

JUst finished preparing the Ralph diet. All the cats were in the kitchen, they thought it was for them!! Ralph did well again today at breakfast and is spending more time out ou HIS box!! THANKS TO ALL YOUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS FOR RALPHIE!!!

[Kirsten]

That's good news! Glad that Ralph likes his diet, and that he's feeling strong enough to leave his box! :)

Kirsten

[kb2yjx]

Kirsten, he is getting back to his old self. I was taking out their food and he ran into the cabinet, turned around and look at me, as if to say I'm back!! Then I could not get him out!!! Sandra

[jenluckenbach]

Kirsten, he is getting back to his old self. I was taking out their food and he ran into the cabinet, turned around and look at me, as if to say I'm back!! Then I could not get him out!!! Sandra

This is wonderful news. :D

[Killearn Kitties]

Go Ralphie! Have a great 2006!

[TopCat3]

This is great news, Ralph is going from strength to strength, it seems. Must be the papal connection... ;)

[MyFave]

I never thought seeing a cat sick and old was hard until I went through it last year. It's tough, but be strong! Our prayers are with Ralphie!

[kb2yjx]

Ralph contines to improve daily!! HE IS EATING his homemade diet with gusto!! Now he spends more time our of HIS box and is getting into things(How wonder to say that!!). We can never thank ALL our friends for all their prayers and wishes!!!

[Catty1]

WONDERFUL news! Keep it up, RS!

[Kirsten]

I'm glad to read that, that's really good news!! :)

Kirsten