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. 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!

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. 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.

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