First, here is Emma about five minutes ago. I want to show you all her eyes, this picture really shows how her eyelids really are:

See how the edges of her eyes (lids) look like they are more brownish? Well, that's because she doesn't have half of her eyelids in the outer corners. You can almost divide her eye virtically in half, the inner corners have an eyelid, her outer corners (half) don't. Because of this, the hair is growing into her eye, thus making the eye inflammed, irritated and allowing germs to get in.

Good news first!!
*They did give me a discount, making the first visits and tests only (only?) $109.50
*She passed her glaucoma test with flying colors and wont have to have an eye removed.
*She didn't have any new lesions on her eye.
*She was SUCH A GOOOOOOOOOOOOODDDD GIRL!! She literally purred and kneaded the entire time we were there (about one and a half hours). Such a sweetie! When we were checking in, I was holding her on the counter and she put her paws on my chin and gave me a kiss on my lips...I, of course teared up at once and the receptionist/tech squealed! She is such a doll!!
*The vet checked her vision and said that it was very good! No retna problems.
*The vet said she looks really healthy otherwise. Yay!!

Not horrible, but less positive news:
*Emma most likely has chlamydia in her eye that is swollen.
*The vet thinks this eye is suffering from some type of wound. (Maybe Phoebe caught her in the eyelid while playing??)
*Surgery will be needed when she's about four months old. (she's 13 weeks today)

The surgery:
Well, with my "I work at a veterinary hospital and do cat rescue" discount, it'll cost between $1073.48 and $1162.97. Luckily, we have at least a month to figure out how to come up/save for it. (*Guess this is how I'll finally learn that saving money is better than shopping when I want...doh! ) I'm going to be picking up more hours at work, so that'll help.

They will be taking skin from under her eyes and will form the rest of her top eyelids with it. They will also take some of the third eyelid and attach it to the new lid, so it'll hopefully grow there too.

She'll get to wear a shiny, new e-collar until it heals, but will get to come home the same day.

Until then:
She's getting BNP-H ointment in her left eye twice a day, along with Artificial Tear ointment twice a day in the left, four times a day in the right eye. Lubrication in those eyes helps her not to be in pain or discomfort.

Thanks so much for your prayers! It looks like we know have an 8 cat household. My life now consists of work, school, David, cats, cats and more cats!! Oh well....they keep me happy and I can study with them. They'll keep me in line.

Regarding Phoebe's surgery. One of the other vets at work said he'd be able to do Phoebe's surgery for me. (It'll be 60% off, which will be sooooo much better and I can pay as I can...they know where I live. ) I guess Phoebe's eyes aren't as bad and can be sewn together where they are missing.

Thanks again!!

Love,
Kelly