I miss my little pest! - Update 5/13 He's Home!

Lady_MCSE · 05-10-2008, 09:46 PM

Background - Boxer is the second-in-command in my feline herd of three. Second to be adopted, second in age, and the world's most needy cat. That boy will litterally nip me on the back of the leg if he feels I'm giving too much attention to something such as oh, let's say laundry or cooking dinner. And a phone call? Any attempts by mom to talk on the phone are sure to invite a mighty catterwalling in order to drown out mom's voice.

He is also the little guy who has been my chief neatness inspector. If I am dumb enough to let the mail pile up on the dining room table, or really really dumb enough to put anything important there, such as cruise tickets or mortgage paperwork, it will be peed on. As long as the table is kept free and clear for kitties to prance upon (even though they are not permitted!), we get along fine.

He is also the little fellow who was diagnosed with kidney failure two years ago (to the month!). This was before the big chinese-pet-food problem, and second-opinioned by a vet who did an ultrasound revealing that his kidneys are about half the size they should be. Bad genetics basically.

So, we've been on prescription diet for two years, and just eight days ago I had him in for his annual checkup. He had gained THREE pounds since six months ago, going from 12lbs to 15. And his BUN was 42, up from 36 last visit. Not great, but not severe danger yet. The vet said just keep doing what we've been doing, which so far has meant subcue fluids every few months (last given to him in January I think).

Yesterday I noticed he was jumping up on that danged dining room table again, where he knows he's not allowed. And then pestering me at the computer desk as well. He's normally allowed up there, but not when I'm working on projects, so yesterday was a shoo-the-cat-away day, and that happened several times.

This morning I sat to the computer to check my email, and he had to test me on whehter it was OK to come up on the desk yet, so I shooed him away two or three times. Then he came up again and turned his butt to me and did what looked like a peeing maneauver right on my keyboard. If you've ever seen a male cat "spray" then you know what I'm talking about - butt and tail all aquiver . . . I was very shocked and assumed he was just pi$$ed at me (pardon the choice of words, but I think it's appropriate here). So I really shooed him away that time!

Went into the shower, and as I was drying off I noticed him go into the litter box once and dig around, but no "action." Went up to the bedroom, and he followed me, and proceeded to "spray" my pillow! (Again nothing coming out.)

At that point, mom finally got the clue. Boy that critter sure is smart. I ran with him to the bathroom where the litter box is, and watched him for 15 minutes. He tried several times. I ran water from the faucet and he tried again. Clearly something was wrong. In fact, something was so wrong that he actually went WILLINGINGLY into the pet carrier. Just eight days ago, that was a tremendous struggle!

Got him to the vet an hour before they closed for the weekend. There's nothing so unnerving as having the carrier whisked from my hand, they take him beyond closed doors, and I hear screaming. Everyone in the waiting room was looking at me like what the **LL were they doing to your cat?!?

Sooooo . . . it was a blocked urethra, and they have him cathetered and hospitalized for the weekend. The vet commended me on bringing him in so quickly - said the bladder was not super-duper full yet, so I got it in plenty of time. He said most people don't notice until it's a lot further along. Again, smart kitty for letting me know!!!

Then I had to run off for a job interview which took pretty much all day. So I came home to two very hungry kitties who seem kind of out-of-sorts, wandering around the house. I didn't even get to comfort them for the past eight hours as they wonder where their buddy went.

What I hate the most is him not knowing what's going on. Clearly he trusted me by getting into that carrier so willingly. But it'll just be gut-wrenching to think of him all alone in the hospital tonight not knowing what's going on, and wondering why mom left him there.

scalawag · 05-10-2008, 09:54 PM

That is something that's easy enough to treat, even if it is expensive and nerve-wracking for you. Big ((((((HUGS)))))) to you, I've been through this with three cats, definitely feel for you.

**taelesean** · 05-10-2008, 10:01 PM

Well, despite the screaming, he felt alot better reall fast, since I assume the fuss was over being catheterized.

He'll forgive your, and he'll remember that he did feel better.

Lady_MCSE · 05-10-2008, 10:08 PM

I know, I know, it's just that I'm a natural-born worry wart!!!

One thing the vet said though was that it's incredibly rare for a critter to get a blockage like that with having kidney failure and especially being on the K/D diet, which is ultra-low in all the things that normally cause blockages. So I think he was giving me a heads-up that this is very unusual and we may just ahve to wait and see how things go, but if it keeps happening, there's not much more we can do to prevent it.

And me not having an income at the moment, aargh!

SACREDWINDWALKER · 05-10-2008, 11:06 PM

Has he been on c/d multicare yet? That's the newest one for crystals and stones....but k/d is for kidneys....so which one would do more for the combined problem?? He's a lucky cat too....in that you knew what the problem was before it was too late.....good going!!

tallyho · 05-11-2008, 06:10 AM

awww......poor fella, and poor you! But glad you got him to the vet in time. LOL...the pesty ones are always the first to be missed. I have a demanding leader of the pack (I refer to him as The Sultan) who stands on his hind legs and grabs at my legs/butt when he wants attention. OK with pants on, but in the morning, he usually managesto get one cold,sharp paw under my robe. THAT'S a real eye opener!
Best wishes for you and Boxer

farmergal · 05-11-2008, 07:53 AM

Poor guy!

I hope he feels better soon.

Horses&Soccer · 05-11-2008, 08:19 AM

Sounds like you have a very smart kitty. Before we lost our old kitty at Christmas her kidneys and liver were failing too. She would not eat the k/d at all, we had to buy her the wrong stuff just so she would eat something. She would get terribly constipated, and start crying to let us know. We'd go to the vet, so I know the screaming you're talking about - very upsetting! Sounds like you're doing all you can for Boxer, I'm sure he knows it.
{{{{{HUGS}}}}}

HorseMomToSage · 05-11-2008, 04:55 PM

Sending you hugs, I know you miss him but he will be home soon and kudos for catching it so soon. I know you do but try not to worry, once he settles down he will start feeling better and probably be able to rest.

Lady_MCSE · 05-11-2008, 07:47 PM

So far I haven't heard a peep out of the vet, so I'm taking that as good news. He made it VERY clear, that no news was good news! They are a small practice with only two exam rooms and two vets. From the times I"ve been in there lately, I'm thinking they need to grow their practice. There's always a flurry of activity and commotion. So that's why he was so clear about only calling if he needed to.

Here's to hoping I hear from them first thing in the morning. Not sure if I'm projecting feelings onto Tigger and Pluma, but they certainly seem very clingy today. Usually the pest is bugging me for attention, but now they are.

**seerfarm** · 05-11-2008, 08:59 PM

Sending my thoughts and well wishes for him!

sundancer maiden · 05-12-2008, 02:35 AM

You may miss him for a little while, but be very happy he will come home! I had an exferal I called Daddy, once he realized he was safe, he was about the sweetest cat I've ever known. He dissapeared for one day and came back very weak acting. It was late at night and didn't have a fever, so I waited until morning to go to the vet. Turned out that he not only didn't have a fever, his temp was 93, cats should be 100- 101. His urethra had totally blocked to where urine had backed up into his system and was poisening him. The very low temp was a sign that his body had already started shutting down. My vet did everything she could, but he died.
I had never dealt with urethra blockage before and did a bunch of reading. It is terrifiing just how quickly a blockage can become fatal. You did great!! I think knowing your "kids", and what is normal for them is the best thing in the world.

Kingpin · 05-12-2008, 03:33 AM

Hey at least at the vet overnight he is getting relief. You know that had to be an awful feeling and him trying to communicate that to you. He will be happy when he comes home that you understood, got him help and now he is better.

Lady_MCSE · 05-12-2008, 11:08 AM

Update: Vet says the cath is out and he has peed on his own once.

But they want to see him go a couple more times before they release him.

I should call back near the end of the day. Grr. . . .

**Diamond_Y** · 05-12-2008, 11:11 AM

Wonderful news, Lady_M!

Lady_MCSE · 05-12-2008, 05:28 PM

Disappointing update. He's not peeing "as much as he should." They want to keep him one more night, and asked that I call at 7:30 am, before the office opens.

NoniMe · 05-12-2008, 08:01 PM

I went through the whole blocked bladder/urethra thing with Tronster Monster, several times. One of the things that they say causes it is the fish flavored food; I took him off that, and he seemed to be fine...never had another bout of it as far as I know. His signal was peeing in the sink.

Tron died in my arms of congestive heart failure at 20 years old...

Lady M, you were very fast at realizing the issue, and getting him help. Your vet sounds careful, too, and your boy is in good hands. And yes, the others are more clingy because they miss him like you do...so give and get comfort from them while you all wait to bring Boxer home.

Hugs.

Best-
Noni

**seerfarm** · 05-12-2008, 09:09 PM

Keeping Boxer in my thoughts, hopefully he can come home tomorrow.

Pony express · 05-12-2008, 09:15 PM

Prayers for Boxer.......I hope he is ok.

ScootinAlong · 05-12-2008, 09:33 PM

I can sympathize with you on this one and know it'a painful wait-and-see process.

We had a former stray that we took in when we lived in KS that had serious problems with plugging up. The first time he did it my husband and I were gone all day to work and didn't get home until about 8pm. We found Dan in the kitchen extremely lethargic and painful to the touch. We rushed him to the vet and discovered the problem--his bladder was HUGE and the vet said if it would have gone on for a couple more hours we would have lost him. He did it several times after this in just a little over a year, required hospitalization on 3 occasions, despite constant monitoring via UAs and the required special diet/distilled water. We finally ended up having a perineal urethrostomy done on him. The recovery was awful for both of us but after a few days he was good as new and we've had no problems ever since.

Best wishes to you and your boy. Keep us posted.

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05-10-2008, 09:46 PM
Lady_MCSE Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Shytown, IL Posts: 3,646	I miss my little pest! - Update 5/13 He's Home! Background - Boxer is the second-in-command in my feline herd of three. Second to be adopted, second in age, and the world's most needy cat. That boy will litterally nip me on the back of the leg if he feels I'm giving too much attention to something such as oh, let's say laundry or cooking dinner. And a phone call? Any attempts by mom to talk on the phone are sure to invite a mighty catterwalling in order to drown out mom's voice. He is also the little guy who has been my chief neatness inspector. If I am dumb enough to let the mail pile up on the dining room table, or really really dumb enough to put anything important there, such as cruise tickets or mortgage paperwork, it will be peed on. As long as the table is kept free and clear for kitties to prance upon (even though they are not permitted!), we get along fine. He is also the little fellow who was diagnosed with kidney failure two years ago (to the month!). This was before the big chinese-pet-food problem, and second-opinioned by a vet who did an ultrasound revealing that his kidneys are about half the size they should be. Bad genetics basically. So, we've been on prescription diet for two years, and just eight days ago I had him in for his annual checkup. He had gained THREE pounds since six months ago, going from 12lbs to 15. And his BUN was 42, up from 36 last visit. Not great, but not severe danger yet. The vet said just keep doing what we've been doing, which so far has meant subcue fluids every few months (last given to him in January I think). Yesterday I noticed he was jumping up on that danged dining room table again, where he knows he's not allowed. And then pestering me at the computer desk as well. He's normally allowed up there, but not when I'm working on projects, so yesterday was a shoo-the-cat-away day, and that happened several times. This morning I sat to the computer to check my email, and he had to test me on whehter it was OK to come up on the desk yet, so I shooed him away two or three times. Then he came up again and turned his butt to me and did what looked like a peeing maneauver right on my keyboard. If you've ever seen a male cat "spray" then you know what I'm talking about - butt and tail all aquiver . . . I was very shocked and assumed he was just pi$$ed at me (pardon the choice of words, but I think it's appropriate here). So I really shooed him away that time! Went into the shower, and as I was drying off I noticed him go into the litter box once and dig around, but no "action." Went up to the bedroom, and he followed me, and proceeded to "spray" my pillow! (Again nothing coming out.) At that point, mom finally got the clue. Boy that critter sure is smart. I ran with him to the bathroom where the litter box is, and watched him for 15 minutes. He tried several times. I ran water from the faucet and he tried again. Clearly something was wrong. In fact, something was so wrong that he actually went WILLINGINGLY into the pet carrier. Just eight days ago, that was a tremendous struggle! Got him to the vet an hour before they closed for the weekend. There's nothing so unnerving as having the carrier whisked from my hand, they take him beyond closed doors, and I hear screaming. Everyone in the waiting room was looking at me like what the *LL were they doing to your cat?!? Sooooo . . . it was a blocked urethra, and they have him cathetered and hospitalized for the weekend. The vet commended me on bringing him in so quickly - said the bladder was not super-duper full yet, so I got it in plenty of time. He said most people don't notice until it's a lot further along. Again, smart kitty for letting me know!!! Then I had to run off for a job interview which took pretty much all day. So I came home to two very hungry kitties who seem kind of out-of-sorts, wandering around the house. I didn't even get to comfort them for the past eight hours as they wonder where their buddy went. What I hate the most is him not knowing what's going on. Clearly he trusted me by getting into that carrier so willingly. But it'll just be gut-wrenching to think of him all alone in the hospital tonight not knowing what's going on, and wondering why mom left him there. __________________ A little self-deprecating humor from time to time can be healthy. Just be cautious -- make sure it doesn't turn to self-defecating humor. --LadyM* Last edited by Lady_MCSE : 05-13-2008 at 01:13 PM.

05-10-2008, 09:54 PM
scalawag Yearling Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 700	That is something that's easy enough to treat, even if it is expensive and nerve-wracking for you. Big ((((((HUGS)))))) to you, I've been through this with three cats, definitely feel for you. __________________ "You can start with nothing, and out of nothing and out of no way, a way will be made." - Michael Bernard Beckwith

05-10-2008, 10:01 PM
taelesean Administrator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 5,760	Well, despite the screaming, he felt alot better reall fast, since I assume the fuss was over being catheterized. He'll forgive your, and he'll remember that he did feel better. __________________

05-10-2008, 10:08 PM
Lady_MCSE Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Shytown, IL Posts: 3,646	I know, I know, it's just that I'm a natural-born worry wart!!! One thing the vet said though was that it's incredibly rare for a critter to get a blockage like that with having kidney failure and especially being on the K/D diet, which is ultra-low in all the things that normally cause blockages. So I think he was giving me a heads-up that this is very unusual and we may just ahve to wait and see how things go, but if it keeps happening, there's not much more we can do to prevent it. And me not having an income at the moment, aargh! __________________ A little self-deprecating humor from time to time can be healthy. Just be cautious -- make sure it doesn't turn to self-defecating humor. --LadyM

05-10-2008, 11:06 PM
SACREDWINDWALKER Started Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Western Kentucky Posts: 2,111	Has he been on c/d multicare yet? That's the newest one for crystals and stones....but k/d is for kidneys....so which one would do more for the combined problem?? He's a lucky cat too....in that you knew what the problem was before it was too late.....good going!! __________________ http://www.sacredwindwalker.com

05-11-2008, 06:10 AM
tallyho Long Yearling Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Trappe, PA Posts: 1,157	awww......poor fella, and poor you! But glad you got him to the vet in time. LOL...the pesty ones are always the first to be missed. I have a demanding leader of the pack (I refer to him as The Sultan) who stands on his hind legs and grabs at my legs/butt when he wants attention. OK with pants on, but in the morning, he usually managesto get one cold,sharp paw under my robe. THAT'S a real eye opener! Best wishes for you and Boxer

05-11-2008, 07:53 AM
farmergal Seasoned Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 4,926	Poor guy! I hope he feels better soon. __________________

05-11-2008, 08:19 AM
Horses&Soccer Started Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Warrenton, MO Posts: 2,922	Sounds like you have a very smart kitty. Before we lost our old kitty at Christmas her kidneys and liver were failing too. She would not eat the k/d at all, we had to buy her the wrong stuff just so she would eat something. She would get terribly constipated, and start crying to let us know. We'd go to the vet, so I know the screaming you're talking about - very upsetting! Sounds like you're doing all you can for Boxer, I'm sure he knows it. {{{{{HUGS}}}}} __________________ When life gives you lemons - find someone to throw them at!

05-11-2008, 04:55 PM
HorseMomToSage Coming two Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: A Whole Other Country-TX Of Course Posts: 1,501	Sending you hugs, I know you miss him but he will be home soon and kudos for catching it so soon. I know you do but try not to worry, once he settles down he will start feeling better and probably be able to rest. __________________ Just when the caterpillar thought it was the end of the world, it became a butterfly

05-11-2008, 07:47 PM
Lady_MCSE Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Shytown, IL Posts: 3,646	So far I haven't heard a peep out of the vet, so I'm taking that as good news. He made it VERY clear, that no news was *good* news! They are a small practice with only two exam rooms and two vets. From the times I"ve been in there lately, I'm thinking they need to grow their practice. There's always a flurry of activity and commotion. So that's why he was so clear about only calling if he needed to. Here's to hoping I hear from them first thing in the morning. Not sure if I'm projecting feelings onto Tigger and Pluma, but they certainly seem very clingy today. Usually the pest is bugging me for attention, but now they are. __________________ A little self-deprecating humor from time to time can be healthy. Just be cautious -- make sure it doesn't turn to self-defecating humor. --LadyM

05-12-2008, 11:11 AM
Diamond_Y Administrator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,809	Wonderful news, Lady_M! __________________ Diamond Y Quarter Horses - Breeders of Quality Foundation Quarter Horses Home of King of Cooke County, 2004 Perlino son of Cooke County ETC

05-11-2008, 08:59 PM
seerfarm Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Out with the Herd! Posts: 8,241	Sending my thoughts and well wishes for him! __________________ "Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us". ~Hal Borland

05-12-2008, 02:35 AM
sundancer maiden Long Yearling Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Udall, KS Posts: 1,211	You may miss him for a little while, but be very happy he will come home! I had an exferal I called Daddy, once he realized he was safe, he was about the sweetest cat I've ever known. He dissapeared for one day and came back very weak acting. It was late at night and didn't have a fever, so I waited until morning to go to the vet. Turned out that he not only didn't have a fever, his temp was 93, cats should be 100- 101. His urethra had totally blocked to where urine had backed up into his system and was poisening him. The very low temp was a sign that his body had already started shutting down. My vet did everything she could, but he died. I had never dealt with urethra blockage before and did a bunch of reading. It is terrifiing just how quickly a blockage can become fatal. You did great!! I think knowing your "kids", and what is normal for them is the best thing in the world. __________________ You don't have to be crazy to be my friend, but it helps!!!

05-12-2008, 03:33 AM
Kingpin Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lancaster, Ky Posts: 522	Hey at least at the vet overnight he is getting relief. You know that had to be an awful feeling and him trying to communicate that to you. He will be happy when he comes home that you understood, got him help and now he is better.

05-12-2008, 11:08 AM
Lady_MCSE Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Shytown, IL Posts: 3,646	Update: Vet says the cath is out and he has peed on his own once. But they want to see him go a couple more times before they release him. I should call back near the end of the day. Grr. . . . __________________ A little self-deprecating humor from time to time can be healthy. Just be cautious -- make sure it doesn't turn to self-defecating humor. --LadyM

05-12-2008, 05:28 PM
Lady_MCSE Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Shytown, IL Posts: 3,646	Disappointing update. He's not peeing "as much as he should." They want to keep him one more night, and asked that I call at 7:30 am, before the office opens. __________________ A little self-deprecating humor from time to time can be healthy. Just be cautious -- make sure it doesn't turn to self-defecating humor. --LadyM

05-12-2008, 08:01 PM
NoniMe Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,245	I went through the whole blocked bladder/urethra thing with Tronster Monster, several times. One of the things that they say causes it is the fish flavored food; I took him off that, and he seemed to be fine...never had another bout of it as far as I know. His signal was peeing in the sink. Tron died in my arms of congestive heart failure at 20 years old... Lady M, you were very fast at realizing the issue, and getting him help. Your vet sounds careful, too, and your boy is in good hands. And yes, the others are more clingy because they miss him like you do...so give and get comfort from them while you all wait to bring Boxer home. Hugs. Best- Noni __________________ "His name is Tango," said I. The wee boy, in his childish lisp, replied "no, his name is Bongo Mountain."

05-12-2008, 09:09 PM
seerfarm Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Out with the Herd! Posts: 8,241	Keeping Boxer in my thoughts, hopefully he can come home tomorrow. __________________ "Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us". ~Hal Borland

05-12-2008, 09:15 PM
Pony express Started Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Mid Michigan Posts: 2,583	Prayers for Boxer.......I hope he is ok. __________________ I don't regret the things I've done. I regret the things I didn't do when I had the chance.

05-12-2008, 09:33 PM
ScootinAlong Weanling Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 220	I can sympathize with you on this one and know it'a painful wait-and-see process. We had a former stray that we took in when we lived in KS that had serious problems with plugging up. The first time he did it my husband and I were gone all day to work and didn't get home until about 8pm. We found Dan in the kitchen extremely lethargic and painful to the touch. We rushed him to the vet and discovered the problem--his bladder was HUGE and the vet said if it would have gone on for a couple more hours we would have lost him. He did it several times after this in just a little over a year, required hospitalization on 3 occasions, despite constant monitoring via UAs and the required special diet/distilled water. We finally ended up having a perineal urethrostomy done on him. The recovery was awful for both of us but after a few days he was good as new and we've had no problems ever since. Best wishes to you and your boy. Keep us posted.