This might be the biggest Meow Monday update EVER! SOOOOO much happened last week. We went to the vet Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, AND Thursday. We finally got some answers about Jack and a treatment plan. I have a detailed explanation of what is going on with the old boy below. We are going back to the vet this morning. I just hope we can get Jack out from under the bed. He has been hiding because he is scared he has to go to the vet. Hopefully, this can be his last visit for a while.
I also have a great Felix update!
Jack
SO, the update on Jack isn’t the best. Two weeks ago we took Jack to the vet because he was having issues with his mouth. The vet ran some tests and checked out his teeth. Jack’s bloodwork came back indicating that Jack was in the beginning stages of kidney failure. They found an ulcer in his mouth that was causing him discomfort. It was related to the kidney disease. He got some Pepcid and anti-nausea medicine. He came home and was good for a few days.
Last week his mouth started getting really bad. He was making a sound like he was eating rocks while he was eating and even when he wasn’t eating. We took back to the vet and they didn’t know what it was and sent us on our way.
WELL, that wasn’t good enough for me. My baby was hurting and not able to eat properly. I needed answers. Chicken Legs made an appointment with a different vet – one that specialized in cats. We took Jack in on Thursday and got a better diagnosis and treatment plan.
Jack has kidney failure, high blood pressure, and anemia. The anemia and kidney failure are related. The vet was fantastic. Jack got some subcutaneous fluids, a B12 shot, a shot of anti-nausea medicine, a Pepcid, an appetite stimulant, AND a shot for his anemia. He took it all like a champ.
We go back to the new vet today to check Jack’s blood pressure. We will also get a prescription for the subcutaneous fluids and the anemia shots. Chicken Legs will administer those at home going forward. Jack will need the fluids once a week and the anemia shots three times a week at first. We will tweak the treatment plan as needed.
We are very happy with the treatment plan and hopefully, we can make Jack more comfortable. He ate well this weekend and isn’t griding his teeth anymore. He is letting us give him his medicine. SO, all in all, it is good. We know that Jack probably doesn’t have years left. We are hoping he can make it to his 16th birthday in October and maybe Christmas. He will let us know when it is his time to go.
UPDATE
Jack had a GREAT visit to the vet today. He is responding wonderfully to the treatment. The vet was very pleased. His blood pressure is back to normal and he gained over half a pound. They were able to get a urine sample this time. His urine concentration was 1123 and normal is 1125 (or something like that). So, he is just under the normal concentration. No crystals or bacteria in his urine. That is great news!
We will do fluids and anemia shot at home for the next three weeks. We added a kidney medication to his daily routine. I have mastered the pill popper, so we are good there! Overall, it was a very positive visit. We go back on July 19th for a checkup and to check his blood. We are feeling good about his health. I am so thankful to have found a good veterinarian!
Felix
Felix has really started coming out of his shell this past week. He is coming downstairs more often. He is eating better and his eyes are finally on the mend. Hallelujah!!! He looks great and is really starting to feel more comfortable. He even has a little pep in his step.????
On a recent vet visit, they took blood from Felix. The results came back that he has slightly elevated kidney levels. We are going to take him to visit the new vet in the next few weeks to get her opinion on his kidney health.
AND INTRODUCING…
I’ve been pretty down the past couple of months. Nacho Man and Squeaky’s deaths have weighed heavy on me. Jack’s diagnosis this past week really put me over the top. TOO much stress!
I have missed having some action around the house. Jack and Felix are OLD. They don’t do much except sleep. I needed some excitement in the house. We went out to lunch Saturday and ended up adopting not one, but TWO cuties!!! Welcome, Mango & Mackinaw Peach!
Mango
Mackinaw Peach
Mango & Mackinaw Peach aren’t littermates. Mango is a 14-week old female and Mackinaw Peach is an 11-week old male. I wanted two orange kittens. I also really wanted a boy and a girl. It was meant to be! We adopted the kittens from the same place as Felix – Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue.
The kittens came into the house and made themselves right at home. Mango slept with Chicken Legs in the bed Saturday night. Mackinaw slept in the cat tower.
Felix loves them – he stayed out all afternoon and watched the kittens. He even touched noses with both of them. I think the kittens might help him be more active. We’ve renamed Felix, Grandpa.
Jack wasn’t near as upset as I thought he would be. He did a little hissing but was really good with them. He stayed on the porch and watched them for hours on Saturday.
Mango is a wild child. She is jumping and climbing on everything. I’ve nicknamed her my flying squirrel. I’m going to have to really watch her when I’m cooking.
Mackinaw (Mack) is very chill and relaxed. He loved his new bed and mouse. He is a big fan of catnip. He is also a little love bug. He loves belly rubs and sleeping on my chest. His purr is SO loud!
Both of their names are Seinfeld references. Mango from “The Mango” episode and Mackinaw Peach from “The Doodle” episode. Their Instagram account is @mackandmango if you want to follow their adventures. I’ve already taken a TON of photos and videos of them. They are TOO cute!
We’ve only had them a day and a half, but I am already totally in love with them. They are so much fun! I can’t wait to watch them grow up.
Meow Monday – pictures of cute cats to start the week. Come see what Mack & Mango have been up…
Comments
Oh, how lovely that you have some new snugglefluffs to ease your heartache a little! They are gorgeous babies, and will bring All The Joy into the house!
I've known people who've gotten kittens while their older cat is ailing. I think it can help ones own mood and be a distraction from sickness and death that is to come. At the same time, it's usually stressful for the older cat. As long as the older one has refuge from the new bundles of energy and is still comforted and given the bulk of attention, he can probably find peace with sharing with the kittens. And, fortunately, youngsters need to play so much, that there will be plenty of time for your original guy. Glad you found a good cat vet. They're hard to come by.
The vet was very optimistic today. She didn't seem to think death was near for Jack. She literally saved his life and we couldn't be happier.
Jack is actually enjoying the kittens – as long as they don't get too close to him right now. He likes to watch them play. Don't worry – he is the king of the house.
Wow, you have been through the wringer. I have done the sub-q fluids and Vitamin B12 injections. That is sub-q too. There is a schedule you do for so many weeks then once a something {I don't remember} I just know I could manage it. Did the vet put the boys on a renal diet? I will be thinking about you. I have walked and am walking in your shoes. I lost 3 indoor and 1 feral last year from June-October. I hated 2018. Truly, I haven't gotten over losing them yet. I hurt so badly. Your sweet kittens will help your boys once they feel good. My cats have spraying "issues" so I am not adding to my family. There's 4 left indoors and 2 ferals outdoors. The zen is definitely missing from lmy home.
Oh, how lovely that you have some new snugglefluffs to ease your heartache a little! They are gorgeous babies, and will bring All The Joy into the house!
I've known people who've gotten kittens while their older cat is ailing. I think it can help ones own mood and be a distraction from sickness and death that is to come.
At the same time, it's usually stressful for the older cat. As long as the older one has refuge from the new bundles of energy and is still comforted and given the bulk of attention, he can probably find peace with sharing with the kittens. And, fortunately, youngsters need to play so much, that there will be plenty of time for your original guy.
Glad you found a good cat vet. They're hard to come by.
The vet was very optimistic today. She didn't seem to think death was near for Jack. She literally saved his life and we couldn't be happier.
Jack is actually enjoying the kittens – as long as they don't get too close to him right now. He likes to watch them play. Don't worry – he is the king of the house.
Wow, you have been through the wringer. I have done the sub-q fluids and Vitamin B12 injections. That is sub-q too. There is a schedule you do for so many weeks then once a something {I don't remember} I just know I could manage it. Did the vet put the boys on a renal diet? I will be thinking about you. I have walked and am walking in your shoes. I lost 3 indoor and 1 feral last year from June-October. I hated 2018. Truly, I haven't gotten over losing them yet. I hurt so badly. Your sweet kittens will help your boys once they feel good. My cats have spraying "issues" so I am not adding to my family. There's 4 left indoors and 2 ferals outdoors. The zen is definitely missing from lmy home.