(no subject)

[felicula]

This morning I ambled out of the bedroom to see three hot-dog lengths' worth of catten vomit in the living room and in front of the bathroom. I figured, "It's hot, it's uncomfy. Someone has an upset stomach." Then about 6pm Leo started the most horrendous yowling. That cat really knows how to express himself when he's not feeling well. We debated for a while whether or not we should wait until tomorrow to have him seen. The ER for animals isn't exactly the cheapest vet around... But the yowling kept up, and I realized that Leo hadn't eaten. He refused to have water, he kept trying to use the litter box to no avail, and he yowled all the more when we tried to let him cool off in the air-conditioned bedroom. I tried to coax him out with treats and he yowled indignantly. How could I be waving treats in front of him when he's feeling so ucky!

So, we called the place to see what they thought. It sounded to them like a urinary blockage - potentially fatal if not relieved. So, in we went. Apparently his bladder was swollen up to about the size of a human fist and hard as a rock from being so full. The solution: anaesthesia, catheterization to remove the obstruction, and several days worth of observation. If we're lucky and can get him transferred to our regular vet, it's going to cost in the ballpark of $800. If he has to stay at the ER Vet Clinic, it could get closer to $1,500. Ouch. But he's our Leo.

The good news is, the worst part is over. He remained stable under anaesthesia. They removed the blockage with relative ease. He's getting IV fluids and electrolytes, and the catheter stays in to prevent re-blockage. The bad news is that re-blockage is relatively common with this issue, hence why he'll likely need to be kept catheterized and under observation for as many as 4 days. Poor kitty! I need to call our regular vet first thing in the morning to see if they can take him in transfer, and call the ER Clinic to check up on him and make arrangements at 9:30 a.m.

It was rather scary to hear him carry on. It's a good thing we caught it before it either became further blocked or caused issue with either dehydration or chemicals from it affecting his heart. Cats are such small guys, little issues become big ones quickly. I've been to that clinic with Dweezil and Epiphany before. This time it is Leo. I guess that is the downside to loving lots of cats. I wouldn't choose not to love them, though.

Comments

[phoenixsong]

*hugtight* Poor kitty! I hope he's feeling better today and gets to come home soon.

[blackfelicula.livejournal.com]

***hugs tight too*** I hope so too. Pray he gets home on Wednesday!

[dawnstar.livejournal.com]

Oh dear! If there's anything at all I can do, sweetheart, please let me know.

*hugs you tightly and sends lots of love*

[blackfelicula.livejournal.com]

***hugs and loves too*** We will. I think the emotional support is a goodness.

[hbbtrbbtbcnbt.livejournal.com]

Eeeep! *lots and lots of hugs and kitty snuggles* I hope Leo is better...poor kitty :(

[blackfelicula.livejournal.com]

***lots and lots of hugs to you too*** I hope so too.

[cheshire23.livejournal.com]

Poor little kitty - I remember watching Flora hurt and how sad that was.

[blackfelicula.livejournal.com]

I think what got to me most about Leo was his through-the-plastic-cone nuzzles. He still gave me kitty-love even though he was surrounded by scary, ucky medical stuff. How're Flora and Crookshanks doing these days?

[whitesnowrosere.livejournal.com]

yes, it is hard and scarry. We lost our last rat last week.


-Rose Red

[blackfelicula.livejournal.com]

It's never easy to have a hurt / lost / or deceased pet. Leo might not have ever been here if it wasn't for you! He's a great catten in our family. He got to be our baby for a while. The good thing is, treatment was possible. We caught it in time. ***hugs you, even though it's online***