Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat Health & Behaviour => For FIV & FELV babes => Topic started by: Turbogirlie on January 07, 2008, 22:44:50 PM
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Hi & Happy New Year to All!
I posted a thread http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php?topic=7470.0 regarding our FIV+ cat, Fizz previously and thought it was time for an update.
Seems to have recovered from the Uveitis now, although he did have a minor relapse resulting in a home visit. Our vet is wonderful and very proactive. He contacted the Bristol Laboratory regarding the Uveitis and Anaemia problems and they ran some tests for FIA - Feline Infectious Anaemia.
Unfortunately, this condition is difficult to diagnose unless the blood is tested almost immediately so couldn't get a reading. However, he tested negative for Toxoplasmosis which is a cause of Uveitis so it would appear his eye problem is a result purely of the FIV. It's a good sign that there isn't anything else causing the problem.
The laboratory have advised that the best course of action is 20 days on Ronaxan - used to treat FIA, as a precautionary medication. Once treatment over, we can then wean him off the steroids (on half a tablet morning and night at present) to establish if Fizz now has control of his system again.
When the blood was taken on 4th Dec, his RBC had dropped from 36 to 30. However, the vet said it is likely to fluctuate a little so wasn't overly concerned at the reduction.
Fizz in himself has good days where he is more his old, boisterous self, then quiet days where he just wants to snuggle up on your lap and sleep or hide in the wardrobe/cardboard box..... we are both concerned for him but will do our best, knowing he has the support of this site and our vet behind him.
In our researches about FIV I found a very informative website connected to prescription medication given to animals. http://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/Compendium/Overview/-21789.html
If you input the name of the medication prescribed, you will get information regarding contra indications etc which is really useful, and the name of the company which markets the product in the UK.
Will let you know how he gets on with the Ronaxan, we are on day 4 so far, still early days and unsure if we will see a visible improvement until off the steroids.
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Your vet sounds good so hope that Fizz will be fine ;D
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Thanks very much Gill, we are keeping our fingers crossed that Fizz can be weaned off the steroids soon, been on them too long really but it has been necessary, with the anaemia and uveitis...... :(
:thanks: :hug: ;)
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sending lots of healing thoughts for Fizz
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AWw, I do hope he can be weaned off the meds, and is fine.
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Fingers crossed the new meds help to sort him out turbogirlie :hug:
I know what you mean about the steroids being a worry, but even if the make the long run shorter (as it were) if they help in the meantime it's the best we can ask for.
Please keep us posted
x
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:thanks: everyone for your kind words.
We share the same philosophy Schmew - if Fizz has some quality of life now then that's for the best. Without the steroids he would have died last February - he has had an extra year so far which is a bonus in the company of such a wonderful character.
Seems brighter tonight, little more boisterous..... :Luv:
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Keeping everything crossed for Fizz and the hope the meds can be reduced/stopped shortly :hug:
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I'm glad Fizz is feeling a bit better and that his uveitis has cleared up. It's great to have a good vet and yours sounds very supportive. Hoping Fizz stays well.
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Hi everyone.
Didn't realise just how long it had been since I'd posted on here with an update on Fizz. 2008 was a reasonable year for him - he continued to perk up & was back to his funlovin self. He had a couple of recurrences of the anaemia so was on & off steroids.
This year has not been so good for him. We did a 'trickle dose' of steroids as recommended by the vet last Christmas & at the end of March we took him in for a check up - RBC 30 - spot on! However, a month later he was licking the ground again so once more we put him on the trickle dose. This is a mild dose of prednisolone - half a tablet twice a day for 3 weeks, then gradual weaning off - hopefully to control the anaemia. Weaning him off in July we noticed him licking the ground again so boosted the dose as recommended by the vet. Then, by the end of August, we were in the weaning off stages again & he's back to licking the ground.
Took him in at the beginning of September & had bloods taken, terrible - his RBC was a 6th of it's normal count (6 instead of 30) & white cell count half of what it should be. Amazed he wasn't showing any symptoms or pain as he could have passed out. He was quiet so figure that he knew he couldn't run around.
So back on the steroids again - still doing half a tab twice a day. Slow recovery as was really ill - & we thought we were headed in the right direction until last night. He now has a watery discharge from the anus - smells like a cow pat - so we are taking him in for a check up today. He seems bright - tried to follow me last night when I went for a walk & has appetite & drinking plenty. I'm just worried that the FIV has moved up a gear. He had a mild attack of the uveitis in September as well, but with the bloods being so bad, I'm not surprised.
Will let you know what the vet says.
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Hiya, still sounds like a bit of a rollercoaster with his meds etc, but your vets are obviously very good :)
Fingers crossed all is well with today's vet visit, keep us posted, and some updated piccies would be fab if you get a chance :hug: :)
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Best wishes for your boy :hug:
Hoping your vet trip went well and its just his glands playing up :sick:
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Hope that the vet visit goes well and Fizz starts to pick up soon :hug:
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Hope all went well :hug:
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:welcome: back, sorry to hear Fizz hasn't been too well - hope the steroids can do their job and you get to the bottom of the tummy troubles :hug:
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Hi all,
Thanks for all the warm wishes for Fizz - he really appreciates them!
The vet is optomistic that he will get over the tummy trouble & has given him an injection to help him on his way to recovery. We have some tablets to give him twice a day - if no better by Monday then we are to take him back for a review.
Both Fil & I wish we could get the anaemia under control & he could have a break from the steroids but this seems to be is weak point. The longest he went without them was 3 months before needing them again.
We will do our best for him but will not let him suffer. He seems happy at the moment & enjoying life. He's a fighter & we will help him all we can.
Will post again next week when we have a better idea of how he's doing.
:thanks: :hug:
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8) Fizz says hi to all his well wishers & just wanted you all to know that he is feeling lots better. He knows he still has 2 days of pills to take but boy oh boy does he feel better. :thanks: :hug: :rofl: :wow: ;)
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That's great news ;D Go Fizz!
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So pleased that Fizz is feeling good and hope he stays that way for ages and ages :hug: :hug:
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So glad he is feeling better ;D
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Hi & thanks :thanks: to all of Fizz's well-wishers.
The pills seem to have cleared up his tummy troubles - he finished his course of tablets on Wednesday and, touching wood, has not had any recurrence of his problem. Seems down but I think that's because of the steroids - he's been feeling down for a long time - the bubbly Fizz seems to be a memory now. We will be taking him back to the vets for another blood test in the next couple of weeks with a view to try and get him off of the steroids. They are a necessary evil but we hate them, all he is currently interested in is food. Really wish we could find another way to try and stem the anaemia.
But hey, I'm not complaining, he's still here & still has a quality of life which is what counts. Fil & I are just so glad that his tummy trouble wasn't anything worse - we were both dreading what the vet was going to say.
Will give you all a progress report in the next few weeks. Thanks again for all of your support. :thanks: :hug:
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thats great and hope that fizz contues to do well :hug:
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Glad his tummy is sorted but hope that he soon feels a little happier on himself :hug:
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Glad he's feeling more like himself again ;D
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Hi all,
Thought you'd be interested in the latest updates on Fizzy.
His tummy troubles resurged again on Sunday - phoned the vets as have an out of hours emergency service (thank heavens). They have put him on another 5 day course of betamox 40mg to sort this out. Seems to have worked as not leaving little puddles - phew.
Took him into see Paul this morning, the vet who we have worked with closely since initially diagnosed in Jan 07, as needed to discuss Fizz as really not himself. Paul checked his blood & his RBC is 34! :wow: His tmperature is normal, he doesn't think that it is the FIV stepping up a gear either which is a relief. He puts Fizzy's quietness down to the fact that he's been on the steroids since May - 6 months at various dosages, - his glands were understandably full after 3 episodes of diaorreha & his bottom looks quite sore from his upsets.
So the plan of attack is reduce the steroids to half a tab (5mg) per day as of today. Finish the betamox (last tab 2moz) & then give him a 5 day course of probiotics to help restore his digestive system & rub cream into his anal area to reduce the soreness.
I also insisted that Paul did a full blood test - he did these & phoned later in the day - some abnormalities in the tests but the steriods can affect these readings, nothing to be worried about. RBC & WBC are both good. Platelettes are slightly abnormal as well as immunity.
Hopefully, we can this time sucessfully wean him off the steroids with relative ease - just do it gradually so as not to incur any problems for Fizz.
The good news is that he is not suffering & we are not needlessly proglonging his life, there is still hope.
Paul wants us to phone him next week & let him know how Fizz is doing. Not many vets care that much!
So I am slightly happier, but still have reservations over how his progress is doing. Glad that Fil & I took the time out of work this morning to talk to Paul - he doesn't seem to be in the surgery so much these days so took the first opportunity we could to see him. Will keep you all posted in the weeks to come.
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Glad to hear his tummy is sorted again and that he is doing well :hug:
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That's good to hear it's not the FIV stepping up a gear as you put it. Even the healthiest of cats have tummy troubles (talking from experience :sick:) and if he's had repeated courses of antiobiotics it's bound to have thrown his system off kilter. Riley had lactoB probiotic powder sprinkled onto his meals when his problem was lingering and that really seemed to do the trick.
:crossed: for Fizz and do keep us posted :)
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Hoping his tum settles down soon ;D
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:thanks:
4 all ur good wishes and thoughts for Fizz, he really appreciates them!
So far so good this week - have reduced the steroids to half a tablet per day, he's finished the antibiotics & the probiotics & seems to be doing alright. There are glimmers of the mischevious Fizz coming back, thank heavens.
Finally got some software on the new laptop to allow me to resize the photos I have on here & put them online for you, so here is a picture of Fizz, Molly (Black & White) & Amy (Tortie) all taken earlier this year!
Will update you in a couple of weeks time to let you know how Fizzy's coping.
You are all so good & caring, it does help talking with those who understand. Some folk wouldn't understand & would euthinase because they felt it was too costly (my boss for one.....). Whilst people can claim to be sympathetic, you have to live with a cat with FIV to empathise.
:hug: :thanks: :hug:
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lovely cats ;D
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Thanks Gill.
Picture attached of a cat who, since March, has been quietly adopting us. He is not agressive & respects the space of our cats. No-one knows where he came from, he just appeared in our village in March/April this year. He was wary of us until one day, I spotted the collar he was wearing had got caught round his leg. He allowed me to handle him & Fil to remove the collar - luckily it had not gone through his skin. Fil put the collar back on but within a few days he'd lost it. So summer came & he continued to visit, even following me on one occasion when I went for a walk - had to carry him back to our garden as was wandering on the main road. He even let me remove ticks off him with the correct removal tool. Now he sleeps over from time to time, & greets us with a friendly chirp! We have, strangely enough, nick named him Ginger.
We contacted the local vet & no one has reported a lost cat & no one in our village knows where he came from. Perhaps he came to Shobdon clinging to a car as many a cat get lost in this fashion.
Seems reckless as Fizz is FIV but Ginge has not given us much option - can't turf him out permanently.
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It's those amber eyes that do me in - not seen eyes like that for years. Stunning.
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Gorgeous photos :Luv2: :Luv2:
Have you tried attaching a paper collar to Ginge to see whether he belongs to anyone?
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Gorgeous, ginger is my kind of cat :Luv2:
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Gorgeous photos :Luv2: :Luv2:
Have you tried attaching a paper collar to Ginge to see whether he belongs to anyone?
Hi JaneyK! Thanks for the compliments - Amy's photo is a bit abstract as used the wide angle lens to get the fisheye effect!
Regarding Ginger, no, haven't attached a paper collar to see if he has an 'owner'. However, our village is quite small & there are a lot of folk who know everyone's business, so someone would have knowledge of who or where Ginger is from. I think he was either dumped in our village or found his way here but doesn't know how to get home again. There was nothing on the original collar, just a plain black collar.
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oh I see, the reason I ask is I attached one to a cat who was visiting and ours is just a small village but it turned out he was actually living behind the allotments behind us with a a lady and her son but peeps round here tend to keep themselves to themselves really :)
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Thanks for the idea Janey - it's not a bad idea at all.
Although he's adopted us, it's all on his terms - we may not see him for a few days at a time, then regularly for 2/3 days on the run. I think he's a cat with several homes but of no fixed abode. He seems reasonably happy with life the way it is.
I will endeavour to find his owner, now I have a picture to pass around.
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Thanks for the idea Janey - it's not a bad idea at all.
Although he's adopted us, it's all on his terms - we may not see him for a few days at a time, then regularly for 2/3 days on the run. I think he's a cat with several homes but of no fixed abode. He seems reasonably happy with life the way it is.
I will endeavour to find his owner, now I have a picture to pass around.
That's what Matty used to do he'd call for a few days then miss a day or two then be back. The first collar I put on I got no reply then we took him for neutering and afterwards put another collar on - but I wrapped sellotape round it this time to make it water proof and stiffer. I then got a phone call about him. Although I have to say that the ferals are the same some are more regular visitors than others so your visitor may not have a permanent abode.
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From his pic he looks like a full tom? If so that will be why you dont see him for a few days, hes off patrolling borders and finding love!
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Sorry I haven't been around much recently, but I just wanted to say what a lovely picture that is of Fizzy - he's looking sleek, glossy and very gorgeous :Luv:
I am looking forward to the next update, and hope that all is positive for him :)
I have to say that that Ginge is a bit of a hunk too :Luv2:
If you are able to handle him, is it possible to get him to a vet to get him scanned for a microchip, and to check whether he is neutered or not? I don't know if we are just lucky, but our vet will do this for no charge, as long as we give them notice and it is convenient for them.
He is not agressive & respects the space of our cats.
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Seems reckless as Fizz is FIV but Ginge has not given us much option - can't turf him out permanently.
It doesn't seem reckless at all to me. Only you know how your existing furry family and Ginge will get on, and if you see no aggression between them, then I don't see anythng to worry about ;D
Well done you for being such a caring person :hug:
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Hi everyone!
Fizz making good progress. Still keeping him interested in food although he has had the steroids cut down. Finished his probiotics - so far no recurrence of tummy problems. Have heard him purring a couple of times when I've picked him up - he purrs very selfishly - all to himself... & he has actively played for a few minutes a couple of times this week - all good signs.
Thanks for your kind words Sylvia - I just worry that some will think we are wrong for allowing Fizz full outdoor access & not discouraging another cat from coming in as Fizz could infect him or catch something off him. It's not for the lack of trying to keep Fizz in but he is an outdoor cat. If we kept him in 24/7 then we may as well put him to sleep now - he loves his freedom.
I genuinely love all cats & couldn't turf Ginge out - am honoured that he feels that he can trust us enough to come back. He is a full tom but has stopped spraying in the house - we did use to put him out if he was spraying. He stopped this reasonably quickly. All ours seem to acknowledge he needs a feed & home so aren't that bothered by him. Strange how they seem to understand.
I'll give thought to taking Ginge to the vets for microchip scan & neutering - it all hinges on when he calls by & when the vets are open etc. Don't want to upset him & scare him off by keeping him locked up til the vets are open. A lot of the time he comes in, eats all the food & then goes straight out again!
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Glad to hear that Fizz is doing well :)
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Fizz making good progress.
I'm so pleased to hear it - I think that that calls for a few of these :yayyy: :yayyy: :yayyy: :yayyy: :yayyy:
You're such a caring person, and just want the best for Fizz, and for Ginge ;D
A lot of the time he comes in, eats all the food & then goes straight out again!
You sound like you are on the slippery slope now - that's exactly how Tatty started with us, and then Tabs, and look where we are now :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
I'm sure Ginge will get to trust you more, all it takes is time and love, and I see you're already halfway there :sneaky: :shify: :naughty:
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Fizz making good progress.
I'm so pleased to hear it - I think that that calls for a few of these :yayyy: :yayyy: :yayyy: :yayyy: :yayyy:
You're such a caring person, and just want the best for Fizz, and for Ginge ;D
A lot of the time he comes in, eats all the food & then goes straight out again!
You sound like you are on the slippery slope now - that's exactly how Tatty started with us, and then Tabs, and look where we are now :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
I'm sure Ginge will get to trust you more, all it takes is time and love, and I see you're already halfway there :sneaky: :shify: :naughty:
Thanks Sylvia :Luv: Ginge was here when I got up today (late - half past 10!!!) happily crashed out on the sofa. He chirps when I speak to him & purred this morning when I fussed him, bless. He waited for Molly & Amy to have their food, then got up, finished their bowl off & went out. Was back at tea time but disappointed that there wasn't much food (in his opinion... :rofl:)!
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Should really call this Ginge update really..... :scared:
Came downstairs this morning, Ginger was in, but his nose and mouth were bloody.
Fearing the worse, we took him to our vets & managed to be seen before morning surgery started at 9am - we thought he'd been hit by a car.
He has not been involved in an RTA but, somehow, has lost a quarter of his tongue. Withot trying to sound brutal, apparently it's been ripped off - perhaps caught on barbed wire/trap?
He's been given antibiotics & painkillers, he did try eating this afternoon but was in too much pain, poor mite.
So he's stopping at the vets until they are satisfied he will be ok as he has an infection in the tongue where the wound is.
They will scan him for a microchip but if nothing, we will then get him neutered whilst he is there - they will do this once they are happy that he is strong enough to recuperate from the op.
He was soo good and patient. Even the vets love him.
Keep your fingers crossed for him.
We have told the vet that we will pay for his treatment, even though he's not our cat as we want him to have every possible chance of a recovery & quality of life after. Providing the infection can be controlled, and the swelling of the tongue goes down, he should be fine apparently.
On a positive note, Fizz seems to be continuing ok - must talk to the vet about reducing steriods again as has been a month since we started to wean him off. ;)
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:( Poor Ginge, everything crossed for a quick recovery poor boy xx
Glad to hear that Fizz is doing well :)
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Sending lots of especially gentle healing furry headbutts to Ginge from me and the gang :hug:
I hope that he is feeling loads better soon :get well:
Really pleased to hear that Fizz is doing OK ;D
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Hi and thanks for the good wishes.
Phoned the surgery this morning, Ginge doing really well. They are really impressed with his progress. He has eaten food today & has not had any painkillers so a very good sign.
They scanned him but no microchip so no closer to finding his owner.
They also seem to want to adopt him to live at the surgery - they have about 5 cats living there permanently!
So, as long as he's up to it, he will be castrated tomorrow, if we can shut him in overnight we can bring him back tomorrow or they will keep him until Saturday.
Checking him over, no other injuries - one lucky cat!
They say he is so nice & friendly - which is very true!
His future is looking more optomistic today, thank heavens!
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Poor Ginge! Hope he makes a full recovery, sounds like he's fallen on his feet now though :hug: Would love to see what he looks like when he comes home :) :pic:
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Poor Ginge! Hope he makes a full recovery, sounds like he's fallen on his feet now though :hug: Would love to see what he looks like when he comes home :) :pic:
Thanks Helen - if you go up through this thread, you'll find a picture I posted about a month or so ago of Ginge. He has the most amazing amber eyes! :thanks: :hug:
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Phwoar, what a hunk :drool; :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:
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Hi!
Picked Ginge up from the vets today - they neutered him yesterday & re-examined his tongue whilst under anaesthetic. There was a small piece of tongue that they have removed as it was dying off & would have been worse for him if left. They are happy with his progress & confident he will be able to cope with a quarter of his tongue missing.
He seemed very pleased to see us!
We home & let him out of the basket - he went straight into the hall & out through the cat flap! Went for a wander (& pee) around the estate, then came in for some food. Tried eating the dry biscuits but I think it hurt too much. Put some more Whiskas supermeat down - ate it ravenously.
He then went out again & we haven't seen him since!
I am sure he's ok, just gone to one of his other homes or hideouts to re-orientate himself!
Decided that Ginge isn't the right name for him. He will now be known as Alfie - bit of a jack the lad, man about town, with several places he can lay his weary head - just like the movie character!
The vets have given him a long term anitbiotic shot which should last him a couple of weeks.
Just hope he is going to be ok - keep your fingers crossed for him!
Our vet had left notes on the computer saying we are to reduce Fizz's steroids to half a pill every other day so we will give this a go - this is where he has had problems earlier in the year with the weaning off process - whilst weaning off the steroinds he became anaemic again.
Will keep you all posted on how they are doing as the weeks progress. :)
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Glad
Ginge Alfie is back home :) I'm not surprised he opted for the wet food over the biicies, must still be a bit sore for him :care:
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ah, bless (Ginge) Alfie :Luv:, hope he's ok now and ya know how painful the mouth can be - good news is it's one of the quickest places to heal so fingers crossed for him xx
Hope that Fizz will be ok too :hug:
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:thanks:
Alfie came back last night at tea time. I called him & he was around so came in for a bit of food. Went straight back out again.
He was curled up asleep in the armchair this morning. Fil got a better look at his mouth & tongue lunchtime as Alfie was still here. Bit worried as the tip of what's left of his tongue looked quite pale but Alfie seems ok. He is dribbling a bit though, wondering if he's in a bit of pain so having his mouth open a bit, hence the wet chin.
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Glad allis ok, I'd just keep an eye on his tongue and if he seems in pain have a word with vet, maybe it feels a bit odd to him until he gets used to it :hug:
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Hi everyone.
Quick update - Alfie was here again this morning.
He was curled up in the armchair and quite calmly let me open his mouth for a look at his tongue - very trusting of him really! Couldn't do that with Amy or Molly - coz we didn't have them from kittenhood. Anyway, his tongue looks very healthy and pink all over & he seems more comfortable. He ate some Whiskas supermeat & then curled up again!
So I am a lot happier - think that as JayneK suggested, he's adapting to losing part of his tongue & that he was in a bit of pain but that's passed now.
Will keep an eye on him but not easy as he's not always here!
Life looking up for the little chap, thank heavens.
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;D that's great news, hope he continues to do well :hug:
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Hiya!
Both Fizz and Alfie continue to make good progress! :)
Fizz is down to half a steroid every other day - been a couple of weeks now. Regained his boisterousness & cheekyness, much to Molly & Amy's disgust! Obviously keeping an eye on him but happy with him for now. Just enjoying each day as is a bonus to have him here, been almost 3yrs since the diagnosis of the FIV - for a cat which goes out I think he's done remarkably well. He has a real enjoyment for life, he is a survivor & we will give him all the help we can.
Alfie's been here every day now - he's in each morning. Not around in the evenings but guess he's got some routine established. He has stopped dribbling now after eating & seems to be comfortable - you'd never know that he'd been poorly & damaged his tongue. Wonder if he lost it licking a can in the rubbish somewhere? He's kinda tempted by our open fire - he hung around til @ 4pm yesterday - but Molly was in front of the fire - he lay nearby for 5 mins & then decided he had to go somewhere. Only saw him again this morning when we got up.
So hopefully, all will have a good christmas here - at least Alfie realises there is a sancturary here & we do not expect anything from him, it's his choice (which it could only be) to come back & integrate himself with the gang. They seem to acknowledge he needs a home as well, although Fizz got real stroppy the other morning at 5.30am when Alfie heard me in the kitchen (Fizz had woken me as usual) so I fed Alfie first - to keep Fizzy's food for Fizz - he stropped off up the stairs & wouldn't let me touch him! He never used to be so strange - it's taking a while for him to come to something with Alfie but I figure it's coz he's not 100% - when other visitors came, it was pre FIV/anaemia days & when Molly & Amy moved in, again it was before he became ill. Hopefully, Fizz will interact more with Alfie - think they could have a great time together chasing etc.
If I don't get back online before, I'd like to wish everyone on here a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR! Thanks again for all of your support over the years. :thanks: :hug:
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Glad to hear that all is well ;D
If we don't hear from you have a lovely Christmas too!
:xmas:
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I'm so pleased to hear that things are going so well for you, Fizz, Alfie, Molly and Amy ;D
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year
:merry xmas:
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Good news all round :)
:merry xmas:
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Good news, wishing you all a :merry xmas: from me, J and Mr Poot xxx
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Wonderful and hope you had a great Christmas and best wishes for 2010 ;D
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:thanks: everyone!
I got up at 5.50am on boxing day morning to get a glass of water, only to discover Fizz's upper left canine was sticking out of his mouth at right angles. Phoned the vets & took him in to the surgery at 9am. Looks like he got ambushed & beaten up and, he must have tried to bite down & broke the canine at the root - tooth completely intact but coming away from the gum. So the vet removed the tooth (owch) & checked him over, few scratches but ok. Painkiller & antibiotic jab, plus a course of antibiotics to follow.
You wouldn't believe he'd lost his tooth. Eating the dried biscuits almost as soon as we got back from the vets. Slept a lot on Boxing Day (understood) but charging round like a loony since! No evidence of blood in his mouth so looks like the gum has healed.
Taking him back @ 2pm for a check up (if he'll let me....).
Alfie's fine - he sniffed my nose the other day which I take as acceptance from him. Molly & Amy are both well but hate the cold weather (don't we all?)
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Glad he didn't seem too bothered by the tooth and hope that the vet visit went well xx
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So pleased to hear that Fizz seems to be recovering OK :)
Well done to the gorgeous Alfie - nose sniffing sounds like excellent progress.
My gang would just like to say that they are in total agreement with Molly and Amy ;D
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Hi & Happy New Year One & All (early I know but.....)
Fizz's gum not healed. Not bleeding but his lower canine is digging into the gum area where the tooth was as is still swollen. Paul (bestest vet ever) says some of the root must still be there - he closed Fizz's mouth to demonstrate the tooth going in :( but has asked us to continue giving him antibiotics for a few more days. He has to go in Tuesday next week for a check up & if still incurring problems, then will have to undergo an operation to remove any remains of the root to give his gum a chance to heal.
He still doesn't seem to be suffering from this, however, he's developed a high pain tolerance - bit like me & my neck & shoulder - so hard to say for sure he's not suffering at times.
But the vets are keeping an eye on him & will do everything to help once they are back to full staff next week.
Molly & Amy are glad they are not alone Sylvia - roll on summer & warmth!
Here's to 2010 - hope it's a good year to all. :wow:
:hug:xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx :hug:
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Wishing Fizz luck with the tooth/gum problem and wishing you a Happy New Year too ;D
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I hope that you had a great New Year.
Wishing Fizz the best of luck for his check up on Tuesday and hoping for a speedy gum recovery :luck:
We will be thinking of you.
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Hi & Happy New Year to you all!
Thanks for your kind thoughts and wishes for Fizz.
Managed to get to the vets this morning in Kington. Paul took one look & decided that the remainder of the root needed to come out so off Fizz went for his op. Good news is that his pcv count is good (took blood last time we were there for testing).
Snowing really bad when I came out, the car slid into a ditch/hedge on the main road. Both me & the car ok, bent aerial & damaged pride but nothing worse. Rang work, they sending people home so was advised just to go home, once I'd been towed out of the ditch....
Vets called @ 11.20am to say we could collect Fizz. Roads much improved so picked him up. Another 7 days of antibiotics & another check up, weather permitting, on Monday next week. Just gotta keep him quiet and warm. He looks shell shocked but is grateful to be home bless him.
Will update you all accordingly. We are hoping he'll be ok - he is a fighter bless.
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Lots of get well wishes for Fizz and glad you got home ok :hug:
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Hi there!
Great news!
Took Fizz back for his check up last night & saw the same vet who removed his tooth on Boxing Day.
Apparently, there was no root remaing, so they had put a stitch in the gum to stop his lower canine from going into the gum. This has healed up perfectly & no signs now of infection! :wow:
Phew! :wow:
Thought I'd update the pictures with some taken recently of the gang - Alfie slowly gaining everyone's confidence, I think!
Thanks again for all your well wishes and support for Fizz & the gang. :thanks: :hug:
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Great news ;D Lovely pics :Luv2: They all look very relaxed in each others company :)
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That's good to hear :) Lovely photos :Luv: :Luv:
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Lovely photos :Luv2:
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Thanks - can't believe how lucky we have been with Fizz. Reviewing steroids in a couple of weeks to let him stabilize after this.
Can't believe how big Alfie is either - he went quite thin in the summer, bulked out for winter. He's a real gutsy eater - can demolish a whole tin in one sitting if given the chance. But doesn't bolt his food - Kitty did that when she first came to live with us, & would then make herself sick. Took a bit of time to educate her that we keep food down all the time.
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Gorgeous cats :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:
Glad Fizz is okay.
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Hi,
Fizz is still continuing to do really well. We are entering our 4th week of half a steroid every third day now with a view to dropping this to every 4th day shortly. His appetite is good, he has loads of energy but we are watching him closely as last time we tried this weaning off, was when he became anaemic again.
Alfie continues to settle in - Fizz has come to something about him as well - maybe he feels more confident as he is feeling better - but he now runs around the house, making the chirrup noise at Alfie, who in turn thinks it's great to chase Fizz! Fizz even ran into Molly the other night as he wasn't watching what he was doing.
Molly & Amy both good as well - all waiting for the weather to warm up a bit.
Hope you are all keeping well out there!
:)
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Great to hear that things are getting even better ;D
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All sounding very good ;D ;D ;D
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Alfie certainly making himself at home. We were lying in bed this morning, Fizz & Amy both on the bed. Alfie hopped onto the ottoman at the foot of the bed, looked at the situation, then hopped over the footboard & snuggled up next to Fizz! Think the attitude was if it's good enough for you then it's ok by me but I'm staying by you for reassurance! :rofl:
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How sweet :Luv:
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:Luv2:
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Hi everyone,
Been absent for a while sorry.
Fizz is continuing to love life. He was almost at the point of coming off the steroids (1/2 pill every 5th day) but we saw him licking the ground. His RBC was slightly down - @26 when it should be 30+ so back up to one steriod a day for a fortnight, then reducing gradually again.
He's been doing real well - had a few bouts of upset tummies but antibiotics seem to sort him out. Been a few weeks since the last upset so hopeful he's stabilised. Thought he was developing conjuncivitis the other day as some real horrible green gunk was coming from his eye but he seems to have fought that one alone, unaided!
Everyone else is fine. Alfie has bulked out & his frame now fits his head! Molly & Amy are great, Molly, at the tender age of 14, has finally learned how to use the catflap after living here for almost 5yrs! She's like a spring chicken now! The current 'warm' weather suits all - so a relatively harmonious home!
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Glad to hear all is going well :hug:
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So pleased to hear such good updates ;D :hug:
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Glad to hear all is well with the whole furry family :)
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Glad they are all doing well ;D
Can we have another pic of the ginger monster? :drool;
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Glad they are all doing well ;D
Can we have another pic of the ginger monster? :drool;
:rofl: - Alfie certainly is a ginger monster now! Picture taken in April this year. He is getting a little overweight but with Fizz having the FIV & needing to eat whilst we are at work, there is a constant supply of crunchies for them all. Fizz will only eat in the kitchen, so what can be done?
Fizz doesn't seem to have suffered too much for losing the tooth - you'd never know he'd lost it, other than the occasional lopsided grin, bless! :briggin:
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:Luv2: aww what a beautiful boy he is
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:Luv2: aww what a beautiful boy he is
Thanks JayneyK - will try & get up to date pic of Fizz - but he's always in some inaccessible place - sleeping under the car, in the hedge, top shelf of the wardrobe on the jumpers.... :rofl:
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:Luv2: aww what a beautiful boy he is
Thanks JayneyK - will try & get up to date pic of Fizz - but he's always in some inaccessible place - sleeping under the car, in the hedge, top shelf of the wardrobe on the jumpers.... :rofl:
:Luv: ahhh bless him :evillaugh:
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:Luv2: :Luv2:
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Hi,
Fizz's RBC is 22 which isn't too bad. Sadly he's developing tumours in his bowel/intestine which the vet thinks are spreading. He could operate, but Fizz is becoming thin & weak. The good news is that he's not in pain, he's just quiet & sleeping alot. So we have to decide whether to continue to nurse him on 2 steriods per day until he can't tolerate eating (apparently his intestines will become blocked & he will not be able to digest his food), operate at risk to give him potentially a few more months, or to send him to the rainbow bridge. The steriods seem to be picking him up a bit.
We will do what's best for him, we are thinking all this over & will post at somepoint, when I feel upto it. :'(
Please don't reply - it's just to keep you all updated. Feeling raw at the mo. We are on holiday at home for the next couple of weeks so will get to spend some time with him.
Thanks for all of your kind thoughts& wishes over the years. :thanks: :hug:
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I know you said not to reply and I'm sorry for not following your wishes but really wanted to let you know how sorry I am to hear about Fizz :hug: He's a special boy and you have looked after him so well :hug:
You know that you have our support over the coming weeks and months if you need us :hug:
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I too hope you don't mind if I just send some hugs :hug: :hug:
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Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts.
Sorry for the previous post, I was feeling a bit raw when posting. I appreciate all of your thoughts and comments.
Fizz, I think, only has a few days or weeks at most. But he's enjoying the late summer sun & warmth, as we all are.
We are at home this week and next, he is being spoilt rotten & pampered, trying to make him as comfy as possible.
I keep trying to post a picture taken this week but there seems to be a problem so I'll try again over the weekend.
:thanks: once more, he's not in pain at the moment, being a brave boy, bless.
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Hiya hunnie, sorry I've not been on Purrs much and only just seen this :hug:
Whether he has days, weeks, however long he has, he cannot be loved more than he is right now :hug: :hug:
We do the best we can for them, and so long as he's happy and enjoying some late summer sunshine, then I'm sure he's one happy little man xxx
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Thanks.
We called Paul to come over to put him to sleep today.
Apparently, Paul said that he could feel changes in the tumours from just Tuesday, so sounds like it was aggressive. He'd had enough, we couldn't see him suffer which he would have if left any longer.
Minimal stress, he's now off to find Kitty & Mitzi & terrorise them once more.
:thanks:
Still can't upload the photo.
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Ah sweetheart, I'm so sorry :hug: :hug:
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So Sorry :hug:
Hope you're safe and sound with Kitty and Mitzi Fizz, I'd like to think Biscuit was at your welcome party too
Take care
xxx
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I'm so sorry :hug: :hug:
RIP sweet little Fizz xxx
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So sorry about Fizz :hug: :hug:
RIP Fizz .
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I am so sorry you didn't get more time with him, but he was lucky to have such wonderful parents. RIP little one
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Thinking of you :hug: :hug:
RIP Fizz, safe and sound at the Bridge by now, waiting until your Mum & Dad are ready to collect you xx
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So Sorry :hug:
Hope you're safe and sound with Kitty and Mitzi Fizz, I'd like to think Biscuit was at your welcome party too
Take care
xxx
Thanks Schmew - Fizz says of course Biscuit is welcome anytime - he loves to make new friends. :hug:
Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts - he's happy now. :)
I'd also like to thank everyone for their support and guidance over the years as well - this site certainly helped us to get through some difficult times with Fizzy.
:hug:
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Fizz :Luv2: :Luv2:
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Beautiful :Luv2: :Luv2:
I'll bet Fizz and Max will be breaking some hearts up on the Bridge together :Luv2:
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I'm sure Fizz & Max will be breaking some hearts on the Bridge.......
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I have only just got back from holiday, and am so very sorry to hear about Fizz :hug:
He was such a beautiful boy and must have known he was loved to the end :Luv2:
I hope Fizz will make friends with my Tatty on the Bridge
Take care, I will be thinking of you :hug:
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Thanks Sylvia - your thoughts are appreciated. :hug:
Fizz will be well pleased to make new friends on the Bridge :)
He is missed by us all greatly. Alfie & Molly are doing their best to help fill the space left bless.
:Luv:
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Hi,
It's been almost 3 months since Fizz went to the bridge. It's strange, him not being here anymore. We all miss him so very much. Alfie especially misses his friend, Molly will play a little with Alfie, but not the chase games that Fizz used to do.
Thank you all for all of your support & help over the 3+ yrs that I posted on this site. You all have been such a big help and support. :thanks:
It was the right thing to do for Fizz, but for a little cat, he's left a big hole in our home & hearts. He was such a pleasure to live with.
We are hopeful that Molly & Amy haven't contracted FIV from Fizz. Molly has just gotten over an eye infection without need to visit the vet, so her immume system seems to be fully functional.
Fizz was a very good friend & we consider ourselves lucky to have shared life with him.
Very big :hug: to you all.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
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:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
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Happy New Year! :hug:
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And from me :hug: :hug:
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Hi,
Sorry for the absence on here, been a funny year. It was a year yesterday since we had to say our goodbyes to Fizz, still miss him & it hurts like crazy again, because I've been reminded of his passing.
The gang are all still good, adjusted to life without the little man. Alfie's good, we found out that someone else was looking after him before he'd made his decision to move in here. They don't drive round to our side of the estate (it's a big circle) and thought he'd been lost to the main road. Shaun (the guy feeding Alfie) was overjoyed to hear that he's in fine health & has a home now. He was reluctant (refused) to let us groom him, & he refused to groom his back for a time, so had to go & have a mohican at the vets to get rid of the mat. Weird, a short hair cat getting mats but not uncommon I guess.
Amy is ok, she's still doing her thing.
Molly was diagnosed in late Jan with Hyperthyroidism. We are giving her Vidalta daily & it seems to be doing the trick, she was losing weight but eating lots. Her weight in Feb was 2.9kgs, at her review last week, she was 4.15kgs. Paul, bless, still the same vet, is happy with her, she did have an issue with gums bleeding a few weeks ago, but Paul is happy with her teeth, she's gotta be 15yrs old. With the blood tests they did to diagnose the thyroid (gland enlarged as well) there was no sign of FIV, given the history, Paul would have checked.
I've had a new disc fitted in my neck 11wks ago & have been off work since the op. Recovery going ok, going back to work, part time, initially, next week.
Sorry for being a stranger, but you can understand we've had a few things going on.
Thanks again for all of your help & support with Fizz, he was a real character. I know he'd hate me being upset over him.
Pics below, of Fizz in happier times, how I want to remember monkey tail. :hug:
Sorry, feeling a little low today, but the op has been a real roller coaster of emotions as well.
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Such a special boy :hug:
Glad to hear the others are ticking over OK, that's a fab weight gain for Molly so the meds must be doing the trick :)
I'm sure Fizz wouldn't want you feeling sad :hug:
Remember Our Love
I was chosen that day
I'm learning to fly
the world took me away,
but please don't you cry
And I chose you today
to try and be strong
so please don't you cry
and don't say that I'm gone
When you're feeling alone
just remember our love,
I'm up near the stars
looking down from above.
Remember our love
In a moment you'll see
that I'm still here beside you
when you're thinking of me.
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Thanks for that Tiggy's Mum.
Picture of Alfie to show you what a beautiful big boy he's become. Everyone who meets him for the first time falls in love with him. This is his softer side!
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:Luv2:
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:Luv: :Luv: :Luv: :Luv:
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:Luv2: :Luv2: aww love that tum
glad to hear from you :hug:
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He's the biggest wuss I've met thus far! But he only picks on Fil & myself with his little outbursts, apparently he did this with the other guy, Shaun, who was feeding him, but then again, they bathed him, maybe he voted with his paws as I cannot see him liking that one bit! He's a big old softy.
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Alfie is gorgeous and I am sure Fizz is keeping watch over you :hug: :hug: :hug:
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Thanks, great to hear from you guys - hope all is ok with everyone?
You guys were a massive support for Fizz & us through the difficult times, I really appreciate all that you did for us, with the hugs, help & comments about his uveitis, anaemia etc. Thank you all so much - it would have been a much harder journey without this site & everyone's knowledge. :thanks:
Will try & not be a stranger in the future, but, given the anniversary and posting on here did bring everything back with a bang.
Also, having had my op, it's been a rollercoaster of emotions over the last 11wks, so in a bit of a sensitive place.
On & up - not forgetting those at the bridge, but as you said Tiggy's Mum, Fizz wouldn't like me being upset over him. The happy times are the most important, and he had almost 8 great years with us, which he wouldn't have had if he'd stayed on the farm. Such a survivor. :Luv2:
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So they don't feel left out, pics below of Molly (taken in June this year) & Amy (taken 3 days ago). :Luv2:
Also picture from a few years ago of Molly & myself, she's doing the Molly stomp - feels like you've had a round with Mike Tyson after she's finished - she is quite liberal with her claws when she does this....raw tummy! :rofl:
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Doing the Mollie stomp :rofl: :rofl: love it.
Amy is lovely and there seem to be more and more torties around which is great. ;D
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:Luv2: :Luv2: aww