Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: clarenmax on June 15, 2009, 08:48:00 AM
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I've managed to get an appointment for my boy this morning, so would appreciate some good luck vibes!
I'm not sure whether I'm being a neurotic meowmy, or whether there is something really wrong :shy:
Last night I noticed his eyes look bigger than normal, i.e. the pupil was massive! It was dark, and I know they get bigger to let more light in, but I'm not sure, something just looked different to how they usually look. He also stumbled doing something he can usually do in his sleep, so I'm really worried that he's either not balanced properly, or there's something wrong with his eyesight?
Wish us luck, will update later once we've been to the vets x
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Good luck Clare :hug:
Lets hope it's nothing. Is he OK otherwise as enlarged pupils can mean pain or distress. Hopefully not. Clapton has a funny look about his eyes sometimes that I can't put my finger on but it seems to go. :hug:
I just looked on Tanya's CRF site and they say it can be a sign of Hypertension http://www.felinecrf.org/treatments.htm#control_of_blood_pressure
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With my cats it's always been related to sight Clare but for various reasons, your vet will check it out for you, lots of positive vibes for Max :hug:
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I've just googled eyesight problems in cats, and with Max's thyroid and kidney issues, he's a perfect candidate for sight problems, it seems :-[
I hope I'm wrong, but you know when you sometimes get a feeling that something isn't right?
He was much better this morning, up to his usual mischief while I was getting ready for work, but when he walked down the stairs, it possibly seemed a little more gingerley than normal, if that makes sense?
I half thought about the emergency vets last night, but wanted to wait until this morning as my ones will have all his relevant notes etc....
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Thanks Mark, great minds think alike :hug:
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good luck at the vets. It could be due to high bp. In quite a few cats lowering bp restores sight. :hug:
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Good luck today, hope Max is okay
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Hope everything goes ok with Max's appointment today and that its nothing serious :hug:
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Thanks guys, the vet has pretty much confirmed my worst fears, in that my baby boy has gone blind.
Its such a shock as it was almost overnight, on Saturday he was fine, last night I wasn't sure, today I'm told both retinas have detached, and its highly unlikely he'll get any sight back :'( :'(
He's been started on 1/8 tab of Istin daily.
I can't help but feel so sorry for my baby, as if we haven't had enough to contend with recently, now this as well :'(
I also can't believe that he'll never see my face again when we have cuddles, sure he'll know its me, but it won't be the same :'( :'( :'(
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omg Clare I can't believe it - how has this happened??? Poor baby Max and poor you :hug:
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Apparently in can happen in cats who are hypertheroid and have CRF as well :'(
It must have caused high blood pressure, even though he's been having vet checks every 2 months, its never been picked up.
I'm sitting in the office in tears :'(
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what a shock for you - but Max doesn't understand what has happened to him, and will I am sure adjust very quickly - the fact that he managed - almost - to fool you shows that
:hug: for you and Max - may you go on having many happy hugs just like before
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Oh no, poor baby :( I know it's going to take some adjusting for both of you but Max knows his home inside out, he will also know your smell, sound and touch :hug:
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Oh no Clare!!! What an awful shock for you and Im sure Max is wondering what has happened! :(
Im thinking of you both hun! :Luv: :hug: :hug:
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Oh no, poor baby :( I know it's going to take some adjusting for both of you but Max knows his home inside out, he will also know your smell, sound and touch :hug:
Oh Clare, what an awful shock for you. But Helen's right: for cats so much is about smell and sound and your cuddles will smell exactly the same to Max :hug:
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Wow thats a shock for you and Max, :hug: :hug: to you.
Max will still know its you though, how does he seem to be coping?
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I also can't believe that he'll never see my face again when we have cuddles, sure he'll know its me, but it won't be the same :'( :'( :'(
oh Clare :hug: that sentence has made sob :hug:
I dont know what to say hunny, I am so sorry this has happened to Max
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So sorry you've had such a shock. As others have said, cats can compensate so much by other senses. Also, his whiskers will act as a white stick. My old bllind Truman is amazing. He gets down the stairs and goes out to the back garden by himself even though he was never here as a sighted cat. It doesn't seem to bother him at all and, to be honest, I usually forget he is blind.
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So sorry you've had such a shock. As others have said, cats can compensate so much by other senses. Also, his whiskers will act as a white stick. My old bllind Truman is amazing. He gets down the stairs and goes out to the back garden by himself even though he was never here as a sighted cat. It doesn't seem to bother him at all and, to be honest, I usually forget he is blind.
Ah bless him, so he manages fine even though he'd never memorised your house when he had his sight :Luv2:
This does give me some comfort, also the fact that he's always been indoor only, so he won't be missing out on outdoor life.
I'm sure deep down my boy will be fine, he's made of tough stuff is Mr Max :Luv:
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Clare so sorry you`ve had such a shock :hug: please dont waste time feeling sorry for Max, harsh sounding words you may think, the fact is Max is so lucky that he has all he needs and wants in life YOU and your wonderful care, he will astound you in the way he copes and your bond will become even stronger. I still remember the shock of my Cleo going blind following a dental, I wasted so much time worrying needlessly, she led a very happy and trouble free life and no one would have known she was blind from her actions.
Little word of warning Istin can make them very sleepy.
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Oh hunnie, Sofa's retina's both detatched and she was fine for the last year of her life - she would even go darting round the garden all the time like a full sighted cat.
Its hard especially when you see them bumping into things but once they sus out where everything is the bumps are only small bumps and it gets easier for us to dea with - Sofa was never bothered.
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'so he manages fine even though he'd never memorised your house when he had his sight'
Yes, he absolutely amazed me. I had been keeping my old guyTruman in my bedroom when he first came to me as he is 14+, blind with CRF and is very wobbly on his back legs, but after a week or two I decided to take him out the back for some fresh air. However, it was a bit too chilly for him and he immediately turned round went back in through the vestibule, through the kitchen, across the middle room, up the stairs, turned right into my bedroom and jumped on the bed. He had never been downstairs before and never been out the back but he instinctively knew his way back just from being carried down there. Now that it's better weather he nips down himself when he feels like it. I have no doubt that Mr Max will be just fine and I am assured that it doesn't cause them any pain.
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Sorry Clare :hug:
Just remember Max won't be crying or feeling sorry for himself :hug:
Is there no chance? - I know they say sometimes sight can return even if it has been lost for days or even weeks. At least being indoor already, staying in won't be an issue :hug:
My mum's cat Sukie went blind at about 6 months old. Obviously there are things to look out for like not moving things around that he might bash into but there is no reason he can't have a happy life. Cats don't dwell on things like us and accept change a lot more readily.
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So sorry to hear bout Max Clare but like the others have side he will do just fine with you to love and care for him
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Sorry to hear this Clare, as I said earlier I have had this happen with a couple of cats now, I'm sure Max will be fine with your care :hug: give him a hug from me please :hug:
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It must have caused high blood pressure, even though he's been having vet checks every 2 months, its never been picked up.
He's had blood pressure checked those times has he? Sometimes it is reversible if caught early.
If it isnt reversible in his case, as others have said, he will adapt - my Sophie went completely blind and she was absolutely fine, you wouldnt have known to see her walking around, and she still played with toys etc. Don't forget their hearing is loads better than ours, think how they listen for prey etc, the teeniest sound and they're on it! It is a shock for you though :hug:
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I would have thought so, but now I'm not so sure. They always take him to the treatment room when they do his bloods, then deliver him back to me all done, so I'm not 100%, but would have thought they would know to test it?
I've come home from work a bit early, my head is banging and I'm really tired after all this today, so imagine how pleased I was that my baby boy had heard my car coming in, and was waiting by the front door, followed me upstairs (slowly, but managed it), then onto the bed for our usual 'home from work' cuddles :Luv2: :Luv2:
He's been finding his food and litter tray just fine as well. For all I know, this may have been gradual, as he seems very calm, no yowling or anything, which I would have expected?
Can I just say :thanks: so much for all your kind words on here, you really have helped me through a difficult day, Purrs peeps are wonderful xxxx
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glad you got your cuddle Clare - seems like lots of people have experiences for you to draw on - keep smiling hun :hug:
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He will carry on as normal as it is now normal to him, with Sofa she just got on with things and never seemed upset by it all.
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I've just read this thread and seriously Clare, he might not be able to see you but he can remember what you look like. He'll adapt quickly, cats are pretty amazing like that. In fact, it's probably bothering you more than him! ;) :hug: :hug:
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Oh Clare :hug: I am sorry , its a terrible shock for you but like the others have said i am sure Max will do fine with your love and care for him.
:hug: :hug: For you and Max. x
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So sorry hun, hopefully Max will adapt soon enough :hug:
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Clare our Bertie went blind at 18, he still had the house plan in his mind and now you can never rearrange the house or move things around!
Our Bertie mastered a whole new house including stairs and a huge garden and when trapping our mob 3 years ago after the freat escape - he didn't go in the initial breakout but could be found in the traps on a regular basis with all the nice treat food!
They adapt better than we do and his sense of smell will keep him just fine in your care - :hug:
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:hug: So sorry to hear this hun, what an awful shock for you. :hug:
Max has one wonderful loving slave and a wonderful home that he knows so very well, i know he will be fine. Give him a cuddle from me. :hug:
Little bit of encouragement for ya :) :Luv:
Can Blind Pets Lead Happy Lives?
Fortunately most eye diseases are successfully treated with medication or surgery. However, in some cases vision is irreversibly lost. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and Glaucoma are two common causes of permanent blindness. Veterinarians are often asked whether a blind dog or cat can lead a happy life.
The answer is an unequivocal "YES!"
While there are certainly some things that they may be unable to do, most of the activities that are important to our pets are still possible. A blind dog or cat will behave remarkably normally in their own home. Animals that lose vision gradually appear to adjust better than those that lose vision rapidly. In both cases, with a bit of patience, we have found that almost every pet can make this adjustment. They will remember where their food and water are and rarely bump into things in the home. Try not to rearrange the furniture and you will be amazed at how well your pet will remember the floor plan -- even going up and down stairs. They will still play with toys and may prefer a ball with a bell or a squeak toy. They will enjoy interacting with their human family in most all of the same ways as they did before they lost vision. A blind pet can continue in every way in their primary role as a loving companion.
It is important to recognize that, while vision is important to dogs and cats, they have many other senses that help them adjust to the lose of this one. Their senses of hearing and smell are much more sensitive than ours! Loss of vision does not represent the same hardship for our pets as it would for us. For us, blindness would mean an inability to read or drive a car and a loss of independence. Our pets are already (happily) dependent on us.
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:hug: fingers crossed he manages to respond and improve
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From what you say Clare and how Max seems it does sound like he has lost his sight gradually, from my experience when Timmy suddenly lost his sight was worse than Schui who lost it gradually then suddenly and totally in one eye. Still though, all cats are different and Timmy had a totally different personality to Schui and reason for his loss, Max is brave boy, bless him and try not worry :hug: I'm wishing him the best :hug:
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Sorry to hear about Max, I'm sure he will adapt easily enough in time.
Sending hugs and furry headbutts from our lot.
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What a shock for you, Clare! Bless poor Max, I hope he adapts well :hug:
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It sounds as if he is going to manage just fine, great that he's finding the tray and your bed, all the important places. It might well have been gradual so he could have been adapting over time. What a shock for you though :hug:.
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I'm sorry that Max is blind and know it's such a shock. But on the positive side, he was waiting by the door and followed you upstairs and can find his stuff. That's all positive news and it sounds as though he may be a bit slower moving around but he will find his way. Give him a big cuddle from us, including my blind boy too :hug:
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Clare so sorry to hear about Max but as everyone says I'm sure he will adapt very quickly. I'm sure you've already seen this article but if not it gives some great advice: http://www.messybeast.com/disabled.htm#blind
Sending a grat big hug :hug: to the both of you xxx
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Clare , i am so sorry to hear about Max going blind -what a awful shock .
It seems as though he will adapt quite well - so sending lots of vibes and :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: to you and Max .
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How you both doing this evening?
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Just caught up with this ,im so sorry to hear about Max but as the others say cats adapt better then we think and im sure he will do just fine, i know its a shock but your probably more worried then he is, sending lots of positive vibes for Max and :hug: :hug: for you
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So sorry to hear about Maxs sight...one of my fav cats on here :hug: :hug:
I know he will adapt very quickly and my kocka had detaching retinas and the prob was they were flapping so she was blind one min and then could partially see.....i think that just being blind is better cos they find their way very well as you have discovered :hug:
Kocka use to go out the cat flap and even when we moved here she found her way very quickly, even went out one morning up the garden ......100ft plus, manoerved over a path that had been dug up and all the rubble and out in my dressing gown found her at the back gate!
Max will still love you as much as ever and he will know you by your smell and the love that you give him :hug:
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I am sorry you have had such a shock, but it sounds like Max is adjusting well, and cats do cope with being blind really well - you might find him being a bit more vocal at times. I took on a completely blind and partially blind cat at the back end of last year, both were fine with the move, and it was amazing how they could get about. My vet lent me a good book about blind cats and the MEssybeast article is also a good one.
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Morning everyone, :thanks: again for all your lovely messages :hug: and all the stories you've shared with me about cats you've either owned or fostered, I think yesterday I thought I was the only one with this problem, but I know I'm not alone, so thank you :hug:
Thanks also for the links, I found a few of them yesterday afternoon so am feeling much more positive about everything today :shy:
My boss let me go home at 4pm yesterday, knew I wanted to see Max, and also knew that I was shattered and had the worst headache, so went home and crashed on the sofa, with a Max crashed out on top of me :evillaugh: I was supposed to be answering the phone as I'd diverted calls to the mobile, but switched it off (shhhhhh :naughty: ) and will ring them back this morning.
My boy is coping amazingly well, which does again make me wonder whether his sight had been failing for a while, and its only when it completely went that we spotted it? He seems to be better getting about in daylight than in the dark, so not sure whether he can pick out shadows or something when its light? I guess time will tell with that one.
He's been eating fine, nice empty bown this morning, and toileting is fine too, there's no outward signs of stress with him, which I find amazing. I defo think I'm more worried than he is!?
We even had a bit of a play last night with his feathers as he can hear them swishing, so he was batting them on the floor a bit, and he even batted his ping pong ball when I rolled it to his feet :Luv2:
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Great bug :hug: for you Clare, what a shock for you Hun :hug:
Love and huggles for Max, he sounds like he is coping so well and he has got such a loving and caring Mummy xxx
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This is the book Clare :hug: https://secure.lifelearn.co.uk/cgi-bin/store/bk052.html
I'm sure most of it is common sense but there may be a few good tips in it as well.
I just checked to see which other books they have and there is a kidney one https://secure.lifelearn.co.uk/cgi-bin/store/bk046.html
I think I will order it in case there are any other things I could be doing. Looks like you may want the set :shy:
They have some free downloads which may come in useful http://www.catprofessional.com/free_downloads.html
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Thanks Mark hun, will check these out :hug:
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I remember reading this one too http://www.petplace.com/cats/living-with-a-blind-cat/page1.aspx
what I think is that cats that go blind gradually cope well and that sounds like your Max. The only thing is people say don't move anything - we've moved his litter tray to nearer Swampy and I bought a large round flat stainless steel dog bowl for his water instead of a smaller bowl (easier to find) and both of those changes worked fine. Their noses and whiskers are so important for finding stuff. Also the vet said to be more careful as they are more accident prone in the home (assume Max is indoor only?). What we did was use garden wire to form a barrier on our open staircase bannister so it would be safe. Stairs and nasty things to trip over, just common sense stuff really. :hug:
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Hun, only just saw this.
I am sure Max will do just fine, he's a strong panther :hug:
And another :hug: for you and J x
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Pleased that Max is telling you that he loves you and wants to play ;D
Yes thats the big thing, try not to move anything that he may bump into.
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Well, yesterday evenining he managed to get onto the windowledge he couldn't manage on Sunday, so that was good. He also managed to jump off straight down to the floor as well, and he seems to be getting quicker on the stairs lol! He didn't even wait for me this morning to go get his brekkie, was already munching his dry by the time I got downstairs :evillaugh:
He's definitely a lot more active in daylight, so I really do think that maybe he can see some shadow or something, but not sure if this is possible, or just wishful thinking :shy:
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Go Max....what a clever boy :cat rub:
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He's definitely a lot more active in daylight, so I really do think that maybe he can see some shadow or something, but not sure if this is possible, or just wishful thinking :shy:
It's very possible, I believe. I read somewhere (sorry for the lack of a reference) that many blind humans have some vision in that way.
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Go Max! I'm sure he'll astound you with how well he adjusts :)
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He's even quicker on the stairs today ;D
We also had a nice little play last night, and he came up for some cuddles this morning, so he's doing just fine at the moment. He even found o/hs shoelaces and was having a nibble on those when he came down for breakfast, so that's definitely business as usual :rofl:
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awww bless him :Luv:
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Well done Max ;D
You can tell usually if he can see a bit cos his eyes wont look so big and black.
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Its only when its dark that his eyes are really black, in the daylight they go back down to normal size again, but the vet did say that's not always an indication?
Not sure really, whatever his eyes throw at us, we'll deal with it like we always do .... he's my strong brave panther :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:
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Its only when its dark that his eyes are really black, in the daylight they go back down to normal size again, but the vet did say that's not always an indication?
Not sure really, whatever his eyes throw at us, we'll deal with it like we always do .... he's my strong brave panther :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:
He is scarey Panther! Grrr! ;)
Hugs for you and your boy sweetie! :Luv: :hug: :hug:
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he sounds like he is doing really well Clare!
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OMG, just found this thread :(
I'm so sorry Clare :hug: :hug:
I'm glad that Max is coming round to his ailment
as with all animals/humans, the body learns to adapt very quickly
and his hearing will become more acute
give the wee mannie a head rub from me :care: :Luv:
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Thanks Stuart :hug:
We had a great game with feather on stick last night, he even jumped from the sofa onto the floor to play, which is the first time he's done that since his diagnosis :)
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Glad to hear you are both coping well. Please give Max some chin rubs from me. :Luv:
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Just thought I'd update again, Max continues to do really well, and is playing with ping pong balls regularly again now, as long as you roll it to his feet to start with!
He even managed to get up onto the worktop in the kitchen, that's his highest jump so far, so all good :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:
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:Luv2: Ahh, well done Max ;D
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:Luv2: Bless him.
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Go Maxy ;D
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that's lovely, WTG little fella :hug:
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Good news :hug:
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OMG I've only just seen this.!! Im sure Maxy will adjust , and big hugs for his mummy. :hug: :hug:
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Great stuff Maxy! :)
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Great stuff, it sounds as if he's doing really well :Luv2:
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Seems like his confindence is building...I seen the vid and unless you knew he could'nt see you would never guess it! :Luv: :hug: :hug: