Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: gia on December 11, 2006, 11:13:56 AM
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Hi
My seven year old cat Gizmo had to be catheterized on Thursday night. It was an emergency procedure but he came through it okay. I then had to transfer him to his own vets on Friday, where he has been ever since.
They took the catheter out on Friday night. He is producing enough urine into the bladder but still only dribbling it out. He is eating and drinking fine and they have him on a special diet.
I am desperately worried, surely he should be able to wee freely by now ?
Gia
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Perhaps you will care to see the topic Blocked Bladder down the board.
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http://www.chaptanservices.com/purrs/index.php?topic=223.0 here's the link Gia. Fingers crossed Gizmo will be OK.
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Gia, it can take a while for things to sort themselves out with blocked bladders and some cats need to be catheterised more than once before they start to urinate on their own again. Has your vet sent a urine sample away to check for crystals and also to culture in case there is an underlying infection?
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Hi
Thanks for your replies.
Yes Gizmo did have to be recatheterized yesterday as the vet could not even express his bladder under sedation.
The vet is going to try and completely rest his bladder now for 24/48 hours.
They have sent off a urine sample and we should get the results of that tomorrow. Altho the vet said what he got out of him totay was pretty clear of crystals.
I love Gizmo so very much and am just so worried.
Gia
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Fingers crossed Gia that he is home with you soon. Recently we have had a cat at the vets where i work that was very similar to this. His urine was quite clear of crystals but he had a nasty bladder infection which is now clearing up and he is urinating properly again.
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Fingers crossed Gia that he is home with you soon. Recently we have had a cat at the vets where i work that was very similar to this. His urine was quite clear of crystals but he had a nasty bladder infection which is now clearing up and he is urinating properly again.
Hi Amanda
Thanks for your post. That's interesting you should say that cos the vet said today he urine is free of crystals - Which really confused me.
The little chuffer ripped his catheter out in the night which hasn't helped.
The vet thinks he may have overstretched his bladder a bit. So he may try him on some medication to help him control it.
He also mentioned that he may be the sort of cat who will get better quicker at home.
I am so anxious - my every other word is Gizmo at the moment.
Gia
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Hi Gia,
Thats what my vet thought about my cat Ben when it happened to him, that he might do better at home, and my vet was right. I was worried about him at first, because he just laid in a cardboard box for the first few hours at home and he was still leaking a little bit, and seemed uncomfortable, but I followed him out to the litter tray and he did his first proper full wee and from then on he was fine. Happy to be home with his own toilet facilities!!
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If there is a bladder infection wouldnt they need antibiotics to clear it?
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Yes thats right Gill, it would need to be treated with antibiotics. If the urine is cultured then the lab will say what the bacteria is sensitive to and then the right antibiotic can be prescribed.
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Thanks Amanda ;D
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HI well Gizmo is home and very happy.
However, he is still not peeing normally. He is on mytonine, but not much change so far. He is trying to wee in his tray tho. He wasn't even doing that before.
I have to take him back to the vets later to check his bladder.
Gia
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Hope he is doing OK :)
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Hi Gia,
I've only just noticed this thread about poor little Gizmo. I'm so sorry to hear that he's been so poorly with his bladder. He's suffered with this before though hasn't he? I remember when Jet was so ill, how helpful you were and how you said that you had started adding a little cranberry to Gizmo's? food every day and that it had appeared to keep the problem at bay. (I've often quoted you on that... :)) Or was it not Gizmo but another of your cats?
I'm pleased to note however, that he's now at home and recovering. I have never heard of mytonine but it might be to help with that overstretched bladder...poor little baby. I'm sure you know what the signs are for a blocked bladder and I know you will notice any change in Gizmo's condition. Jet ripped his catheter out a few times too.
Lots of love to you both and wishing Gizmo a very speedy return to full health and some nice long wees :Luv:
Roz
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Hi Gia,
I've only just noticed this thread about poor little Gizmo. I'm so sorry to hear that he's been so poorly with his bladder. He's suffered with this before though hasn't he? I remember when Jet was so ill, how helpful you were and how you said that you had started adding a little cranberry to Gizmo's? food every day and that it had appeared to keep the problem at bay. (I've often quoted you on that... :)) Or was it not Gizmo but another of your cats?
I'm pleased to note however, that he's now at home and recovering. I have never heard of mytonine but it might be to help with that overstretched bladder...poor little baby. I'm sure you know what the signs are for a blocked bladder and I know you will notice any change in Gizmo's condition. Jet ripped his catheter out a few times too.
Lots of love to you both and wishing Gizmo a very speedy return to full health and some nice long wees :Luv:
Roz
Hi Roz
Thanks for your reply. I was hoping you would find my thread. It was Ftse, one of my other cats who had recurrent cystitis and I gave him cranberry.
Gizmo on the other hand just isn't peeong anything like enough.
I just took him back to the vets. He tried to express him but nothing would come out. He has given him some anti inflammatories and wants to see him again early tomorrow morning.
He said that Gizmo is the exception and that he is really frustrated cos he can not figure why he can hardly wee.
He was very worried about the fact that when he tried to express him nothing really came out. But he said there is not enough urine in there to catheterize him today. He is talking about withdrawing the urine thru a syringe to cause less trauma to the penis.
I have searched and dearched the net and can not find anything to help.
Roz, I think I might lose him, and I don't think I will cope.
Gia
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No, no Gia. You remember I had the same problems with Jet last year. Well, his issues were more to do with his sphincter muscle cramping up as soon as the catheter was removed. He would then need another one inserted which, when removed, would lead to a recurrance of the same problem within a few days or weeks.... and the whole thing became a vicious circle.
He was prescribed Dibenylene to relax his muscle and Cystease and Metacam for the inflammation etc. He did have a whole lot of other medication.... but they were the main ones.
You know I would have had to have him pts if he hadn't have had that penilectomy, but he's been brilliant since then...not even a touch of cystitis...nothing. So it's not the end of the road Gia. In fact, it's very early days for Gizmo. Jet had been suffering with FLUTD since April of last year (he was hospitalised for nearly three weeks the first time he blocked in April because he was such a difficult case...and he was also very unco-operative) but it was not until October that it became really serious.... and as you know it was January when he had his operation. So, try not to fret too much about Gizmo yet.
Please e-mail me with your telephone number if you'd like to have a chat about him....
A few weeks ago I received an e-mail from a young lady in Sweden who had read about Jet on Cat Chat. Her vet had told her that FLUTD was more commonplace during the winter months because the little guys didn't like to venture outside so much to have a 'pee'. Well that was Sweden. Her little chap was called Quincy and is doing fine now.
I'm sure Gizmo will be just fine soon. I shall keep looking for your posts.
Lots of love to you both...and a special wish from Jet :Luv:
Roz
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You are a lovely person Roz - thanks.
Will email you my number int the morning.
Gia
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Hi Roz and all of you.
Took Gizmo back to the vets this morning.
Made a absolute exhibition of myself - cried and cried !
I explained to the vet that when Giz got back from the vets yesterday he was producing a little visible bit of wee. I said that when I woke up this morning there was a pool of wee where Gizzie had been lay.
She said that this is a good sign ! Cos at least he is weeing albeit not in a controlled way. She said that the mytonine might be finally working !!
We discussed a penilectomy but she said that would not be of any use as Gizmo's problem is at the neck of his bladder. She said if mytonine doesn't work then there was not really anything they could do. I asked if she would ring some specialists to get there thoughts. She said she would certainly try that also if needs be.
Does anyone know anything about permanently cathetizing a cat ?
Lets hope the mytonine keeps working.
Please keep everything crossed for Gizmo.
Gia
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Lets hope that the drugs do work but if not the specialist sounds like the way forward and I know roz and Jet saw someone really good
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Hi Gia,
Only just logged on today but to hear that Gizmo had a wee, even if uncontrolled, does sound hopeful.....bless that little guy. I've never heard of the problem being associated with the neck of the bladder before, but yes, I can imagine that if the urine cannot even pass through to the bladder itself, there wouldn't be any advantage in merely shortening it.
How does the vet know that the problem is with the neck of the bladder...if that isn't a silly question? Does she think that the nerve endings have been damaged locally? They often repair themselves should that be the case.
Is Gizmo insured....Jet wasn't.....but insurance would certainly be helpful in cases of FLUTD? If he is, perhaps the vet would refer him to a specialist if he does not respond to any of the treatment she has tried. Jet was taken to see Dr Dick White, a top veterinary urologist, five days after his operation.....just to have his condition evaluated and for a post operative examination. Dr White has a surgery near Newmarket... Suffolk/Cambs border. I was very lucky because Nigel, Jet's vet took him along to see Dr White at no cost to myself. The wonderful doctor examined Jet as a favour to Nigel because he had taught him at Cambridge University Veterinary School. Jet was leaking a little initially...and Nigel was afraid that some of the urine might be penetrating the underlying skin tissue around the site of the wound...which would inevitably have been fatal unless arrested) but no, it was only superficial and soon stopped as he started to gain more control of his muscles. I know during Jet's first hospitalisation (in April) that the vets called Dr White's clinic many times to ask for advice on how to treat him....so let's hope that one of the specialists can come up with something.
Gia, I can't comment on permanently catheterizing a cat, but would have thought it impossible, painful and very, very expensive. Jet had so many catheters inserted during the last few months of his illness, which is why the vets suggested the operation...as a last resort. His long term prognosis was so poor and, bless him, he had had enough.
Poor Gizmo sounds like his problem might be as difficult to treat, although in a different area. Has the vet given you any indication of what might have caused the neck of his bladder to stretch?
One last thing Gia. Is Gizmo a stessed cat at all? If he is and doesn't get on well with Ftse, try to keep him in a room on his own for the time being..... somewhere that is quiet and peaceful and where he can relax and rehabilitate. Urinary probs are often stress related.
I can't think of anything else to add at this juncture except to wish that poor little baby well.
Try not to worry too much (I know that's easier said than done). Take five and make yourself a nice cuppa and relax for a few minutes. Put something in it if you're not driving or working ;)
We're all sending mega positive thoughts to Giz for a very speedy recovery.
Lots of love to you both :Luv: :Luv: :Luv:
Roz
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Hi Roz
I am not actually sure why she thinks it is the neck of the bladder. I go in there asking lots of questions, gets lots of answers and then have to calm down and assimulate it. The pee can get in the bladder, it's the coming out that is the problem.
Permanently catheterization is rare but it may be possible. But we will explore other avenues first.
I will mention Dick White, if it becomes necessary.
No Giz is not insured but we have put money aside for some time to cover such an eventuality.
Yes Giz is a happy but highly strung little fella. He gets on pretty well with his brothers tho. The vets said just to let him completely chill, come and go as he pleases etc. Make his life as normal as possible. So not sure isolating him would be right at the mo. But will think some more about it.
You mentioned you local vet was called Nigel. We have a vet called Nigel at Whitegates surgery, Washingborough, Lincoln, Lincolnshire. Don't suppose it's the same guy ?
Will make that cup of tea. This is all doing my weight loss tonnes of good cos I have no appettie and yesterday only had one cup of tea all day ! Not good I know. I seem to live, breath and sleep Gizmo at the mo.
Gia
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Hi again Gia,
So when your vet refers to the 'neck' of the bladder does she mean the beginning or the end....from what you just said it would appear to be the end which is normal in this condition. I was, perhaps erroneously, assuming that the neck in Gizmo's case was at the beginning.
I cannot therefore see why an op such as Jet had would not be helpful...as a last resort. Nigel (not Whitegates...which would have been great if it was 'cos he was brilliant with my little guy.... but Cromwell's in Huntingdon) told me that although the surgery was very drastic and invasive, in cases like Jet's, it was the only real option because although he may still suffer from FLUTD from time to time, the operation would ensure that he would never again be at risk from dying from a blocked bladder. It effectively shortens the urethra to resemble a queen's (hence why it is often referred to as the sex change op) thus facilitating an easier flow of urine through the bladder. The male urethra is long and narrow and once a cat has suffered with crystals, the wall of the bladder becomes inflamed and leads to symptoms such as cystitis which results in a thickening of the bladder wall over time. All the gunge etc that then collects in the bladder together with any crystals that may be present, eventually form a plug that prevents any urine from being eliminated via the penis. Jet has never even suffered a bout of cystitis since having the op.....and does lovely wees now (still manages to overturn the litter tray most times though cos he stands on the edge :innocent:).
I hope that helps you Gia.
Fingers crossed for your little guy.
Lots of love
Roz
P.S. For anyone who has read about Jet a thousand times already, my apologies. :tired:
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Hi again Gia,
So when your vet refers to the 'neck' of the bladder does she mean the beginning or the end....from what you just said it would appear to be the end which is normal in this condition. I was, perhaps erroneously, assuming that the neck in Gizmo's case was at the beginning.
I cannot therefore see why an op such as Jet had would not be helpful...as a last resort. Nigel (not Whitegates...which would have been great if it was 'cos he was brilliant with my little guy.... but Cromwell's in Huntingdon) told me that although the surgery was very drastic and invasive, in cases like Jet's, it was the only real option because although he may still suffer from FLUTD from time to time, the operation would ensure that he would never again be at risk from dying from a blocked bladder. It effectively shortens the urethra to resemble a queen's (hence why it is often referred to as the sex change op) thus facilitating an easier flow of urine through the bladder. The male urethra is long and narrow and once a cat has suffered with crystals, the wall of the bladder becomes inflamed and leads to symptoms such as cystitis which results in a thickening of the bladder wall over time. All the gunge etc that then collects in the bladder together with any crystals that may be present, eventually form a plug that prevents any urine from being eliminated via the penis. Jet has never even suffered a bout of cystitis since having the op.....and does lovely wees now (still manages to overturn the litter tray most times though cos he stands on the edge :innocent:).
I hope that helps you Gia.
Fingers crossed for your little guy.
Lots of love
Roz
P.S. For anyone who has read about Jet a thousand times already, my apologies. :tired:
Hi Roz, Jet, Gill, Amanda and everyone.
Thanks so much for all your kind thoughts and concern.
Here's the latest on my furry friend -
Giz went back to the vets today and she was really quite pleased with him. So much so that he doesn't need to go back til Monday night, Which I know is soon but it's still a whole lot better than every 24 hours !
She said his bladder was tiny(much smaller than yesterday even) so she didn't need to "express" him. He hasn't had to have his bladder forcibly emptied since Wednesday. Which again is an improvement cos it was once a day.
Each time he has had his myotonine he pees little and oftern for a while. The vet said that is plenty good enough for now.
He will almost certainly be on myotonine for life but that's not so bad.
She said it is a long road to recovery so not to expect too much too soon.
I am still very worried and it is early days but I can't ask for anymore at the moment.
I love my little Giz so much.
Roz - I asked her about the neck thing and ashe said yes she did mean the exit part of the bladder, but they call it the neck for some reason. Gizmo's problem is the nerve at the neck is not receiving the correct message to the release muscle. That's where mytonine come in. I didn't pursue the penilectomy idea for now as I just want to see how/if he progresses on the medication.
Gia
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Hi Gia,
I`ve only just caught up with Gizmo`s progress but like Roz says, and i know it really is easier said than done, try not to worry too much at this stage. I have seen some cats with similar problems that have made a full recovery but it can take time. I don`t want to bad mouth vets in any way but i have found with some of the ones i have worked for in the past that they don`t give things like this enough time to sort themselves out. I remember one cat in particular that had been hit by a car and was unable to urinate on his own. He was put on myotonine and the vet was expressing his bladder frequently each day. The vet ended up keeping him and she continued to express his bladder. After a few months he began to urinate on his own and is now back to normal. I very much hope that a similar thing happens with Gizmo. I personally have never heard of a cat being catheterised long term but maybe you could learn how to express his bladder for him if it comes to it.
There is another drug called Dibenyline that can sometimes help but you would need to check with your vet to see if this would be suitable for Gizmo. This usually helps when the bladder goes into spasm but as you`ve said that your vet can express him then this may not be happening. Did you get results back from the urine that they sent away?
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Hi Gia,
I`ve only just caught up with Gizmo`s progress but like Roz says, and i know it really is easier said than done, try not to worry too much at this stage. I have seen some cats with similar problems that have made a full recovery but it can take time. I don`t want to bad mouth vets in any way but i have found with some of the ones i have worked for in the past that they don`t give things like this enough time to sort themselves out. I remember one cat in particular that had been hit by a car and was unable to urinate on his own. He was put on myotonine and the vet was expressing his bladder frequently each day. The vet ended up keeping him and she continued to express his bladder. After a few months he began to urinate on his own and is now back to normal. I very much hope that a similar thing happens with Gizmo. I personally have never heard of a cat being catheterised long term but maybe you could learn how to express his bladder for him if it comes to it.
There is another drug called Dibenyline that can sometimes help but you would need to check with your vet to see if this would be suitable for Gizmo. This usually helps when the bladder goes into spasm but as you`ve said that your vet can express him then this may not be happening. Did you get results back from the urine that they sent away?
Hi Amamda and everyone
Yes I think vets generally are superb but as you say can sometimes be a bit impatient for results. And sometimes I think some vets may fails to look at the whole holistic picture - ie the cats temperament etc.
Gizmo was seen by two vets initially who said myotonine should work within 24 - 48 hours. In the end it took four days for them to do any good at all.
Also I suggested that Giz should have anti inflammatories cos his penis was so sore and swollen from being catheterized twice and his version of self removal >:( ! However the vets said no that would not help. Five days later, when they are starting to get desperate, they agree to the anti inflammatories and things start to improve.
Giz is now seeing a lady vet now and she is a bit more - lets take this slow, this is a long road to recovery and every little improvement is excellent. She looks at things a lot more slowly.
I am not slating the other vets tho cos they were great, if a little impatient.
Permanent catheterization was just a last resort thing that I discussed with one of the other vets. For him it was either that or euthanasia ! So black and white.
i would express Gizmo if needs be but the problem was that it was not possible for the vets half the time, let alone me. The reason being, the nerve that controls the open shut value in his bladder was just not working.
However, I am very, very, very pleased and proud to say that Gizmo is producing larger wees today ! So much so I am going to have to change his littler try for the second time today ! My husband and I have been stood over the littler tray proudly admiring his wee ! ;D
My boy is a beautiful star ! :Luv:
Please keep fingers crossed that he keeps improving.
Gia
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How's our little 'star' this morning Gia?
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How's our little 'star' this morning Gia?
Hello Roz and everyone.
The little furry Gizmo is doing better each day ;D
Took him back to the vets tonight and she said his bladder is tiny and he is doing extremely well considering how ill he has been ;D
He has started weeing in a controlled way now. Always in the tray or soil and no incontinence.
I am so proud of him I could burst !! ;D ;D ;D
Yesterday and today he has been showing all his own demanding, querky little, affectionate traits ;D
I know he is not totally out of the woods but I am pleased with his progress.
We see the vets next on Friday for a check up. Which is good cos up until Saturday he was going once a day.
You will never know how much I have trully appreciated the support you have offered Roz. A very special thank you to you and Jet.
And thanks also to Amanda, Gill and everyone else who has posted and followed Gizmo's progress
You have been so lovely and kind.
Gia
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Oh Gia, thats such fantastic news. You must be so pleased!
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Oh Gia, thats such fantastic news. You must be so pleased!
I can't even hardly put it into words Amanda.
I am so relieved, happy, thrilled and every other positive thing you can imagine.
Gia
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Have you got any pictures of the little man in question??!
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Oh, that is such good news Gia. Well done Giz......you truly are a beautiful little star. ( I wish we had some star emoticons......we've got everything else :)
Will be continuing to keep Giz in my thoughts and look forward to reading more good news.
Lots of love to you both
Roz....and Jet :Luv:
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Oh, that is such good news Gia. Well done Giz......you truly are a beautiful little star. ( I wish we had some star emoticons......we've got everything else :)
Will be continuing to keep Giz in my thoughts and look forward to reading more good news.
Lots of love to you both
Roz....and Jet :Luv:
Morning Roz and everyone.
I wish there was more emoticons to, cos believe me I would be using all the positive ones ;D
My little star Gizmo is just having his 2nd wee if the morning !
He sends tonnes of purrs to you and Jet ;D
Gia
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i have only just found this thread, and am soo glad that things are looking better for him, fingers crossed they continue to improve for both of you.
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:yayyy: :yayyy: :yayyy: :yayyy:
Woohay!! ANother excuse to use the dancing banana!! Fantastic news Gia, hope it keeps getting better ;D
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i have only just found this thread, and am soo glad that things are looking better for him, fingers crossed they continue to improve for both of you.
Thank you so much
Gia
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My goodness that is good news and I hope he keeps on improving..............Have a great Christmas both of you :wish: :ok: :yayyy: :yayyy: :oolala: :oolala: :oolala:
And finally specially for the top boy :ahh: :ahh:
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My goodness that is good news and I hope he keeps on improving..............Have a great Christmas both of you :wish: :ok: :yayyy: :yayyy: :oolala: :oolala: :oolala:
And finally specially for the top boy :ahh: :ahh:
Gizmo and I love your post :thanks:
Giz sends deepest purrs and feline compliments of the season ;D
Gia
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Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww thanks ;D ;D
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Hi Gia,
Such good news for this lovely little guy. Everything crossed for his continual improvement and good luck at the vet's tomorrow morning. :clap:
A little hug to him from me too. ha ha :ahh:
Lots of love to you both and to Ftse
Roz
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Off to the vets in twenty mins - bit nervous
Gia
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Good News ;D ;D ;D
Gizmo does not have to go back to the vets for two weeks !
Gia
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Yesssssssssssssssssssssss thats great ;D
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Wonderful news Gia. I'm so pleased for you both.
Well done Giz......
What a lovely Christmas present.
Lots of love to you and some more of these for the beautiful little star :ahh: :ahh:
Roz
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Thanks Roz
Same to you
Gia
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Excellent news!!
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Excellent news!!
I know.
Have been thinking on and off all day how lucky we are the Giz is still with us and so much better.
Hope you are doing okay today Desley. I know you have been through a very difficult time recently.
Gia
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Not particularly, but dont want to spoil your thread, I am pleased for you.
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Don't worry about that.
I could so easily have been in a similar position to you today.
There are very few genuine animal lovers in the world. Having read your threads/ posts for some considerable time now, I can tell you are one of them. So I can imagine how deeply you are feeling your losses.
If you ever need a friend .....
Gia
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Thanks Gia - I have started a new thread so as not to ruin yours - you could have been in the same position, but thankfully you aren't. I think we are in need of some new pics!!
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Hello people and Happy New Year.
Gizmo is still doing fine and goes back for a check up on Friday.
Now my problem at the moment is - he is on three half tablets (Myotonine) a day. He generally is very good at taking tablets. But he is now getting absolutely fed up with it.
Do you think that it will be okay to crush them up in some food ? I know he will definitely eat them then.
Gia
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I would just give the vet a quick ring Gia (the emergency vet will do) - some tablets do need the coating, some don't.
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I would just give the vet a quick ring Gia (the emergency vet will do) - some tablets do need the coating, some don't.
Yes good thinking Desley.
I will call them today.
Thanks
Gia
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Gizmo went for his two week check up last night.
The vet was very pleased. Everything has healed beautifully, his bladder is perfectly normal and we can reduce his medication.
He has lost 2lb in weight and only has another pound to go (wish I could say the same :) )
Since he has lost weight he is much more active and happy.
He goes back for another check up in a month.
What a beautiful little star he is ;D
Gia
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I am so pleased for both of you, this is wonderful news!!
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Excellent news about Gizmo - you must be so happy. What a wonderful start to the year ;D
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Gizmo's progress update.
Giz went back to the vets yesterday. She was delighted with his progress and he doen't need to go back for three months ! ;D
He is currently sat by my PC giving me the "feed me now" glare ! ;D
Gia
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Great ;D
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WExcellent
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Good work, Gizmo!