Day 13

 Typing one handed – Pookie is demanding drooly snuggles.

No drool from around 630 last night until about noon today.  Ate chicken for breakfast and lunch fairly eagerly.  Went wading in the water bowl -a first.  Half crouchy, but scratched at post and gnawed on his OneTrue Love.  Insisted on posing for pics of current crochet experiments.

Intermittently wheezing little wheezelets.

Not taking his meds as well as usual.  Can’t say I blame him; he’s usually eating them with his food, and this AM of four ml syringes was a bit much – 3 Lact, 1 amoxy.

Got him some tofu, now I just have to figure out what to DO with it!

 

Roller Coaster Ride, Day 12

915 AM
Newt had 24+ hours of upswing, much better, but still not completely back to “normal.”   Appetite still not his ferocious starving Jackal, but ate all of his mini snacks.

Back to drool and clumsy this morning. Still direct dosing meds, hydration still good.

630 PM
Drooled pretty steadily most of the day.  Seems to have tapered off a bit in the last hour.  Doesn’t want any food besides his chicken. Looking a bit scruffy, but hydration still ok.

He’s sleeping in his box now.

Vet suggested seeing if he will eat tofu, and to increase his Lactulose some more. And to give him a rub from her – particularly along the liver meridian   Off to find my Four Paws, Five Directions book to refresh.

Woohoo Warmer Weather

Enigmatic Newt is still on his merry go round.  Seems to be upswinging since midnight last night.  No drool, decent appetite, but … you knew there was a “but,” didn’t you?  He’s half crouchy, not attacking his snackies with his typical gusto, and still quiet. 

So, not a “bad day” but not a great day for him either.  Going on ten days now for him, being “half in, half out.”  (Any Constantine fans out there? LOVED that quote about cats LOL) And so goes another cycle in the life of a liver shunt cat.

Am being naughty today.  Very close to finishing tax prep, and was not going to start crocheting the cat bed for WARL to celebrate Petey’s adoption until finished.  But, had to get a tire repaired, and no sense waiting there doing nothing, when I could create something, right?  So I bundled together four skeins of various black and white yarns – Lion Incredible ribbon, Fun Fur (I think) some fuzzy thing with no label, and some leftover homespun.  Grabbed my bigass speed hook and went to town.  Already have about six inches completed from this pattern.  Cool!  Now I think I’ll take the dogs to the park so I can crochet in peace.  Will finish the tax crap later today, I promise!

Am really enjoying Ravelry (maybe why the taxes aren’t done?!?!?) and was excited to find several knit / crochet – alongs for animal charity.  Combine that with meeting Petey, and I’ve been itching to create a snuggle, a bed, something more challenging than a toy to donate. Am hesitant to do the snuggles, because my edges are always crooked.  So, working in the round seems to be the answer, at least until I learn how to do this correctly.  But, the fun fur is very forgiving, and the cats won’t care if I have crooked edges and dropped stitches, right?

Oops, gotta go, Newt is demanding snuggles.

Newt is Having a Rough Week

Just a quick request for vibes, prayers, love, anything you can send our way for Newt.  He’s been having a bit of a rough week. 

New pattern seems to be emerging; rapid cycling of HE symptoms, back to normal, back to symptoms, repeat, repeat, repeat.  Ongoing since Sunday night.

He had sub-q fluids and saw two vets yesterday morning; of course he looked and seemed much better at that time, so no one was terribly alarmed – just another round of ride it out and keep on with the meds, etc.  I just had hoped and thought that he would pull out of it by now, since he usually is symptomatic for maybe 12 hours, not five days.  Not since he was a baby has it gone on this long.

Direct dosing Lact, orally administering water, lots of Reiki, trying to keep myself calm, but you know how it goes :-/ 

So, any well wishes for him will be gratefully accepted.

UPDATE:

Seems to be doing better this morning (3/6/10), yay!  Played attack the toes last night, ate midnite snack and breakfast, gnawed on his One True Love, eyes bright, fur unruffled.  Still a bit of the wobbles, but that’s typical after an ep.  Hoping this is a full upswing and not back on the merry go round of this past week.

Many thanks to all for the love, prayers, positive energies, Reiki, etc.

Are We Going Episodic Today?

Newt is on the verge of being symptomatic this AM. Refused his Ricotta breakfast and secondary chicken veggie meal.

Looks like tiny preliminary drool forming. Heavy purring. 

Gave two servings of one Tablespoon Chicken with Lactulose, so he ate finally, yay.  Now snoozing in window.

Changes in mentation are critical early warning indicators, especially in our shunt cats.  Atypical behaviors (in Newt’s case, purring), changes in hair coat and texture, inappetance.  With close observation to Newt’s early warning signs, we are usually able to intervene early, before the symptoms become full-fledged.  He is now symptomatic approximately 10 hours every eight to ten weeks.  Far far better than in his younger days, when he was symptomatic five days out of six.

Will monitor, and if symptoms persist, will direct dose with another two ml Lactulose, and syringe feed water.

What a Week

What a week!

Hoo boy, Zoo Keeping is a full time job! And indeed, it has been a zoo around here lately.  This post is going to be quite long probably, and eventually I will probably edit it into smaller bites within the relevant timeline, but for now, going to sit and type it all out just to have something up here.

Highlights / Lowlights:

Pee:
Newt’s still  been peeing / spraying / marking / oh boy.  Tests ruled out UTI, so we’re pretty sure it’s behavioral and not health-related. Finally managed to get a urine sample from Mr Suddenly Shy Boy.  After all these months of leaping into the box when it’s being cleaned so he can do his business at the same time, he turned shy. And sneaky. 

A determined (and lucky) Cat Daddy managed to snag a sample while  I scrambled to locate the previously ever present specimen cup.  Cat Daddy is quite resourceful.  Let’s just say it involved a squirmy kitty and an old brass bell, and leave it at that, for the sake of Cat Daddy’s dignity, shall we? 

Speaking of Cat Daddy’s dignity, Newt’s marking has reached epic status.  We discovered that *someone* had peed on my accordion (no musical jokes, please!) which had been sitting on a chair, wedged against a desk, minding its own business. Nothing in the world smells *quite* like old accordion liberally doused with cat urine.

The next day, Cat Daddy was sitting down to a much deserved rest and treat of steamed shrimp.  He’s been working practically around the clock, and finally caught a chance to watch TV and nosh on some of his favorite treats.  Ahem.  No rest for the weary when wayward whizzers wander.

Newt leapt upon the end table and proceeded to let fly a stream, hitting the couch, the table, the floor, and the unamused Cat Daddy, but fortunately missing the longed-for lunch.  So much for peace and quiet.

Gads, that man has the patience of a saint!  While I, not being terribly fond of steamed shrimpies, happen to share Newt’s commentary on their aroma, still, that was just …. rude! And don’t even get me started on the interesting things upon which one stumbles whilst searching for ways to remove urine from musical instruments.  Okay, well maybe a later post might be added, found some REALLY funny stuff, but at the mo, Cat Daddy was not in the mood for amusement

Aluminum Foils Cats? HA!
Taking a tip to prevent repeat offenses in the same area, I layered one particularly favorite location with aluminum foil, having read that keeps cats away as they don’t like it.

Laugh with me now, we’re not talking about normal cats, we’re talking about NEWT.  A new, bright and shiney blanky!  He wiggled, he writhed, he cleaned and preened upon it.  He rolled, he tumbled, he chased his bell toy and vigorously played soccer on this vast expanse of shimmery new playing field.  He slept peacefully upon it.

Fortunately, he did NOT pee upon it.

At least for the next twelve hours.

Immediately after posting this, caught him scratching the tin foil, and whizzing away. 

Scratch plastering the house in aluminum as a foil to feline folly.

::sigh::

Black Light Failure or Neurotic Pee Cleaning Dynamo?:
OK I know I’ve been neurotic about cleaning the evidence, but either I’m a far better pee removal specialist than I ever thought, or our non-toxic, natural ingredients for urine removal (white vinegar, baking soda, peroxide, microfiber cloths) work better than I could have hoped, or, we have a defective black light.

Ever skeptical, my vote is on the defective black light. 

Finally brave enough to hunt for residue, even after repeated, ongoing, deep cleaning attempts – I KNOW there’s something there; I can SMELL it – I crept round the whole house in the witching hour of midnight, with my handy dandy pocket flashlight / blacklight combo.

Not a single urine spot ANYWHERE!

I can’t believe it.  Oh, the black light is working: the whites in the laundry glowed an eerie glow; tiny, random particles of kitty litter sparkled a path throughout the house (note to self, “must switch focus from intensive pee cleaning to improved litter sweeping”); and, Newt’s innocent little white footie paws glowed mockingly at me, as together we hunted for evidence of his transgressions.

But not one single spot of urine?!?!? Anywhere?  Is this some sort of cruel cosmic joke?  Old house, pets (and owner!) with bladder and kidney issues dating back even before our menagerie arrived.  Surely you jest, there must be some residue somewhere.

Nope.  Zip, zilch, zero, nada, nothing.  Kein urin.  Well, from whence comes this fragrant aroma?

Am I, in my ongoing battle with the Urinator, experiencing Piss Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms consisting of olfactory hallucinations after smelling the battlefield littered with desecrated musical instruments and innocent crustaceans?

Emergency Room Visit
Newt’s One True Love ended up in the ER. 

I originally thought it was a complication of her kidney disease (CRF) but tests ruled that out, and the sudden onset and symptoms seem to point to possible food poisoning.  Don’t worry, she’s fine now, but we had quite a scare for a while.  Haven’t seen any crickets, and hunting is beneath her dignified status as the Exhalted Elderly Queen Ruler of Our Domain, but that seems to be a likely culprit.  

Of course this all happened right before my appearance at Mighty Healthy Pet to provide free demonstrations on energy work and holistic health care for animals, so it was pretty hairy for a bit. Nothing jolts the holistic practitioner’s ego quite like a frantic phone call explaining to the very patient store manager that you are going to be late because your cat has a problem for which you need to rush to the vet!  ::smile::  Seriously, it was a prime example of why I ardently believe that an integrative approach and a good relationship with traditional vets is SO important.  It should not be an “us against them” mentality; that is something I continually fight to explain. After all, we’re all in this for the same goal, that of improving the health and quality of life for animals, right? 

Fortunately, our ER vet, while traditional, has some experience with homeopathy and Ayuverdic medicine, so he understood why we do not have “One True Love” on a prescription diet, but rather a holistic one, especially once I pointed out the by-products in the suggested prescription food, and cited sources pertaining to meat by-products and corn as components in cat nutrition, particularly in those with compromised digestive systems.

So, a horribly frightening experience ended up with a very  positive exchange and teaching moment, and while it did not occur at the venue originally planned, nonetheless it was a discussion on holistic options for care. And the event, while later than planned, seemed very well received and attended.  So all worked out well in the end, just not according to my plan.

Interesting observation – One True Love was not at all receptive to Reiki during the episode.  Afterward, she quickly reverted back to being the total reiki sponge that she is, but in the crisis, nada. Same thing for Newt, in spite of all the stress and excitement of the past couple of weeks, he has not been very interested in reiki, either.  Have switched to more massage instead for now.

Six Vet Trips in Eight Days?
Gotta check the calendar, but I seem to recall: one house call for Jake’s flea allergy (I hate fleas); two urine tests; one behavior visit and weigh, one blood test, and one ER visit.  Bonus visit to specialist to discuss process for pre-op questions on “Newtering.”

No wonder they recognize my voice on the phone!

Attack of the Swarming Horde of Angry Yellow Jackets, Part Deux:
My fault, totally. Second attack this year. First time, they swarmed and chased me into the house.  I was more worried about keeping them away from Newt and Cat Daddy than I was about flashing the neighbors in my haste to disrobe and get the angry buggers out of my clothes.  

First onslaught caused naught but a bunch of stings, about a dozen angry red, itching and sore welts.  Second attack fewer stings but more impressive after effects. Sprouted a third … ahem … bosom.  Anyone who knows me, knows I have no desire for, nor need of, additional bosoms.   

Not as many stings, but first time to show reactivity (impressive swelling!).  baking soda to the rescue.  Applied a poultice and by morning, bonus boobage banished (poor Cat Daddy, don’t be greedy!).  Minimal post-attack pain and suffering. 

Note to self, “LEAVE THE NEST ALONE, YOU TWIT!”

The Great Goo Rush
Was almost out of Newt’s Famous Secret Sauce, aka “Goo.”

No problem, our friendly Bone Collector had delivered a nice stash of frozen chicken and turkey bones.  Carrots and other leftover frozen veggies were obtained, bones thawed, time to bring the bigass crock pot from over the top of the cupboard and get to Brewin’ Goo.

Did I ask Cat Daddy for help? Nooooooooo.  Did I pull out the ever present step stool, specifically designed to prevent stubborn short people like me who want to believe that they are taller than they think they are from having uneccessary kitchen accidents? 

All together now, “Nooooooooooooooo.”

Over-reached, tilted the thing toward me for a better grip, and got whopped on the head by the bigass crockpot’s equally bigass, heavy glass lid crashing down

OUCH!

Well, at least my head cushioned its fall well enough that it didn’t break.

Goo Brewin’ commenced.

Obviously I was off my game, (lumps on head can do that, I suppose), as this batch of Goo was not quite the perfect gooey goodness I have perfected.  Oh, it smelled yummy, and had the rich color, but it didn’t set like usual.  Oh well, it should work, right?

Packaged, processed and froze, and hoped for the best.

An aside – do you have ANY idea of how many tiny little single portion serving sized freezer cups there are in this house? And how I can never seem to find one when I need it?  Oh yeah, they are all in the freezer, holding chicken or Goo!

Way to Goo, Mommy!
Newt sort of went off his feed a bit.  Obviously the latest batch of Newt’s Famous Secret Sauce (aka Goo) was not quite to his liking.  Late night run to grocery for his favorite rotisserie chicken.

Oh, no!  The only, lonely chicken left was … ::gasp:: BOURBON chicken!  The LAST thing we need to throw on his delicate liver and rampaging teenage hormones is BOOZE!

He finally relented to eating the less-than perfect Goo.  Next day, obtained the last, non-flavor enhanced, boozeless bird.  Gently drained the priceless Goo, and poured it into a container. 

Spilled it all while carefully trying to open the cover for Newt’s midnight snack. 

Goo covered the stove, the floor, the Newt, the Newt’s mommy, the dog …

Way to Goo, Mommy!

Hushabye

When Newt was a baby, he constantly wanted to be held and snuggled.  To enable routine work function (you know, computer use, washing dishes, sweeping, etc.) I rigged him up a baby sling.  Used a Pashmina shawl, (blue, of course, for my little boy). Initially wrapped it around my neck (he only weighed one pound!), and as he grew, adjusted the strap to go around the shoulder and under the arm. 

He will still ask to snuggle in his sling when he’s having a bad day. From these pictures, you can see: 1) his growth, and 2) the wear and tear of his sling.

Dare I admit that I sing lullabies to my cat?!?!

Excerpted from The Beach Boys’ Hushabye,

written by Mort Shuman and Doc Pomus

Hush hush
Hushabye
Hushabye
Hushabye

Oh my darlin’ don’t you cry
Guardian angels up above
Take care of the one I love

Oo ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo
Ah ah ah ah

Hush hush
Hushabye

Oo ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo
Ah ah ah ah

Hush hush
Hushabye

Oooo oooo oooo oooo

Lullabye and goodnight
In your dreams I hold you tight
Lullabye and goodnight
Til the dawn’s early light

 

Newt is Feeling Better!

Couple of anxious days, but he’s almost back to the “new” Newt.

Enema averted – for now.

Thanks to all the well-wishers for their thoughts and encouragement!  Cat Daddy and I were a bit worried.  While the drooling wasn’t nearly as bad as it had been pre-ER, it still was a shock, I guess, to have it come back.

The trigger this time, we think was caused by him sneaking onto the counter and stealing part of a portion of cooked cabbage.  (Where I’m from, it was always the COW that ate the cabbage, not the CAT!)

We are so careful with the cat food, and our food, but he has gotten so fast, and so sneaky! I opened the box with the cabbage in it, turned around to get a plate, and when I turned back, he was proudly strutting across the counter with a hunk of it clenched in his teeth, chomping and slurping with every step.

Cheeky little bugger!

While cabbage was never ON his menu, it is now certainly banned from consideration.

Possibly it upset his tummy a bit, causing him to not want to eat his dinner, upsetting the balance of his carefully timed meals, etc etc etc.  Or maybe he just thought I needed to call his holistic vet in a panic – after all,  it HAD been seven weeks since we’d last seen her!

Newt’s Having a Less-than-Great Day

Well, it was too good to be true.

For seven weeks, New New has shown no symptoms.

Until today.

He did not want breakfast – good thing I direct dosed his meds, instead of adding to his food. After breakfast, he climbed on me, asking for Reiki and snuggles.  I happily obliged, as one of the main differences post-ER has been his sudden independence, and a vanishing of his previous snuggly, clingy previous behaviors.

I got out his sling, so he could cuddle while I work.  Little Schnookums has grown so much that he barely fits in it any more!

He has now started drooling, and a tiny bit of wheezing – neither of which has happened in the last seven weeks.

So far, the drooling isn’t really bad – just a bit; nonetheless, I’m worried.

He, on the other hand, seems perfectly content to snuggle draped around my neck, watching me type, and intermittently dozing.