Busy day planned for today, but just a quick post for those of you keeping track of Newt’s current situation.
No drool since last night. He was foraging on the top level of the bay window last night – first time he’s been up there in 20 days. He was quite hungry for his midnight snack, so we gave him his veggie mix. Eyes bright and alert this morning; Lactulose continues to work, and he ate most of his breakfast. We tried getting him back on track with his normal, Newt-ritious, home-cooked chicken /veggie mix. A bit heavier on the chicken and lighter on the veggies than usual, but still. He ate most of it, yay! Napping in his box comfortably. Liver meridian and points seem ok.
Trying to whack some more weeds this morning before heading out to see Reiki clients this afternoon. Was very excited to see that a real knitter commented on the drop ribbon scarf I made, and said I had inspired them. OMG how cool is that?
And a couple of folks have already scoped out my favorite project bag – my yummy yellow Crunchies re-usable shopping bag.Only USD $3 at the holistic pet food store Crunchies in Maryland.
It can carry 5 or 6 WIPs, depending on how large, not to mention a week’s supply of pet food, groceries, books, whatever you can cram into it.
Also doubles as a cat hiding place.
Huge, roomy, lightweight, yet sturdy. And looooove that bright yellow!
The owner is Newt’s honorary auntie, so if you go see her, or order one, tell her that Newt sent you.
Cat Daddy has long insisted that I eat stranger food combinations than anyone else he has ever met. I prefer to think I am merely creative in my cuisine. Oh perhaps it is merely my predilection for peanut butter. Or from reading too many stories where the characters ate such interesting things.
Peanut butter and mayonnaise, peanut butter and pickles – two quick and easy sandwich options. And I was fully vindicated for my pretzel and ice cream fascination when he found me a commercial brand pretzel ice cream. See, I’m not the only one!
But I am afraid I may have sunk to a new low.
After buying Newt some tofu and creme fraiche in an attempt to entice him to eat something besides chicken of late, of course the little bugger wouldn’t touch it. I blame Cat Daddy, totally. He told the cats I was trying to feed them toefood. Yuck! Bad, Cat Daddy, bad, bad, bad! And I specifically scrambled the tofu in little chunks similar to the shape of his chicken pinches, along with chicken skin and goo so it would taste like chicken! Surprisingly, the other cats weren’t interested in it either.
How humiliating.
But, I’ve resigned myself to the fact that Newt prefers Cat Daddy’s cooking over mine. The question now is, what to do with this stuff? Since the dog has been having digestive issues, he’s on strict watch as far as what he is allowed to eat. And I refuse to throw away perfectly good food, especially if it is expensive, boutique items purchased from the specialty organic market.
So, in keeping with my habit of eating Newt’s leftovers, (no, you silly thing, I do NOT eat leftovers from his bowl!), I tried to figure out what to do with the tofu.
I present to you, toast slathered with creme fraiche, a dollop of chicken-scrambled toefood, and topped with a slice of crunchy dill pickle. Yummmmmmmmmmmmmm.
It has been 13.5 days now since Newt hopped on the HE roller coaster. Actually, probably a bit longer, as we noticed pre-episodic symptoms a couple of days prior. But the drooling commenced at 6PM on 28 Feb.
Overview, to date:
The only way we can describe it has been that he is rapid cycling between HE symptoms associated with his liver shunt (drooling, lethargic, inappetance, clumsy, agitated, crouchy, purring) to almost back to normal. Mild to moderately symptomatic for an average of 12 – 18 hours, then almost normal for 12 – 18 hours.
Not once full blown crisis as in the early days, (with major drool, dehydration, masssive lethargy, violent agitation, complete disinterest in food) and yet, not fully back to the normal Newt of the past glorious and wonderful year.
All possible triggers, however remote the probability, have been analyzed and discarded.
We’re staying the course with increased Lactulose, have offered him the holistic, low protein canned food in addition to his normal, home-cooked meals, hydration is still good. In fact, he was drinking like a camel last night (in and of itself a bit alarming). Finally caught him urinating today, huge relief there.
Working all points anywhere around the liver meridian, stomach points, liver points, heck am just massaging / acupressure anywhere I can get my hands on him in hopes of stimulating something to help him over the hurdle. He’s accepting Reiki periodically, but not drawing heavily. Only a couple of times did he want massive quantities, and then, only for a short duration.
This morning, he was drooling, but showed much interest in the canned food, only to eat a mere US Tablespoon of it. Turned up his nose at the creme fraiche. A bit of the wobbles, and a bit clumsy, but landed neatly on the counter to help me wash dishes. Also helped me clean the litter pans, sweep and mop, and initiated play with the Lactulose dropper. Once again napping with his One True Love on his bed.
Am headed out to teach a Reiki for Animals class this afternoon. Cat Daddy is on duty until he leaves for his gig, so at most, Newt will be unmonitored for an hour.
His awesome vet has called in a new Rx; going to try another antibiotic.
Many thanks to all for their continued encouragement and support. I can’t stress enough that he’s so far, not critical – not even nearly as episodic as we’ve seen him before. This is just so puzzling, to be bouncing up and down, mid-range, for so long.
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 …
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!
