An Update on My Health 11-12-23

Lexy and I have shared the little blips we’ve had in our health over the past year or so, and most of them have subsided and healed. I’m going to update you on my current health status today. 

As most of you know I’ve had some problems over the past several months, including weight loss and vocalizations at night. Sometimes I would even yelp and howl during the day. I had all of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, but my levels weren’t high enough to treat. I was started on Gabapentin at night, along with a natural calming aid (Zylkene), which helped. (The dosage had to be adjusted a few times, but we got it to a stable place.) 

This past Monday I had a very difficult day and I was very glad Mommy was working from home. I started howling very loudly and pacing, rubbing my head against things. Mommy tried every trick she had up her sleeve to help me calm down, but nothing worked. She finally was able to get me to take some Zylkene, and half an hour after that at 4:00pm she gave me my evening dosage of Gabapentin, which I usually get around 9:00pm. That worked because at 4:30pm I took a little snooze on the couch. I woke up around 8:30pm and that’s when things got bad. I could barely walk. My back legs were wobbly and I couldn’t stand straight up. I tried to jump on the bed but fell, and I started yelling. That’s when Mommy said that was it. She immediately put me in the carrier and off to the emergency vet we went. 

Of course, by the time I was seen by the doctor, I was doing better. The doctor examined me, took my blood pressure, and ran bloodwork. She said my gait was a little off, but found nothing else wrong with me. We were there until 1:00am and we had no answers. 

This Friday Lexy had a vet appointment, but Mommy took me instead. As soon as my vet, Dr. Clough, looked at me she knew something was very wrong. Dr. Clough is very kind and she gently let Mommy know that whatever is wrong is not good, and it seems to be coming on very quickly. I had an X-ray of my spine taken which showed there are issues with my lower vertebrae. It’s difficult to see if there is a tumor there from just an X-ray, but something was a little blurry. 

Mommy discussed all options with Dr. Clough and is opting not to do CT Scans or MRIs at this time. She feels it’s not a good idea to put me through that right now, and even if the results show a tumor I would not have surgery to remove it. Dr. Clough agrees this the best decision for me. 

I have also lost weight again and I’m barely over six pounds. And I have also developed a tremor. Given all of my symptoms, their quick onset, my weight loss, and the X-ray results, my vet is leaning towards the possibility of cancer and/or vascular incidents (i.e., stroke.)

So what does all of this mean? Dr. Clough discussed with Mommy that we may be nearing that time. She wants Mommy to monitor me very closely and let her know immediately if anything changes. My Gabapentin has been increased to twice daily which should help make me more comfortable. 

The bottom line is, I don’t know how much time I have left with Mommy and Lexy – or you. I’m wiping kitty tears from my eyes as I say this, but I’ve always been honest with our friends. 

So for now, Mommy is going to make sure I get my medication and she is going to watch me closely. She is also going to buy two sets of pet steps – one for the couch and one for the bed – so I don’t have to jump if I don’t feel like I can. And we’re getting a new litter box that’s easy for me to get in and out of. Rest assured, friends, I am in good paws with Mommy and Dr. Clough!

We know we’ve been absent for some time from the blog, and also social media, because Mommy has been paying attention to Lexy and me and nursing us back to health. But now Mommy and I have decided we want to make sure to share my life with all of our friends for as long as we have time together. I sleep a lot, so many of my photos may be of me sleeping. But that’s okay and I’m sure you’ll understand. 

We are all going to live life one day at a time and enjoy every second. Who knows? Maybe this is just a little blip and I will, once again, miraculously turn around. My paws are crossed for many more years together with my family and friends. I mean, I’m only 13 1/2! 

Just to let you know, Lexy is doing well and she is 15 now. She has gained her weight back and is very feisty again, refusing to take any of her medications for Mommy. Her meds are being changed to liquid so Mommy can put them in her food. 

That’s my news, friends. I wish it were happier news, but I’m still here! We love you all.