This Is Us This Week

We've been kind of quiet around here since 'tis the season of taxes. Don't worry, we take time off to watch snowflakes...

We've also been quiet since we've all had to go to the vet for our check ups. I had a follow up blood test after the one I got for my dental last fall showed I was close to having hypothyroidism. Well, now I do have it. Since I turn into the Tasmanian devil when given a pill, I have to have stuffs put on my ear every day forever. Because this isn't as easy to regulate as a pill, I'll be tested more often to see how I'm doing. 

Isabella's exam showed that she's dropped in weight from 14.75 lbs to the same size as me - 11.2 lbs. Turns out she's hyperthyroid too! None of us would've thunk it! She'll get pills every day forever since she has no teeth but she'll swallow it in half a pill pocket. A whole pill pocket is too big to swallow. Other than us both being hyperthyroid and Isabella having asthma, our tests showed we're healthy and doing well as senior kitties! 

As for Lexi, her exam was fine. She's 57 lbs and just plain hyper. She'll be spayed soon but the vet suggested she go through a heat cycle first. Oh joy. He said that waiting decreases hip and joint problems, however, it also increases her chance of cancer from 1% to 5%. Since the hip issues are more likely, she'll probably have to wait. Whenever it's done we're all hoping it calms her down. She's been in obedience school for five weeks and will officially flunk out at her final class next week. That is if Daddy takes her. It's not that she's a dumb dog like Bella and I think she is, because actually she's super smart. It's because she's too friendly and wants to play with the other dogs and their peeps. She listens to Daddy as long as he has treats but she knows when he runs out so does the doggy version of  "lalalalala, I can't hear you!" Let's just say, she better be glad there's a room full of witnesses! Anyway, she's a pawful in public and we're hoping she grows out of it. Soon.

That's the update on what's going on around here. What's new with you?

Hope you enjoy your weekend!

Angel

Weekend Wrap Up

We hope you had a great weekend! We had another sunny, open window Fall weekend which is prime for watching birdies...

When I wasn't looking out windows, I was playing with new toys Mommy got from a craft show...

I'm the kind of kitty that likes to have fun so I love all kinds of toys...

One thing I don't love is going to the v-e-t but that's something I had to do recently too. Daddy took me and sent this pic to Mommy...

He hasn't figured out that a ladycat doesn't like to publicize her weight! Anyway, I'm healthy as far as nothing major is wrong with me. I do have a slight heart murmur which is supposedly common in kitties my age and up, I'm 12. This freaks my Mommy out but the test results are good so I'm okay. The vet who examined me felt my thyroid gland so wanted my levels tested. It's 3.5. We have to wait and see if that level warrants any further action since he was out when the results came back so another vet called Daddy. The waiting freaks Mommy out. I'll also need to have a dental and have at least two teeth removed. This freaks Mommy out too. So, other than freaking out Mommy, I choose to see that I'm a healthy kitty with lots of years left to watch birdies, play with toys, cuddle, love and be loved!

How was your weekend?

Hope you have lots to look forward to today!

Angel

Unexpected and Unwanted Excitement

Mommy here: Our week started off with a trip to the emergency vet for Angel. I heard her getting sick in the entry way and just sat still until it was over so she didn't run throughout the house. When I thought it was over I went to clean it up and she was sitting on the stairs getting ready to throw up again. I got stuff out to clean up the first mess on the tile (first time ever!) but then I heard her again and it didn't sound normal. I dropped everything and ran upstairs where she had a lot of clear drool coming from her mouth and she was gurgling trying to breathe. She tried to throw up but nothing came out except the drool and she was struggling to breathe. I tried to open her mouth to see if something was stuck but she turned into a wild cat. She'd look at me and her eyes were pleading for me to help but I didn't know what to do. Her tongue was turning blue and she laid down like she was giving up so I picked her up, ran downstairs, put her in the carrier and went straight to the vet. No shoes, no purse with ID or money, going 50 all the way through town while she was gasping for breath. I did bring my phone to call J so he could meet me there. I ran in the vet and everyone immediately got up and called 'Triage, Triage" into an intercom and rushed her in the back. A couple of vet techs stayed with me while I completely freaked out saying things I don't even remember and pacing all over the room they put me in until J got there. 

Awhile later they came in and said two vets were working with her and they took three x-rays, gave her a sedative to calm her so she could breathe easier and they put her in an oxygen tent. I kept asking if she was going to be okay and they assured me she was breathing easier and doing better. After an hour we were able to see her and she was huddled in the corner of the cage but came towards me when I said her name. She even climbed into my arms which the vet said was a very good sign. We waited another hour for the radiologist to report back on the x-rays but the vet told us she thought a hairball covered the opening of the stomach to the esophagus. She said this would explain the hyper-drooling and not being able to breathe. There was also a lot of air in her stomach but on a later x-ray this had dissipated. The bloodwork showed her heart is fine too. She let me bring Angel home but she's under observation for the next 24-48 hours. She's very skittish from any sound but I did open windows for her:

See her huge eyes and her little tongue sticking out? The vet later called back and said the radiologist couldn't determine any other cause but did notice an opaque spot on her lung which might be pneumonia from inhaling liquid during this episode. She has no fever or high white blood cell count so it wasn't prior pneumonia. They want to do x-rays on her tomorrow to see if there's any change before putting her on antibiotics. Plus they could see if what they think is the hairball is still there. She also said that Angel was in a life threatening situation when I brought her in so she was very optimistic in her getting better because of her dramatic turn around. She has to get better. There's no other option.

This was my last Monday off until after April 15th and I woke with a tremendous headache and then had the biggest scare with Angel. Let's hope that we made it through the worst day ever and from here on out it's much less excitement.
~Sharla

The Final Friday of 2017

This year is about to come to a close but we're ending it on a good note with doublewide scratchers...

Yeah, okay, so it's only until the recycle bin is emptied so the old one will fit in it but that won't be until next year! Hee hee. We're also ending the year in good health. Isabella gave Mommy a scare a week ago and was rushed off to the emergency vet. They couldn't find anything wrong with her but she came back home smelling like the vet's office! I hissed at her for two days but all is better now...

Our regular vet was already scheduled to come to our house this past Wednesday and she said we both are soft, beautiful and looked healthy. Paws crossed our blood work comes back with the same conclusion. Anyway, we'll be spending the last days of 2017 helping Mommy clean out closets for last minute charitable donations. We'll also be sure to rest up for the start of tax season. How much longer until spring?

How will you be spending the final weekend of 2017?
We appreciate you spending time with us today and always! 

Happy New Year to all of you for all of us!

Angel, Isabella and Sharla

House Call Vet. Who Knew!

We knew something was up when Mommy was stressed out all day long and then Daddy came home early from work. They're pretty easy to read. Anyway, sure enough a vet came to our house yesterday afternoon for our check ups and senior blood panel work. Daddy took me upstairs until Mommy said everything was ready. I certainly wasn't ready!

I found myself on our own kitchen counter with the vet and her tech! They tried buttering me up by telling me how beautiful my eyes and furs are and how soft I am. I kinda fell for it and didn't try to escape too much. Then I found myself on my side with the vet whispering in my ear while the tech stole my furs and then my bloods from my back leg...

I finally was released and ran downstairs to my safe spot while it was Isabella's turn. Of course she loved the attention...

I heard she squirmed and squeaked more than I did though. She's had more experience with vets than me so she knew what to expect. She's the reason we had a vet come to our house - she gets very car sick. Our old vet moved to a practice in a neighboring town and even though it's 10 miles away, that's 9.95 miles more than Isabella can handle. Anyway, we both checked out to be very healthy although one of us is a little too, uh, not svelte. Hopefully our bloods are healthy too. We'll find that out in a couple of days. *paws crossed*

Hope you have a good day!

Angel

Mommy here: I was worried that having a vet in the house would traumatize the cats, especially Angel. She did very well during the exam and came out from hiding just as soon as the vet was gone. Isabella is always fine although she really didn't like to be held down to have her leg shaved and blood taken. It's probably because she's had that done quite a bit because of all her dental work due to stomatitis.  The house call fee was just $26 which is totally worth it not to have Isabella get car sick. The exam and lab fees were similar to a traditional vet fee so we're glad to have this option. If it's an option in your area, I would recommend it! Much less stress on the cats and on us!

Better Than a Cup of Tea...

A box full of me!

Fits me to a 'T' too!

I know, I know but it made me smile and I need it. Rumor has it a vet is coming to our house today to try to steal our bloods! They have to catch me first!

Has a vet ever came to your house for your check up?

Hope you have a purrfect kind of day!

Angel

UPDATE: I'm Home!

What the halibut is that thing?

Ignore my little sisfur. She's a drama kitty. Yeah, she hissed at me but she can't bop me with this stupid thing around my neck so she can hiss away. Anyway, the vet stole ALL my teefs! Granted I didn't have many left but she took all I had! Seems that I had stomatitis which Mommy suspected long ago but our regular vet would never diagnose it. The dental specialist took x-rays today and she could tell by my roots that I had it so she had to steal all my teefs. She gave me really good pain stuff that lasts for three days so I feel okay right now. I hate the stupid cone and it comes between me and my foods so Mommy fed me with a spoon...

Eventually she figured out she could turn a bowl upside down and put the food on the now right side up bottom and I can reach it. The vet said for me not to eat much but I missed 16 two meals so here's what I think of that!

Thanks to everyone for the purrs and prayers! The next week or two will be a challenge for all of us but I'm looking forward to feeling better soon!

Hope your day was better than mine!

Isabella

PeeS: I was given an inhaler twice by the anesthesiologist during the procedure. They were just as precautions but Mommy and Daddy were glad she was paying close enough attention to be proactive. Everyone treated me very nice and answered all the questions my peeps had this morning and then when they picked me up. The final cost was $2,099.23 and I'm worth every penny!

UPDATE: My Horrible Morning!

I didn't get away with hiding out and was put in my PTU for a car ride. Oh how I hate car rides!

Mommy gave me Rescue Remedy starting early this morning and she talked to me and pet me the whole way but I still got sick. Once I was at the vet's office, Daddy took me out of the PTU and held me and I was much better. It helped that everyone told me how beautiful and soft I was too. They said I am so mellow I'm very un-Tortie like which makes no sense because I'm me and I'm a Tortie so how can I be unlike me? Anyway, I didn't like the cold exam table so they let me lay in the scale. The sides made me feel secure and so did Daddy petting me...

I met the dental specialist and she was very nice. She has asthma too so she understands how afraid Mommy and Daddy are of me having an attack while being under anesthesia. Since she only works in our town on Wednesdays and I have to undergo extra precautions, my dental surgery is scheduled for November 25th - the day before Thanksgiving. A week before this I have to start taking antibiotics and also have a cortisone shot to help prevent an asthma attack. I'll also have two daily treatments of my inhaler instead of one for that week before. Additionally, she gave Mommy and Daddy two estimates for my surgery. Daddy had said he bet there'd be a 2 in front and he was right...

The low one on the left is for surgery lasting 1.5 hours and no board certified anesthesiologist and the other is for 2 hours plus an additional $600 for a board certified anesthesiologist which the specialist recommended since I'm a special needs kitty. Mommy agreed to the board certified anesthesiologist because, well, I'm worth it but as she thought of it more she couldn't believe that all anesthesiologists aren't board certified. This was something she hadn't ever considered before but it seems so logical. Is it something that's not common and she just didn't realize? Anyway, while they discussed the estimate and the board certified thing, I just wanted to get the halibut home!

Are we there yet?

My little sisfur has hissed at me and also bopped me on the head but Mommy yells "HEY!" and she runs away. For awhile. She better be glad I'm mellow.

Hope your day is a good one!

Isabella

Tortie Tuesday

This is so not how I wanted to spend Tortie Tuesday...

Seriously. Does this look like a happy Tortie to you?

Nope. Not happy at all! Daddy whisked me away to the v-e-t for a check up and yep, I got car sick but he kept his old SUV for situations like this so it didn't quite have the impact that it would've in his new car. Bummer. Anyway, the v-e-t discovered that I have two cavities. If that wasn't bad enough, the v-e-t thinks I might need ALL my teefs pulled out! I've had bad teefs my whole life and I'm down to just a few so she thinks it might be best to have the rest pulled at once to avoid extractions when I'm even older. Easy for her to say! I have to go to a dental specialists to see what she says first. Until then I'm going to be a drama queen mope...

I look so pitiful that even my little sisfur didn't hiss at me. We'll see how long that lasts since it looks like I'm in for some not so fun times for the near future.

Hope your Tortie Tuesday is better than mine!

Isabella 

Update on my Kitty Asthma

We interrupt this rainy day Tortie nap for a rather lengthy update...

As a recap, four months ago we went to a new vet (Dr. T) because our old vet (Dr. H) was dealing with kitty asthma by just giving me prednisolone.  Since it's not good for my svelte figure or my health to be on that medication over time, Dr. T put me on the inhaler Flovent 110mcg once a day.  It worked to cut my 5-6 severe asthma attacks a day down to 1 or 2 mild attacks.  It also made me more alert which is something I'm still getting used to...

Anyway, Mommy has been talking to Nicki from Fuzzy Tales' mom since he's also on an inhaler.  She told us that 110mcg is the minimum here in the US and since I am still having attacks, I could have that upped to 220mcg.  When I needed a new inhaler, Daddy called Dr. T* and asked for a higher dose but instead she wanted to put me on an antibiotic, a wormer and hairball medicine* - all decided without even seeing me or doing any tests!  Daddy let her know in no uncertain terms what he thought of her using me as an experiment!  He then called Dr. H again and talked to her.  He relayed what we'd learned from Nicki's mom and Dr. H researched more before my appointment this week.  She saw my x-ray and test results and agreed that Dr. T had no basis to put me on the antibiotic, wormer or hairball stuff* but she also wouldn't increase my dosage to 220mcg.  She wants me to have 110mcg twice a day instead of once for a total of at least 7 breaths.  She was surprised when Daddy told her that I take 25 breaths because I fall asleep during my treatment!  Hopefully twice a day treatment will help me finally stop having attacks.  The prescription now costs $200.36 for 60 days worth but I'm worth it!  It's been frustrating for Mommy and Daddy and I certainly don't like having attacks even if they aren't as severe or long lasting.  I do sorta kinda like being awake more and I do enjoy playing with my sisfur Angel.  She's a lot faster than me but I'm a master at the sneak attack! 

We all have to be proactive about what's going on with us because as we're finding out firstpaw, even vets don't know about everything!  

Hope you have a healthy day!

Isabella

Notes from Mommy:

*Isabella has never had a hairball and the now old new vet (Dr. T) couldn't believe that.  The now new again old vet (Dr. H) has a 7 year old kitty who's never had a hairball either so she believes us.

*I don't do well with vets which is why Isabella's Daddy took care of all this.  I did go to her appointment with Dr. T because I had no experience in that place.  I cannot go back to see Dr. H because that's where my cat Panther and also Sadie went to the Bridge.  I start crying in the parking lot so I'm useless there.

*Despite being off prednisolone, being much more active and not eating a lot, Isabella lost no weight.  Once we get the asthma taken care of we'll figure out if something is causing her to not lose weight.  

Tortie Tuesday

I'm spending my day recovering from a trip to the v-e-t yesterday evening.  I got loaded up and taken to a v-e-t that I've never been to before.  It started off okay as the lady with blue finger nails kept petting me and telling me how beautiful I am...

But then the door opened and the v-e-t came in....

Although the v-e-t also told me how beautiful I am, she did a WHOLE lot more than just pet me and I sure let everybody know how I felt about it!  I never meow or hiss at home but I was yowling and hissing up a storm when they took me in the back for an x-ray and then they stole my bloods!  Mommy and Daddy wasn't sure it was me they heard since I hardly ever make a peep at home!  

Anyway, the reason I went is Mommy and Daddy are concerned that the old v-e-t has me on prednisolone for asthma without ever testing me for it.  That's why I had to endure the x-ray.  Daddy will get a call with the results today - the initial look showed my lungs are clear so she's having a radiologist look at them today.  

I'd appreciate positive thoughts that all is well with me on the inside since we all know my outside is beautiful!

Hope you have a great Tortie Tuesday!

Isabella

Tortie Tuesday

It's Tortie Tuesday!  Yesterday my little sisfur gave her version of her weekend wrap up and today I'm gonna give you mine.  She thinks she's the only one around here who works but that's so not true.  I had to snoopervise the landscapers to make sure they didn't cut the power on Birdie TV...

I also had to make sure the pizza was thin crust...

On Saturday I had to go to the evil v-e-t because I keep coughing and it sounds like I'm coughing up a hairball but I've never had a hairball. Ever. Sparkle's human had told Mommy that it could be asthma but when I last went to the v-e-t, she didn't think so.  Finally she does so I'm now on prednisone.  I'm still coughing but not near as much so hopefully it'll help.  Nothing helped keep my little sisfur from following me around when I got home, sniffing me and hissing...

By Sunday evening though she was cold so she came up and plopped her floofy white body against me...  

It's a tough job being a snuggle bunny but someTortie's gotta do it!

Do you have any experience/advice about kitty asthma?

Hope you have a snuggly Tortie Tuesday!

Isabella

Ho Hum Hot Kinda Day

We're having a case of the hots here with temperatures near 90 degrees so the windows are closed which mutes the volume of our Birdie Network so I'm having to watch it on video...

It's never too hot for napping in sunpuddles either...

My sisfur Isabella had to go to the v-e-t yesterday because she has a front tooth loose and her gums are red.  The v-e-t said the tooth will fall out on its own like several others have since her last dental visit in February (Mommy didn't know this).  She also said her red gums are from gingivitis and isn't bad enough to warrant a cleaning yet or any meds.  Anyway, since it was so hot out and she got nervous in the car so she wasn't feeling too well last night...

She's feeling better after chillin' for a bit though.  

The v-e-t still can't believe that Isabella is a real Tortie since she is so mellow and easy going.  She said Torties are supposed to be high maintenance with a devilish streak in them but we don't know any Torties like that - do you?

Hope you have a chillin' kind of day!

Angel