Thanks for all of your kind words and advice posted on this thread.
Norman had a perineal urethrostomy today, and the vet reports that he came through it very well. The blockage was very high in his urinary tract, and the vet feared the he might have to go in via the bladder. Fortunately, this was not necessary. Norman's prognosis is good, as he is relatively young (six) and otherwise healthy.
As for the money issue, I am working out payments with the vet, and I hope that less extensive surgery means lower payments. In any case, I have decided that it is worth it. I can always earn more money, but Norman and his companionship are unique.
That is great news. Thank you for sharing it. I am glad to hear Norman is in good health. Now get to work so you can pay the bill!! : )
You have done well by your Norman. We are charged with the great responsibility of taking care of these wonderful animals, they cannot tell us why they hurt or what to do to fix it...
Having pets is a life long test of compassion and caring.
Doing the right thing and not being selfish at the end. They will let you know the right time.
G
Good for you and Normal! Keep us up-to-date on his recovery. And take some pictures!
God bless you. Once you take on an animal, you take on a sacred trust.
I will say a prayer for Norman (and you) tonight that your relationship continues for many, many years.
Well, bless his little heart. I'm really happy things turned out so well for him and you. I lost my Georgie in Jan. 1999 after 8 years of bliss together (no one else could stand her, she was so spoiled and conceited - she had six toes, I've been told that's a good luck sign), my heart still breaks and I haven't found a replacement, other than my four grandsons. I'm glad your situation turned around!
Great news. Great thread. Lots of good advice all around to consider. I am happy to hear the prognosis is good.
Best of luck, and get well soon, Norman.
I'm so glad to hear that! Prayers for you and Norman (still!)
Good for you one your decision. Best of luck with the payments, and hope your cat recovers completely.
Wonderful news about Norman. I hope you will have many happy years ahead.
I am so glad to hear this. I live on a very quiet. private street. There are only five neighbors. I have a kitty door and a fenced yard. My cats come and go.
A few months ago the youngest of our brood dragged himself to my bedside at 3:00 am, yowling in his loudest voice. It was obvious from observation that his hip was dislocated.
The vets say this can be reset only if they get to it within a few minutes. After that the swelling prevents resetting the hip joint. The alternative is surgery.
This came at a very inconvenient time, but I sucked it up. You don't have pets unless you are attached to them. The patient is fine now. I'm glad to hear of your success.
Best wishes to Norman on a healthy recovery :)
We have an Abyssinian that had a urinary infection, he was peeing bloody urine. The vet we have now who is a great vet BTW recommended Science diet dry, I forget which one, maybe SD. Knock on wood, he's doing fine. One other problem he had was an allergy to certain foods so we had to eventually go to the duck and rice food so he would be getting a different protein. After a while we put him back on the Science diet and he's doing fine.
I have and have had a lot of cats and if you use quality dry food, they're fine. The thing you need to make sure they get is taurine(sp?).
I am very glad to hear this, congrats to you and Norman! I've been working with a sick but very loved cat as well, she's doing better with every passing day and worth every penny I've spent on her. FWIW, I think you made the right choice.
Oooooops that'll teach me to read the whole thread or at least the last part. I'm sooooo happy for you and Norman. May you both have a very long life together.
Glad to hear your kitty is doing better. I had an old abyssinian who was, for me the perfect cat. I didn't have to face the dilema you originally posted, but I would have paid any amount to keep him around a bit longer (assumoing he wasn't in pain).
I brought Norman home this afternoon. He is doing very well, and is obviously glad to be home. He hates being in an unfamilar place and the staff at the vet's office all remarked about how stressed and combative he was. He is now out on the screen porch watching the birds and is quite mellow.
Thanks again for all of your kind words, thoughts, and prayers.
Huntress
Excellent news! Norman (I keep thinking about Norman the cow from City Slickers "Noooooorman... helloooo...") will be in my prayers for a speedy recovery.
Congrats for you and Norma! Prayers for full recovery.
I am so happy you chose the path that you did.
Get well, Norman!