Posted on 07/09/2012 2:12:10 PM PDT by NoGrayZone
Long story short. My cat Mimi (she is actually a he), thought he was a girl when they lived in my backyard for almost a year, is going in for major surgery tomorrow.
I was vetless at the time I decided to bring her in. I took her to an holistic vet, to be sure she was fixed and didn't have anything she could spread to my 2 other kitties (now down to 1) and an over all healthcare check up.
I told the vet about her consistent cough and he said "sometimes cats just cough". I believed it, due to her 40,00 layers of down onto of her 4000 layers of fur.
Anywho, he wanted to do about $3500 worth of "vitamin" testing. I of course balked and asked them to just do testing for anything she could give my other 2 and go a general health check.
She came back negative for anything that could be spread to my 2 others, and that was that.
Mimi continued to cough. I've had her for almost 3 years now and noticed her cough was getting worse. Still vetless, I didn't take her to a vet. Soon before I found my new wonderful vet, I noticed she started panting after one of her fits.
I decided to bring her to this recommended vet. He's about 1 1/2 hours away, on the North Fork, but SOOO worth it.
I told him about the cough and he immediately imitated her cough to a tee. She was diagnosed w/ chronic asthma. I felt so guilty, knowing I allowed her suffering for so long.
He said an x-ray had to be done to be sure her lungs were clear, no fluid build up.
Well, there was no fluid build up, and they also took blood. I/we knew nothing about Mimi, nor her past. The x-ray revealed a mass in her chest. Of course the 1st thing you think of is cancer.
I took her back for a biopsy. With the biopsy results and blood work, it revealed a very high level of liver enzymes. The highest it should be is 103. Hers was 216.
The biopsy revealed not a cancerous mass but a diaphramic hernia......in which the diaphram was opened and her liver eventually moved into her chest.
I asked him what on earth would cause such a thing. He said he usually sees it with animals who have been hit by a car. I told him Mimi was an indoor cat (anyone who has tried to wrangle an indoor/outdoor cat to be strictly indoors know what I'm talking about).
He said she could have been stepped on. My first reaction, since this poor kitty was dumped, it was more likey she was kicked.
Anyway, the rest of her blood work came back fine.
Her surgery is tomorrow morning. If she didn't have the chronic asthma, I would not be so worried. Going under is risky in itself. Add chronic asthma, and well, you can hopefully understand why I am so worried.
I would love, if anyone, even one person, could include Mimi in their prayers tonight. She is a sweetie and Lord only knows what she has been through before I became her mommy.
I thank you for any support and any prayers to be given to her.
You got it, I have 3 cat myself. Prayer’s up for you and your Mimi.
Good luck to Mimi.
I have 8 cats of my own, one 18-years old.
Prayers up for you and Mimi. And don’t forget to let us know Mimi is safe and well.
Thanks Mary. I knew I could count on my fellow FReepers for comfort and support!
I will surely pray for your furbaby. Contrary to what some who crash animal threads would have you believe, the Lord does INDEED love animals and He does answer prayers concerning them.
Yes, praying for Mimi, for God to watch over her and to guide the hands of the vet. Please update us after surgery.
I most certainly will, as soon as I get home.
Thank you. God Bless you and yours as well!
I had horse with allergies, a horse now with a cough from dust and a dog with allergies. I give them both spirulina when we hit the part of the year that is really bad for them. You might ask your vet about that for the asthma. It’s a natural product, an algae.
Loudly applauding your post #56. Ignore the Trolls. I never will comprehend why those who have no compassion for animals feel compelled to troll the animal threads.
LOVE the pics!! Keep ‘em comin’!!
That is why I decided to post this thread. NOT for me, but for Mimi. Time heals all wounds, at least for most man. Animals are a different story, especially cats.
They seem to remember everything and react to their memories. Mimi has come quite some way with me. Hopefully, after this horror is said and done, and he feels SO much better, he will be better.
I tell him everyday I am his forever mommy. I just feel so guilty leaving him for a week. I pray he doesn't think I abandoned him. I will be leaving my 1st Tea Party T-shirt with him. It's had liberty on both back and front. It will have my smell, so I'm hoping it will soothe him while he is there.
What a story. Thanks for sharing the circumstances. I’m so sorry Mimi is sick. He and you will be in my prayers. Keep us posted.
I actually had not seen this. Thank you for posting it!
Thank you for your concern. As soon as I get home tomorrow, I will be updating everyone!
I’ll be praying for Mimi and you. Love him extra when he comes home!
I’m sure it will. Another poster mentioned Spirulina. I highly recommend this site for the excellent advice from holistic vet Karen Becker: www.healthyvets.mercola.com
There are many herbs which can help (without nasty side-effects often found with drugs). Please keep us posted on your baby’s progress!
Okay, it’s my bedtime now. I have to be up bright and early tomorrow. 1 1/2 hour drive and I must be there by 8.
I thank ALL of you for your prayers and support. As soon as I get home I will update.
Again, thank you and God Bless all of you....even the jerk who was banned.
Keep us informed on Mimi’s status. I know it can be worrisome when a companion needs surgery. I won’t let the Mrs know, but I get antsy anytime one of ours goes to the vet. Since we have around 20, I’m up in arms quite a bit!
Maybe he thinks you’re calling him “Me-Me.”
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