Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Tucker Under the Microscope


Tucker went to the doctor on Monday. I am worried about a several things, including his constant weight loss and the bald patch on his back. The doctor was puzzled as to the causes, the bald patch not seemingly due to excessive grooming - I have not noticed Tucker licking that part of his body at all, nor have I thought that he is grooming himself overly much - and the diminishing weight not the fault of any superficial problems. I think the latter may be caused simply by the roly poly not eating enough, so an antidote may be just to make food available to him more often. The loss of hair is not through an allergic reaction, the veterinary believes.


Tucker is developing cataracts, not an unusual corollary of diabetes, but they are not annoying him. His vision is likely not as good as it has been.

Blood and urine samples were taken, and a complete range of tests for a senior cat will be run. I will know the results tomorrow or the next day.


To be honest, I sometimes wonder why I take my cats to the doctor. The veterinaries help in many cases, but in some, they seem just as uncertain about symptoms as I am. Oftimes, I think tests simply rule things out, rather than confirm suspicions. The doctor was pleased that Tucker is receiving salmon oil; I have noticed that my cat’s coat is smoother and he has less dandruff. That, however, is a minor victory compared to what I want accomplished with his other problems.

But I will await the results of the tests, and then discuss the matter more fully with the doctor. Hopefully, there will be some answers to the questions my boy is posing.


15 comments:

  1. I know how frustrating vets are! Hope they can give you an answer. But he sure looks content in the last pic!

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  2. I think that you live with these cats 24/7 and have good instincts, so you probably know more about them then a vet seeing them for 10 minutes a couple of times a year.

    Mr Tucker looks pretty happy in the photos. So you're doing something right. Pats to the big fellow.

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  3. Ah! Bless the little fella..
    Hope it all turns out o.k. He looks
    lovely in his photos, as they all do..
    Think the word might be..contented...! :)x

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  4. I hope the tests will show if there are any problems so they can be treated. He does look content, but it is frustrating when appetite decreases for no apparent reason.

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  5. I truly hope the tests are encouraging. I as does everyone else here, know how you feel. I am hoping with all my heart.

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  6. We'll be anxious to hear what Tucker's blood and urine tests show. You're right about vets using tests to rule out diseases. Unfortunately, cats can't talk and tell us what's wrong, so taking tests is the only way to find out what's wrong. The test results may not show what the problem is, but at least you'll know what it isn't.

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  7. I hope the test results are good, and also that you can sort out these issues.

    I wonder why I was bothering to have Nicki's blood work done so often, given the outcome. But it's better to rule things out or deal with something right away, if you can. Good luck, keep us posted.

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  8. Purrs to dear Tucker. Yes, unfortunately it's a game of rule out what it's not.

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  9. Vets are sometimes necessary, of course, but a lot of what they do is “educated guesswork,” especially since they can’t question their patients.

    Along with everyone else reading this, I’m sending my best wishes to Tucker.

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  10. Tucker looks tuckered out! Vets can do that to the kitties.
    Hopefully all will work out.

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  11. catfather....dood.....we haz all 984 pawz crozzed for ya buddy that sum one givez dad sum kinda add vize coz knot noe inn doez knot cut de cake; speekin oh cake, tell dad ta purrhapz think bout given ewe sum kitten food; its HIGH in cal o reez N helps keep de poundz frum slippin off....consigliere boomer eated it de last two yeerz oh hiz lief with out worreez...trooth....be well, st francis' blessings ♥♥

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    1. It is a good idea - the Tabbies' advice is always good - unfortunately, I have to consider others factors in Tucker's food now. I am writing a new entry for the blog that will explain.

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  12. We are taking Angel to to the vet tomorrow, and I am concerned that we may get the same, "Hmmm...that's odd!" answer. Here's hoping Tucker just soldiers through and that bald patch just heals itself.

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    1. The best of luck to Angel tomorrow. May her problems be much less serious than everyone fears.

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