Shimmer's Day at the Hospital

Brazil’s veterinary visit was, I believe, beneficial. True, it did not lead to any great discoveries, though that was probably all to the good. His blood was checked, and found to be in good shape, except that his sugars were very high, in the diabetic range. This did not concern the veterinary, nor did it worry me. Neither of us see Brazil as a diabetic cat. The cause need be nothing more than Shimmer’s fear – terror, really. He was more scared than any cat I’ve ever seen at a veterinary visit, and the adrenaline this put into his body was likely more than enough to account for the high blood-sugar numbers. He was, in fact, so hopped up with adrenaline that the sedation didn’t even knock him out, and he remained conscious, though manageable. The doctor had never seen that before.

X-rays showed that Brazil has some gas and poop in the intestines, waiting to come out. But it is not enough to suggest constipation; the doctor doesn’t see that as the cause of Brazil’s lack of appetite. He believes that is just a matter of an upset stomach. He was given an injection of Cerenia.

Since coming home, Brazil has eaten about half a tin of Fancy Feast. Further, he was enthusiastic about wanting it. I was taking a risk giving him so much after days of so little, and he may bring it up again. But I decided that the odds were worth it.

For now, things are looking up. Cerenia’s history with my cats is a good one, and I think its effects will continue even after it has worn its way through Brazil’s system. I will be watching how food goes into Shimmer at one end, and what comes out at the other. So far, I am pleased with the day’s results.

Shedding fears in the sunshine.

A wonderfully empty bowl.

And some lap-time for reassurance.