Sunday, July 17, 2016

How to Jinx a Cat



Two of my cats have been having physical issues lately that, though they may count as medical problems, don’t seem symptomatic of anything severe. Both issues are of unknown causes.

Cammie has had what I have concluded is an allergic reaction to some foods. This manifests itself in reddish blotches on the sides of her head; they periodically break open with small amounts of pus and blood. They are very minor and give her no problem, so far as I can tell; they are not itchy in the least, and she is not bothered even when I touch them. As I have written in the past, I think they come from shrimp in her diet – an ingredient I have eradicated – but may also be caused by other elements of fish.


Recently, however, these spots have become rarer, and when they occur, they are not as severe, even compared to the rather mild look of most instances. This has been the case, interestingly, since her bout with a urinary infection. Those who follow the princess’s exploits may recall that she was given the anti-biotic Clavamox for the infection. It appeared to clear it up – much more swiftly than the veterinarian expected – though it gave her a secondary problem of vomiting. That too was overcome. But I wonder if the Clavamox, doing its duty as an anti-biotic, affected the alleged allergy that brought the sores to her head. If this is the case, will the effect last?


Then there is Tucker. He has had Horner’s Syndrome, an idiopathic condition (veterinarian for ‘I dunno’) which cast the third eyelid across much of his right eye, and caused the pupil to constrict. (The pupil still reacted to light and darkness, but was always smaller than the left.) Other bloggers have mentioned that their cats have had this condition and some have stated its duration to be many weeks, while not having been a major problem for their cats. A friend here told me that a couple of her cats suffered Horner’s, as well, but only after surgery in which anaesthetic was given. Tucker too had surgery a while ago, and received anaesthetic, but his bout of Horner’s came some weeks afterward.


In any case, it was noticed on Tuesday that his right eye appeared less covered by the third eyelid. Sure enough, that tissue is much less prominent now, and almost back to the corner to which it should stay. Also, his right pupil is almost back to a size matching the left. I think his recovery from Horner’s Syndrome is advanced. What is causing it is as much a mystery as what initially instigated it.


Having described the improvements two of my beasts are enjoying, I fully expect a relapse for them, and some sort of minor disaster to overtake the other two, in accordance with the laws of jinx. (No, I don’t mean Mr Jinx over at ManxMnews). However, I thought I would take the risk to share the news of better health, something that is good to read about and even better to write about.

11 comments:

  1. We wish no ill but if is comes by may it be brief and minor. Thanks for coming by Timmy's Birthday Pawty. With the schedule what it is we get out to visit very little and really enjoy seeing our pals
    Purrs
    Timmy, Dad and Family

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  2. That's great news for both Cammie and Tucker, fingers and paws crossed you have NOT jinxed anything for either them or the others!

    BTW, I especially love that second of Cammie sleeping; so cute. :-)

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  3. It was wonderful to hear that Cammie and Tucker are greatly improved. But since we don't want to jinx anything, we won't say a word! =^..^=

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  4. We think that second photo of Cammie is adorable too. A cat sleeping tummy up means the cat is secure and comfortable it it's surroundings.
    Is Tucker's affected eye on the same side as his surgery? There may have been some inadvertent injury to the nerve. If you look on the Internet, you will see many questions about cats who have developed Horner's post dental work. Was he given a lubricant for his eye to help his eye feel more comfortable?
    Relieved and happy Cammie and Tucker are on the mend.It's about time for you and your cats to share some good luck, isn't it!

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    1. I do believe teeth were extracted on the right side of Tucker's mouth. You may be right about a nerve. As for Cammie, she will sometimes stretch and roll over on her back, and she lets me rub her chest for ten or fifteen seconds or so. Progress every day.

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  5. we love ANY good news....sounds like they are both on the right track :)

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  6. guys...tell dad him kneadz ta lurn to rite in code; we used ta due thiz on de catster site sew az knot ta "jinx" anything...

    sew for eggs ample if him wantz ta say cammie iz doin reel lee well & her haz noe rash...him will say, we put that diaper ta rest....

    & if him wants ta say tuckerz eyez R doin sooper grate him can say; noe binoculars needed heer ; even if spyin on de nayborz waz fun ~~~~

    ☺☺☺♥♥♥

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  7. I am happy to hear both Tcker and Cammie are much improved and their "minor" health matters are receding. Was there a name for Cammie's skin condition? My Holly was said to have rodent virus when she was found by the cat rescue group and there was speculation it was caused by eating bad food when living on the streets. She loves fish and I heard fish and seafood are not good for kitties but she demands fish. But her sores seem well healed. Purrs to your four kitties.

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  8. Good news for both Cammie and Tucker. Perhaps the antibiotic took care of the infection that presented itself in the blisters or blotches. Bonus if it did.
    I've never heard of Horner's syndrome. It's good to know it may not be permanent.

    Fingers crossed, there are no other health issues for all the cats.

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  9. How wonderful Cammie and Tucker are improving. I love their sweet faces!

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  10. I hope your kitties are not jinxed by this post and that they both have perfect health soon.

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