Friday, November 9, 2018

Next Through the Revolving Hospital Door...

Tucker went to the hospital yesterday for an examination. His smelly breath concerned me, as did his wetting outside the litter-box. The latter I attributed to stress, the arrival of a new cat. The former’s cause surprised and startled me.

I expected a worsening case of gingivitis, perhaps a touch on infection in the gums. Instead, the doctor found numerous teeth in very bad condition. One, a canine, is digging into Tucker’s lower lip and is undoubtedly causing pain. Ten teeth may have to come out.

I feel very bad about this. I have let the roly poly down. His condition has been degrading for some time, but I blamed it on the wrong causes. He has probably been in great discomfort, and it has certainly affected his eating. I had noticed that he was consuming less and less, but thought it was due to increasing fussiness over his food. Tucker has lost two pounds in as many months. The diminishing poundage, the stress (the pain may have been causing more of it than Raleigh’s appearance) and any infection that may be coming from deteriorating teeth have indubitably affected Tucker’s diabetes and its treatment. I have not been taking the care of him that I should.

The monetary cost of the cure for his ills - such mercenary aspects must be considered - will be great. Raleigh’s dental surgery was very expensive; Tucker’s will be more. These expenditures, with other costs, such as earlier treatment for a brief eruption of Cammie's allergy; new eye-wear (for myself), and a new telephone (my previous instrument began falling apart, literally, and ceasing to function properly), will make the second half of 2019 very costly. I think the last time I spent so much money in such a short period, I at least ended up with a house. Perhaps needless to say, this has made a dent in my reserve funds that will not be soon pounded out again.

However, the health of Tucker and the other beasts is paramount. Tucker’s blood and urine samples have been sent away for testing; I will likely not have the results until next week. Even so, I will make an appointment today for his operation. I don’t believe the tests will result in so much of a problem as to cancel any surgery, though, because of Tucker’s age (he is thirteen), I wanted his fluids examined anyway. It’s best to remedy all of the problems as soon as possible. I hope to see my sausage cat on the mend by the end of next week, his pain lessening and his rotundity returning, just a little.

22 comments:

  1. John, Please don't feel you let him down. You did there very total best you could and we just can't always guess and hit the mark. We try our whole verybest to read every sign and do everything we can for our charges. Sometimes we just can't understand no matter how hard we try. I know. Been there and had the sorrow with Admiral and Robin. Pets and love to the boys.

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  2. We didn't figure out why Chuck wasn't using the litter box for #2 for YEARS, and we'd pretty much guessed wrong at every turn. Us AND the veterinarians! You take terrific care of your cats; you've found a problem, and are going to get it fixed. Please take heart in that. Sending hugs and purrs for Tucker; hope he can get that dental work done soon.

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  3. Poor Tucker and poor you....we hope he is feeling better soon

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  4. Aw, poor Tucker. Please don't beat yourself up over this--you have a lot of cats (and their health issues) to juggle, as well as your non-cat life. You're doing the best you can, and soon Tucker will be feeling much better. N & D are sending their loudest, most potent purrs to him and to you.

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  5. Don't feel bad, I didn't tell my peeps either and had 15 teeth removed. Boy do I feel better and we wish the same for Tucker.

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  6. I'm so sorry to hear that Tucker is having problems. But please don't judge yourself too harshly, John. Cats are masters at hiding illness, and they can be sick for a long while before we realize it. The important thing is that his physical problems have been noticed and that you are doing what you need to do to get him well again. Please let us know how he is doing.

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  7. We dropped by, read several of your posts and understand why this is a very expensive year for you. Your cats are very fortunate to have someone who cares so much. Our Jan has had to chase a cat in the past that slipped out of a harness, and she says that is terrifying. Glad you and yours had a happy ending.

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  8. I am sorry to hear about Tuckers teeth - running a senior home for cats is rather expensive.

    John - would you consider a donation page for us to help you out? I am sure we could all contribute, even if it is a small amount.

    Julie

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    1. Thank you very much for your generous thoughts of assistance, Julie, but I would always feel a bit of a thief with so many others, worse off than I, going without. Your offer is truly appreciated.

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  9. Will you allow all of your friends to help with Tucke’s care? Your dear boy has quite a following among your readers. If you feel uncomfortable with accepting help, post your vets name and address or have. “Tucker Fund” at your rescue. I know what its’s like to be inundated with crazy $€£ vet bills. You’re not asking us to help we’re offering. Think about it a bit , will you? All of us may not really make a big dent but every bit helps.
    You need not post this if it makes you uncomfortable,

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    1. I couldn't accept such assistance, Kari, as selfless as it is. All of this expenditure is a bit of a blow, but it is not crippling. You're right in that every bit helps, but so does every kind thought and offer. Thank you.

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  10. I just read Kari and Julie's comments. I loved what they said. I think everyone who has read your blog has grown attached to your cats. (I know I have.) Please let us know how we can help.

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    1. The offers of help I have received are generous and encouraging. I don't feel I could accept any financial help, but such suggestions are very gladdening, and are worth more than money. Thank you, Roberta.

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  11. Poor Tucker, but please don't blame yourself. Cats are so good at hiding their feelings so a problem can go unmissed only too easily. Now you know what is wrong, you are having it addressed and no-one could do more than that. Anyone who reads your posts knows that the cats are your priority and get the very best love and care from you.
    I also was going to suggest a funding page, but seeing your replies I know that isn't going to happen.
    If you ever change your mind please let us know. You have a lot of friends here.

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  12. Hi John
    Love your blog and all the cats, I've been following for a long time. (Secretly I'd like to come an live in the cost apartment!)
    If you were writing for a magazine you'd get paid, so why not for a blog? You do so much good. Maybe set up an Amazon wish list so we could help with cat food?
    Much Love
    Liz and Charlie and Loki

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  13. Poor Tucker. Don’t blame yourself for not guessing the causes for Tucker’s poor health. After visiting three different vet clinics when my Hollybwas I’ll in September and getting numerous possible causes for her discomfort I now realize just how difficult it can be to accurately determine the diagnosis.

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  14. Yes. Please let us know if there is a way to help.

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  15. My Sweet Pea who I recently had put down, was also a master of hiding pain. He was his normal self until he started bleeding from his mouth one day. I panicked as I already had two cats prior die of oral cancer. Turns out he had four badly infected teeth that had to be removed. Honestly without the bleeding I would never had thought he was even in mild discomfort!

    On a happier note I can’t remember if I told you about my new cat, Clementine? She just showed up on my porch about 3 weeks after Sweet Pea’s death. Extremely friendly, chunky and ear tipped, I checked with my neighbors and sent my local shelters notice of her but no one came forward. She has now moved into the house with little fanfare from my two resident boys. I do let her out when I go to work though. She is much younger than my boys with energy to spare. I worry if she was in the house all day, she would sleep all day and then want to go out after it’s dark. This way, she’s quite happy coming in when I get home from work. She eats and then sleeps the evening and night away!

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    1. Clementine sounds like she's found a loving friend.

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  16. I can only echo what the others have posted--you were hardly to know what Tucker's problem was. You're one of the best cat parents I know of, and I have always deeply admired your care and dedication.

    As for the financial aspect, I just wish there was something I could do. If I had any spare cash of my own, I'd be honored to help you out. (WHERE IS THAT WINNING LOTTERY TICKET?!) You're doing the Lord's work, as they say, and I'm praying the Lord--or whoever is running this crazy planet--will give you a hand, somehow.

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  17. They hide their discomfort so well, it's bred into them because as you know in the wild any sign of weakness could lead to death. I am so sorry that Tucker was in this discomfort but rest easier now knowing it will soon be taken care of and he will feel so much better, as will you.

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  18. Poor Tucker, I sure wish our cats could tell us what is going on with them. I agree you are doing your best, both emotionally and financially. Purrs from the kitties.

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