Saturday, February 23, 2019

A Scientist Subjected to Science



Renn’s visit to the veterinary hospital went well. On the way there, my big boy cried in his tiny voice, and once out of the carrier in the examining room, wanted back in. He allowed the actual examination with a stoic acquiescence.

His lungs sounded clear, his heart was good; his teeth may need attention again. A startling discovery, though, was that he had lost about four pounds in two years. I have been weighing the beasts over that period and should have caught this. I knew that he was losing weight, but it’s been gradual, so I didn’t notice the full extent.

Renn was taken away to provide blood and urine samples. The blood tests showed that everything was acceptable, except his kidney values. They were a bit worrisome, but no conclusions will be drawn until the urine test’s results come back on Monday. He may be having kidney issues.

Until the start of the next week, then, I won’t learn much about Renn’s problem, though I know what is not a problem, including hyperthyroidism: his T4 results were satisfactory. His kidneys and weight-loss will be main questions, followed by those about his teeth.

Unlike the others whom I have brought to the veterinary lately, Renn behaved without much fear, once the poking and prodding were completed. While tests were being conducted in back rooms, my big boy stayed with me in the examining room. He explored. He climbed onto counters and looked into drawers, generally contaminating every surface. His scientific nature would not be denied, even under such conditions, and he was purring as he looked about.

Renn is going on twelve years old, and it was time for such a full examination of his physical condition. Despite what the results may be, his wetting in the bath-tub, which occasioned this medical visit, may be emotional or mental, and due to stress. While he has no animosity for Raleigh, the addition of a new cat may be a little unnerving for the veteran. And then there is Parker’s situation. While I try to be happy and optimistic, for everyone’s well-being, Renn, and the others, undoubtedly know that the orange-boy is sick, and may be reacting to it.

Such are the complicated dynamics in a large family, and I hope Renn will cope with them without too much discomfort and disarray in what must have been his pleasant routine.

13 comments:

  1. Renn is very brave! None of mine ever would have done or would explore at the vet's office. We will keep fingers and paws crossed for good kidney test results. Maybe it's just his normal aging? And/or the stress he possibly feels?

    Purrs to him from my two!

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  2. I'm so glad that Renn's visit to the vet went well. I love the pictures. It looks like he gave the clinic a thorough inspection. Hopefully everything met his exacting standards. :-)

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  3. What a good boy exploring. Miss Pops will explore a bit, but I think it is mainly looking for somewhere to hide.

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  4. Such a smart and handsome scientist. I hope all goes well for him.

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  5. I have all my fingers and Katie's paws are crossed and locked in that position till we hear how Renn is. I never get out and move around. I am too terrified.

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  6. Kidney values can be distorted because of many reasons. What kind of food you're using to feed Renn?
    We had issues with kidney values because of the wrong food suplementation. If you're making food on you own try to change suplementation. If you're using can food, try to use different one (I mean different producers food).
    Of course make more tests recommended by your vet, but consider that the issue might be in the food too.

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  7. Renn is such a laid back chap and looks completely at home checking everything out. I hope his urine results are good but if it is kidney disease it is easily controllable

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  8. What a brave boy! He overcomes his fear to check out the room plus he's purring! Renn's coat looks beautiful! Hoping the kidney tests are not to dire but something easily managed. A job well done,Renn.

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  9. Renn is such a handsome boy! I certainly hope, if he is having kidney issues, they can be resolved easily.

    The kitties send their purrs.

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  10. I hope that there is something that can be uncovered about Renn's outside the litter box issue. But like you mentioned it could all be mental and I'm sure he is attuned to Parker's health. Will wait on your update.

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  11. Renn, you are a handsome mancat! Here's hoping that your tests come back okay!

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  12. dood.....we pray ta cod ya due knot haz kid knee izzuez, yet, if ya due; dad catched em in time N lotz can be done ta help ewe over de next several yeerz....st francis' blessingz az all wayz ...♥♥♥

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