good thoughts for kitty

 

sorry, i've been a little MIA again. last week our sweet finley (the 3-year-old) stopped eating, and we took him to the vet. i stupidly assumed it would be something "simple" like a hairball-type blockage, because something extremely similar had happened to avery (our other kiddo) a month ago. unfortunately, it was not to be.

after three consecutive days of vet visits and tests, we learned that finley has a pretty rare, very unusual, quite serious heart problem. :heartbroken:

at this point we don't know a whole lot, other than they don't know what causes it (it could have been this way since birth, and just caught up with him now), and we don't know how well he will respond to the meds. since last thursday night he has been on a few medications (a diuretic to keep fluid from collecting around his lungs, a blood pressure/heart medication to keep his heart working well, and an antibiotic to ward off any potential infection that might be lurking about). he wasn't eating at all for a few days, so we had to start force-feeding him a week ago tonight, and it was SO SCARY because it was like he was wasting away before our very eyes. we spent a few days crying every time we'd look at him or talk about him; we didn't know if he'd live through the weekend and we were just terrified.

thankfully, after we force-fed him for a few days, he started gaining strength and he started to act more "himself." on monday and tuesday, he began to get his appetite back, and ever since tuesday night he's been eating all of his meals on his own again. whew!! he's being naughty on purpose again, and he's being silly and adorable, and it's such a relief. now that he's stable again (honestly, i can't tell you what a miracle this seems--the difference between last friday and today is just insanely amazing), the next job is to evaluate how he's doing on these medications and just keep an eye on his general health and well-being.

last weekend was a really depressing and dark time, because i just couldn't (and still can't) bear the thought of losing our sweet little kitten. but he seems to have turned a corner, and we're working on "cautiously optimistic." any and all happy thoughts, prayers, and/or good vibes sent in finley's direction would be deeply appreciated. and to those of you who have already been working overtime on that order (you know who you are), thank you so much. finley is one of the sweetest, most amazing cats i have ever had the privilege of knowing, and i'm not ready for him to leave yet.

Comments

[Eric]

I'm so happy Finley has rebounded! That's one lucky kitty to have you around. :)

[berrykat]

I am so sorry I hope Finley continues to feel better and put on weight. I will say a prayer for him.

[Stegan]

many huggy vibes to everyone!

[AAYOR]

I'm so sorry that it has taken me so long to comment (I can't click through from work), but this must have been SO SCARY. Thank goodness you have an awesome vet and that Finley let you know that something was wrong by refusing food.

Will continue sending good thoughts. Keep us posted!

[Lindy Loo]

I'm scrunching up my forehead and sending both you and your kitty the healthiest and most positive vibes possible as we speak. Good luck--I hope he keeps improving!

[Stephanie]

Sending lots of good thoughts Finley's way!

[Freedom]

Big hugs to you and your gorgeous Kitty Finley! The beautiful cat with whom I had the priviledge of sharing my life became ill very suddenly and I had to make the heartbreaking decision of having her euthanased 1 1/2 weeks ago, I was devestated beyond words and it was the hardest decision I've ever made, I hope that you don't have to make the same decision!!

[girl least likely to]

thank you SO much, everyone--i truly appreciate the support. he's continuing to do well, three weeks after our initial scare. whew! in a couple of months he will have a follow-up visit with the cardiologist, at which point we may learn more. for now, we're just thrilled that he's acting like his old self and he seems to be feeling great!

[Gary Loewenthal]

Pets, purrs, prayers, hugs, and good vibes from us. I know it is so devastating - beyond words - when your kitty stops eating and isn't himself. We had to force-feed our cat a couple years ago when he suddenly stopped eating. We were so destraught. And it is such a buoyant - yet cautious - feeling when kitty rebounds. It's like the world can turn again, you can breathe again - and your appetite returns, also. Keep doing well, Finley!!

[jody]

i am sending love and prayers for your little sweet one. (i think love is the most important healer of all - it can definitetly make miracles happen!) i also had to write because my dog had a heart thing from which he has TOTALLY recovered contrary to what the main stream vet world seem to be predicting. i got amazing help from five leaf pet pharmacy - the heart thing is their specialty. definitely call or email! my dog according to main stream vets, was suppose to be on medication for life which was toxic and would have just masked the problem until he died maybe just weeks later. My puppy (my 14 year old puppy) is NOT on the toxic meds, for years now and completetly better. there are a lot of other similiar testamonials at the website. hang in there! the heart is a muscle with a built-in remarkable ability to heal itself. check out - caninehearthealth.com. (they started with dogs however i think they are expanding to cats -it is worth checking) the phone number is 866-610-6004
please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
best to you all! jody ultrahumane@gmail.com