Question:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, Can I ask for silent purrs for Mr Spock (i.e. I know the purrs are out there, so there is no need to respond to this post). He is straining at the litterbox *again*, so is off to the vet for the second time in a month. He is not happy and will be even less happy when he figures out what is happening to him. Poor boy, he’s *so* uncomfortable. Lucky for me, my boss is very understanding as Spocky’s trip to the vet means a day off work for me since I live a long way from work and the vet’s office only opens at 9am. I *bet* he’s uncomfortable! But I’m sure things will turn out ok in the end. Back when he was a young fellow, not more than 2 or 3, Tribble(RB at age 17) went through two bouts of this within a month. Once the blockage was dealt with by TED the second time, the only continuing "treatment" was to change his diet slightly. At TED’s recommendation (this was mid-1980s), Trib was changed over to one of the "urinary diet" dry foods (he was a dry food nibbler). Natasha didn’t mind eating the same food, and she’s still going strong, and Trib never had that trouble again. I don’t remember what specifically we were changing in his diet; does low ash sound right to anyone? Jeanne Hedge, as directed by Natasha http://www.jhedge.com
Yep, low ash sounds right to me. I think that’s what they told me first to do with Persia before she had her bladder surgery; then they put her on a specific diet to prevent calcium oxolate which caused her bladder stones. Purrs for Mr. Spock-kitty. Jill
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, Can I ask for silent purrs for Mr Spock (i.e. I know the purrs are out there, so there is no need to respond to this post). He is straining at the litterbox *again*, so is off to the vet for the second time in a month. He is not happy and will be even less happy when he figures out what is happening to him. Poor boy, he’s *so* uncomfortable. Lucky for me, my boss is very understanding as Spocky’s trip to the vet means a day off work for me since I live a long way from work and the vet’s office only opens at 9am. I *bet* he’s uncomfortable! But I’m sure things will turn out ok in the end. Back when he was a young fellow, not more than 2 or 3, Tribble(RB at age 17) went through two bouts of this within a month. Once the blockage was dealt with by TED the second time, the only continuing "treatment" was to change his diet slightly. At TED’s recommendation (this was mid-1980s), Trib was changed over to one of the "urinary diet" dry foods (he was a dry food nibbler). Natasha didn’t mind eating the same food, and she’s still going strong, and Trib never had that trouble again. I don’t remember what specifically we were changing in his diet; does low ash sound right to anyone?
Low magnesium and probably some acidifiers in the diet if it is struvite crystals. After Rusty’s second blockage (2 years after the first blockage) the vet changed him from a prescription dry to a different prescription canned food. It is important to make sure he gets enough water in the diet. Winnie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jeanne Hedge, as directed by Natasha http://www.jhedge.com
Response:
Thanks All for your purrs and well-wishes. Mr Spock says "thanks" too. Taking him to the vet was the right thing to do. He has lots of crystals in his urine – at least two different types (styruvate? and oxalate) as far as the vet can tell, but because I took Spock in early, there is no infection. Instructions from the vet are: * a gradual change in diet to low-ash food (c/d), which is safe for all the cats to eat *more watering-points around the house (Spock’s urine was a bit too concentrated, so the vet would like to see him drinking more) *metacam (anti-inflammatory) for a few days until the swelling in his delicate boy-bits has subsided. The vet was very good and explained things to my satisfaction and let me see the crystals under the microscope. Mr Spock was *very* well behaved at the vet and on the drive (only half an aria on the way there and stoney silence on the way home), but he scooted under the bed as soon as I let him out of the carrier at home. Persephone is jealous because she thinks we had fun without her. On a lighter note, there were two *gorgeous* all-black 7 week-old kittens at the vet office, up for adoption – siblings, girl and boy. I wasn’t tempted, but I sure enjoyed watching them while wating to go in. Tish – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, Can I ask for silent purrs for Mr Spock (i.e. I know the purrs are out there, so there is no need to respond to this post). He is straining at the litterbox *again*, so is off to the vet for the second time in a month. He is not happy and will be even less happy when he figures out what is happening to him. Poor boy, he’s *so* uncomfortable. Lucky for me, my boss is very understanding as Spocky’s trip to the vet means a day off work for me since I live a long way from work and the vet’s office only opens at 9am. Tish
Response:
Thanks All for your purrs and well-wishes. Mr Spock says "thanks" too. Taking him to the vet was the right thing to do. He has lots of crystals in his urine – at least two different types (styruvate? and oxalate) as far as the vet can tell, but because I took Spock in early, there is no infection. Instructions from the vet are: * a gradual change in diet to low-ash food (c/d), which is safe for all the cats to eat
After his first blockage, Rusty was on dry c/d. But he got s/d first to dissolve the crystals before settling on c/d. There are 2 types of c/d, one for struvite and one for oxalate. Since Spock has both, which type is he getting? *more watering-points around the house (Spock’s urine was a bit too concentrated, so the vet would like to see him drinking more) *metacam (anti-inflammatory) for a few days until the swelling in his delicate boy-bits has subsided. The vet was very good and explained things to my satisfaction and let me see the crystals under the microscope.
If Spock’s still doesn’t drink enough, you can use an eye dropper or a syringe without needle to put water in his mouth. Be careful he doesn’t choke though. I add water to Rusty’s canned food, and his urine got very diluted that the vet thought he had renal insufficiency. Blood tests show his kidneys are fine. So I cut back on the water added. If there is not enough output in the litterbox for my liking, I add more water to his food. This way I control of the amount of water he gets. Winnie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mr Spock was *very* well behaved at the vet and on the drive (only half an aria on the way there and stoney silence on the way home), but he scooted under the bed as soon as I let him out of the carrier at home. Persephone is jealous because she thinks we had fun without her. On a lighter note, there were two *gorgeous* all-black 7 week-old kittens at the vet office, up for adoption – siblings, girl and boy. I wasn’t tempted, but I sure enjoyed watching them while wating to go in. Tish Hi All, Can I ask for silent purrs for Mr Spock (i.e. I know the purrs are out there, so there is no need to respond to this post). He is straining at the litterbox *again*, so is off to the vet for the second time in a month. He is not happy and will be even less happy when he figures out what is happening to him. Poor boy, he’s *so* uncomfortable. Lucky for me, my boss is very understanding as Spocky’s trip to the vet means a day off work for me since I live a long way from work and the vet’s office only opens at 9am. Tish
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks All for your purrs and well-wishes. Mr Spock says "thanks" too. Taking him to the vet was the right thing to do. He has lots of crystals in his urine – at least two different types (styruvate? and oxalate) as far as the vet can tell, but because I took Spock in early, there is no infection. Instructions from the vet are: * a gradual change in diet to low-ash food (c/d), which is safe for all the cats to eat *more watering-points around the house (Spock’s urine was a bit too concentrated, so the vet would like to see him drinking more) *metacam (anti-inflammatory) for a few days until the swelling in his delicate boy-bits has subsided. The vet was very good and explained things to my satisfaction and let me see the crystals under the microscope. Mr Spock was *very* well behaved at the vet and on the drive (only half an aria on the way there and stoney silence on the way home), but he scooted under the bed as soon as I let him out of the carrier at home. Persephone is jealous because she thinks we had fun without her. On a lighter note, there were two *gorgeous* all-black 7 week-old kittens at the vet office, up for adoption – siblings, girl and boy. I wasn’t tempted, but I sure enjoyed watching them while wating to go in. Tish
So glad he is doing better. Glad you got him into the vet. Those crystals can be nasty things to deal with. Purrs for continued health. Ginger-lyn Home Pages: http://www.spiritrealm.com/summer/ http://www.angelfire.com/folk/glsummer (homepage & cats) http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~summer/index.htm (genealogy) http://www.movieanimals.bravehost.com/ (The Violence Against Animals in Movies Website)
Response:
At the moment some of the dietary changes are a little challenging because we have to manage both Spock’s problem and Ted’s advanced diabetes, but poor Ted is very ill and I’m afraid that we won’t be having to manage her diet for much longer :^(
You have my sympathy. I wish you luck. I hope Spock’s problem can be handled more easily. And I’m sincerely sorry to hear Ted is so sick, poor little lady. May I ask how old she is and how long she’s had diabetes? Our Hobo (13) was diagnosed with diabetes a year-and-a-half ago but it had gone unrecognized for months before that. He’s holding his own but it’s been a roller coaster ride. Up and down. He’s been through seven vets so far, seemingly each with different opinions – drives me crazy!! We have a little of your predicament. Hobo gets his insulin and a special diabetic diet. Speckles gets her special kidney diet. Speckles *loves* Hobo’s food. Hobo likes Speckles’ food. We have to keep an eye on both of them! Bottom line, we send concerned purrs for you, for Spock, and especially for Ted. Hugs. Jeanne
Response:
Many thanks to all of you for your suggestions of how to best deal with Spock’s crystals. At the moment some of the dietary changes are a little challenging because we have to manage both Spock’s problem and Ted’s advanced diabetes, but poor Ted is very ill and I’m afraid that we won’t be having to manage her diet for much longer :^( After we say a tearful farewell to Ted then we’ll be able to manage the kittens’ diet without having to worry about endangering the health of our geriatric monarch. Tish
Response:
Many thanks to all of you for your suggestions of how to best deal with Spock’s crystals. At the moment some of the dietary changes are a little challenging because we have to manage both Spock’s problem and Ted’s advanced diabetes, but poor Ted is very ill and I’m afraid that we won’t be having to manage her diet for much longer :^( After we say a tearful farewell to Ted then we’ll be able to manage the kittens’ diet without having to worry about endangering the health of our geriatric monarch. Tish
Oh I’m very sorry to hear about Ted not being well. Purrs for Ted too!
Response:
Hi All, Can I ask for silent purrs for Mr Spock (i.e. I know the purrs are out there, so there is no need to respond to this post). He is straining at the litterbox *again*, so is off to the vet for the second time in a month. He is not happy and will be even less happy when he figures out what is happening to him. Poor boy, he’s *so* uncomfortable. Lucky for me, my boss is very understanding as Spocky’s trip to the vet means a day off work for me since I live a long way from work and the vet’s office only opens at 9am.
Many purrs on the way for Spock. — Marina, Frank and Miranda. In loving memory of Nikki. marina (dot) kurten (at) iki (dot) fi Pics at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frankiennikki/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/frankiennikki
Response:
Mr Spock was *very* well behaved at the vet and on the drive (only half an aria on the way there and stoney silence on the way home), but he scooted under the bed as soon as I let him out of the carrier at home.
Oh, I was late with the purrs, but glad to hear Spock is doing well. Hope he has calmed down by now and come out from under the bed. — Marina, Frank and Miranda. In loving memory of Nikki. marina (dot) kurten (at) iki (dot) fi Pics at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frankiennikki/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/frankiennikki
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I *bet* he’s uncomfortable! But I’m sure things will turn out ok in the end. Back when he was a young fellow, not more than 2 or 3, Tribble(RB at age 17) went through two bouts of this within a month. Once the blockage was dealt with by TED the second time, the only continuing "treatment" was to change his diet slightly. At TED’s recommendation (this was mid-1980s), Trib was changed over to one of the "urinary diet" dry foods (he was a dry food nibbler). Natasha didn’t mind eating the same food, and she’s still going strong, and Trib never had that trouble again. I don’t remember what specifically we were changing in his diet; does low ash sound right to anyone?
Yes, it does. I’ve read that an ash content of under 2 % is to be preferred. I used to check that on all the packages, but most wet food seemed to have at least 2.5 % ash. Only the highest quality had less. Now I feed Frank his special kidney diet food (Waltham’s Renal), with sometimes a bit of Nutro Natural Choice Senior thrown in for a change. — Marina, Frank and Miranda. In loving memory of Nikki. marina (dot) kurten (at) iki (dot) fi Pics at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frankiennikki/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/frankiennikki
Response:
Mr Spock was *very* well behaved at the vet and on the drive (only half an aria on the way there and stoney silence on the way home), but he scooted under the bed as soon as I let him out of the carrier at home. Oh, I was late with the purrs, but glad to hear Spock is doing well. Hope he has calmed down by now and come out from under the bed.
Thank you. Yes. He reappeared about an hour later – searching for a sunny spot to curl up in. He has forgiven me :^) Tish
Response:
Many thanks to all of you for your suggestions of how to best deal with Spock’s crystals. At the moment some of the dietary changes are a little challenging because we have to manage both Spock’s problem and Ted’s advanced diabetes, but poor Ted is very ill and I’m afraid that we won’t be having to manage her diet for much longer :^( After we say a tearful farewell to Ted then we’ll be able to manage the kittens’ diet without having to worry about endangering the health of our geriatric monarch. Tish
Purrs for a peaceful passing for Ted when her time comes and a healthy life for Spock. MLB
Response:
Hi All, Can I ask for silent purrs for Mr Spock (i.e. I know the purrs are out there, so there is no need to respond to this post). He is straining at the litterbox *again*, so is off to the vet for the second time in a month. He is not happy and will be even less happy when he figures out what is happening to him. Poor boy, he’s *so* uncomfortable. Lucky for me, my boss is very understanding as Spocky’s trip to the vet means a day off work for me since I live a long way from work and the vet’s office only opens at 9am.
Many purrs coming from here that Mr Spock’s problem is solved soon — Steve Touchstone, faithful servant of Sammy, Little Bit and Spot with loving memories of Rocky (RB) Home Page: http://www.sirinet.net/~stouchst/index.html Cat Pix: http://www.sirinet.net/~stouchst/animals.html
Response:
Many thanks to all of you for your suggestions of how to best deal with Spock’s crystals. At the moment some of the dietary changes are a little challenging because we have to manage both Spock’s problem and Ted’s advanced diabetes, but poor Ted is very ill and I’m afraid that we won’t be having to manage her diet for much longer :^( After we say a tearful farewell to Ted then we’ll be able to manage the kittens’ diet without having to worry about endangering the health of our geriatric monarch. Tish
Oh my. I am sorry to read about both Spock’s and Ted’s problems; we are sending purrs for all of you, whether furry or bare. —— Krista
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks All for your purrs and well-wishes. Mr Spock says "thanks" too. Taking him to the vet was the right thing to do. He has lots of crystals in his urine – at least two different types (styruvate? and oxalate) as far as the vet can tell, but because I took Spock in early, there is no infection. Instructions from the vet are: * a gradual change in diet to low-ash food (c/d), which is safe for all the cats to eat *more watering-points around the house (Spock’s urine was a bit too concentrated, so the vet would like to see him drinking more) *metacam (anti-inflammatory) for a few days until the swelling in his delicate boy-bits has subsided. The vet was very good and explained things to my satisfaction and let me see the crystals under the microscope. Mr Spock was *very* well behaved at the vet and on the drive (only half an aria on the way there and stoney silence on the way home), but he scooted under the bed as soon as I let him out of the carrier at home. Persephone is jealous because she thinks we had fun without her. On a lighter note, there were two *gorgeous* all-black 7 week-old kittens at the vet office, up for adoption – siblings, girl and boy. I wasn’t tempted, but I sure enjoyed watching them while wating to go in. Tish
Tish, I really had success putting water in various types of containers in various spots in the house. The most successful are not near food. One by the huge kitty window is a big success. Also, try even a couple of short tumbler glasses of water. For some reason, water in a glass is very attractive. I also put ice cubes in them at times and this is intriguing as well. I’m glad things went well. It’s odd he has both kinds. I don’t know if I have heard of that before. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
Response:
* a gradual change in diet to low-ash food (c/d), which is safe for all the cats to eat
Our Xoxo developed crystals a couple of years ago. He was on special prescription diet for a while too, but after doing our research, we just started feeding wet food primarily. He’s been fine ever since. It’s not the prescription, it’s the fact that it’s canned food. — Victor M. Martinez Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM)
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks All for your purrs and well-wishes. Mr Spock says "thanks" too. Taking him to the vet was the right thing to do. He has lots of crystals in his urine – at least two different types (styruvate? and oxalate) as far as the vet can tell, but because I took Spock in early, there is no infection. Instructions from the vet are: * a gradual change in diet to low-ash food (c/d), which is safe for all the cats to eat *more watering-points around the house (Spock’s urine was a bit too concentrated, so the vet would like to see him drinking more) *metacam (anti-inflammatory) for a few days until the swelling in his delicate boy-bits has subsided. The vet was very good and explained things to my satisfaction and let me see the crystals under the microscope. Mr Spock was *very* well behaved at the vet and on the drive (only half an aria on the way there and stoney silence on the way home), but he scooted under the bed as soon as I let him out of the carrier at home. Persephone is jealous because she thinks we had fun without her. On a lighter note, there were two *gorgeous* all-black 7 week-old kittens at the vet office, up for adoption – siblings, girl and boy. I wasn’t tempted, but I sure enjoyed watching them while wating to go in. Tish
Purrs, gentle headbutts and meatloaf meditations for Mr. Spock to get to feeling better right away. Julie, Hobbes, Selena, Lacey, Sam and Barnab us
Response:
Thanks All for your purrs and well-wishes. Mr Spock says "thanks" too. Taking him to the vet was the right thing to do. He has lots of crystals in his urine – at least two different types (styruvate? and oxalate)
Oi!! That’s a bitch! Not sure how that one happened as one type of crystals are consistent with acidic urine, and the other with alkaline urine… Perhaps he has a lot of fluctuations? I’m thinking after eating, his urine is changing drastically enough to cause the one kind of crystal, while the rest of the time its at the other side of the neutral ph…. Poor guy… lots of purrs coming his way! Kristy
Response:
Hi All, Can I ask for silent purrs for Mr Spock (i.e. I know the purrs are out there, so there is no need to respond to this post). He is straining at the litterbox *again*, so is off to the vet for the second time in a month. He is not happy and will be even less happy when he figures out what is happening to him. Poor boy, he’s *so* uncomfortable. Lucky for me, my boss is very understanding as Spocky’s trip to the vet means a day off work for me since I live a long way from work and the vet’s office only opens at 9am. Tish
You bet. A whole flock of purrs coming from the Highland Kitties.
Response:
Mega purrs for poor Spock. I’m glad you’re taking him to the vet, blockage is definitely something they need to see the doctor to have fixed. Melissa
Response:
Hi All, Can I ask for silent purrs for Mr Spock (i.e. I know the purrs are out there, so there is no need to respond to this post). He is straining at the litterbox *again*, so is off to the vet for the second time in a month. He is not happy and will be even less happy when he figures out what is happening to him. Poor boy, he’s *so* uncomfortable. Lucky for me, my boss is very understanding as Spocky’s trip to the vet means a day off work for me since I live a long way from work and the vet’s office only opens at 9am. Tish
Rusty, who had at least 2 blockages, sympathizes and sends purrs to Mr. Spock. Winnie
Response:
Hi All, Can I ask for silent purrs for Mr Spock (i.e. I know the purrs are out there, so there is no need to respond to this post). He is straining at the litterbox *again*, so is off to the vet for the second time in a month. He is not happy and will be even less happy when he figures out what is happening to him. Poor boy, he’s *so* uncomfortable. Lucky for me, my boss is very understanding as Spocky’s trip to the vet means a day off work for me since I live a long way from work and the vet’s office only opens at 9am.
I *bet* he’s uncomfortable! But I’m sure things will turn out ok in the end. Back when he was a young fellow, not more than 2 or 3, Tribble(RB at age 17) went through two bouts of this within a month. Once the blockage was dealt with by TED the second time, the only continuing "treatment" was to change his diet slightly. At TED’s recommendation (this was mid-1980s), Trib was changed over to one of the "urinary diet" dry foods (he was a dry food nibbler). Natasha didn’t mind eating the same food, and she’s still going strong, and Trib never had that trouble again. I don’t remember what specifically we were changing in his diet; does low ash sound right to anyone? Jeanne Hedge, as directed by Natasha http://www.jhedge.com
Response:
Hi All, Can I ask for silent purrs for Mr Spock (i.e. I know the purrs are out there, so there is no need to respond to this post). He is straining at the litterbox *again*, so is off to the vet for the second time in a month. He is not happy and will be even less happy when he figures out what is happening to him. Poor boy, he’s *so* uncomfortable. Lucky for me, my boss is very understanding as Spocky’s trip to the vet means a day off work for me since I live a long way from work and the vet’s office only opens at 9am. Tish
Response:
Oh purrs!!!! Blocking SUCKS! I hope you can get it controlled. Poor Spock. Keep us posted.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, Can I ask for silent purrs for Mr Spock (i.e. I know the purrs are out there, so there is no need to respond to this post). He is straining at the litterbox *again*, so is off to the vet for the second time in a month. He is not happy and will be even less happy when he figures out what is happening to him. Poor boy, he’s *so* uncomfortable. Lucky for me, my boss is very understanding as Spocky’s trip to the vet means a day off work for me since I live a long way from work and the vet’s office only opens at 9am. Tish
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