It’s been a challenging day. I’m glad it’s over, and everyone is home, safe and warm.
My morning started with rushing Charlie, my 16-year-old cat, to the vet with a suspected urinary blockage.
— Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) January 19, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsCharlie had been walking from litterbox to litterbox, squatting, and depositing nothing. Every few minutes he’d try again. He looked uncomfortable. Usually, he would have been asleep. Something was very wrong.
Good news: there appears to be no blockage. Bad news: then what’s going on? He’s apparently not eating. — Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) January 19, 2015
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Through the day, I waited for the vet to call. At 2:00 pm I finally did, after several Facebook, Twitter, and in-person friends asked me for an update.
Update on Charlie, my geriatric kitty. They’re trying to get a urine sample. He’s not giving any up. So we wait.
— Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) January 19, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsI was beside myself for much of the day. The other cats offered moral support as they knew how.
Niko is sitting with me while I fret about Charlie. pic.twitter.com/onXU9nX8AY — Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) January 19, 2015
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Finally some news:
Charlie update 2.0. Nothing worrisome in the urine. Now onto bloodwork.
— Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) January 19, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsAnd more:
Charlie update 3.0. Renal failure. Not too awful yet. Will manage with fluids. — Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) January 20, 2015
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I was shown today have to give Charlie subcutaneous fluids. This will keep him healthier longer. I want to keep him around for as long as possible.
Grouchy old cat, back in his throne. pic.twitter.com/2UD6jS8j19
— Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) January 20, 2015
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Suffice it to say, I am delighted to have him home as well.
Penny Higgins - Storyteller • Artist • Scientist 