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Original poster

Please send positive thoughts to Harry

95 replies

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 22/05/2017 12:44

Harry is back at the vet today for an x-ray on his jaw. DH dropped him off this morning with his lunch and one of his favourite toys and I'm collecting him tonight.

I'm worried what they are going to find. I know we need to know what's going on with his jaw but I'm worried they'll find something sinister otherwise surely it would have healed by now. His x-rays will be reviewed by an orthopaedic vet and then they'll decide what needs to be done. We're only going to have something done if it's essential or will make a huge difference to him but we need to know what's wrong so we can manage it.

Sorry, I'm rambling, I'm feeling like the meanest cat slave on earth at the moment!

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Original poster
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 25/05/2017 10:29

The vet has phoned regarding the results of the x rays. She has spoken to the specialist and, due to the lack of bone, cases like this are hard to manage. The options are a repeat wiring, a plate (difficult due to the bone density) and they have said in some cases amputation of the end of the jaw.

Harry was referred to the specialist but after speaking to my amazing cat sitter I've decided to postpone the referral for the time being and just keep an eye on him.

DH and I have decided that if at any point we are told amputation is the best option we will take him home and look after him as he is for as long as possible. Neither of us think it's fair to put him through that, especially as he's already been through so much. The most we would consider is a permanent wire.

I just hope we've made the right decision...

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 25/05/2017 10:57

I'd agree with you.

Wolfiefan · 25/05/2017 11:01

Not fair to put him through that.
If that's your reason then you are making the right decision. Always. Putting him first. Flowers

Toddlerteaplease · 25/05/2017 11:15

I think that is the right thing to do. No one could give him as good care as you do. Am I right in thinking that he's around 12?

Original poster
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 25/05/2017 11:19

Thank you, I'm glad other people think I've made the right decision. He's eating, drinking, playing with his toys in his cat proofed garden and being as affectionate as ever in his own way so I think he's got a pretty good quality of life. When we go away he's got his cat sitter who is also a vet nurse so I'm happy he's very well looked after.

As I said I will consider a permanent wire if anything changes, but nothing more than that. If I thought he was in pain then I'd do something immediately but I really don't.

Thank you to everyone for all your support Flowers

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Original poster
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 25/05/2017 11:20

We think so Toddler. He was a rescue so we're not really sure but he's got to be about that.

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Toddlerteaplease · 25/05/2017 14:43

What more could a cat want in its senior years.

Original poster
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 25/05/2017 19:10

Oh I forgot the 5 seater sofa is his - he picks his seat or seats and DH and I work around him!

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Reow · 25/05/2017 19:15

Oh OP Flowers you're a good cat servant.

It's so hard. We did the same. Kept him home and didn't go for treatment for our 21 year old with a tumour.

You can only do your best. He's a lucky boy to have you

Original poster
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 25/05/2017 22:49

I try my best to pander to his every whim!

Whike he's comfortable and seems to be happy it seems cruel to put him through more surgery.

Oh and how come I've got scratches from a cat whose had his claws clipped?!!

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cozietoesie · 25/05/2017 23:12

He was trying. (As opposed to an inadvertent 'hook'.) What were you doing?

Toddlerteaplease · 25/05/2017 23:26

Hmm I have a rather long scratch from a usually placid lump of fluff who's also had her claws clipped. Little bugger!

cozietoesie · 25/05/2017 23:42

Cats claws, when clipped, can still be used. All you do is minimise the opportunity for little 'hooks' which completely were not intended.

Original poster
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 26/05/2017 07:04

I was giving him a little cuddle and I don't think he appreciated it!

Thank you for all your kind words yesterday, I'll always worry about him but I feel much happier knowing we're not going to choose to put him through surgery. If he needs surgery it will be done (barring amputation) but he's just going to enjoy his senior years.

This was what I came home to last night...

Please send positive thoughts to Harry
OP posts:
Toddlerteaplease · 26/05/2017 08:02

That is one gorgeous floofy belly and a happy cat

Weedsnseeds1 · 26/05/2017 08:12

That's why you got scratched- it was a baited trap and you fell for it!!

Original poster
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 26/05/2017 08:41

That's the problem, I fall for it every time! You'd think that after 9 years I'd have learned!

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cozietoesie · 27/05/2017 15:48

How is the lad doing?

Original poster
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 27/05/2017 18:41

He's fine thanks cozie, currently curled up next against my legs on the recliner after playing with his toys in the garden.

I'm comfortable we're doing the right thing with the watch and wait approach. I can't bear the thought of putting him through more sedation, let alone an operation. If anything changes we can review his treatment then.

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cozietoesie · 27/05/2017 19:04

Good. Smile

Puffinsareblackandwhite · 28/05/2017 10:08

He is a real cutie pie and I hope he recovers soon! Has he visited the B/W cat appreciate society thread yet? He'd get lots of admiring comments there!

Original poster
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 28/05/2017 10:47

Thanks Puffins, I know I'm biased but he is lovely! I think he's been on the B/W thread but I'll double check as I'm always happy to share pictures of him!

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Original poster
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 15/06/2017 15:30

Well Operation Cat Wee commenced this morning and I thought we'd nailed it as he hopped in the tray and started scratching around. Then he hopped out of the tray and was shaking his paws and trying to get the Katkor out of his mouth. I have no idea how he managed to get it in his mouth as he doesn't make a habit of trying to eat Catsan!

We're trying again tonight but we've also booked him in to be manually expressed - tomorrow DH is either taking a cat or a sample to the vet!

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YesItsMeIDontCare · 15/06/2017 15:35

I remember doing an "Operation Cat Wee" with my old boy... I had no idea he could hold it in so long!

Good luck, hope you get your sample.

Toddlerteaplease · 15/06/2017 16:45

I managed to get a minuscule sample from fatty off my leather sofa. Took it to work and tested it on our human dipsticks. My colleagues were unimpressed that I was carrying a sample of cat pee around in a sample pot. Completely pointless excercise as I couldn't tell if the leucocytes in it were from her it off the sofa!